This is my first visit here and have been reading some on engine swaps. First...I just bought an 89 240SX thinking it had valve problems. Ended up it had melted pistons. Not good...I've pulled the motor and am looking to get another motor to put in. I have a KA24E and noticed that there is a KA24DE that was used in 91's and up. Is this a conceivable swap? If so...what will I need? Would it be just as good to install the original motor and do a few aftermarket enhancements to improve performance?
Second...what is the difference between the 240SX and the 240SX SE?
Third...what are these 2 motors? CA18DET and SR20DET. Are these possible?
I've seen you talk about "clips". What are these? Back in the 80's, I installed a couple of front clips on some older camaros...fenders, grille, bumper and all other body parts for the front end...is this the same thing? Mine did not include an engine. Do the ones you are speaking of do?
89 KA24E trashed...
Ca18det and SR20det are the Japanese Turbo engines that came in their versions of the 240sx. The SE is basically fully loaded if im not mistaken, AC/PW/PL/ETC... The ka24e to ka24de swap is not worth it imo, you will need the wire harnass, ps lines, gauge cluster and various other components. A good ka24e can be had for cheap, and would be a straight change-over.
KA24E to DE would only net alittle power gain and it would still be a slow car--the KA series is really a "truck engine" :-)
I would personally spring for a RB20DET swap.... RB26DETT NEO if I had the time and money. Mainly money :-).
The RB20DET swap is supposed to be very easy--plenty of info available. Should be able to get it done for less than 3k...
<EDIT> If you like the RB series idea, an RB25DET might be worth a look--it'll cost about the same as an SR20DET swap </EDIT>
Down-side is it has V6 maint :-(
The "LE" 240SX/S13 is usually the "fully loaded" one. However, some options like Super HICAS were only available on the SE Hatchback (at least for 1991).
I would personally spring for a RB20DET swap.... RB26DETT NEO if I had the time and money. Mainly money :-).
The RB20DET swap is supposed to be very easy--plenty of info available. Should be able to get it done for less than 3k...
<EDIT> If you like the RB series idea, an RB25DET might be worth a look--it'll cost about the same as an SR20DET swap </EDIT>
Down-side is it has V6 maint :-(
The "LE" 240SX/S13 is usually the "fully loaded" one. However, some options like Super HICAS were only available on the SE Hatchback (at least for 1991).