We have recently purchased an 1993 Altima, 2.5l to replace our Dodge Neon for racing on a 3/8 mile circle track. We ran it in the final race of the season and it looks to be bad fast if we can overcome a couple of issues. To that end I have some questions I was hoping you fine folks could help me answer.

1) What is the stock rev limit on this vehicle?
2) Is there a company that we can either by an ECU from or send our ECU to that can remove the rev limit and do the proper fuel tuning to operate at high RPM?
3) Just how high can you turn these engines before they grenade?
4) This is a stock class, is there any discreet and inexpensive mods we can do to pick up some power here and there?

When we ran at the end of last season we were on the rev limit halfway down the straight in second gear and third gear was too high and we bogged hard coming out of the corner. Rather than change the trans I am considering removing the rev limit and running it on into the corner. I would guess that would end up being around 72 - 7400 RPM assuming it limits now at 6450, which is what I have read the factory limit is at. So I am thinking I would like an ECU set up to run up to 8000 if the motor will live at that RPM.

Any thoughts?

A few things:

1. The motor is a 2.4L KA24DE.
2. It's pretty much the same (if not the same besides the FWD) as the 240sx.


Stuff you may need to ECU tune:

<snip>
OK, there are a few things needed to start tuning your KA24DE/SR20DE(T)/etc.

1. Consult Cable and Datalogging

The consult cable will allow you to data log and monitor every sensor in your car. You can DIY for cheap, or order a premade one from:
www.blazt.biz
http://www.plmsdevelopments.com/

There are a few software programs out there. Here are the best:

Nissan DataScan http://202.43.230.118/
This is what I usually use. Supports all of the advanced Consult features, mapping tracing, wideband 02, etc. Great software, and pretty cheap at ~30 bucks for a license.

OBD Scan Tech http://www.geocities.com/obdscantech2000/
Similiar to NDS, but free, and accepts donation. Also looks like it has some advanced OBDII functions.

Calum's Consult
Not a bad little free program, doesn't seem to be update anymore though. If anyone wants it, I will post it.

*** Please note: The KA24E ECU does NOT have consult support, and, if you wish to tune it, please convert to a U12 Stanza KA24E Ecu. It is the same thing, but has consult ****

2. Daughter Boards

Again, you can make your own for cheap, or buy a prebuilt one. I prefer PLMS's
http://www.plmsdevelopments.com/
It is high quality, and Pete is the man over there. Add 2 chips to it, and you are almost all set!

*** Note, the CA/KA24E/RB do not need a daughterboard, they are 8Bit ecu, and just require the old chip to be removed and a socket installed ***

3. Chip Burner

I use a Willems Enhanced burner. Very cheap and works! I bought mine from here:

http://www.sivava.com/buynow.php?pd=A041

For 45 bucks, its not too bad. You can most likely find one/a knock off for cheaper on Ebay

4. Wideband O2

Just about any wideband O2 will work, just make sure it supports data logging. You can NOT tune off of a narrow band. Put the disco lights away please

5. Tuning Software

Luckily, almost all the tuning software out there is FREE. First, get a HEX editor (WinHex is good). Next, you will need some basic tunning program like:

TunerPro http://www.tunerpro.net/
I love this program. It is very advanced and intimidating at first though. The standard, no real time version is free. I will upload some Address files for it later.

RomEdit
This is a cool, poorly translated Japanese program. It rather simple and stream lined, but it goes do its job. If there is interest, I will attach it as it is no longer available.

LiveEdit
Another very basic and streamlined program, it is kind of cool as it has a built in Fuel Injector changer (ie from 270s -> 550s), and it has a built in MAF/VQ scale changer. It is discontinued by Lawrence Maroney, and, again, if there is interested I will post it up here as an attachment.
</snip>

Found that info on another site which I cannot link here.


To be honest, you may want to just do a few preventative things such as:

1. Timing chain guides (they're made of plastic and break). I used to have a 92 Nissan Stanza, guides broke. What a mess because all the guide pieces wind up in the oil pan and in the head.

2. IAC (Idle Air Control Valve) - You may want to have this replaced or cleaned if you start getting idle issues.

Other then that you can get all the bolt ons such as intake, exhaust, etc.

This motor is usually ditched though for the SR20DET.

And to add, the neon may have been the better choice to keep to do a cheap motor build on. Crane 16 cams, SAFC, BC valve springs, mopar ECU, header, intake. Unless the car was pretty much trashed lol.

I am working on this project as well..

We got a computer which allowed us to get by the stock ecu rev limiter.

Problem now is we are at 6400 coming out of the corner and running it up to 8000 going into the corner.

We need more gear.

What kind of options are available to get more gear ?

93 Altima GTE.. 5 speed..

ALSO -- The pig tail for hooking up to the ECU to scan pull codes is gone.. is there a good way to put one back in ?