Adding a Turbo to a Stock KA24 (Noobs Read)

Your premier source for information on the Turbo KA: KA24E-T and KA24DE-T (KA with aftermarket turbo kit)!
That Guy1
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Thebighouse111 wrote:hey i've been looking for a 240 for a couple months and i've been wondering what motor to use. I've heard that the KA is very strong. anyone have a set up for like 500hp+ and at what point should you upgrade the internals. Thanks
If you want that, just go LS1.


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mente240sx
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oh man, you dont know how happy i am right now! = ) . ive been wanting to go turbo for quite some time now but never actually said "lets go turbo now" but ive finally decided to spend the bux and do it! but im a noob when it come to turbo stuff and this write up has help mee out alott! im doing my compression test on wednesday , hopefully im good to go whitout having to rebuild! once again thank you gus! keep it up so ppl like me can keep learning

green240sxkj
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whats the best kit around right now.

That Guy1
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green240sxkj wrote:whats the best kit around right now.
You need to start back at page 1 after that question. There is no kit to just set up on a KA. You have to change everything about the motor, but when you do it sounds amazing and has serious torque.

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Milkisgoodforu
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Hey guys.

I picked up a 93 240sx a little bit ago and have decided to turbo the beast. I currently have a Mitsubishi TD4L turbocharger in good condition I picked up from a buddy of mine for free and I'm wondering what manifold If you guys have suggestions for what other parts I should get for the build. Im looking to run between 8-10 psi of boost, just to get up to 180-200whp. Awesome write up on the KA-T build WD! I made sure to check compression and it looks clean for all the cylinders, now it's onto throwing money in the appropriate places for this beast.

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robertcoupe
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NateDogg wrote:Yes just make the title "OMG 1000WHP KA-T STOCK BLOCK!"

Also, dont forget those poor SOHC engines dont have the same compression as DOHC engines. So when doing a compression test, maybe you should put a lower number for them. IMO compression should be above 165+-10psi for DOHC.
i have been reading for a long time but just registered to ask this. i have a 1990 240. was thinking about a ka24de swap. but if the sohc has less compresion. then wouldnt it be a better choice to boost with stock internals? also to tune an ecu, wouldnt a tune on a dyno be the top safe bet?

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WDRacing
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That Guy1 wrote:You need to start back at page 1 after that question. There is no kit to just set up on a KA. You have to change everything about the motor, but when you do it sounds amazing and has serious torque.
Ok, stop posting in this thread. Your two posts on this page suck and are wrong.
green240sxkj wrote:whats the best kit around right now.
Browse through google. If you want a complete kit you're going to pay out some good money. Check FRsport.com
Milkisgoodforu wrote:Hey guys.

I picked up a 93 240sx a little bit ago and have decided to turbo the beast. I currently have a Mitsubishi TD4L turbocharger in good condition I picked up from a buddy of mine for free and I'm wondering what manifold If you guys have suggestions for what other parts I should get for the build. Im looking to run between 8-10 psi of boost, just to get up to 180-200whp. Awesome write up on the KA-T build WD! I made sure to check compression and it looks clean for all the cylinders, now it's onto throwing money in the appropriate places for this beast.
What flange is on the TD4? T2 or T3? Just match the flange to the turbo and you should be good to go. You'll need a custom downpipe though, which is no big deal.
robertcoupe wrote:
i have been reading for a long time but just registered to ask this. i have a 1990 240. was thinking about a ka24de swap. but if the sohc has less compresion. then wouldnt it be a better choice to boost with stock internals? also to tune an ecu, wouldnt a tune on a dyno be the top safe bet?
The SOHC loves boost. I wouldn't swap it at all. Check out Nistune and bikirom. Dyno tuning is the best method...

You're on the right track so far man. Next time you have a question, make a new thread. Most of the guys don't read this, so you won't get input except mine...lol.

Best of luck guys and Happy Boosting

WD

tx240s14
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Car: 96 240sx

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thanks for the info... i'm planning on going ka-t soon..

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Idahos13
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Hi I just have a simple question, can you run a bottom mount turbo kit with all the s13 ac stuff on. Any info will be appreciated.

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Osiris240
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I know this isn't a KAT verses SR post but I think a valid question to that discussion is what is the weight difference between the two? Significant difference or similar weight?...........

sebastianpiz
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Hi,I have a stock 1995 Nissan 240sx. I am happy with my stock engine but i was thinking i will be happier if at least i have a Turbo on my car. I drive the car daily and will be autocrossing it on the weekends. my budget is limit so i just want to add a turbo kit on my stock ka24de. my question is what kind of turbo or turbo kit should i buy. i will be using my stock motor. i would like a turbo that i can drive everyday to work and autocross on the weekend. what brand can or should i buy and how much am i looking to spend? please advise.

thanks,King

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kosh1986
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Great thread im doing a ka-t project helps alot thanks

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4g63 Talon
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I want to know in this write up does the stock mass air sensor work with a turbo? What does my ecu need to run a turbo?I want the cheapest options on the ecu first to the more expensive and then shops that do the work. Or sell the parts.I want a safc2 wiring diagram link.Basically just a part list. To do this turbo swap on a ka24de. Thanks.

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Chris28
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idahos13 wrote:Hi I just have a simple question, can you run a bottom mount turbo kit with all the s13 ac stuff on. Any info will be appreciated.
Yes you can. Wrap your AC lines so they don't overheat, and you might have to be crafty with your turbo intake. It can and has been done.
Osiris240 wrote:I know this isn't a KAT verses SR post but I think a valid question to that discussion is what is the weight difference between the two? Significant difference or similar weight?...........
SR has an aluminum block is it is considerably lighter. I don't know the exacts, but the KA is heavier. Iron blocks can take more of a beating though...
sebastianpiz wrote:Hi,I have a stock 1995 Nissan 240sx. I am happy with my stock engine but i was thinking i will be happier if at least i have a Turbo on my car. I drive the car daily and will be autocrossing it on the weekends. my budget is limit so i just want to add a turbo kit on my stock ka24de. my question is what kind of turbo or turbo kit should i buy. i will be using my stock motor. i would like a turbo that i can drive everyday to work and autocross on the weekend. what brand can or should i buy and how much am i looking to spend? please advise.

thanks,King
Bottom mounts can be done for pretty cheap, but the boost bug will hit soon. If you want to do this for the cheap I recommend an ssac bottom mount mani, Garrett t25, stock SR turbo outlet and dowpipe, ebay intercooler kit, and a 6:1 FMU with a 2-3 degree base timing retard. I had heard 8:1 FMU's were good but WD said something about them running too rich, so he suggested a 6:1. I have never messed with an FMU, so I don't know. Google that one. If you want to get top mount go with the JGS kit. Far more upgrade-ability with that setup, but it's more pricey.
4g63 Talon wrote:I want to know in this write up does the stock mass air sensor work with a turbo? What does my ecu need to run a turbo?I want the cheapest options on the ecu first to the more expensive and then shops that do the work. Or sell the parts.I want a safc2 wiring diagram link.Basically just a part list. To do this turbo swap on a ka24de. Thanks.
1. Stock MAFS is good for anything under like 275 HP. It's a 5 volt sensor (I think lol) and anywhere past around 250 - 275 hp it maxes out. For low boost setups it works fine and dandy.2. ECU doesn't need anything if you stick with your stock injectors and stock MAFS. All you need is an FMU and a base timing retard. Once you get bigger injectors and/or a bigger maf you need to tune the ECU to compensate for the difference.3. Don't mess with the SAFC unless you have an AFR gauge so you can tell what you are doing, and even then I don't recommend doing it yourself. Bring it to a tuner so they can do it. Don't even worry about an SAFC until you have a tuned ECU. Not sure if it's beneficial when running soley an FMU...maybe WD can chime in with that.4. Parts list. I'm going to tell you what hardware I'm running because it's easier that way. Bottom mount SSAC t2 manifold, t25 turbo, ebay SR20 turbo outlet, ebay SR20 downpipe, ebay s13 SR20 intercooler kit, Greddy BOV, random couplers, and an AEM uego wideband gauge. If you know where to shop that should run you about 800 bucks +/- 200. Then you either need bigger injectors and a tuned ECU or an FMU. I recommend the FMU...it's easier.

With all these questions...if you don't understand my answer, you have some more researching to do. Google is your friend, as well as other forums. Search!

This is probably the longest post I've ever posted.

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WDRacing
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Thanks for helping though Chris.

If you guys have other questions, feel free to make a new thread so everyone else can talk you though things. Most of the local guys don't read this thread. We don't flame noobs in this forum, so don't worry about asking questions.

WD

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Chris28
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Ok now it's my turn to ask a question. I'm going bottom mount t3 route, and I'm getting a Garrett turbo. I'm not too good with A/R and all that stuff, so here are my options.

Garrett Super 60 with 60AR compressor housing, 48AR turbine housing, and a super 60 trim compressor wheel.

ORRRRRRR

Garrett T3 with 42AR compressor housing, 48AR turbine housing, and 60 trim compressor wheel.

I want something that will spool pretty quickly, like around 3k rpm. My t28 hits 10 lbs at 2500, and it's amazing. Problem is it runs out of breath at around 5k rpm. I'll only be running like 6 psi on this turbo until I get bigger injectors and probably a new maf, but I want something to spool quickly. I know the 48AR will spool faster, but will it be too small?

Thanks.

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WDRacing
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To technical of a question for this thread. Make a new thread lazy sob

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RUHNAy
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how much was ur rebuild if you dont mind me asking ?

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Mightymight
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Car: 1995 S14 240SX Turboed

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I have a 240sx and it's also a 95 model...I bought the car in May, since then the turbo upgrade has been doin me just right...I've spent pretty much around 3000.00 on it turbo and motor upgrade...But that's not including the injectors and cams...yet...So, it kinda depends on what kind of power you really want and how much you are willin to spend.
Modified by Mightymight at 10:41 AM 10/20/2009

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RUHNAy
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yea i just did the comp test on my ka it came out pretty decent numbers i was hoping to get hi end 200hp or low end 300hp...tryna spend like 2000gs could spend more but i would hate not having backup money for emergencies ...

wendysricer
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is replacing the fuel injectors a must, i didnt see that in the original write up?

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Chris28
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RUHNAy wrote:how much was ur rebuild if you dont mind me asking ?
Rebuild kit was about 800 dollars. Included new pistons, rings, oil pump, timing chain set, and all gaskets and seals. I got it bored .020 over. Your engine seems healthy, I wouldn't bother with a rebuild. At the most get ARP head studs and a Fel-Pro head gasket, but again your engine most likely doesn't need it. Wait until your head gasket blows to replace it. $2,000 is a good budget, but prices rack up quickly. Since you have a nice starting budget, don't cheap out or you will pay for it in the long run.
wendysricer wrote:is replacing the fuel injectors a must, i didnt see that in the original write up?
If you are upgrading to a bigger size injector then yes...you will replace the fuel injectors. If you are going the FMU route you don't really need to replace the injectors, maybe just clean them. Remember if you do replace the injectors with something larger than stock you will need to tune your ecu to compensate for that. Since you mentioned the sticky I assume you already know that though

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4g63 Talon
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Okay a safc is universal as long as you can get the correct pinouts.

Also the ka24de uses hot wire in the settings on a safc.

I need a correct ecu pinout for a 1995 Ka24de with actual pictures.

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Chris28
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First of all, this isn't a write up. This is an open forum for asking general questions about boosting a KA. Have you read any of the other stickies? They are extremely specific.

That being said, a quick google search yielded me this:

SAFC-II Wire Color - ECU Pin # - ECU Wire Color - Function

White wire - ECU pin 16 - white wire - MAF Signal Input from MAF (You actually cut the ECU's wire in half)

Yellow wire - ECU pin 16 - white wire - MAF Signal Output to ECU*

Grey wire - pin 20 - white wire - TPS

Purple wire - pin 27 - white wire - Knock Sensor

Green wire - pin 2 - yellow/red wire - Tach Signal

Red wire - pin 4 - black/white wire - Power

Black wire - pin 39 - black wire - Ground (Further from ECU 1cm from brown SAFC wire)

Brown wire - pin 39 - black wire - Ground (closer to ECU 1cm from black SAFC wire)

Now's the part where you have to do some actual work. Either search google for the ECU pinout, or download the FSM for your correct year KA and find the pinout in there. Sometimes it takes a little intuition to get things done.

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4g63 Talon
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Chris28 wrote:First of all, this isn't a write up. This is an open forum for asking general questions about boosting a KA. Have you read any of the other stickies? They are extremely specific.

That being said, a quick google search yielded me this:

SAFC-II Wire Color - ECU Pin # - ECU Wire Color - Function

White wire - ECU pin 16 - white wire - MAF Signal Input from MAF (You actually cut the ECU's wire in half)

Yellow wire - ECU pin 16 - white wire - MAF Signal Output to ECU*

Grey wire - pin 20 - white wire - TPS

Purple wire - pin 27 - white wire - Knock Sensor

Green wire - pin 2 - yellow/red wire - Tach Signal

Red wire - pin 4 - black/white wire - Power

Black wire - pin 39 - black wire - Ground (Further from ECU 1cm from brown SAFC wire)

Brown wire - pin 39 - black wire - Ground (closer to ECU 1cm from black SAFC wire)

Now's the part where you have to do some actual work. Either search google for the ECU pinout, or download the FSM for your correct year KA and find the pinout in there. Sometimes it takes a little intuition to get things done.
Thanks for the reply. However what would be better is to add your links that you found.

Also does it matter if you have obd1 or 2? when wiring? Post the sticky links to please. The ones that relate to this!I am not trying to be a jerk i am just at my wits end.

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Chris28
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The stickies are at the top of the KA-T forum...they say sticky next to him. Yes this is technically a write-up, but it's not one of the good ones. What WD said in the first post is just general info about the KA, nothing specific.

All I did to find that information was google "95 KA24DE ECU Pinout" and one of the first links happened to deal with the installation of an SAFC so I posted that information.

In regards to your reply right after mine...are you just finding information and posting it before you read it? You're the one asking for help here, I'm not sure why you posted that. You actually answered your own question in your response. "The correct way to do it is to send your ecu to e-mance..." That's what you should do...pick an injector size and get your ECU tuned for it. Emance has a bad reputation though, I'd go with someone else such as JWT or EFI Specialist.

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WDRacing
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4g63 Talon wrote:I hate to say it but this write up STINKS!!! It does not have real specific knowledge and is quite generic.

For instance tuning with a piggy back? Do you realize the a safc can only go on a sr20det motor when it comes to a 240sx 2.4 kade ????? The ecu on the apexi web site to wire in a safc is for a s13 or s14 with a 2.0 sr20. The kade uses a completely different ecu and is not even listed as an option!If i am wrong correct me! So i have been researching to for quality information! If you think i am wrong tell what is right.
4g63 Talon wrote:Okay a safc is universal as long as you can get the correct pinouts.

Also the ka24de uses hot wire in the settings on a safc.

I need a correct ecu pinout for a 1995 Ka24de with actual pictures.
4g63 Talon wrote:The stock ecu with a piggy back still cannot control fuel on a 240sx only air.

So if you are running stock injectors with a safc you will burn your pistons .

If you are running larger than stock injectors you will have a crap idle but still alot safer. Even with safc why because safc only will controls air on a 240 not fuel.

The correct thing to do is send your ecu in to e-mance. Then have it properly setup. The 89-90 ecu is capable of just swapping in a tuned chip. later models will need a ecu that has been modified.

You can get a wiring harness to convert you 91-96 240 to the early 89-90. Then get a 89-90 ecu and just by a chip. But when you get serious and go for some kind of data logging and control. That ecu simply is to slow for that.

So it might be best to just get your 91and up ecu chipped and reprogramed Then you can make all the hp you want.
4g63 Talon wrote:
Thanks for the reply. However what would be better is to add your links that you found.

Also does it matter if you have obd1 or 2? when wiring? Post the sticky links to please. The ones that relate to this!I am not trying to be a jerk i am just at my wits end.
4g63 Talon wrote:He seems to think its awrite up to?
Wow

Way to come in here and insult me, then type a bunch of utter crap followed by a plea for help because you're "at wits end", with a closing of yet another insult.

I'll be waiting for your "blew up my 240" thread

If you'd make a few threads and ask questions, rather then just randomly vomiting up whatever foggy and unprocessed thought that pops into your head, you'd find that we're a very good resource to have on your side.

Obnoxiousness and impatience don't do well here.

WD


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4g63 Talon
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I don
WDRacing wrote:
Wow

Way to come in here and insult me, then type a bunch of utter crap followed by a plea for help because you're "at wits end", with a closing of yet another insult.

I'll be waiting for your "blew up my 240" thread

If you'd make a few threads and ask questions, rather then just randomly vomiting up whatever foggy and unprocessed thought that pops into your head, you'd find that we're a very good resource to have on your side.

Obnoxiousness and impatience don't do well here.

WD
I don't own a 240sx. I am trying to fix a big mess on a friend's car its like they through all this junk on it and didn't even know what they was doing?Tell you the truth i didn't know about them either trying to make heads or tales of this internet forum and got alot of different information. But regardless it will run.

I just need to figure out if swapping from a s14 to s13 Engine control unit is worth it ? basically ob2 to obd1.

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WDRacing
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Make new threads and ask any questions you have, that way we can all help.

I'm locking this now. If anyone else has questions just make a new thread and we'll help you as best we can.

WD

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j dubb
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Before the lock i just want to say that this is an amazing thread wd thanks mang


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