I have owned quite a few cars in the past, but now that I'm getting older I want to buy/build the car I really want. I'm pretty sure I'll use a KA for the engine. Right now I'm driving a '94 Corolla. I'm very pleased with the low end. It's only putting out about 100 ft/lbs, but from around 1800 rpm. From a stoplight I can chirp the tires (it's an auto). The specs I've read on the KA have it around 150 @+-3800 rpm. This (the torque) seems to be enough for my goal (sorry, "power" guys!), but the rpm seems too high. I really enjoy lugging around, only needing grunt for passing (or a quick smile). I was thinking the easiest/best solution would be to use a lighter flywheel so the engine will rev up faster (by the way, is this correct?). However, since this is a project, I might as well fool around with the thing. Is there a reasonable way to move the torque curve lower? This will be a daily driven, CA car. Money is not an concern.
Thanks in advance for all responses.
Am I thinking correctly?
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deviousKA
- Posts: 1355
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With what vehicle do you plan to utilize the ka? Truck, 240sx, stanza, Altima, minivan? Sohc KA, Dohc KA? Each of these different engines has its different traits although they are all ka.
basically, with both sohc and dohc, the truck cams produce the most hp at the lower rpms. When swapped in a non-truck these will give you the biggest low end gain. The trucks also use a nice heavy and large 240mm flywheel although is not compatible with the other ka's.
In all honesty, a good running stock ka in any model will suit your needs from the sound of it. The ka is mainly known for its massive lower end torque.
basically, with both sohc and dohc, the truck cams produce the most hp at the lower rpms. When swapped in a non-truck these will give you the biggest low end gain. The trucks also use a nice heavy and large 240mm flywheel although is not compatible with the other ka's.
In all honesty, a good running stock ka in any model will suit your needs from the sound of it. The ka is mainly known for its massive lower end torque.
I'll probably go ahead and get a 510. Since I was a teen in the 70's, I've been kinda fond of the 4 door. Plus, the insurance quotes are decent. The sohc or dohc question never came to mind, but now I guess if I go with the sohc it'll be simpler to get the cam set up. Really depends on what I can find. Seems all the 240 guys are either snatching these up for mods or getting rid of their mistakes. I can do some shopping when the time comes. I am really excited about the swap. Seems like a pretty good amount of info on it for first-timers. That's how I came to this site-from a search. The truck cam makes sense. What kinda numbers are we talking about? I'm really looking for "right now" kinda hustle, off idle. The big flywheel is a relief; I really wasn't looking forward to making that compromise (ask me later about my RX-7). Won't I have to do an intake/exhaust upgrade with the truck cam in a KA from let's say an Altima or 240? And an ecu reprogram, also? Just want to know what all to look out for. My wife gave me the o.k. to do what I want, but "this is the last time. Richard." Goota do it right. Thanks again for your responses.