basic question about engine

[LaughingBull]

Want to rebuild a kade to do a ka-t. Whats a good price for a used engine. And what kind problems with the engine do I want to stay away from to avoid future problems. I've rebuilt old chevy engines most my life but this will be my first turbo.

[Import_Ant]

I picked up a SOHC w/ blown head gasket for 50$ (had everything but alternator)

Personally I'd say anywhere between 50-200$ is a fair price for a DOHC Ka depending on mileage, condition, and accessories. the KA's dont really have any problems from year to year. as in most engines you want to try to avoid a KA that has a bad water pump and a blown headgasket because it was probably run overheated to the point where the head warped but aside from that, there isn't anything I can think of to look out for.

Depending on your future plans for power, you might want to upgrade the rods/pistons. read up on the rod discussion and piston comparrison thread for more specific info.

good luck.

[Import_Ant]

I found the threads I was talking about:

Rod Discussion

piston discussion

The only problems people are encountering are rod failure and ring land failure around 300rwhp. if you're planning on staying below that the stock units SHOULD be capable of handling the stress but above that, the consensus is that you need to replace rods/pistons.

if you're as bored as me, here's a bit of reading for you:

Factory Service manuals for 240s

go download the FSM for your car and dig in.

(they rotate availability so if the FSM doesnt have a link for download when you go there, check back periodically it will be)
Modified by Import_Ant at 10:27 PM 8/24/2005

[LaughingBull]

Thanks for the reply I have been reading the topic fiznats car sparked. Nice to see someone else from lawrence.

ThanksDrew

[Tims_240]

http://car-part.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi

im not sure if that link will work, but go to car-part.comand you can actually purchase, either just the block or the whole engine, there are literally hundreds of people that are selling them, you're sure to find what you want.-tim