Cheap, Fast, and Reliable

[Iscariot]

I want to have a very reliable car, but also have it somewhat quick. I have a crappy job, and am a full-time engineering student, so I have little money. So, in essence, I am choosing all three; Cheap, Fast, Reliable.

I don't have anywhere near the money for anything RB series, so thats out.

I would have to save for a long while to be able to afford an SR series, so I'd count this one out too.

I don't have the fabrication skills (or a welder for that matter) to do a VQ series, so thats out.

As I said, I want it to be reliable, and since I don't have much experience in tuning fuel maps (just once, on my old 318is turbo), the KA-T is out.

SO this brings me down to two feasible options. Either the CA18DET, or an N/A KA24DE, with bolt-ons. Now for the CA18, I love high RPMs, turbochargers, fuel economy, and the lower torque (don't want to be changing my tires all the time...also this will have to operate in snow occasionally, and torque is a motherf*cker in snow). For the KA24, I love the fact that the motor won't have to be pulled, as well as all the other headaches that come with motor swaps, and thats about it. But thats a big one. Well I suppose I also like the torque (torque and I have a love/hate relationship), because it is your friend when getting a big-body like an S14 to move.

Another factor to consider is that I've never seen a CA18DET in an S14 before, and I don't know how one would drop in.

Does anyone have any opinions?

[c-rad]

How do you figure the CA is any cheaper than an SR? Maybe the entry price for the motorset itself, but after you replace all then worn out parts to make it "reliable" it won't be any cheaper. I got a CA with a spun rod bearing and it cost me almost $1500 to get the motor back up to stock specs.

There's been a few people who have put CA's into S14's. Its the same process. Just a little different with the wiring.

[originalsin]

fast cheap and reliable, you will never have all three

[Iscariot]

fast cheap and reliable, you will never have all three

I am determined! besides, its like stats...im only doing a little bit of 'fast'

[skylinekin]

id say stick with the ka, do a tune up and functional bolt ons, then spend the rest of the money on suspension and brakes.

[Iscariot]

Luckily for me, the thing already has an aftermarket suspension (not sure what kind, but it feels great). But yeah, thats what I'm doing. Bolt-ons and chassis work.

How much can be had from a KA24DE (S14 version) with headers, CAI, exhaust? Any other boltons you can think of?

[c-rad]

Luckily for me, the thing already has an aftermarket suspension (not sure what kind, but it feels great). But yeah, thats what I'm doing. Bolt-ons and chassis work.

How much can be had from a KA24DE (S14 version) with headers, CAI, exhaust? Any other boltons you can think of?

Maybe around 150ish whp

[Iscariot]

Didnt it come from the factory with 155? I'm talking at the crank, and after a full tune-up

[c-rad]

Didnt it come from the factory with 155? I'm talking at the crank, and after a full tune-up

Maybe 170

[Iscariot]

are there any other decently inexpensive boltons that you guys can think of to boost that number a bit?

[float_6969]

Naw, the KA is a decent powerplant, and for your power goald I think a NA KA would be great. This is what PDM Racing did with intake, pully, header, cams, and tuning.

[ca18datsun510]

i dont mind the conversation, but are we talking about a ka in the ca section?

even a mod is in on it. are we that bored?

[Poor_S13_Driver]

lol its all good though. Called diversity.

[float_6969]

i dont mind the conversation, but are we talking about a ka in the ca section?

even a mod is in on it. are we that bored?

His original question was to wether a CA would fit his needs. IMHO, he should mod the KA and I was giving info to support that opinion.

And since the average new post per day in the CA forum is about 3, yes, we are that bored...

[Iscariot]

yeah, heh, I started a similar thread in the KA section, and it only got 5 responses. I think im gonna go CA just because the KA guys have no personality nor the will to help their fellow man.hehe

[drift N S13]

id say go ca,honestly,there not bad motors the only reason people talk sh*t about them is because there so fixed on the sr,and cant really see that the ca is a great motor for reliability and decent power with a few bolt ons and a good tune,the ka is also a good motor for someone just getting into drifting(not saying you are just stating a fact) im about to do a ca swap in my car,but ive driven a bone stock ca swap and a decently modded ca fmic,t28,and a good tune and i loved them both,so my vote goes for the ca

[bias]

I just cranked my CA and man it was great! I have yet to drive it. I have more things to do, but it sounds stout. I understand why it seems to be becoming more popular. I drove a stock SR and it was impressive but for the money I'm happy with the CA. I drive a (93) KAde everyday and with a 97 MAF msd external coil and electric fan. I can understand why people choose to go KAT. I think that most people that go KAT because they would rather take the easy route. I wanted to do a swap not only for the power but for the fun. It's says a lot about a person who is able to do a swap(my opinion). You have to ask yourself if your a bolt on guy or a builder. If you choose to do anything other than stock you will have to get your hands dirty and empty your pockets. True the KA motor with turbo has more power than a stock SR and CA but with a little money in the right places they both will exceed the KAT that you would probably have to rebuild pretty soon $$$$. I'm talking about the KAT because when you get use to the simple bolt ons your going to want to go turbo. I will tell you how I did it. I got a 89 240 for 850 sold the engine to someone local for 350 sold the trans for 100 on ebay. that's 500 for the shell+2000 for CA swap and stuff and the feeling of accomplishment for building the car "Priceless"! To sum it up don't take the easy route to get something for now you'll just regret it later.