Debating Engine Rebuild or Transplant

[86 720]

I know that eventually I will need to either replace or rebuild my Z24. Currently it burns a quart of oil every 500 miles, and it's at 283K without a known overhaul or replacement.

So I'm wondering if I should rebuild it myself or if I should do a swap for a KA or VG30. Either one of these engines will require monies and time investments. Plus since I've never rebuilt an engine it will be a learning project. I have a lot of time, but limited money, however I can stretch the cost over the months and build as I get more money. PLUS I can do a step by step photo build log if people are interested.

Thoughts?

[noface]

I say swap to a KA motor from a hardbody. Much better engine, more power and torque, and can be done rather easily. And no carburetor when you're done...

If you decide to rebuild yours, take it to a shop that's got a good reputation locally. Let them do the rebuild of the internals, especially if you've never done it and don't have the tools and facility to do it RIGHT. Do it half-a$$, and that's what you''ll get.

I suggest the swap since I rebuilt the head and surfaced the block on mine. Great little motor, but it still would blow head gasket after a couple months... I think its a pronounced weak spot with these motors, which is why I suggest the KA.

[flinterman2000]

Do a swap. Which one would be according to your pocket. The KA is easier and cheaper and somewhat more reliable than the Z24. If you have time, then it won't hurt your pocket that much. I'm waiting to hear the results.

[captainzeros]

There is always the option of slapping an L20B head on your old Z24 block and hybridizing the thing for the easy of the bottom end all being the same for some performance increase (and the fun of doing a project, if you're into that)

Article here: how-to-put-an-l-series-head-on-a-z-block-t469981.html

[86 720]

There is always the option of slapping an L20B head on your old Z24 block and hybridizing the thing for the easy of the bottom end all being the same for some performance increase (and the fun of doing a project, if you're into that)

Article here: how-to-put-an-l-series-head-on-a-z-block-t469981.html

Always interested in a project. I'll ahve to go to the yard to see if there are any good motors around.

Do a swap. Which one would be according to your pocket. The KA is easier and cheaper and somewhat more reliable than the Z24. If you have time, then it won't hurt your pocket that much. I'm waiting to hear the results.

Have to admit I'm not well educated in the KA engines, so I'll need to do a lot of research before I even pick a motor. This will be a somewhat long build thread if I go that route.

[flinterman2000]

If you can't get the info through search here, I know there will be a lot of help here. Just ask but search first.

[86 720]

Found this from Ratsun:

http://community.ratsun.net/topic/746-ka24de-info/
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Nissan_240 ... 4E/ITB%27s
http://community.ratsun.net/topic/26042-ka24de-720-4x4/
http://www.ka-t.org/forums/viewtopic.ph ... ing+delete
http://dimequarterly.tierranet.com/tech ... ectKA.html

lots of good shat!

Than I found this, apparently it is very similar to installing a KA into a 720:
http://community.ratsun.net/topic/22191 ... ab-deluxe/

[vinny4205]

this is my 85 720 with a 86 nissan 300zx 3.0 engine and 5 speed in it

[86 720]

I say swap to a KA motor from a hardbody. Much better engine, more power and torque, and can be done rather easily. And no carburetor when you're done...

If you decide to rebuild yours, take it to a shop that's got a good reputation locally. Let them do the rebuild of the internals, especially if you've never done it and don't have the tools and facility to do it RIGHT. Do it half-a$$, and that's what you''ll get.

I suggest the swap since I rebuilt the head and surfaced the block on mine. Great little motor, but it still would blow head gasket after a couple months... I think its a pronounced weak spot with these motors, which is why I suggest the KA.

Looking to do the same swap that you did, including the megasquirt. How did you know which KA engine to use, additionally, what year models are they in?