Difference between the Altima KA Head & the s13 KA Head. Searched already

[Deadeye 5.1]

I already serched this and I found someone say that the head is not swappable, can you explain why please??

I bought a head from a 94 Altima (ka) to rebuild and use in a swap for my s13. I know there are some differences such as the valve cover and I believe one of the cam caps. I've heard of other differences such as a slot on the cam it has or doesnt(for the distributor), and possibly larger cam lobes?

Can anyone here tell me the EXACT differences between the two heads? Surely they cant be too much. Are these better cams than those in my s13? I dont really want to pull the valve cover on my motor until I'm ready to replace the whole thing...

thanks guys.

[deviousKA]

Yes there are a few major differences. First of all, the valve cover, and head have releifs for the distributor to go on the backside, along with camshaft having a slot for it. If the distributor is not used here, it will need to be blocked. Valve cover is different, and the front timing chain cover is much smaller and doesnt have the mounting for a distributor. The timing chain drive gear (middle) is also different not having a drive for the distributor. I do not know if the front cover from 240sx would swap over, and if so, i doubt either valve cover would work.

The altima head also has the water passage for the upper radiator hose on the opposite side of head, by the exhaust flange, it also points in the wrong direction. Intake/exhaust flanges are basically the same, along with the geometry of the head.

The altima uses a 248 duration intake cam, 232 exhaust, opposite 240sx. From what i have gathered this is true.

All in all this head requires a lot of modification to use in a 240sx de platform. Not saying it couldnt be done. I am using the altima head on my rwd de engine, using a sohc type block. The main advantage being the slimmer upper timing chain cover.

[Deadeye 5.1]

Thanks for the info. I guess I may have to get another head...

Would I get any benefit from using the intake cam from the altima so that I'm running 2 248 cams or would there be too much overlap? I dont know enough about cam selection yet...

[deviousKA]

248/248 cams is a common upgrade, using repinned exhausts. i dont know why more people dont use the altima intake cam, as it should be a direct swap.

[Deadeye 5.1]

Sorry, "repinned exhausts?" Im not sure what you mean by this, could you elaborate? Thanks bro.

[deviousKA]

two early ka24de 240sx exhaust cams (248) are used for both intake and exhaust cams. To put the timing chain gears back in like they are supposed to be, the lineup pin must be reinserted in different location (on the intake cam). Some people just leave the pin as is and move the chain on the gear to get it right (ends up like 1/2 tooth off standard setting).

Using the altima (not sure years) intake cam, which is noted various places to be 248 duration and the same lift, combined with early 240sx de exhaust cam should yeild same result.

[DGA]

248/248 cams is a common upgrade, using repinned exhausts. i dont know why more people dont use the altima intake cam, as it should be a direct swap.

Altimas intake cam has a distributor slot in it, making it too long to fit under the 240's valve cover. Could one just cut the distributor end of the cam and be able to run this in the 240?

[deviousKA]

no the exhaust has the drive for distributor i believe. Although, if im wrong, cutting the camshaft down a bit on the end would be simple.

[DGA]

Well I was just getting some reground cams for my 240, and they gave me the Altima ones, and the guy was saying that the intake cam has the drive for the distributor. We need an Altima guy to give us a hint.

[deviousKA]

Im certain its the exhaust cam that drives the distibutor, just so you can see, i stole one of Asleep Altima pictures hehe hope he doesnt mind.



Oh and heres a link that correlates what i said before http://www.240sx.org/faq/articles/cams.htm

[DGA]

Cool, thanks. I was misslead by the guy at the head shop, and just assumed that he was right.