Engine build? Decisions...

[hpmachine]

I bought a '95 240. Nice shape with 150K on it. Auto transmission. Everything about the engine is perfect except the effing timing chain. Yesterday I pulled the upper guides and put a new upper tensioner in. I can't really tell if it did anything. It still rattles a bit when not under load. It's not too bad but it definitely will need a new chain set eventually. Everything else is great. Good compression, does not burn oil or leak anywhere. So this is my dilemma. I really want to go KAT and put a 5 speed in it. My horsepower goals are modest. 300 would make me happy. What do you guys think? Should I ignore the chain for the time being and go ahead with a 5 speed swap and a turbo setup? Should I fix the timing chain and then do that stuff? Or should I pull the engine and do everything at once? Total rebuild with turbo, and 5 speed swap? Eventually it's gonna need a build anyway. The big problem with that is the cost. If I went with a full rebuild I'd probably have to go with a T25 setup instead of the gt28r that I want. MEH. I have a lot of mechanical experience. I've been working on cars for years, I can weld etc.. My main problem is that I'm indecisive. This car is also a daily driver so I can't have alot of down time. Someone should just tell me what to do. LOL Ok I'm done.

[480sx]

Did you remove BOTH timing upper timing chain guides? That normally fixes the death rattle. There is a TSB from Nissan that says both of those timing chain parts are discontinued and are not needed. I myself have 6 Ka engines, two of which the upper guide has broken off inside the head while the engine was running.

Heres my take on your situation.

Replace your timing chain first, make SURE your engine is running 100 percent N/A before you go turbo or you will compound problems and end up with a nightmare real quick.

Your engine is prly in good shape, so i wouldnt bother spending the money or time on a full rebuild. Just do a compression test and figure out what your working with. If it tests out ok, then save your cash for quality turbo parts, and put the rebuild off till you get the money.

Since your goals arnt to high, the gt28 would be perfect for you. Just make sure thats all your ever going to want. A t2 setup can be done for relatively cheap. I would go with an Ebay bottom mount manifold, 480cc injectors from a s15, and an emance ecu. Plus the rest of the trimmings that you need for a turbo setup.

[hpmachine]

Yeah I took out both guides and replaced the the upper tensioner. Mission failed LOL. The guides were pretty chewed up but I guess the main culprit is the lower chain. Poop. Well I think your suggestions are right on. I'll just do the timing chain and leave it at that. The compression is perfect and I don't have any leaks. From what I've read, I should be happy with the gt28. Quick spool up and decent power. And yes that's all I'm gonna want. I daily drive it and I make about 2 trips a year to the drag strip. No drifting or autocross. By the way, will any of those cheap bottom mount manifolds allow me to retain my A/C and power steering? Thanks

[480sx]

Yea those manifolds are fine for AC/PS. They put the turbo wayyy back against the firewall. I would say its a must however to heat wrap the manifolds. The way they sit near the BMC makes it so that a crap ton of radiant heat hits the BMC/brake lines. This can cause you all kindsa brake problems, and in extreme cases, fire.

[nissanfanatic]

I have never replaced a timing chain. My 160K mile record breaking engine featured the original Nissan timing chain components from that engine. I would say the key to keeping them in good shape is good oil and proper operation of the engine to maintain good oil pressure, considering these tensioners operate primarily off of oil pressure.

[hpmachine]

I wish I could say my timing chains didn't need to be replaced but oh well. My oil pressure is perfect. I put a good gauge in the car and I read 50psi cruising, 75psi under load and over 25 at hot idle. Of course I use good oil in it and I maintain it well, but I can only account for the last 7000 miles of it's 150k total. Who knows what previous owners did to it. But I think I can blame them for all the damage that's been done to it. LOL!!! I guess I'll throw the timing chains in there. May as well do a new oil pump and weld the return bung into the oil pan while I've got it all apart. And I'll be sure to heat wrap the header. Probably gonna do a turbo blanket and a heat shield as well. We'll see.

[480sx]

If you'v removed both your guides and are still getting timing chain noise, then you need to replace the whole kit. No getting around that.

Corys got a point, as long as the engine has oil pressure those chains/sprockets arnt going to break, stretch, or fail. Its more of a peace of mind issue i suppose. If your rebuilding a motor its one of those things where its like, why not change it while your there.

OEM timing chain stuff or bust btw.. Dont go aftermarket, simply not worth it.

[hpmachine]

Yeah after I pulled the guides out and replaced the tensioner, I started it up with my fingers crossed. I didn't hear any noise right away but after I took it for a spin and it warmed up, I could hear the rattle when I was decelerating. Fail. I parked and banged my head on the steering wheel a couple times. Like I said, my oil pressure is really good but I suppose it's possible that the tensioners just got jammed up with crud over time. Is there a detailed write up any where about how to do the chain replacement without pulling the head? I found one but it was real brief and it was for a sohc.

[neverlift]

sure you could do it with the motor in, pita to another level

take the rad out to give you room for the crank pulley removal part... and more room overall

[hpmachine]

Meh. I figure I wanna weld the bung into my oil pan for my turbo return line anyway so I may as well go the whole 9 yards. I've gotta put some steering rack bushings in there too so I'll kill like 5-6 birds with one stone. LOL

[neverlift]

I love your sig

anywho, I agree do it all and be done. about to make a f/s thread with some kat stuff t2 flange mani and d/p(3"),elbows,drain flange...

[hpmachine]

Cool man, I'll keep an eye out for the stuff. What was your ka-t experience like? BTW that 'failure' in my sig is about to be fixed. I'm about to do an entire adjustable suspension overhaul with coilovers, urethane bushings and the works. Should handle like my wife's evo when I'm done with it. Ok not quite.

[480sx]

Baller 240 > evo 8 any day

50/50 weight distribution man, take it to the track and see whos boss. AWD is a blast, but it just cant hang with a true RWD sports car.

[hpmachine]

Yeah the proof is in the pudding right? LOL! I just can never believe it when I get in that Evo and whip the steering wheel around. The damn thing feels like it's glued to the ground. Seriously it's unbelievable. I actually think the handling of that car saved our life once. I was driving on the NJ parkway and this huge effing chair fell off the trailer in front of us. I never tailgate but it was damn close. I whipped that steering wheel so hard right and then left in the blink of an eye. It was like the car wasn't even phased. It's so controlled and solid. Then I hop in my 240 and it feels like a slug by comparison. LOL