frontier ka24de turbo build

[02frontierka]

so im sure even tho it yielded very few results when i searched, there are alot of threads about installing a turbo kit on the ka24de (2002) frontier.
this will be somewhat of a "budget build" because i dont want or need to build a 275+hp engine.
i am going to use the cx racing kit that is available on ebay -- and before anyone starts in with the "ebay junk" remarks know this..
im using the kit as a starting point. i will be upgrading the turbo from what ever chinese thing it has to a garrett - t28, maybe gt2860 maybe a holset if i can find one sized to my liking.
the kit comes with a 7psi wategate spring. i will be changing this to 5psi. i will be retarding the base timing slightly for safety(~2 degrees). i am going to run a 8:1 fmu. and also a wideband o2 with AFR.
i will be running this non-intercooled for now. basically a pipe from the turbo to the intake hat.. with a BOV ofcourse.

my hp goals are modest 200hp.. but its how i want the truck to drive that matters most to me. im not a drifter, this is not a "street" truck, its a daily driver for the most part. 2wd, 5speed. i run a bigger than stock tire on it because it makes the truck drive so much nicer on these winter ravaged roads here in WV. and because of that, the truck is a dog on the highway. going up and down these mountains usually has me working the gears more than id like, and if im hauling anything at all, like my dirtbike , or a few sheets pf plywood, im lucky if im not in 3rd before the crest.

so.. because its a truck that i do occasionally haul things with, id like the power to come on sooner. this is why i want to run a smaller turbo on it than the t04e the kit comes with. most driving is done between 2000 and 4000 rpm. so id like the compressor to be at full song by 2500 rpm. another reason why im running it non intercooled (at least for now) is because as you know, a shorter charge pipe means quicker compression ratios.

i will be posting pictures eventually, and i will likely ask some questions along the way, either for things specific to the truck or maybe just for opinions.

so for my first question, does anyone know if the brake booster on these trucks have a built in check valve, or if there is one somewhere in the vacuum line?

the other thing is turbo sizing. i definitely want a small turbo that will spin up fast. i read a post somewhere about someone who used an oem turbo from a vw 1.8 (i think) on this motor with good results. similar type build - 5psi non intercooled. he didnt use any fuel management because he lived in denver so the extra air pumped in was much needed.
so if anyone has any opinions.. (other than why i shouldnt use the ebay kit) let me have them.

by the way i already purchased a different manifiold because i was going to piece together a kit only to find out i would have had to do quite a bit a fab work or remove the AC for it to work, thats one of the reasons i decided to go with the cxracing kit made just for this truck, because fitment it supposed to be easy. i may take the cxr manifold to have some extra bracing welded on

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Welcome to NICO!
I can definitely understand the desire for more power.
What turbo flange comes with the manifold/kit you ordered? From there we should be able to find you a suitable future replacement. I would think a T3 super 60 (if you are T3 flanged), or even a disco potato (GT2860 variant if you are T2 flanged) would work well for your goals.

[02frontierka]

its a t3 flange because the kit comes with a a t04e. i want to run something like a disco potato so an adapter may be needed. but that will set the turbo up higher and then down pipe mods are needed. i will have to have all new exhaust eventually anyway. what id like to do is run the chinese junker for a minute to see how it does. it may not be necessary to go with a different size. (im still getting a quality unit even if i stay the same size) but if i want to go smaller, then ill get an adapter and have some exhaust work done. ive been going to the same guy for all my vehichles for years thats owns a muffler/ inspection station. he will put a sticker on anything i bring in and he does real good work for cheap. so i may go straight pipe 2.5 inch stainless back to a magnaflo muffler.. (cat delete)

[02frontierka]

is there a sticky or some instructions for uploading pictures?

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Here's a how-to for posting pictures on a forum:
how-to-post-pictures-using-photobucket-t521110.html

[fairladyztt12]

Any updates on the build. Would be interesting in attempting a build like this in the near future.