If I build a Ka engine, is it wiser to build the DOHC rather than the SOHC?

[mouse]

I have an SOHC but I was thinking of rebuilding the motor and then realized the DOHC may be a better choice because of building up the torque. What would you recommend, the SOHC engine is pretty beat, and I dont know where to get a DOHC from a reliable source, so give me some feedback thanks.

[250sx]

Just wonderin, what you plan on usning the motor for? stock? drag? boost? NA?

[240marcuSX]

just go with whichever one you can find in better shape, mileage etc. it would be easier to but an E in a 90, because thats what it came with. the DE has a little bit better aftermarket support than the E in terms of turbo kits etc. and yeah, what are you going to use it for? id say:

if youre keeping it stock, get whichever one is in better shape etc, like i said before

boost - the DE does have better aftermarket support, so that might be simpler/easier, but they are both very capable engines

na - doesnt really matter too much, but the DE would be slightly better as its has more power/torque, oil squirters etc. but you probably wont even be able to tell the difference.

[250sx]

depending on how far you want to go with na power. If its just for stock stick with sohc since theres no mods to drop in.

[SMoKeM240]

i built a SOHC, but haven't drove it yet to tell u how it is

[Chingon]

If I remember correctly there's more nismo support for the sohc as far as na goes. I really haven't seen that much for the de besides the turbo stuff.

[deviousKA]

Sohc is lighter weight, and cheaper to modify. Camshaft/valvetrain/intake manifold support is also much better. Main drawback to sohc NA ka is the combustion chamber volume and compression ratio, which go hand in hand. If the combustion chamber is properly welded and quench/cloverleaf added, along with lightweight flat top pistons, youll have a platform with lots of potential.

[bxdrifter]

i just picked up a 90' wit a SOHC and it has about 55k on the motor, so i really don't wanna swap unless its worth it. I'm not looking for nothing too crazy right now, just some decent power. How much HP do you think I can get with just bolt on parts. I would appreciate any info on which parts are worth installing.

[250sx]

what does bolt on mean to you? to me bolt on means everything xcept porting and boring. in that case I would think you can get 200hp+

[udunnawme]

so are you guys saying puting a dohc in a car that came with a sohc isnt really worth the trouble? cause i was thinking about doing that.

[240marcuSX]

imo it really isnt worth the trouble, plus if you try to compete with that car in scca or similiar, they will out-class you like crazy for not having the stock motor. because it would be considered a motor swap.

i would stick with the E. itll bolt right in, less hassle, cheaper in some ways.

[bxdrifter]

Before i start spending money on engine parts, is it even worth it in terms of time and money, and if so how much will the swap cost?

[240marcuSX]

bx, you can find an ok condition ka and install it yourself for a few hundred bucks, but in some cases it may be cheaper to buy another 240 altogether, you can get an 89' or 90' for like $2k.

[bxdrifter]

Since the last time I posted I overheated my engine. Apparanetly my brother used my car without asking me and failed to mention that the oil light had come on. Then I went out drifting and overheated. Now my engine's knocking. If I'm gonna do the swap now would be the time. I'm a little pressed for cash right now and was wondering which would be cheaper, doing the DOHC swap or having the head remachined ect...

[240marcuSX]

make your brother give you some $ for wrecking your whip.