is it worth it??

[forceFED_s14]

is it worth it like...ummm.....power to $ ratio on the SR or just turboing my KA? and what all do i have to do to the bottom end to be able to put boost on the engine? i herd the rods are already strong....but is there ne thing else i need to kno about the KA cuz im new to this engine...i usually deal w/ hondas and acuras....not nissan lol

[IvanAtSPRacing]

I dont think anybody has found the actual limit of the factory KA rods. The limit for the factory KA pistons is 400whp when they start cracking ring lands. Several people are running around with 350 whp on a fairly regular basis. The TQ produced by the KA is much higher then the SR. With more and more parts becoming availble for the KA, it will be a great motor to work with especially if you have one to start with

[AZhitman]

Agreed.

I've spent the past six months reading, researching, talking and listening to those who have already been down both roads.

I'm convinced that the KA-t will supercede the SR in popularity... For my $ it seems like the best combination of simplicity, reliability, availability of parts and price.

[Bronze MFP]

plus if you blow a KA, its like $500 for a good replacement, then you can spend the money you didnt blow on an sr to build your old asploded engine up to handle more than 400hp

[bcuz]

As of right now, is it worth it? First what are your goals? If they are towards the mild end of the spectrum, would you be willing to run without an intercooler? Because this would save you a bit of money on a low budget ka-t setup.Im sure you know that sr's average about 3250 for a motor set or clip (presumably all the parts you need to swap) now this is a strong motor, however (no matter how much the 'low mileage jdm engine' thing is hyped) its a motor with unknown mileage and unknown matinence. Now you already have a KA in your car (or if you only have a shell you can get one with known miles for no more then 250 (and thats a high high price.. I got mine for 50, but it wasnt in the best condition.)) To build that motor to the point where its bullet proof will cost you about 2500-3250. so now you have a bullet proof motor that you can boost the f*** out of for 2550-3500. Then you have to buy the turbo parts. If you are going for the same hp levels with the sr, you are going to replace every stock turbo component anyways so as you can see we are underbudget to deadeven(depending on how much you payed for what you got) if we are going with a fully built KA, as apposed to a unbuilt unknown mileage SR.

For a more mild build, an sr might be a better choice, since its a strong motor and for the most part they come out of japan unabused, and you can just slap on a bigger turbo and maybe a bigger fmic and exhaust, and get good results.

It all depends on what you want.