Is the ka24e really as pointless to build as everyone thinks???

[RevolutionDriftS13]

well the title says it all im just trying to figure out the easiest cheapest way possible cuz money is very difficult for me i am constantly told sr20 is the way to go im just lookin for more oppinions let me know

[YR240]

This, as you will find out by reading more, is all a matter of opinion. I am guessing you have an s13 so IMO your most money saving alternative would be to get a CA18det and put new back windows and third brake light cover in to make it a 180sx.

If you have access to a good turbo for cheap or free then go the route of rebuilding the ka, but swap heads, keep the pistons however to get the lower compression. I would not suggest an ebay turbo, I am learning that cheap is exactly what it sounds like. An ebay turbo will cost you more in the long run, blown engine , blown turbo? now you have to buy turbo set up twice.

The SR is a great way to go, but if money is a problem then fixing up a car is really out of the question according to Dave Ramsey...Right? Get a partime job to finance your boost obsession, and go all out. every corner you cut is one you will wish you would not have.

my .02

[liquid_cool]

he's right in a way..you can however buy good parts..well CHEEP!..like here on the forums in the classifyed section..or at your local junk yard where you can get a garett T-3 out of a saab 9000 all day long for $80 bucks..and a fmic for 25 bucks..its up to you..you can be creative and save some cash by fabricationg basic needs..or buy at yardsales , junk yards , forums or just about anywhere ya can find a deal..dont forget to ask your friends ya hang with..someone who did an sr20 swap..might have a ka24de sittin on the back porch..you never know till ya try..good luck man, what ever you decide.

[singleslammer251]

I wouldnt say so. I personally am rebuilding one due to the fact that one no one really shows these engines love at all, or it isnt easy enough for them so I decided to go against the classic DE route or SR/RB. I also want a challenge, it hasnt been too hard but it has been very tough to find parts, I want to plan to turbo it but as of right now funds are very low with me being in college but it recent months turbo support for this engine has skyrocketed for some reason, some reputable companies like JGS, Phase2Motortrend.com, and importautoperformance.com, all have high quality and reliable turbos, and parts. Id say go with what you want if your speed and horsepower obssesed go SR/CA/RB but I have seen a few SOHC that were pushing 700, 800, even 856 hp. I would just feel proud to say if someone asked hey is that a KA24DE or SR and Id say no its the original SOHC.

[liquid_cool]

singles.....i hand it to you for your efforts..thats a cool deal to stick with the odd engine..but truth be told there used to be massive support for the ka24e...but as time goes by newer and mor advanced platformes are created and some things just become outdated to a parts manufacturer..sad to sat thats such an engine with its large diehard following like the ka24e are going the way of the dinosaur..

[xX RB Xx]

I wouldnt say so. I personally am rebuilding one due to the fact that one no one really shows these engines love at all, or it isnt easy enough for them so I decided to go against the classic DE route or SR/RB. I also want a challenge, it hasnt been too hard but it has been very tough to find parts, I want to plan to turbo it but as of right now funds are very low with me being in college but it recent months turbo support for this engine has skyrocketed for some reason, some reputable companies like JGS, Phase2Motortrend.com, and importautoperformance.com, all have high quality and reliable turbos, and parts. Id say go with what you want if your speed and horsepower obssesed go SR/CA/RB but I have seen a few SOHC that were pushing 700, 800, even 856 hp. I would just feel proud to say if someone asked hey is that a KA24DE or SR and Id say no its the original SOHC.

where in H-Ville Are you?

[Logan76]

just buy the SR...

[WI_240sx]

SR20's and rb25's are nice, and parts for them are everywhere, but they are very expensive parts.. CA's are nice, high revving motor thats cheap and can take more abuse than just about anything due to its cast iron block, but parts for this motor are almost non exhistent.. dual cam KA's are cheap, parts for them are cheap(except distributors) and they can take abuse just like the CA can when its built right.. AMS motorsports has a 1000 HP KA dual cam drag car up here in wisconsin.. it runs an 8 second quarter mile.. ams has proved that with proper tuning the dual cam KA can be bullet proof

[WI_240sx]

I wouldnt say so. I personally am rebuilding one due to the fact that one no one really shows these engines love at all, or it isnt easy enough for them so I decided to go against the classic DE route or SR/RB. I also want a challenge, it hasnt been too hard but it has been very tough to find parts, I want to plan to turbo it but as of right now funds are very low with me being in college but it recent months turbo support for this engine has skyrocketed for some reason, some reputable companies like JGS, Phase2Motortrend.com, and importautoperformance.com, all have high quality and reliable turbos, and parts. Id say go with what you want if your speed and horsepower obssesed go SR/CA/RB but I have seen a few SOHC that were pushing 700, 800, even 856 hp. I would just feel proud to say if someone asked hey is that a KA24DE or SR and Id say no its the original SOHC.

[DeVilleL13]

All have their points but the best option is the one with the most parts available. Because things happen and you don't wanne be waiting on parts, cause that never helps. and just money what are you willing to spend all turbo need timers so they last and if you run them hard alot they will get cranky on you. So take into acount what is you driving style and pick the best option.

Check out http://www.jspecautosports.com I have used many of their jdm motors with no problems ever, and they are good prices for what you get. just over 2k for everything you need except mounts is pretty dam good for JDM motor.

Good Luck

[WI_240sx]

All have their points but the best option is the one with the most parts available. Because things happen and you don't wanne be waiting on parts, cause that never helps. and just money what are you willing to spend all turbo need timers so they last and if you run them hard alot they will get cranky on you. So take into acount what is you driving style and pick the best option.

Check out http://www.jspecautosports.com I have used many of their jdm motors with no problems ever, and they are good prices for what you get. just over 2k for everything you need except mounts is pretty dam good for JDM motor.

Good Luck

he is right, the motor with the most advailable parts is probably the best way to go..

another good site is jdmtigerjapanese.com

all my friends have bought motors from there, from sr20's to 13b tt rotarys. its a good site and the motors are CHEAP!! plus they come with ecu's and wireing harnesses too!!

[Ajax]

Nismo supported the SOHC better than the DOHC as evidenced by multiple cam offerings and other goodies still available through some sources. There are a fair number of SOHC guys out there, just not as many on NICO- Datsun guys seem to enjoy the KAs.Also, figure out what your horsepower goal is before you start buying engines. That will help guide you to the appropriate engine.

[singleslammer251]

xxRBxx im near the new shackle island area

[WI_240sx]

xxRBxx im near the new shackle island area

but rb swaps are really expensive..

[180weaver]

up to you. I stuck with the e and there are parts out there, you just have to look. The torque is awesome on the e's, and there are sites that have turbo setups if thats the route you wanna go. If you are mechanically inclined at all, then think about how much it would cost to get a 2 liter sr, about 2500, then look at what you can get for your e for that amount. If you do anything to it at all, i am guessing that it has about 120,000 on it you WILL need to do basic stuff like all new gaskets, bearings, freeze plugs, clutch, those kinda things before performance. I stayed e and spent about 6 g's on everything na cause im that guy. all bored, balanced, high compression, everything you can think of and am close to the 200 whp, but its a response torque hound and hella fun to drive, not the fastet quarter miler but great on a course. And if you do a swap get something new like a vq.