KA-T help

[ssmangrove]

Hey all,

I just bought a 90' 240sx fastback. It has a hole in the exhaust mani and probably isnt in the best of condition. It has 155k miles on it. It is the sohc motor. Im trying to decide whether or not I should turbo this motor, or swap in a DOHC ka24 and turbo that. I have very little experience with nissans, and im learning as im going as i did with my 284whp project turbo GSR. My goal would be between 300-400whp ultimately.

My questions are:1. Is there a turbo kit available for the SOHC KA24-- and is it worth even turboing this motor for the money?

2. Is it a humungous time and money sucking project to swap in a Dohc ka24-- is it worth turboing this motor for the money?

3. Would it be smarter and more cost efficient to swap in an SR motor and go from there? ( Im open to this option but what can i say, i like the sound of the 2.4 much better)

I need some guidance, some structure all!! I need someone to just take a few minutes and really break it down to me. I been donig all the reading my schedule lets me, but i always get mixed opinions. Help?

SS

[Nismo_Freak]

I would suggest that turboing the KA24DE engine would be an easier route than turboing the KA24E simply because of it's growing aftermarket (finally).

The DE engines are a proven performer and have alot more support in terms of technical know-how and setup.

Plus building a DE on the side would enable you to continue driving your 240 and put an honest amount of time and effort into building the project correctly.

[fiznat]

I agree with Alan ^^. Swapping the DE into your E car is a bit of a pain in the arse, there are some funky things that need to be swapped around-- but itd be worth it in my opinion.

[sil80drifter]

ahem... or get another KA-E, build that outside of the motor and then just swap over, no problems, no headaches. The aftermarket support for the DE consits of what parts exactly? Turbo kits? fuel rails? clutches? These are all things easily attainable for the E. In fact the E already has a top-feed fuel rail. And the clutches are the same as the DEs. The E has just as much potential as the DE, give your power goals, I think Adamhu has proven that, and there are enough turbo kits/ parts out there for the E to make it a very lucrative platform to work with. Some people prefer to get the DE because it's anewer engine, etc. But it really depends on you. I don't see much difference aside from what YOU can get the cheapest. A E or DE block, considering you'll have to pu more work into swapping the DE in than the E. So figure that amount of time and money into the DEs cost when you look for either.

sil80
Modified by sil80drifter at 4:17 PM 2/12/2005

[goshoryukenx]

DE > E

Just my 2 cents. The DE is preferred by 75% of Turbo KA'ers

And Having had a dozen 240sx's, 1/2 with E's and 1/2 with DE's.. I can safely say that the SOHC engines have been a damn headache overall.

[WDRacing]

The head design alone makes the DE a better engine, let alone the cam tuning issue when comparing one cam with two. The DE has piston oil squirters, the E does not, which will yield a more reliable longer lasting motor. There is NO AEM EMS available for the E and there won't ever be I don't think.

WD

[sil80drifter]

That's ok, Haltech will do just fine. I've never seen an E break because of lack of lubrication or excessive wear due to the lack of it. Yes heads are different, and it's a bit harder with the E, but I still don't think thos are an issue for 99% of people on this board who turbo their KAs.

I will only say that it's a matter of preference. Whetever you're more comfortable with, will give you the most benefit. I really hope we're nto starting an E vs DE thing here. I recognize the DE as a generally improved motor, but to me,it's a little too cumbersome and complicated. Too many parts. That's just me. For now.

sil80