KA to KA-

[S3t0_S13]

well guys, im lookin 2 move from the KA forum 2 the KA-T forum

how ive searched a bunch of places and asked a lot of ppl, but right now, with a KA24DE with 148K miles on it, be able to be turboed with a low psi, without blowing anything, or should i not risk and rebuild it, then turbo it?

[KATwo40]

The decision is ultimately yours, but we can offer a few different scenarios and suggestions that might assist you.

Some things to consider would be, what kind of power do you want to end with? What will be the intended use of this car? Will it need 250whp, or will it need 400whp? Obviously, if it needs 400whp, you would rebuild it.

Wich brings the next question. How long before you'll need the higher hp? Do you daily drive the car or can you park it and do a full build, taking time to do it right the first time and saving you money in the long run?

So long as the engine's vitals check out, I don't see any problem with turbocharging a 148k mile engine, so long as you keep it fairly mild. But if you intend to push the mark over 250whp, you must be ready for the possibility of engine failure from fatigue, even though not all have failed at that mileage. My engine, for example, has nearly 200k and has been boosting for 2 years. I run a T3/T04E .50 trim @ 8psi. While I don't have damage yet, I do have significant ring wear and loss of compression, and I beat this car like a government mule. Some guys have KA's with mileage congruent to yours making over 300whp and daily driving them.

Conversely, some have low mileage KA's that are well tuned and still blow out @ 275whp.

Just some things to consider before you delve into the turbo KA world. You won't regret it, however the outcome, because of the incredible gain in knowledge. Just try to plan as much as you can and take your time before actually beginning the project.
Modified by KATwo40 at 1:17 PM 7/21/2006

[Bosrudorfer]

Well said KATwo40. I would say you should be fine with 148k miles, just do it right with quality parts and get a good dyno tune.

[S3t0_S13]

i jus wanna get my power out of the 100's thats all, a small turbo, jus boosting a couple psi, i dont know much bout turbo kits, usually stuck wit the N/A neighborhood, just wanna know the basics, the how to's, ups and downs of it all. btw Ka-T wont pass emissions will it?

[KATwo40]

i jus wanna get my power out of the 100's thats all, a small turbo, jus boosting a couple psi, i dont know much bout turbo kits, usually stuck wit the N/A neighborhood, just wanna know the basics, the how to's, ups and downs of it all. btw Ka-T wont pass emissions will it?

You'll learn all you need to know to get you through your project on this forum. Just make sure you thoroughly research every step before making any purchase and/or installation decisions. Nothing sucks worse than getting halfway, or more, through your budget and realizing you mis-spent, and likewise with the installation. Decide beforehand how you will achieve your power. Decide what injectors you'll need, what tuning system you'll use, what boost threshold you desire (when it spools), how long you want it to hold the boost, etc.

Whether or not your car passes state inspection really depends on the laws of the state/city in which you live. Some states have only visual safety and exhaust component inspections, while others have full exhaust gas emissions testing. You'll need to research how this impacts your project before you begin your modifications.

[Bosrudorfer]

If tuned well it will pass sniff and OBD-II

[S3t0_S13]

damn, cali is a ***** with that kinda thing, so i dunno wat the hell im gonna do wit that,

the difficult thing is, i dont know what else is needed 4 the full kit, if i just go buy one of those 800 dollar kits on the net, simple bolt on kits, will i be able 2 have everything i need? this whole injector thing, exhaust manifold, all these things need 2 be changed, and i dont know how, never worked or experienced forced induction systems be4

[KATwo40]

First off, you need to determine whether or not you can pull this off, living in California. Yes, many people do it all the time, but some people lose their vehicles as a result of having illegal mods.

If you decide this mod is for you, I suggest reading the information in the link below as many times as needed until you fully understand the turbocharger and it's operation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbocharger

Also, it would be wise to get a copy of Corky Bell's book, "Maximum Boost." You can get it at your local book store or on Amazon.com. It's about $35.00 and worth every penny.

Once you read these pieces of literature, you'll have a much easier time with your project. Understanding is the hardest part, and it's really not that hard. The selection and installation comes easy once you have the knowledge.

[S3t0_S13]

lolll im not a newb, i know how turbo kits work, lol, its jus that ive never had hands on with one be4, so i dont know wat else is needed, and how much stuff will need 2 be changed. plus cali is a ***** with emissions

[KATwo40]

Trust me, get the book and you'll understand what needs to be changed and why. Not trying to insult you, trying to help you.

[S3t0_S13]

its koo, u gotta learn form somewhere and someplace, rather here, then random mechanic shop or doin it mysefl and screwing it up,

onl thing im scared bout is blowing a rod or somethin cuz of the turbo .

where can i have a compression check done 2 see if its running good?anythin else i shoudl have checked out?

[KATwo40]

Any reputable shop could do a compression test for you. Also, they can do a cylinder leak-down test, which will give a good indication of the condition of the valvetrain.

So long as compression is good, oil consumption is down and the tune you end up with once the turbo is installed, you should be alright. Also, you probably don't want to start out boosting 15psi right off the bat. Maybe start low, around 8psi and see how she holds up for a bit. Then, incrementally increase boost pressure by 2-3psi.

[S3t0_S13]

yea id probably start off slow 4 a bit then get it boostin higher as time passesso now i jus gotta find a decent turbo kit for the KA, any reccomendations, on somethin cheap, jus for a couple psi, starters kit, ntn 2 big or anythin??