KA24DE vs. KA24E?

[Leash]

I have a 1990 240sx with a KA24E. The engine it self has about 123k on it, so in the future I'm thinking of swapping it out with a rebuilt engine. But I was also thinking about just maybe upgrading the KA24E for a KA24DE.

The original KA24E engine runs great, but is in desperate need for a good cleaning. It surprisingly accelerates great for an automatic compared to all the other cars I’ve driven in the past. And it can easily keep up with manuals.

I plan on adding a new muffler system, air intake system, ect... and someday add turbo. What I want to find out is, should I upgrade the KA24E to a DE? Or should I just keep the original model engine and work on that? (SR20 is out of the question since I live next door to a cop)

[slydin'240]

Guys around here are getting good power gains fom both motors. I would suggest searching alittle bit more and make the decision for yourself. If you start buying parts like header and intake you might as well keep the E since parts like that ( the header anyway) are not interchangable.

[Ubernoober]

Easiest thing by far for CA emmisions is to just stick with what you have. There are no CA legal turbo kits, so if you go that route, it really doesn't matter which engine you choose.

Here is where to start:Check your timing chain ASAP.Clean up the car a tad.Change all fluids (including transmission and differential.Replace your belts and hoses.Replace spark plugs and wires (factory is perfectly fine)New rotor and cap.New air filter.

Have fun driving a sporty and good looking car with ergonomics that cannot be beat even if you could spend thousands more.

[Dattebayo]

Therer are plenty of NISMO engine parts for building up a SOHC, and its kinda fun to build all motor stuff.

There are other advantages to having a naturally aspirated engine, ultimately reliability and daily driving ability.