KA24DE vs KA24E?

[Twintip_yeti]

Alright im not looking to start anything between these motors but am looking to buy a 240sx and was wondering some things. First off is is it worth it to look for a later model 240 with the DE? Is it worth it to spend possible more time or pass up a car (cant find sh*t near me right now) for the 10ish extra horses? Also are the characteristics of the two engines the same? different? I have the basics down and was just wondering these things! Thanks in advance, later

[TrunkMonkey]

i used to have an 89 fastback (sohc) and now i own a 93 convertible (dohc). to be honest, i prefer the simplicity of the sohc. imo, small amount of hp/torque advantage that the dohc has can't make up for that.

-demetrius

[Altiman94]

I've had both. And have a 89 right now. Would take a DOHC over this motor anyday.

[ADAMHU]

i vote for the simplicity of the sohc

[240dreamer]

I've owned both, definitely DOHC

[dareo]

If you dont want to spend a lot, get the SOHC. Pay 1-2k for it and swap in an RB20DET for another 2k and you got a great sports car.

But the simplicity of a great condition KA24DE car and a bolt on turbo kit is nice too.

[Turbo 510]

The DE is a great engine and has more potential, it all depends on what you want to do with it. It is more expensive than the SOHC but has design advantages that outweigh the simplicity of the KAE.

[FortWorthS13]

The sohc should be just fine for someone who hasnt owned a 240 before, ya know something to get used to.

[Jonny 290]

I want an S14 with a turbo KA24DE, an S13 with an SR and a stripped S13 coupe with a deranged N/A SOHC.

That's my endgame, anyways.

[Philsnotfalling]

I have both right now, sohc, 90 se, in the car and dohc, 95 base model, stipped down in my garage. I prefer the dohc well over the sohc, more bhp and lb/ft... stock. More potential with the dohc.

[Exar-Kun]

definately the DOHC, simplicity is nice, but if you want simple you should have bought a pushrod engine, those are simple.

me? I like the 'technology' of a DOHC engine, more valves for better flow(more valves can access a greated area in the head, i can explain but I'm sure everyone knows what I mean) nicer power band on a dyno, and that cool clacking noise of the timing chain hitting its upper guide is lovable(not...POS die!).

DOHC>SOHC.-chet(also, a DOHC engine should perform better when boosted.)

[SeVa-S13]

"Potential" is irrelevant. I could change the cam and do some headwork on a SOHC and decimate the flow of a DOHC. Of course you can do the same with the DE but the difference will be closer and you'll spend more money on the DE for simply paying more for it, plus the extra cam and valves.

No one is really taking these engines to their potential (highest possible output), so that has no bearing at all on which you should choose. More than likely, you'll be doing simple mods or have modest expectations for a turbo kit in which case the DOHC would be somewhat easier for you because of the availability of *more* kits for it so you have more choices.

Now if you were just planning to be the typical Honda turned Nissan JDM fanboy and immediately planning on having daddy pay for your phat SR20 swap and S15 conversion, grab an 89-90 because they can be had considerably cheaper and the only thing you'll need for the swap is the power steering from a 91-94 and the tach.

I've rambled and it's dinner time, cya

[C-Kwik]

"Potential" is irrelevant. I could change the cam and do some headwork on a SOHC and decimate the flow of a DOHC. Of course you can do the same with the DE but the difference will be closer and you'll spend more money on the DE for simply paying more for it, plus the extra cam and valves.

I disagree. While you can emulate the flow of the DE, at what cost? The SOHC woulf have to open it's exhaust valve more to match the DOHC. Which means a faster valve opening and closing speed. This means a stiffer valve spring is needed. This equates to more friction and resistance against the cam, which robs power. Add to that, the fact that DOHC valvetrain is much lighter, and you have a lot of resistance. Sure you can go the same bandaid route that many pushrod V8 tuners go and use roller rockers. But keep in mind, this would require a whole different cam profile, and with the SOHC KA, you'd need custom roller rockers. Now we can totally rule out any simplicity of the SOHC motor. There is a very good reson why DOHC motors make more power. Even aside from flow issues.

[robertwb70]

I've seen SOHC all motor claim 230 HP(dual side drafts,cam,header and some head work that they would admit to)

I see similar DE make 190 RWHP which puts them about eqaul as far as power(within the same RPM range)--but the EFI engine will have better driveability and efficiency-and the advantages of direct cam on valve valvetrain are very real-not for power but for durability and RPM potential--many racers will switch to a rocker arm less engine just for the maintenance reasons-even if it means less power(the rules generally handicap the DOHC engines)

also as a strange thing-(this is probably not 100% accurate ) desktop dyno 2000 always seems to give more power to the 12 valve engine than the 16 valver-given otherwise equal parameters-if you have the program check it out

also I'd like to see what a DE could do with sidedrafts-that long runner intake is good for torque-but at the expense of top end power(much like chevys old TPI-but not as quite as bad)

[89S13SILVIA]

Real nissan has taken the fulll potential of a ka24e and it runs 8s with stock block and forged internals and there turbo kit

[TrunkMonkey]

Real nissan has taken the fulll potential of a ka24e and it runs 8s with stock block and forged internals and there turbo kit

...in a stripped down 510 that weighs next to nothing.

sorry fellas, but i'm sure this thread could go on forever.

one thing is for sure, we all love our KAs !

-demetrius