KAT Motor selection

[nzmoman]

I will have 2 DOHC motors to choose from for turboing. One with just under 200k and the other at 140k. Is it really going to make a difference which one I build? should I expect the conditions of the internals to be much different on two motors that are both running fairly well. The motor with 200k is in a car that will be sr'd so I really want to know if you guys think it would make a difference if I use this, because if it does I will have to do an extra swap to pull the 140k motor for the build. and install the 200k motor in its chassis to keep the car on the road during the rebuild. thats an extra swap that I would like to avoid if possible.

[WDRacing]

Both motors should be rebuilt. Once rebuilt, they are going to be in the exact same condition assuming one isn't cracked or damaged. So pull the 200K out, drop the SR in and rebuild the KA. Is that basicallt what you were asking?

WD

[nzmoman]

yes you answered the question but I wont need the extra ka after the KAT upgrade.

I dont want to rebild both becasue of cash flow and depending on the answer to my other question (other thread) I may be investing in bottom end components. So i will just build the 200k motor. I just dont know what internal wear looks like on a KA as I have seen differences in wear on honda motors when there is a 60k mile difference. if it were that way on the KA, then the lower mileage motor would be an easier rebuild. I want to make sure that if the 140k motor is a better candidate because of the lesser mileage, then I use it. I dont want to have to pull both KA's and reinstall one to get to the better motor. I want the car running while I am building the motor. I will only have one KAT so the unrebuilt motor will either be sold or installed in another chassis and sold.

I didnt plan on keeping the spare motor because I dont really see too many low powered KA'Ts having major problems

[eazye2000]

I've never tore apart a honda motor, let alone looked at one apart. But I just tore my 180k+ KA apart and it had a tiny bit of discoloration up at the top of the cylinder walls, not much. BUT it DID still have visable cross-hatch marks from the factory in it still! I was surprised, but yes, it was in very good condition. After busting ring-lands on 2 pistons, and having 180k+ on my motor....all it needed was a good honing to put the cross hatch marks back in it and I'm rebuilding off of that. As far as 'spec' stuff goes, the machinist said the line bore, and all that jazz was right on too.Hope this helps.

[nzmoman]

yes it does. It means I can go with the 200k motor. I decided as I was depriving myself of sleep last night that I would use the higher mileage motor and just get a honing and deck job.

When I put the pistons back in is there a certain type of ring that would be better to get. I say your pick of the rings, I want to make sure I dont have to go back into the motor , head or block, unless I absolutely have to.

btw. thanks again

[KATwo40]

This is an easy question.

Motor runs well: No significantly worn out internals that can't be reused, aside from rings and bearings.

Motor runs like **** and/or makes lots of noise: Worn out and/or broken.

BTW, the boosted KA I just pulled out of my S13 a few months ago had over 200k miles on it and still ran pretty well when I pulled it. Only reason for pulling was to install a fully built KA.

[nzmoman]

thats good to know. thanks