keep the ka for a turbo, or motor swap it

[1991h9]

i need to know what i need to have to handle the power i`ll end up wanting, 350whp, i know i have to rebuild it because it has 177,000 miles, but it runs like a champ still. so what should i replace and upgrade. or shop i just swap it and go from there, i want to do this right, but cheap, but not cutting corners cheap.Thanks

[480sx]

To be honest with you, as long as your current motor doesnt have any issues like you say it would probably be better off just boosting it if your trying to save money. Get your motor at op temps and do a compression check and see how your rings look. If they are within 5-10 of each other, and above 150 your alright.

The thing is, boosting becomes a hobby for most. You want to save as much money over time as possible. The best way to do that is to buy quality parts the first time. So cheaping out on things like an exhaust manifold, or a turbo, or TUNING(FFS!) will eventually bite you in the ***.

IMO, when you first get into boost, and you have chosen a motor for yourself you should get a good manifold, turbo, and most importantly, tuning system/tune. This is where the most of your initial investment is going to be spent. The rest will just nickle and dime you to death heh.

If you want a built motor you should get a second Ka so you can build the motor as your spare time. Then once you get it built, you can swap it in at your leisure.

Also, make sure you read the stickes at the top of the page, most of your questions can be answered there.

[Ballboygordon]

i need to know what i need to have to handle the power i`ll end up wanting, 350whp, i know i have to rebuild it because it has 177,000 miles, but it runs like a champ still. so what should i replace and upgrade. or shop i just swap it and go from there, i want to do this right, but cheap, but not cutting corners cheap.Thanks

For 350whp you will need to go with a good size T28 like a disco potato or go with an even larger turbo. First thing is definitely check out the status of your engine: Compression test, oil leakage, normal maintenance. Then find your budget and get good parts. For 350whp I would recommend 740cc injectors because you can safely run 350whp all day without maxing them out. Find out what type of power band you want because the type of turbo you select will either make your boost more mid range or extreme top end. As far as the mileage of your engine, you should be just fine since there are several guys doing KA-T with engines that have more mileage than that.

[WDRacing]

I'd go with a T3 flanged turbo for 350 or higher. With the right combo you will have no lag, less expense then a GT series turbo and more compressor flow.

Read the top two stickies in this forum. Lots of good info as well as some that pertains to your position exactly.

Welcome Aboard

WD

[Ballboygordon]

I'd go with a T3 flanged turbo for 350 or higher. With the right combo you will have no lag, less expense then a GT series turbo and more compressor flow.

Read the top two stickies in this forum. Lots of good info as well as some that pertains to your position exactly.

Welcome Aboard

WD

I definitely agree with a T3 flange. The T2 series will do it, but it really chokes the engine. After 400ish HP though, a T3 starts to become inefficient as well. So if you ever plan on going that high, you probably want a t4.

[WDRacing]

The T3/TO4 in .63 AR exhaust housing has been shown to make 420whp at 20psi. It still has another 5-6 before it becomes a heat pump. So you retain a T3 flange, no lag and the ability to make more power then 90% of the KA owners currently driving around.

Not to mention the .80's AR you can use if higher flow is required. But for 450 and under, you simply can't beat the T3 flange.

WD

[jongonzoS13az]

my engine is about that old im getting it bored .05 over and rebuild itll be like new.

[DeXteR]

Swap in a TD42T

[1991h9]

ya thats what my thoughts are leaning towards too, just cause of the tq advantage