more reliable: SR-T or KA-T

[hannibal]

I am new to the world of modifying 240s and this is my first post. I'll skip the usual comments about how great these cars are; I'm sure the admiration is mutual.I'm still shopping for an S14 at the moment, but I'm trying to plan ahead. I'm trying to decide between swapping in a stock SR20DET or turbo'ing KA24DE running at low boost (6-9 psi)?I'm pretty handy around an engine bay and I'm confident I can install either properly. But I know I'll have problems with tuning and troubleshooting. With no experience with either the SR or KA, I'm kinda scared I'll end up finishing the build, then have to spend the next few months and even more money on having someone else work the bugs out. Obviously, the whole reason I want to install it myself is to save on labor costs.So my question is, between swapping in a SR20DET from a quality importer (like After-Dark Tuning) and bolting on a low boost turbo kit (like NSport or F-Max) on a KA, which would be easier to tune and troubleshoot for a decent mechanic with no NISMO experience?Thanks for any advice you can give me...

[I H8 UR DSM]

KA would prob be better for something like that IMO, for the reason that if you need parts, blow a motor, need a block or a head, the KA is much more easier to come by...just my 3 cents

[SrSLeePeR]

Yes..What I H8 UR DSM said. As for reliablity of the motor, I would say SR has much more reliablity than the boosted KA. SR's come with turbo, stock. KA's don't...That's it.

[Zebrahead]

It depends what you want out of the motor. If you want more horsepower, but an engine that you'll have to keep REALLY good care of, turbo the KA. You'd get about 240-250hp to the wheels with either of the two turbo kits, and with proper tuning you could runs mid 13s. But the KA is notoriously known for exploding when moderately-heavily boosted. If you plan to keep the PSI low, I think you'd be all right.

The SR is a MUCH more reliable motor because it is built for a turbo, bottom end and all. It has quite a bit less power, though. It has about 180-190HP to the wheels in stock form. The SR20 has a LOT of potential, and can be easily brought up to 400HP.

My point:

Want a less reliable, torque monster : KAWant less power, more reliable, high revving motor : SR

Wow, that was long. That's my 386 cents.

Nick.

[S14lover]

For overall streetablity(spelling) what would you suggest for a daily driver/racing on the weekend type honda destroyer KA-T???...or SR20.....?

[I H8 UR DSM]

type honda destroyer KA-T???...or SR20.....?

a good pair of nike's : )

[S14lover]

a good pair of nike's : )

that's funny

[hannibal]

Thanks for the replies...

If I go the SR route, I wanna keep stock for a while. With all the bolt-ons (intake, exhaust, front mount IC, etc) and the stock turbo, how much boost can it take? Would that put me close to my goal of 250 rwhp?

If I remember correctly, the SR from the S14 has a better factory turbo (a T28 I think). Would it be worth to find a newer S14 engine with the bigger turbo?

Also, I'm new to the Louisville area and I've seen a few guys from around here on the forum. Anybody know of any 240 or Z clubs in town?

Thanks again...

[hannibal]

Just read another thread called "hp on stock turbo"...

[I H8 UR DSM]

just read another stickey called "newbies info on SR's"...... ; )