nube with sourcing questions

[jeepsteve92xj]

Hi.I am new here. I got an 89 240sx automatic coupe (124K miles) for free - previous owner put on about 50 miles after he bought it with a rod knock ($1200). I need a motor, and beside the obvious same year/model, I would like to know what other vehicles have compatible [nearly drop in] motors.

Stock motor is KA24E. What years and model could I find this motor in?

I wouldn't mind upgrading to the KA24DE. What years and models? The car isn't perfect by far, but the rocker rust is probably the worst of the body damage. a small dent between the tail lights and a scrapped hood and headlight covers aren't too bad with easily replaced sheet metal.

After reading classified ads, I found several 240sx's in need of new motors - rod were the only listed issues when the problem was mentioned. Are the rods the problem, or is there a lack of maintenance rash going around?

I had a 1980 200SX with the 2.0 liter fuel injected engine, and I never had that thing apart. I even put it and the 5spd into a 1974 Chevy LUV pick up truck when the 200 rusted to bits. The motor had around 500K when I let the junk yard haul the rusted out truck away. Besides 2 or 3 alternators, and 3 or 4 water pumps and 2 clutches [upgraded to Centerforce for the 2nd one I installed], and the usual oil change and tune-ups, that thing loved to run. I drove the hell out of it! Started every time and still passed emission (for a 1974 pick up truck anyway). So I know the Nissan 4 banger oughta live longer than 124K. Very easily.

Could someone help me see the difference between the S13, S14 and the S15 vehicles? I am assuming this is the body style?I have read a more than a hundred posts, but haven't found the answer to this question.

http://www.risingsunengines.com/ quoted me about $1100 for a new long block with a remanufactured head, shipped. This certainly isn't a bad price. But I am still looking cheaper, and closer to Wisconsin, with the possibility of the dual cam upgrade.

Maybe someone has a good transplant candidate motor in my neighborhood that they would like to have hauled away?

I do have one other item about this site, and that is none of the buttons seem to be showing on my computers. I've tried at work and home with no luck. Avatars do show, but none of the buttons and nearly all of the pictures embedded in posts do not show - only the red X. Any ideas on this inconvenience/problem

Thanks for your words of wisdom. I look forward to reading more and more posts as time allows.

[RMiller]

Welcome to NICO. First, use http://www.nicoclub.com to enter as this may allow you to view the pictures. Second, I have not heard of unusual numbers of KA's going out due to rod bearing failure. My KA24E had about 153k miles and ran perfect until I swapped it. I would say the cars weren't well maintained. Maybe people forgot to change the oil. That price for a new KA-E longblock seems pretty reasonable, but you can probably find a good used one for a couple hundred. I would probably go for the new motor. You should also check prices on a new DE longblock. You can find the KA24E in '89-'90 240sx, or some nissan pickups. They may be in other vehicles, but there are so many 240's around it shouldn't be a problem to locate a good used motor if you want to. I just sold my E with manual transmission, ecu, wiring harness, everything, for $250 and it just passed smog. The KA24DE is found in '91-'98 240sx. There is a power difference of 15 or so hp, but if you plan on keeping the motor mostly stock, it may not be worth getting the dual cam engine. If you want the extra 15 ponies you can invest in a set of lightweight pulleys for the single cam and that will make up the difference. S13 is the chassis code for '89-'94 240sx. (basically; there are some variations but it's still the same basic body) S14 for '95-'98, S15 for '99+ silvia not sold in US. Good luck.

[jeepsteve92xj]

thanks - just the information I was seeking.

If I got a DE long block, I would still have to get manifols and what-not. If I got a E and put a DE head on it [with manifolds], I should be ahead in that I should be able to keep AC intact without changing - a change would be ok if I we in the process of converting to R34 which would be done with a compressor change anyway. This car I would leave mostly stock for driving, but a set of power pulleys sounds lklike a cheap enough upgrade. Where might I find hardware like that?

I see a Skyline engine and transmission on ebay Id love to slip into my 260Z with a newer LSD from a 300TT or similare. But $5k is a little more than I plan on spending this week! lol Prolly need to get a aftermatket ECU and harness, but the Z would be quick for sure!

http//:www.nicoclub.com is how I have been entering to read, and logged in or not, I get the same results - no buttons, and mostly no pictures. Only Avatars and a few pictures here and there. Clickling the SEND buton is an adventure in itself!