Simple KA-T Rebuild questions...

[jj alfano]

Ok, I have a KA24DE with 160k on it. Came from an automatic, so Im taking a guess that it was pretty much ran normal. I have a KA-T set up using a t25 at internally wastegated 8 pounds.

Ive seen people push a lot more boost and work they're motor a lot more out of stock internals, but for a small amount of money, why not make it more reliable.

I have a minor rebuild in mind, basically renewing some stuff so it will take to the boost a little bit more.

I plan on seals, gaskets, o rings, and a cometic head gasket for a minor rebuild. Do you think thats enough for a KA with that mileage to not worry about it?

If you guys can give me a heads up on prices if I do it myself, and suggestions it would be great.

And another question, ive heard the term "Shaft play" does that pertain to the long metal rod that connects the two turbo housings? Mine wiggles a little bit, I got it from Sae at Finish Line Motorsports by the way. I was also thinking ARP head studs because that seems to be popular as well.

can anyone help me with pricing all this out?

*And yes i have read the KA-T Sticky, but I still need suggestions on what else I can do thats super cheap but makes a difference. If its close to 100 bucks and is just replacing the OEM stuff, im not really interested, I want something to make it stronger while keeping this rebuild under $400.

Thanks in advance!

[halnfl]

Sealing up the top end may possibly give you excessive blow by and oil ussage. If you can afford it get some aftermarket standard bore pistons. Yes it will add about 400 to what your wanting to do, but if your going to go that far atleast put some pistons in it. Where I work we won't do a headgasket job on an enigne with more than 80k without rebuilding it, it is mostly because of liability reasons. We can't put a head gasket on a car and deliver it when it burns more oil than gas. So basically what I'm saying is, if your going to dig that far in, you might as well put a little more money with it and do it better, you'll be happier in the long run.

[pr240sx]

Do it right the first time or dont do it at all.At least.... put new pistons AND rings. As for the Cometic gasket.....well...any good headgasket will do.I am doing exactly the same on a spare engine. Minor rebuild but I am using (looking for) Total Seal rings on OEM type pistons with new bearings.Put new bearings on that turbo, cheap and easy work for less than 100.00As for the ARP studs...if you can afford them, go for it, I am using stock hardware for a beater motor, if it breaks...perfect learning experience!!!

[Alsontime]

Not sure what you have in mind as a minor rebuild but heres what I would consider doing:

- Felpro gasket kit (might as well replace what you can while the motor is out)

- ARP head bolts (much stronger than OEM head bolts and torque more consistantly; also you will be less likely to lift the head in high boost)- Clevite or equivilent bearings (mains and rods)

- Also check your timing chain guides and oil pump. If you want to go as far as con rods and pistons, IPP.com has a deal on a combo package for wiseco pistons and eagle rods. Just like pr240sx said, do it right the first time. It will save you money in the long run.

[extreme135]

Dont fix what isnt broke, if you are going do what you have planned you might as well build the bottom end and put on a T3

[DammitBobby]

Everybody has theories on what a stock KA can handle some have been able to get over 400hp and others with rebuilt KA`s pushing less power have thrown rods.

Things that break on KA1. Ring lands2. Rods3. Head gaskets4. Timing chain tensioners

A number of things can cause these problems

1. Bad tune To lean To much timing Low octane

2. To much boost Ring lands Blown head gaskets Throwing rods

Just buying a OEM timing kit will run around 300 bucks. Having the head rebuilt will cost you 300 bucks. You are better off saving your money and just buy another KA when yours blows up. 400 is not really enough to do much with.

[sstomek]

as long as you put the engine in a good enviorment than it shouldn't have a problem running a little bit faster.. Get a compression tester off of ebay for $50 and check the compression on all 4 cylinders when the car is warm. If you have a good solid compression on all 4 cylinders than your engine shouldnt have a problem running a t25 on 8 pounds of boost.

Invest in a SAFC and a wideband to do some minor tuning and too keep an eye on the engine conditions while driving. With a good tune and solid compression reading there should be no reason that the engine should blow. Watch out for engine knock.

The KA engines have some balls so don't be too scared to push it. Treat it nicley and it will treat you nicley. But of course upgrading some key components like the pistons definitley wouldnt hurt anything.

-Tomek