SR20DET VS KA?

[zenki1986]

Hi im new here and im about to be the proud owner of a automatic 97 240sx se. My dilemma is im torn between the KA motor and the SR20DET motor, I live in brooklyn NY so there really isnt much open roads or traffic-less streets to do much racing in. Which brings me to my dilemma, I would like to do an SR20DET swap because its gives you more horsepower than the KA and its the most common newbie horsepower/engine upgrade but im not looking to really race the car, I just want a reliable daily driver but at times when im feeling the need to speed I want my car with a little more kick. So I figure the SR20DET is the perfect choice, strong motor, can be daily driven and has that extra umph! When you're feeling the urge to go faster. Plus its not a money pit nor an expensive motor to maintain, or is it? Now keep in mind im not too enthusiastic bout having a car that eats up 99.9 percent of my check from my partime job because the engine is a money pit or will have constant issues and if an SR20 fits that description then i'll stick with my KA. So what are your opinions? Thank you

[homeslicej2]

You're probably going to get flamed, a lot. Keep the car the way it is if you don't have $. A properly done SR swap or KA-T costs a bit of $. Take your time learning about the pros and cons of both by searching for hours on end on the forum. Wait a while (like a year or so) before you swap in the SR or turbo the KA. This way, you'll have a better idea of what you're doing (if you search and use the information contained here). The last thing you need to do with only a part-time job and this little knowledge of either motor, is to jump head first into the pool. You will regret it if you do. Wait, just trust me, hold-off for awhile until you learn. That said, either option will be reliable, if, and only if, you do things right the first time. How to do it right? SEARCH, those answers are contained on NICO and elsewhere. GL

[CRyan]

Flamed. A LOT.

There is so much information throughout this site to practically do this swap with no knowledge beforehand. Read up man, thats the only way most everyone else here got there knowledge on either of the engines. That being said.

The KA24DE, in your case, will always be more reliable. Now, if you do the swap. Look to spend roughly 3500 (at least) to make sure that your SR20DET is "reliable".

Honestly. I don't have much place left to go but to SEARCH. You have asked a quite rhetorical question, to say the least.