Stoopid Noob Question...RWD240sx KA24DE vs 4WD Xterra KA24DE

[Chaotic_Warlord]

What is the difference between the engine found in the 240 and the engine found in the Xterra? Like I said its a stupid noob question. If the engine is the same wouldn't it be possible to install 4wd into a 240 by ripping the front transfer case out of a wrecked Xterra or would it not work at all? Just wondering cause really how sweet would it be to go to the track and have 4WD, not to mention it would make driving in the snow so much easier. I'm sure to get flamed for this but I just thought I'd ask.

[InsanityInc]

some people have done AWD with 240s, though I've never heard of 4WD. The thing is, you'd probably have a problem with ground clearance considering all of the 4WD hardware under the engine, and you'd have to find somewhere to put the 4WD shifter. Due to the relatively low ride height of a 240, it probably wouldn't be able to get much use out of the 4WD as well.

[naed240sx]

how are 4WD and AWD different? Dont they both refer to all 4 wheels being driven?

[SOHCSE]

how are 4WD and AWD different? Dont they both refer to all 4 wheels being driven?

Part-Time 4WD - Refers to a four-wheel drive system that operates on-demand and drives all four wheels by locking front and rear axles together via a shift lever. It usually includes two speed ranges (Hi and Lo). Part-time 4WD systems must be operated in 2WD mode on dry pavement, as they're designed to be used only in specific situations when extra traction is required.

Full-Time 4WD - Describes a four-wheel-drive system that can be operated continuously on all surfaces. A full-time four-wheel-drive system may include the option of part-time operation (allowing you to shift into 2WD on dry pavement for example), and may or may not have Hi and Lo speed ranges.

Automatic Four-Wheel Drive (A4WD) - This type of drive system automatically engages 4WD as needed. When internal monitors sense differences in individual wheel speeds, indicating that a tire is slipping, then 4WD is automatically engaged.

Shift on the Fly - This type of system allows manual shifting from 2WD to 4WD Hi without coming to a stop. Most systems have a speed limit at which you can engage the system; typically it's under 60 mph.

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) - A full-time single-speed system designed to supply drive power to all four wheels. The percentage of front/rear power delivery varies from system to system.

[Chaotic_Warlord]

So which of those systems does the Xterra have? As far as the AWD conversion don't you do that with the RB26 swap? I've never been inside an Xterra so do they have a shifter or is it button operated? Also if you have a 4WD Xterra when it's in 2wd mode is it a FWD or RWD? If it's FWD that would require one to swap in the KA from an Xterra as well as the driveshaft and rear transfer case since the front transfer case would be attached to the transmission on one of the front hubs. I think I'd rather just use the money it would take to get the KA and drive system from an Xterra to work correctly on the AWD conversion with the RB26. Like I said I'm just curious as to what the outcome would be and if it would actually work.

[corn322]

in 2WD it's RWD.

I think you'd also have to modify the front suspension to get the driveshaft in there.

[gehzumteufel]

the mounting is probably also different. the harness and ecu are probably not compatible with the rest of the system of the car and then you also have the theft deterrent system to play with. and FYI when most people put the rb26 in they use the RB25 transmission which is RWD. there are a few that use the awd but like i said...a few...very select few

[Ajax]

The Xterra had a ka24? Didn't it have a v6?I'm all confused now.I thought the older hardbody pickups had the ka24e, but never the DE.Someone more knowledgeable must help.

[Chaotic_Warlord]

The Xterra had a ka24? Didn't it have a v6?I'm all confused now.I thought the older hardbody pickups had the ka24e, but never the DE.Someone more knowledgeable must help.

Straight from the Nissan Engine Quide on Freshalloy.com

KA INLINE 4 DOHC SOHC

4 Valves per cylinder

3 Valvesper Cylinder(KA24E) 2.4 Aluminum/Iron Distributor XterraKA24DE

FrontierKA24DE

AltimaKA24DE

1991-1998 240SXKA24DE

1989-1990240SXKA24E

Hardbody pickupKA24E Xterra/Frontier:143/154

95-98 240SX:155/160

2000 Altima:155/156 Another workhorse of Nissan. Used in trucks, sports cars, and sedans.

[Ajax]

A-ha! Checked out MSN Autos.2.4 I4 was only used in 2wd models on the Xterra. Frontier had the 4wd, but only 98-00. Still doesn't solidly answer your question, but it answers mine.