tried searching... KAE pistons in KADE: which pins to use?

[Ender_Zero]

ok, im rebuilding my KA24DE and i would love to bump up the compression with some KAE pistons, but would like some specifics about it:

1. do i use the DE piston pins or E? or are they the same?

2. im pretty sure i use the DE rods, but would like some clarification

3. anything else i should do while the motors out and getting rebuilt?

4. Ive heard a rumor that early 89 pistons are ever higher compression, should i stay away from these, or could i still run on pump gas?

also, this seems to be a pretty good topic, maybe sticky if i get a good response???

thanks alot guys~Ender

[JNM240]

Ok, IIRC:

wrist pins and connecting rods are identical between DOHC and SOHC engines, so use your originals, just because they are definately matched to your engine.

The 89 pistons were 9.1:1 CR in the SOHC and make 11.6:1 in a DOHC, meaning you would want to use 93 supreme.

The 90 pistons were 8.6:1 CR and make 11.1:1 in the DOHC, and i believe you can get away with 91 octane.

And i believe i remember that you can use the rings from an Altima. I think they are cromoloy or something and are supposedly better than the KA rings. Research on that one tho, im not 100% sure.

If you can afford to have it done, have the complete rotating assembly balanced, maybe even lightening the crank. Port and polish the head, port match the intake manifold to the head. I have 10.5:1 CR in my SOHC and really, REALLY felt a big difference.

[deviousKA]

240sx Sohc/dohc piston pins are functionally indentical, but the dohc pins have a thicker wall and are heavier. Use the lighter weight piston pins whenever possible. Aftermarket manufactured pins for the sohc/dohc 240sx are the same wall thickness similar to that of the oem sohc.

Truck ka24e pins are .827" and press fit, 240sx e/de pins are .826 and full float.

So to answer your question (and to reiterate what JNM240 mentioned), assuming you are asking about 240sx pins only, you can use either. Rods are the same, use the set with the tightest pin bushings.

Aftermarket chrome moly rings are available for all versions of the KA pistons (Hasting chrome moly most commonly available). You should always have a professionally prepared cylinder when using chrome moly rings (professional bore). You should NEVER use chrome moly rings when "re-ringing" (aka, honing and installing std. rings). Use cast iron rings in this situation .

Early 89 pistons are not available in aftermarket. The only way to obtain these pistons is to get a set of NOS from nissan, or to use a set of used from an early high compression engine. I would suggest that if you are serious about the engine build that you not re-use cast pistons, skirt cracks are not always easy to see.

Using the early 89 ka24e pistons in the ka24de will reduce the exhaust valve to piston clearance to an unacceptable amount. With brand new high quality pre-stretched timing chains, clearance is down to near .020" with these pistons and the 91 exhaust cam. The later version of the ka24e 240sx piston offer .040" more valve clearance.
Modified by deviousKA at 5:58 AM 2/13/2006

[Ender_Zero]

holy crap you know your stuff huh?

arent you the one who works for HybridKA.com? i emailed you guys a while ago...im probably going to buy a set of sohc pistons and pins from you.

also, are you saying should i have my machine shop bore over (.020 or .040) if i want to use chrome moly rings? do you sell them?
Modified by Ender_Zero at 11:54 PM 2/12/2006

[deviousKA]

Unfortunately our website has not yet been updated to reflect it, but we have phased out our oem components for online sale. This has been an ongoing problem with our web update and something I dont exactly have control over, I apologize.

But, we would be glad to send you in the right direction for high quality components, possibly a direction that could get you a better deal. Feel free to send us some mail with your inquiry and/or questions and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

[keepitKA]

hey i am also trying to do this same excact thing and have a few questions as well. if any one still talks on this thread..
(and ps im a new member! from st augustine florida.)

[Fenris]

dude, you bumped a 5 year old thread. not entirely sure they gonna find this.

[imash the loud pedal]

hey i am also trying to do this same excact thing and have a few questions as well. if any one still talks on this thread..
(and ps im a new member! from st augustine florida.)

i have a 93 kade with sohc pistons 11.1 compression ratio and a 248/232 swap, lightend flywheel,and full exhaust...im happy with the swap and have had a few issues but overall it runs really good