Turbo charge the KA24DE..tips?

[Mr240dude]

Alright another topic that's been touched numerous amounts of times,this I know. I have been reading the forums and online sources for a couple months about setting up a basic turbo for the KA and yes I used the search button. I don't want to be flamed for asking as I now wish to ask in my "perspective" I am pretty new to the turbo world however as I said I've been doing my homework. I plan to run at a low boost 7-9 psi nothing too crazy (225hpish) 1993 240sx auto 145k miles daily driver.. engine purs like a kitten and well maintained. I know I would need a z32 fuel filter,walboro fuel pump (I believe this is if you are running at higher boost, correct me if I'm wrong) and bigger injectors 370cc or above. The one thing I am still figuring out is the tune, I know they sell tunes SAFC which you pretty much connect and it can do what needs to be done, can someone clarify this a bit more? I'm from NYC and there's no places that can do this for me and I know this is one of the most important steps. As far as the turbo itself, I know ebay is a no no.. I have been looking at a brand called CX racing which supposeldy is developed in the states and dyno tested on their cars. Should I buy pieces little by little or find a decent priced kit? I hear that a brand turbo can be bought used and that ebay intercoolers and lines wouldn't be bad to use. I was looking at something around the $900-1000 mark. As far as the types of turbos t25,28 gt30...will probably stick to a t25 don't see any difference really since I plan on reaching only 225hpish. Any other tips are appreciated.

[95zenki man]

gt28 turbo
isis or megan mani
550cc injectors
nistune or safc
intercooler
fuel pump
clutch
tune.

cheep turbo setup.

If you only have 1000 to spend you dont need boost. a "basic" turbo setup on a KA will not last long at all. you need good parts and most importantly a really good tune. save your money and wait till you have enough to build the motor for boost and have the $ to buy good quality parts.

my .02 a t25 is wayyy to small for the KA and 7-10 psi on a KA is a waste of time. why go to all the work and end up with 225hp.... do a little research on turbos and learn to read flow charts.

[Razi]

T25 is a waste of time, you won't make any power.
I'm on 8psi on my S15 T28 and I'm nearly maxing the 370cc injectors, so go with 550cc or larger.
Don't cheap out on fuel related things, fuel delivery is very important.

[Morph]

Enthalpy for your tune using a SAFC can be done but your begging to blow your motor. And plan to spend more than 1k, you dont want to cheap out in this area. Good parts will go a long way to making it last longer.

[GTR PrYdE]

Under 1000 might be unrealistic once you add EVERYTHING that it takes to convert your car to boost..

A used garrett T25 is a great turbo on a super cheap budget, so are 370cc injectors. It would be good for your goals, probably 200whp-220whp.

CXRacing is still ebay stuff, though they probably have a better rep than most ebay turbos. Emusa has some decent turbos too.

CXRacing will have your intercooler kit,exhaust. Basically non moving non-cirtical ebay parts are ok without worry.

Go Enthalpy or another recommended mail order rom tuner.

You'll need the fuel pump/z32 filter.

Not sure how much power the auto's will hold, but converting to 5 speed can be pricy too on a budget, especially once you factor in a clutch.

Don't forget about gauges too... bascially all the stock ones suck, even the tach... Need water temp,oil pressure, boost, wideband AFR

Good luck!

[Mr240dude]

Under 1000 might be unrealistic once you add EVERYTHING that it takes to convert your car to boost..

A used garrett T25 is a great turbo on a super cheap budget, so are 370cc injectors. It would be good for your goals, probably 200whp-220whp.

CXRacing is still ebay stuff, though they probably have a better rep than most ebay turbos. Emusa has some decent turbos too.

CXRacing will have your intercooler kit,exhaust. Basically non moving non-cirtical ebay parts are ok without worry.

Go Enthalpy or another recommended mail order rom tuner.

You'll need the fuel pump/z32 filter.

Not sure how much power the auto's will hold, but converting to 5 speed can be pricy too on a budget, especially once you factor in a clutch.

Don't forget about gauges too... bascially all the stock ones suck, even the tach... Need water temp,oil pressure, boost, wideband AFR

Good luck!

Hey I saw this...http://www.ebay.com/itm/240SX-Enthalpy- ... 1b&vxp=mtr

[asoomal]

I'd start off with an ATI damper.

[Mr240dude]

Hate to revive an old thread but I need to know as I'm piecing together my kit. I wanted to know if a Garret t25 off a saab 900 would fit? I don't see why not.

[GTR PrYdE]

It depends on the turbo outlet. If it requires a custom o2 housing, it would be better to get a SR T25 and use an ebay o2 housing that would be a much better fit.

[Jmoore124]

It s a three bolt outlet on the slightly newer 9-3. It would work wit a custom downpipe.

[Mr240dude]

So the t25's from the older models like a 93 for example would probably be a direct fit? I've been looking at one from that year model. I just wish the td04 or gt17 were worth it theyre all over the place...especially since I only plan to run low boost around 7psi.

[Mr240dude]

Btw nice setup jmoore. Looks clean.

[Jmoore124]

I own a 2003 9 3 convertible. I know mine has a 4 bolt manifold flange and a 3 bolt downpipe flange. I don't know what manifold you are planning on using, and the exhaust downpipe will have to be fabricated. I looked around on ebay a little bit and it looks like the 9000 in the early 90's had a similar bolt pattern. If I were you, considering your horsepower goals I would get a SR manifold and the t25 or 28. I am not 100% sure how, but I know some guys were running the SR manis on the KA. I have one laying around, if I can find a KA flange to weld to it if you are interested. At that point, with a Reman turbo from ebay (299ish) and a Custom Sr log mani (150) you would have a very inexpensive Mani/turbo setup.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Saab-900-93-9-3 ... es&vxp=mtr
For 125, I know they have rebuild kits for like 60 bucks.
Having said all that, I would personally go to a pick a part and look for something slightly newer. Last time I was at a local lot there were multiple running 9-3's that had been crashed with less than 100k on them. You could pull it yourself and probably walk out with a unit that is not two decades old for 150.

Thanks, I made a powder coating cabinet over the summer before I built the car to start a small business. Def. comes in handy.

[AZhitman]

I'll drop my 2 cents - SAFC is for kids and dummies. If you can't afford a proper tuning solution, don't boost.

Also, if you need bigger injectors, hit up Deatschwerks (see article on homepage).

[JGT Customs]

Referring back to your custom downpipe/turbo outlet issue here's something to consider - if you're paying extra to upgrade a readily available part for other turbos more suited for your car, how much are you really going to save in going with a "cheaper" turbo?

[AZhitman]

^ Good point.

Buy the best turbo you can afford, and skimp on the downpipe, piping, intercooler, and other stuff.

We'll help you save enough on your injectors, engine management, and other goodies to afford a REAL turbo.

[Mr240dude]

I own a 2003 9 3 convertible. I know mine has a 4 bolt manifold flange and a 3 bolt downpipe flange. I don't know what manifold you are planning on using, and the exhaust downpipe will have to be fabricated. I looked around on ebay a little bit and it looks like the 9000 in the early 90's had a similar bolt pattern. If I were you, considering your horsepower goals I would get a SR manifold and the t25 or 28. I am not 100% sure how, but I know some guys were running the SR manis on the KA. I have one laying around, if I can find a KA flange to weld to it if you are interested. At that point, with a Reman turbo from ebay (299ish) and a Custom Sr log mani (150) you would have a very inexpensive Mani/turbo setup.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Saab-900-93-9-3 ... es&vxp=mtr
For 125, I know they have rebuild kits for like 60 bucks.
Having said all that, I would personally go to a pick a part and look for something slightly newer. Last time I was at a local lot there were multiple running 9-3's that had been crashed with less than 100k on them. You could pull it yourself and probably walk out with a unit that is not two decades old for 150.

Thanks, I made a powder coating cabinet over the summer before I built the car to start a small business. Def. comes in handy.

It's funny you sent me that link cause that's the turbo I was looking at. Yeah I'minterested if you happen to stumble across that. That 9-3 Garret would do the trick huh? I may give him an offer. The SR manifold would be a good pick for me.

[Mr240dude]

You got a good point guys, it's all about the turbo. I'll continue the hunt.

[GTR PrYdE]

As mentioned on the first reply- Ebay T2 manifolds are cheap and work fairly well, a lot better than ebay T3 manifolds. A welded SR manifold for the KA would definitely be strong, but with the cost/labor involved I don't know what I wouldn't just buy a better manifold...

Before I did my 50 trim setup, I had a super budget setup that basically consisted of:

SR T25 - ~150$
ebay T25 manifold ~$100
SR 370cc injectors ~$100
megan racing FPR ~$30
used ebay fmic kit ~$100

I got a deal on some skyline turbos and flipped them for big money, and immediately ditched all the t2 stuff and went 50 trim/JGS manifold with Deatschwerks injectors... and honestly I should have just saved in the first place for what I really wanted, instead of potentially losing money trying to buy what I can then sell it to upgrade in the future..

[Jmoore124]

I'll drop my 2 cents - SAFC is for kids and dummies. If you can't afford a proper tuning solution, don't boost.

Also, if you need bigger injectors, hit up Deatschwerks (see article on homepage).

I think you just called me a Dummie!

Just trying to give you all the options OP. There are a lot of horror stories from those ebay manis though. Boost spikes to cracking.

[GTR PrYdE]

There are a lot of horror stories from those ebay manis though. Boost spikes to cracking.

Supposedly the ISIS V2 T2 manifold is thicker than the normal ebay manifolds. At $200 that seems fair to me

[WDRacing]

These turbo's are balanced. They're the best of the Ebay Chinese turbo's. Here's a 2871. It'll give you almost instant boost and be good for 14psi before it becomes a heat pump.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0067R ... d_i=507846

You'll need these adapters.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0042R ... d_i=507846

http://www.amazon.com/89-98-Nissan-240S ... 0+downpipe

Use with any bottom mount T25 style Ebay manifold.

Here's the ISIS V2, supposedly thicker steel.

If you buy a used turbo and need a rebuild or blow a turbo and need it rebuilt, go here.

http://gpopshop.com/services/rebuilding/

If you're on a budget and don't plan to exceed 8 psi use a 8:1 FMU and a small bit of timing retard at the distributor. This setup will require the fuel pump you mentioned. Stay away from the SAFC. The FMU works great, is cheap and requires no tuning.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/vor-6 ... /overview/

If you do choose to invest in a fuel system with a ROM tune, don't get anything smaller then the 550cc injectors, a N62 MAF and the Enthalpy ROM tune to match that combo.

The FMIC and piping can be any cheap Ebay kit. At most you'll end up replacing the cheap couplers with heavier silicone ones.

[Mr240dude]

These turbo's are balanced. They're the best of the Ebay Chinese turbo's. Here's a 2871. It'll give you almost instant boost and be good for 14psi before it becomes a heat pump.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0067R ... d_i=507846

You'll need these adapters.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0042R ... d_i=507846

http://www.amazon.com/89-98-Nissan-240S ... 0+downpipe

Use with any bottom mount T25 style Ebay manifold.

Here's the ISIS V2, supposedly thicker steel.

If you buy a used turbo and need a rebuild or blow a turbo and need it rebuilt, go here.

http://gpopshop.com/services/rebuilding/

If you're on a budget and don't plan to exceed 8 psi use a 8:1 FMU and a small bit of timing retard at the distributor. This setup will require the fuel pump you mentioned. Stay away from the SAFC. The FMU works great, is cheap and requires no tuning.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/vor-6 ... /overview/

If you do choose to invest in a fuel system with a ROM tune, don't get anything smaller then the 550cc injectors, a N62 MAF and the Enthalpy ROM tune to match that combo.

The FMIC and piping can be any cheap Ebay kit. At most you'll end up replacing the cheap couplers with heavier silicone ones.

Thanks this is very helpful, what about the t25 from Godspeed? Wouldn't that be an ok turbo to use? http://www.amazon.com/Godspeed-Universa ... auto_img_y I know the adapters above would work too.

[Mr240dude]

Was going to jump on this one http://www.ebay.com/itm/GODSPEED-T25-IN ... c8&vxp=mtr

[WDRacing]

You'll want at least a T28. The T25 is just to small for a KA. It's to small for the SR in my opinion and the KA has 25% more displacement.

[Mr240dude]

Even for my HP goals? I'm probably better off with a new godspeed than a used St 25 anyway

[GTR PrYdE]

Even for my HP goals? I'm probably better off with a new godspeed than a used St 25 anyway

Yes for sure. The T25 is inefficient even at 5psig on a KA. A T28 will still spool very fast and handle 200-300whp

[Mr240dude]

So before I buy this t28 today, how would a t3 hold up? Read good things about them. Would those adapters you showed me work?

[WDRacing]

If you buy a T3, you have to make sure you buy a manifold that has a T3 flange. CXRacing makes a decent one. Some T3's have the internal wastegate and some don't. A T3 super60 is a decent unit that won't be laggy.

You'll need a custom downpipe if you go the T3 route.

[Jmoore124]

He is going to need a custom downpipe regardless I would think.