What's the next logical step?

[ssmikeyss]

I just recently did a full rebuild on my ka24e. I made a custom CAI and opened up the exhaust. I'm running all new internals, but they are all stock. What is the next logical step to produce more horsepower. This question probably should have been asked before the rebuild but at that point I was extremely new to the nico web site, and the ka motor. Any input would be much appreciated. I'm pretty sure that on stock internals, the max I can get out of the motor won't be over 200, NA, but I was thinking about going with a small turbo, just curious on what the sequence of parts installation I should stick to.

[ssmikeyss]

Oh and neverlift, if you happen to read this, I was havin some fun with you bro. That whole diagram discussion was a bit of a mess. I'm sorry about that, haha! No hard feelings I hope

[Soravia]

did you search the classified for a KA SuperCharger kit? The guy made 200+ wHP with hi-flow exhaust mod. He's a respectable well known memeber so can't be BS.Personally I prefer S/C over Turbo, easier to control power build-up.

zerothread/254837

Hell, buy a KA24DE on the way too.

[ssmikeyss]

I didnt even know you could supercharge this motor, but I will check it out. Thanks for the info!

[neverlift]

Oh and neverlift, if you happen to read this, I was havin some fun with you bro. That whole diagram discussion was a bit of a mess. I'm sorry about that, haha! No hard feelings I hope

none at all just want folks to use the flashy thing at the top....

[ssmikeyss]

right on bro! have a good one.

[ssmikeyss]

that discussion seemed to be a bit of an argument between those two guys but there was some useful information. I think turbo would be a better thing for me but thanks for the info. I was more curious about the cam, springs, valves, and things of that nature. I figured the intake and exhaust would be my first step. Would a different cam make a difference at this point? Or am I already screwed slapping the motor back together with stock parts?

[ssmikeyss]

I am really starting to lean towards a swap, the ca18 seems to be what I am looking for but the parts are gonna split my wallet in half. I was so pumped about rebuilding my ka24e but the more I read the more discouraged I become. It just doens't seem like I'm gonna get the HP I was looking for out of this motor. The motor I have seems to be the bottom of the barrel, but for the mean time, while I still have the motor, I would like to make an attempt to get some "holy sh@t, I just pooped in my drawers" HP out of this thing. Am I just beating a dead horse by building this thing up, should I go for a swap, or should I stick with it and put some real money into this thing?

[WWJD]

You'd be better off goen' KA24E-T. than the little ca18. not many peep's like SOHC. but I think it under-rated. I own both SOHC and DOHC. SOHC lot's of fun. turbo that bad boy. think about it you dont have to re-arange re-wire and all the other unessary stuff. plan out a good kit, good tune and BAM let the fun begin. but don't go BOOM.. LOL ok

[ssmikeyss]

yeah I think that is the best bet. I have been reading alot about going turbo, and it does seem to be in my best interest. Right on bro thanks!

[WWJD]

No prob. I feel there'll be "less" of a head ach. That's just me though

[Brandon93240]

Have you already assembled the engine? What bore is it? If its not together just buy some forged pistons for it and a cam. Save your money and buy quality turbo parts(JGS, Tial, Precision, Turbonetics) and turbo it. Plus you'll have a/c and p/s and factory wiring that will be easier to diagnosis if you have any problems. You can make poop fast if you spend the time and money to do it right.

[ssmikeyss]

yeah it's back together. I am opening up the intake and exhaust, but I rebuilt it stock. everything new but the cam and crank, but the cam is gonna be changed out soon. I have seen these motors run strong on 10 to 15 lbs of boost , supposedly on stock internals, so I guess I will get together a custom setup and see what happens. Im gonna do an sr20 or rb20 swap early next year so if I blow it to pieces, oh well, I guess. If it holds together than I can tear it down, and rebuild it stronger while I romp the crap out of the sr.

[neverlift]

honestly long as your tune is spot on and you have the fuel to feed it a ka~t can be a good fun engine. I wont go on a limb and say reliable but you know its not a stock turbo motor.....

[Brandon93240]

It'll be as reliable as you can afford to make it. I've put about 20k on my s13 with zero problems. I don't drive it everyday because I have another car for that but I could if I wanted to, although gas would kill me compared to the c6.

[neverlift]

I know bro just dont want newbs to think its caekwalkin tyme some boost for 5 minutes and issues arrise,others boost the living f*** out of the ka and have 0 issues, it depends on individual engines/break in and a gazillion other factors I'm too lazy to list after my last post.

[Brandon93240]

Yeah man I wasn't saying it'll last a million miles, I meant more along the lines of you get what you pay for so buy the highest quality parts you can afford. Yes you can still have problems with brand name parts but what I'm getting at is newbs shouldn't be under the influence that a ebay turbo kit will hold up like name brand kits(JGS, AMS).

[neverlift]

I'll one up you a local guy with an esssssssssss aaaarrrrgggghhhhh bought a t28 snail from egay, looked good said garrett, company even had a legit interwebnet bussiness. Guy put turbo on drove almost a tank of gas,lets his friend(**** no not me)drive and bam turbo starved slap to death. He paid good money for said turbo(900 IIRC) and then another g or so for a rebuild of said turbo,when one call or email to jgs would have solved everything. He paid for name brand and still got owned. Point is you have to watch out.

[Brandon93240]

That is true thats why I only deal with reputable places. Yeah they may not always have the cheapest deals on everything but if you deal with them enough and with the same person they'll usually take care of you here and there. Alot of times how a shop treats the customer is more important than the price. I'm willing to pay more if I know if something comes up they won't hesitate to fix the problem its worth the extra money.