which motor should i use?

[bigkid]

o.k. i can get a KA24DE for $300, an RB25DETT for $1700, or an RB26DETT for $3300.the goal is to have around 300hp, turbo, n fairly reliable.i'm thinking with the KA, i'll be $800 at the machine shop, $600 for pistons, headgasket, new timing set...... thinking around $2000 b4 i even put the turbo on. i realize i really don't have to build the motor up much, i'd prob. just run it @ 8-10psi. but what about when i do want a bit more oomf?rb25 already has 250hp. n the rb26 276hp, (depending who you talk to).how well will either RB fit in the S13? does either bolt up to the stock transmission, or the one from the KA? are there any difficult parts to find for the RB, ie; regular maitanence.....timing belts, head gaskets, starter motor?any info or suggestions would help n be appreciated.

[bigkid]

scratch the rb25 idea, lets say rb20det for $800 instead. i'm really leaning towards the RB26 though.....

[Shusaka]

okay, realistically, your idea for a KA24DET is already bunk. The amount of money you will have to put into the engine to safely put out 300 horsepower is ridiculous compared to any jdm turbo motor swap. i know because i have thought very hard about doing a KA-T build myself and here is your list of parts: 4 low compression pistons. arias makes them at 8.8:1; 4 forged connecting rods; 1 turbo manifold; 1 turbocharger; 1 FMIC, 1 Set of FMIC plumbing; JWT ECU upgrade; 1 255 LPH fuel pump; 4 higher flow injectors, 555cc for around 7 lbs of boost i think; 1 turbo downpipe, 1 cat back exhaust kit; 1 cold air intake; 1 battery relocation kit, as your charge pipe from the FMIC must be plumbed through your existing battery location; 1 head gasket; 2 upgraded camshafts; 16 new valve stem seals; 1 port and polishing of the head; 16 new valve springs and retainers; and 1 new valve cover seal. I think thats it, correct me if i'm wrong but it will total out to around $4500 for a DIY install, and over 6k at a shop, on top of the price you will pay for the KA24DE. On to your other engines, RB25DET is a solid engine, if you get it out of a RWD skyline with transmission, it will only require custom engine and transmission mounts as well as a custom driveshaft for the proper length, and ecu/wiring harness and i almost forgot the high volume fuel pump. The RB26DETT is a pain in the *** from what i hear, i dont personally know about the specifics of the swap. my choice for you is simply the...*hears crickets and prepares for personal injuries*...SR20DET. PERIOD! It uses the stock KA engine mounts, same transmission mounts, same driveshaft, and requires only the engine wiring harness and high volume fuel pump, with a slight increase in boost, cold air intake, upgraded injectors, a full exhaust, header included, and a spit shine you should be well over your 300hp mark, and the engines are totally reliable, i would choose this engine over any other unless you can find someone who is very good with the RB26 swap and can do it right the first time and warranty it, and if you can't..... to the almighty S14 SR20DET with VCM

[bigkid]

i agree with your KA math 100%. i figured at least $3300 to DIY. n i wanted a fully balanced crank on top of that! just so when i doo get the urge......the RB25 n 26 are virtually the same. the 26 is a stroked version of the 25, but with a better head, n twin turbo instead of single. both seem pretty good n i doo want to go a bit different then the SR20 norm. thats why i was thinking the KA in the first place....n its cheap. i'm still leaning towards the 26. i found one closer, for 2900, n it comes with the 5 speed(i think, better check). the wiring harness, the ecu.....i'd just need the fuel pump, n mod the shaft, switch out the front yolk, n fab some motor mounts. i was kinda thinkin' i'd cut the firewall, n slide it back half a foot or so too! this isn't the first motor swap i've done b4. sure it wont be the last either.

[bigkid]

i will admit though, the SR20 does sound pretty good in swap-simplicity alone. i may reconsider this as an option.

[bigkid]

o.k. i was told SR20 ecu, motor, harness,.......everything! 1200 bucks! + 300 for the transmission. i have a stock transmission, is it the same as the sr20?so $1500 pls. shipping, semi local. is this the way to go?

[ANVIL]

id say RB... you wont regret it... and you have so much more room to grow when you decide 300hp isnt enough

[ShaunakaRichard]

That sounds pretty cheap for the SR motor. And just to throw it out there make sure is SR20DET, not DE. And from everything I've heard, go with a clip. I got mine in a clip and its been amazing and reliable, I've made some mistakes but not the motor's fault lol. Just buying the motor means somebody else has taken it out, and its common for the fuel rails to be bent. You also don't get to see the condition of the clip it came out of. And normally doesn't come with the ignitor and other crap. So if you go with an SR go with the clip. Much better chance of good results. Oh and no the transmission for the KA and SR are different. You'd need to swap bellhousings to use the KA on the SR. And the gear ratios are slightly different.