Sr20's getting expensive

[S13CRAVE]

hey everyone,
with the increase of prices for sr clips, i have begun to re-think my plans for an engine swap.  paying 2500+shipping is pretty steep for a highschool kid with limited funds, so what other engine could i put in a 89-90 240sx?  i've heard good things about the ca18 and its supposed to be cheaper(correct me if i'm wrong) but could i get a lot of power out of that?  I was planning to upgrade turbo/injectors/intercooler etc if i had gotten an sr but are the parts as readily available?  I plan to do most of the work myself so custom-fitting might be limited.  thanx to anyone who responds with help.

[MarketPlayer]

I am going to do a rb20det swap when the time comes, and have been quoted $2000+ shipping on a entire front clip!  I would say that the ca18det would be your best bet though b/c rb parts are expensive, and few and far between!  good luck.

don't take this the wrong way, but i don't think there is any need for you to swap out motors.  You don't seem like you care what engine you use, so what is wrong w/ the KA?  I would suggest building that if funds are an issue!  Shit!  I just realized i am going to start another vs thread!  sorry guys!
-zac

[S13CRAVE]

i do care what engine is in my car but building and turboing a high mileage sohc engine doesnt seem very smart/worthwhile to me.  i just want a stronger engine that i can build up to turn my car into something that will decimate all at my highschool, lol.  i've got plenty of time seeing as i wont have my license for another year but i wanna get it all built up and ready when it is my turn to drive.  anybody else got ideas?  what kind of power does the rb20 put out?  thanx

[transient]

I'm in the same situation. I'm going to start saving up for a CA as soon as I get a bit of bodywork done.

[Kitahara]

Don't bother with the CA if all you want to do is take people off the line.  The CA is a great track motor and it's expertise is high revving.  If you honestly believe that you will be able to support (parts support & shipping) an RB swap, go for it, you can do veerrry well with that.  Otherwise go for the SR if you are bent on importing an engine.  Also realize that imported engines take patience and some custom work to sustain and improve performance.  Limited domestic availability bolt ons, and unforseen problems = custom work and patience!

This is what I would do if I were you, and on a budget.  Whatever you take from this, please - please do not start a motor war.  Buy a lower mileage KADE ~ $6-800, T3/T4 turbo kit ~ $2800-$3200, lower c/r pistons & misc. bolt ons ~ $1000-1500 and you'll have a pritty fast car.  A lot faster than a stock SR or CA with intercooler, I/E, gauges, necc. ~ $3500-4000.  Just add it up and see what suits you.

[Kid Zelda]

You gotta pay to play. If you're not ready yet, just take it slow .. save up ... no rush

[KAMRAN]

but the KA is not very reliable with a turbo... specially if you're gona use it as an everyday driver.. i hear that they start blowing up after 7psi

[KAMRAN]

and about the CA motor... sdure it's cheap.. but the aftermarket is very small and it's very hard to get parts for it if you're planning to built it up...

[rotaryknight]

I agree..aftermarket parts for the CA will be alot harder than the SR.  HKS, Blitz and GReddy already stock SR parts in the US.  But as far as CA....not really.

[Kitahara]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">but the KA is not very reliable with a turbo... specially if you're gona use it as an everyday driver.. i hear that they start blowing up after 7psi</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

7psi... depends on what kind of a turbo you are using, and yes that is a pretty reasonable limit for most set ups with a stock KA. &nbsp;But if you lower the c/r with aftermarket pistons or what have you, you will be able to boost through the roof. &nbsp;In which case, the KA-T is very very reliable.

[S13CRAVE]

thanx for the input guys. &nbsp;i was just starting to consider the KA-T route. &nbsp;If so, would it be better to get one from the 91+ S13's or one from an S14? &nbsp;Where can i go looking for internals for the KA? &nbsp;Do they make intercoolers and such especially for a custom KA-T since it was never in production? &nbsp;What turbo kits and bolt ons are ya'll using and where'd ya get em? &nbsp;thanx again

[S13CRAVE]

come on now, i know some of ya'll have KA-T's cuz i've heard people talkin bout em. &nbsp;help please