SOHC to DOHC conversion

[CrazedPanda]

Ive seen a lot of threads about swapping an entire SOHC KA engine for a DOHC. my 1990 240SX has relativly low miles on it but im wanting to put a DOHC cylinder head, intake, etc into it without swapping the whole engine. Does any one know if there are any problems with this and what does the whole process involve?

[Phlip]

Not worth the time, money, effort and all that other bullshit.
It has been discussed and is "possible," if I remember correctly, but by the time you've blown the cash in doing so, you could have your single cam boosted, or have swapped in a twincam, and possibly damn near have IT turbo.


Long story short: Don't bother, the ends would not justify the means

[Duzzes_Wild]

you might as well just do a full swap, i find engines and tranny's for free or almost free all the time

im in the process of the doing the swap right now as a matter of fact, but mostly bc the shell didnt have a engine in it but its a 89 sohc chassis

[revd34]

edit:
don't bother with just swapping the head. do the whole engine.

[mrmephistopheles]

No, the OP is talking about slapping a DOHC head onto a SOHC block.
It's been done, but it's a PITA, especially if you don't know what you're doing.

[CrazedPanda]

I know my way pretty well around an engine, and if i dont know something i have a lot of people around me who do. but are the wiring harnesses any differnt? I want to put a turbo on it later, I just want the extra cam to increase flow. also will I have to use a PS pump from a DOHC and a distributor and other things? what parts can i just keep and reuse?

[projectRDM]

If you've read any of the threads you wouldn't be asking these questions.

Using a DOHC head requires the DOHC steering pump, rebuilding the lines, and converting the distributor over to run off the idler gear. You also have to modify the head a great deal, and there's plenty more changeovers past that.

[CrazedPanda]

alright it does sound like just swapping the whole motor over will be the easiest option. thanks

[Phlip]

^^^ You know, I really DID tell you that 12 hours before you bothered to accept that answer, right?

[CrazedPanda]

yeah i know, just needed to hear ir a couple times.

[NemeGuero]

Hey, just swap the whole engine.

(in case you still weren't convinced.)

[CrazedPanda]

thats definitly the plan now, plus i can do some work to the DOHC before it goes into the car