Opinions: Swap or rebuild?

[firelizard]

My 240SX has a clean KA24DE, but the bottom end shat itself, apparently while the previous owner was being a dick to it.
It runs very well, but knocks and makes clouds of fluffy white smoke.

So, no matter what, the engine is coming out so I can clean up the bay and inspect shit, and decide between turbo/not.

Anyways. Local guys are telling me to just put a new KA24DE in because a rebuild costs too much.
I disagree with the cost part, and I also happen not to care how much stuff costs, there's no rush.

The other option is to put the engine on a stand, take it apart, put in new guts (whatever is damaged/not right) and put it back together over the course of the next 5 months.

What do you guys think?

[Dutchmalmiss]

Rebuilds cost nothing if you do it yourself. Since you say the head is fine, just rebuild that block or a spare one and swap it over.

[fromxtor]

Yea go over to nissan, they have NEW KAs sitting around waiting to be bought.<< **SARCASM** Just rebuild it dude.

[aznpoopy]

i would just throw a used ka24de in there
drive it around

rebuild the old one at your leisure

[ManoNegra]

i would just throw a used ka24de in there
drive it around

rebuild the old one at your leisure

+1, I'd advise you the same.

[KA24DESOneThree]

+1 to the two previous.

[MrChow]

^^ ditto

That's what i want to do basically.

[firelizard]

Okay, I see the logic. But since I already have a car to drive for all seasons, I can already build the one engine for my 240SX at my leisure.

[aznpoopy]

in that case i would put the 240sx on jackstands in a nice work space and build the fuck out of it all at once

[GabeS14]

My 240SX has a clean KA24DE,
I disagree with the cost part, and I also happen not to care how much stuff costs, there's no rush.
What do you guys think?

if cost doesnt matter, you dont want to go ahead and throw an SR in there?
if not... do what would be the simplest...You do have another car, so if you want a project do the rebuild, if you want it running quick just swap it ot.

[Nismoknightska-t]

rebuild it for boost..

you cant go wrong..

[AWDTurbo]

Def do a nice build, Take the block to a local machine shop and get it cleaned, new bearings installed and checked for clearances, Get the assembly Balanced, It will rev so dang quick, Buy some nice forged pistons/Rods, and your have a complete hard core engine built you can throw back in now, And later if funds allow you have an engine built for alot of boost.

Screw the SR swap and the RB's I have an RB and 15 thousand dollars later im finally getting to drive it, Its def worth a nice KA rebuild.

But if I had it to do over again, A nice V8 would be settin in the engine bay.

[B Love]

I say you find a motor to drive around on and rebuild the old one

[firelizard]

I say you find a motor to drive around on and rebuild the old one
Can't drive this car yet, won't pass safety without new windshield, fenders, seats.

[SHIFT_*grind*]

If you don't care about money and don't need the car as a daily driver, then the choice is easy: build it. Do a nice KA build, put some thought into your turbo setup and tuning and you'll make TONS of power. Easily.

[sl4ck3r]

Rebuild stuff: http://www.amsperformance.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=303

New motor:
http://www.amsperformance.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=1042

even if you get sweet shit, if you rebuild it yourself its gonna be cheaper obviously. :)

[S14DB]

in that case i would put the 240sx on jackstands in a nice work space and build the fuck out of it all at once
Famous last words...

Swap a used KA in there then go to work on upgrading.

[Anto]

A friend of mine was in the same situation.
Blown headgasket on his KA, it was his DD.
He wanted to build a KA & turbo it, then swap it in but he didn't have the time, so he paid a shop to do an S14 SR swap. Costed ~$3600.

Figure $1500 for the complete rebuild, assuming forged internals & all the turbo essentials, then add on the cost of turbo parts.

Turbo KA if you have the time.