Swap vs. Power Goals vs. Cash

[GravityEX]

I'm new to the 240sx culture and just had a few questions that maybe someone more experienced could answer. I set a power goal of 350rwhp for my s13 coupe, so what would be the least expensive, most reliable swap that I could do.

[lazysk8er2]

turbo ka with an ebay kit

[GravityEX]

really don't know how i feel about the stability of my ka, i mean which ever swap i choose i'll re-do the internals to forged but i am looking for this to be my daily driver, so i want to know it will start just about any day

[PoorMans180SX]

turbo ka with an ebay kit

Hahha, he said reliable 350whp.

SR's will do that all day long with a 2871r.

VQ's and VH's will require more work (not necessarily more money), but you don't necessarily need as much power because you'll have a fat torque band.

Use the search button and you can find out a lot of good info. It's a pretty basic question, and there a lot of answers out there. Always remember, good stuff costs good money. Don't cheap out.

[NINJASPY]

cheap, reliable, or fast.... pick 2.

and SEARCH, we can't spoon feed you.

ls1' has 350 hp stock. but it aint cheap.

[Taniguchi_Is_#1]

hey. look.


i could just be a dick and tell you to do some real research instead of being a dumbass.

[omgRWDgoodness!]

Just throw in an SR20debt and a few bolt-ons and you'll have a solid foundation, you'll have to learn and decide on your own what you want to do from there. By throw in, I literally mean take the motorset and THROW it in, don't use an engine hoist or anything. :hyper:

That, or a B16B (for the VTAK)

[Otto347]

Stock LSx of any sort can get you there. It will be reliable but cash might come into question.

[S14DB]

Buy a beater for a daily.

[S14_Kouki]

I dont know how much money you have to play with. But if you want 350 just buy a 2871 and some bolt on's ( thats not to much money). But you are saying you want to change the internals too, now your getting into a more expensive project. If you do rods and pistons it would be a great idea to change the bearings, oil pump and water pump and your going to need a gasket kit and head gasket. There is really no cheap way around doing it right the first time.

[BooStedS13SleePeR]

For about three grand u can throw a factory originall 2jz gte w/154 and bell housing and be around 320-330 and relieable and u wouldn't have to touch a part on it. A little fab work and ur ready to rock.

[kalypso123]

pick a setup that starts you at 250hp....you dont have to be a 350hp right away.

once you can weld and make manifolds, add mega squirt and a holset.

I believe in pistons and rods... so do whatever allows you to afford a properly built motor.

[simmode1]

Why spend ~$2000 to buy an SR and then spend another $1000+ rebuilding it?

You can buy a spare KA for dirt cheap, overhaul it bck to OEM specs (maybe throw in a metal headgasket) and piece together a topmount t3/t4 or holset turbo kit. The stock KA's internals are easily good for 350hp. The overhaul will promote reliablity. This could realistically be achieved with somewhere around $3500 to $3800, IMO.

[z2roll4life7]

Why spend ~$2000 to buy an SR and then spend another $1000+ rebuilding it?

You can buy a spare KA for dirt cheap, overhaul it bck to OEM specs (maybe throw in a metal headgasket) and piece together a topmount t3/t4 or holset turbo kit. The stock KA's internals are easily good for 350hp. The overhaul will promote reliablity. This could realistically be achieved with somewhere around $3500 to $3800, IMO.


Or You Could Just Buy Your Sr from reputable shop so you Know It wont implode on Start Throw a 2871r and Get Close to Your HP goal have a lighter front end More aftermarket support and a rev happy motor Just Dont Forget To ReShim Your Head

Happy Boosting :)

[kalypso123]

3500, is a lot for a stock bottom KA with head studs and a metal gasket. ( its a lot less i think )

( Stock RB20 :love: )

[jspecusa]

you are forgetting the following.
1. suspension so you can have better control of that power
2. wide rear with wide wheels with sticky tires.
3. big brakes to stop at end of 3rd gear you'll be hitting 110mph.
fast car is easy to build(power to weight ratio) balance is the key.

[Omarius Maximus]

KA. Supertech pistons, eagle rods. Rebuild it yourself.

Get a cheap 50 trim, and a log manifold, and a decent tune. Should set you back maybe 3k with all the little details ironed out.

[simmode1]

3500, is a lot for a stock bottom KA with head studs and a metal gasket. ( its a lot less i think )

$3500-$3800 included turbo upgrades and tuning.

-Try to pick up a KA for between $200-$400.
-I think rebuild kits are around what? $700? Felpro headgasket is like $20.
-Piece together a holset or t3/t4 turbo kit with fuel delivery ugrades and FMU for between $1500-$2000.
-Go somewhere and spend $1000 getting to tuned perfectly.

Rough estimates only, but pretty sound. Probably gonna need a new clutch though. I just don't like the idea of switching to a motor with less displacement. Would rather keep the KA. Of course if money was no object, I'd say VQ30DET.

[InlineS13]

1JZ swap is cheap, reliable and fast. Well, 350 hp fast at least.

[xpinoyxmk]

Or You Could Just Buy Your Sr from reputable shop so you Know It wont implode on Start Throw a 2871r and Get Close to Your HP goal have a lighter front end More aftermarket support and a rev happy motor Just Dont Forget To ReShim Your Head

Happy Boosting :)

Ha have heard this many times. Then a rod knock lol.

2.4 vs 2.0? Think about it lol.

Forge the bottom end of your ka and rebuild the head first. That way you know for sure that it can handle boost. Then go on ka-t.org and go searching. There are countless turbos that will help you reach your goals.

GL with your build.

[S13 curtis]

turbo ka with an ebay kit

and last a couple weeks.

[kouki fanatic]

get a blacktop sr for about 2400, the internals can take up to 400hp for an sr. get an s15 turbo, with piping/FMIC. youll be around 350 with the right amount of boost and itll cost you about 3500 all together.

[shiftdrift]

do ka-t. it's better than a fanboi sr. and if it's tuned right you won't have any problem.

[upsdude]

www.ka-t.org (http://www.ka-t.org) check out their stickies

[holemilk00]

I have a pretty good perspective on this because I have the following:

S13 with an SR on the stocker turbo
S13 with an SR built head and a GT2871r
S13 vert with a fully built KA-t 600+rwhp
S14 with a LS2

All of my cars would be worthless without suspension, good brakes, reliable quality tuning, proper maintenance, and the fact that I didn't just jump in a car with a lot of HP's, which anything as light as a 240 with 300+hp is a lot for someone with limited experience in a car with some power.

My KA-t build was probably the most budget friendly at first, but it grew out of control quickly. I'd say I had around $3000 in my motor alone when I hit 350whp (now its not even fun to think about DD duty with the hp's its got now on a KA)

My stock SR car, I got a deal on the motor, and I'd say after all the little pieces to go with it, ie radiator, fans, motor mounts, fuel filter, new plugs, water pump, belts, and so on I ended up with $2500 in that swap and its running 235whp now with DP, MBC, exhaust, apexi suction kit, and S-AFC II. (and this is one hell of a fun car to drive)

My built SR car with the turbo upgrade would be a great step up for you down the road, its got about 390whp and is fun to drive, but I wouldn't put it on DD duty enough though I know the SR could take it. This car I'm about $4000 in on the motor including EMS(this is where you would want to end up)

The LS2 car is underway, and its expensive.(Thats a huge PERIOD)


My advice to you, if you want a well behaved car, find an SR swap for sale, there are LOTS out right now at really good prices, do the proper freshing of the motor, get it in the car and running, make sure you have a solid foundation. Drive the car for a few months, you'll get use to a turbo, light weight, and responsive car, and then you'll get bored with its power and want more (almost everyone does) By then you'll know enough about your car, and will have saved up some more money (once again trying to be budget friendly) and then start adding power upgrades.

Sorry for the novel, hope this helps.

[z2roll4life7]

Ha have heard this many times. Then a rod knock lol.

2.4 vs 2.0? Think about it lol.

Forge the bottom end of your ka and rebuild the head first. That way you know for sure that it can handle boost. Then go on ka-t.org and go searching. There are countless turbos that will help you reach your goals.

GL with your build.


I guess You Dont No Any Good Shop's?? That wont Fuck You Over
Dam every One jumping on the KA bandwagon :wackit:
Sr's Are what Started 240 scene theres a reason for that
Also THESE ARE IMPORTS YOU WANT torque get a v8
honda's Do just fine with it Much Rather
Have a Rev Happy Car that Build's Power Deep into the powerband Like Japan intended

[holemilk00]

Sr's Are what Started 240 scene theres a reason for that


I have to strongly disagree with this statement.

[xpinoyxmk]

LMAO

Ever wonder why most ppl are just turboing their ka now? Maybe its because everyone just now realized what the ka is capable of.

Theres a guy down here that just had a rod knock on his sr and hes known for buying only the best parts for his s14. Though im not saying that it cant happen to a ka.

The fact that you mentioned a honda in your post just confirmed what i think of you.

Big piece of advice is shop around a lot before you buy something. Theres always good deals on somewhere that will help you save.

[z2roll4life7]

Just Because i Said Honda in My post WoW Thats Funny Think What You want Of Me i Could Careless look im not agianst turboed KA's But When Some People Act Like the motor I Went With Was Just a Big Fucking Mistake i Feel a Little Sore About It is just bandwaggoneers talking all that crap some of you talking are probally under 300hp im just saying Dont Act Like The Ka is Gods gift To 240's just Looking for Torque out of a 4banger is kinda weird to me

[OBEEWON]

2J is the best option for reliable cheap.

Get an RB20 tho if 350 is the window. Rom tuned.

[S14Serge]

Just SEARCH next time! You are getting spoon fed in this thread big time.

With that being said, it's all personal preference whether you like force induction or V8 torque and outta the box power.

Which ever one you choose the tuning will be the key point in success or epic FAIL in your setup.:down:

[undesiredshoe]

Completely stock Sohc ka, big turbo, e85, 1000+cc injectors and a decent tune.......proven to 300+ horsepower easy.

[Csomme]

1jz or 2jz. Cheap as shit, especially if you can fab and wire yourself.

Fro reals



CRAZY BITCHES

[shiftdrift]

i'd agree with the jz engine's being the most reliable bang for your buck...but i don't think he has the capabilities to do the swap, so he'd end up paying a shop.

[holemilk00]

Where in the hell are you guys finding good 2jz's with transmissions for "cheap as shit"??????

[xpinoyxmk]

Where in the hell are you guys finding good 2jz's with transmissions for "cheap as shit"??????

+100

I would like to know too.

[Xbroke_kidX]

If you go Ka-t your in for a world of hate and headaches. Dont do it.
Just go 1j, alot cheaper then 2j. Still good power and reliable.

[Tom25666]

and the award for stupidest comment of the day goes to........

do ka-t. it's better than a fanboi sr. and if it's tuned right you won't have any problem.

congratulations

[jspecusa]

that's why i don't like about the internet people always talk out of their ass like:
I can find S14 euro headlights for 350, I can find 2JX with tranny for cheap.
either contribute the OP question with FACTS and help him solve his dilemma or shut up.
A car is a tool to perform a task, picking the right motor is base on the owner what is he using the motor for.
Either KA or SR if you want direct drop in and less hassle, anything else do research on
how much mounts/driveshaft/radiator/fan all that add on cost and that's not including wiring yet.
Don't expect spoon feed just do research by typing in key words or just read the tech section and learn, saving money means patience and research.

[S13 curtis]

Ha have heard this many times. Then a rod knock lol.

2.4 vs 2.0? Think about it lol.

Forge the bottom end of your ka and rebuild the head first. That way you know for sure that it can handle boost. Then go on ka-t.org and go searching. There are countless turbos that will help you reach your goals.

GL with your build.

well said.

do ka-t. it's better than a fanboi sr. and if it's tuned right you won't have any problem.

:goyou: good job

LMAO

Ever wonder why most ppl are just turboing their ka now? Maybe its because everyone just now realized what the ka is capable of.

Theres a guy down here that just had a rod knock on his sr and hes known for buying only the best parts for his s14. Though im not saying that it cant happen to a ka.

The fact that you mentioned a honda in your post just confirmed what i think of you.

Big piece of advice is shop around a lot before you buy something. Theres always good deals on somewhere that will help you save.

just because one SR took a shit dosent me they are trash.
I've seen KA-T's that couldnt even handle a T25.



You can buy a spare KA for dirt cheap, overhaul it bck to OEM specs (maybe throw in a metal headgasket) and piece together a topmount t3/t4 or holset turbo kit. The stock KA's internals are easily good for 350hp. The overhaul will promote reliablity. This could realistically be achieved with somewhere around $3500 to $3800, IMO.

http://www.forumammo.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10062/28c15128.gif (http://www.forumammo.com/cpg/albums/userpics/10062/28c15128.gif)

SRY, thats a NO GO! $3500-3800 for something thats going to have you wondering how long its gonna last is plain stupid.



Alot of people jumping on the KA-T bandwagon and telling him 350whp is reliable on stock KA internals, dont set this guy up for failure!
This thread is also turning into a KA vs. SR battle

[xpinoyxmk]

^^ Depends on the motor and the TUNE. There are ppl who have ran on stock internals doing around 350hp that have lasted. It is not recommended but it can be done.

Back to the topic. Cheap and reliable dont go hand and hand. If you want it to be reliable, then your going to have to pay to have it done right. If you want to cheap out, then you will have to pay for it in the long run.

Also TUNING is big. If you screw up here, it will be costly.

Close this thread and let the guy search on his own.

[PoorMans180SX]

Someone please lock this thread already. The first 5 posts answered the OP's questions.

[simmode1]

^^^ Word... I can't believe we all got suckered into a "which engine" debate yet again...:bash:

[fckillerbee]

This is why I'm going ka.....if I blow it....America has more ka's that I can kill. If I blow the sr....I have to pray someone has one sitting....or I have to ship one from canada... cheap and reliable aren't available...ask the chinese.

this was my route.... buy the rebuild kit with a built bottom end. have it sitting with cash on the side. Buy the turbo kit set up. Have it tuned....yada yada....once you blow that one up...cause you will, you will be prepared to have it rehauled, and in case something goes wrong with tuning, etc, you blow the bad motor.

[lazysk8er2]

just buy an already built car that someone threw money into and buy it for less than half the price. thats probably the cheapest/

[rc1honda]

Why spend ~$2000 to buy an SR and then spend another $1000+ rebuilding it?

You can buy a spare KA for dirt cheap, overhaul it bck to OEM specs (maybe throw in a metal headgasket) and piece together a topmount t3/t4 or holset turbo kit. The stock KA's internals are easily good for 350hp. The overhaul will promote reliablity. This could realistically be achieved with somewhere around $3500 to $3800, IMO.

The more I see you post the more I dislike you. Have you ever seen with your own eyes a stock internal KA handle 350hp? Because i have. And I have seen 3 well tuned KA crack pistons, blow ring lands, and throw rods and by that i mean throw a rod right through a iron block.

Maybe you should stick to paying 15,000 for a BMW 318i, because you clearly have no idea what your are posting. And you post your uneducated opinion everywhere.

+1 for the 2jz swap,
SR is probalby the easiest but will take some work to get to 350.
VG would be awesome but you to fabricate.
RB 25/26 ecpensive and takes soem work.

Like stated earlier you can't have it both ways. Either you have to pay or rebuild or your can't have 350hp.

[shiftdrift]

why was that the stupidest comment? people just hate on ka-t because they have an sr20....ka-t's are perfectly capable of making power for a decent price.....cheaper than a swap.

[mrmephistopheles]

Worst thread in quite a long time.

:rant2: