Pros and Cons of Engine Modification?

[bobmeindertsma]

Ok heres my speel.
I live in canada and for me to do an SR swap would cost
substantially more to do here than to do in the US.
I havent decided which would be the most worthwhile:

[list=1]
Stock KA with mods
SR Swap
Turbo my KA
[/list=1]

Some of my questions would be....
is it a good idea to slap a turbo and intercooler, downpipe etc on my stock KA24DE or just to swap for an SR20det?

I have pretty much just disregarded the Stock KA w/ mods.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Also if someone from canada has done the SR20DET swap it would help so much if you could fill me in on all the details.


thank you so much for all the help guyz
any input will help me out cause come next summer something is going to happen.

[Bill Roberts]

Want the truth?

Even though this has been covered in over 4000 posts (no joke) the cost between turboing a KA and doing an SR swap is about the same. SR swap usually you end up with a lower milage engne meaning better overall value.

Next, seriously consider making a final decision about 1 month before the mod time. Things change, the SR situation may dry up or become way too expensive, someone may have discovered a better overall alternative AND, KAT kits will stabilize in price as more becomes ava.

Right now, SR swap is POPULAR for the reasons above. Frankly, it is a 600 dollar motor on a 400 dollar tranny going for a lot more due to the complexity of the exchange being new instruments and ecu..etc..

2 to 3 grand either way right now. (US$)

Don't settle on something now..that may be false later...I would gather info (I hope mine helps) and make the play when you are ready to play. Things change over time..who knows what is the hot set-up next summer..maybe something no one has thought of???

So take it with a pizza and beer..but that is my thoughts to this evergoing and long studied subject.

No offense...but when I am ready, I will have already bought probably an RB set/Clip.

[AceInHole]

Originally posted by Bill Roberts
Want the truth?

Even though this has been covered in over 4000 posts (no joke) the cost between turboing a KA and doing an SR swap is about the same. SR swap usually you end up with a lower milage engne meaning better overall value.
actually, i've done the KAt including buying a newer engine ('97 KA with 27k miles) for less than the cost of an SR longblock and wiring. my friend Carl did a KAt for less than an SR with his original engine, and his is running pretty well (dyno'ed in at like 220 at 5psi).
It really comes down to who's doing the labor, where the parts are coming from, etc.

I tried pricing it out and STRETCHING it to try and get an SR done as cheap as a KAt, but it just doesn't work (options included rebuilding a blown SR motor with as many US parts as possible).

So, it IS possible to do the KAt cheaper, and it IS possible to end up with a setup just as reliable and as powerful as an SR. But, if you're not doing the wrenching, either one can get expensive to the point where they cost about the same.

[bobmeindertsma]

Thanks alot guys
sorry for reposted a subject thats
been over posted as it is.
(just wasnt in the search mood)
Things change over time..who knows what is the hot set-up next summer..maybe something no one has thought of???
very good point and something that never really crossed my mind.
i was pretty much just bent on the SR and KAT idea.
Looks like there will be alot beer and pizza over the winter
thanks again