Should I swap an rb25 or turbo the ka

[johnny2tokes]

I was wanting to get an rx7 fd but realized i wouldn't have the funds to afford one right now so i want to make my s14 feel and look a lil newer. I've got about $4k and want to either do an rb25 swap or turbo the ka24. I also have to buy coilovers and i was wanting to do the s15 front end conversion. so for the money what would u think would be the better option? As in i don't know exactly how much more money i'll have to spend after i buy the motor, tranny, ecu, and wiring, but if i just buy the turbo kit i know exactly what all i'll need. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. I'm just trying to see what you all think would be the most cost efficient way of going about my s14 transformation.

thanks alot

[future]

*enters rude statement that makes OP cry for getting burned and forgeting his flame suit before he made this thread that has been talked about over and iver in a new thread every week.


Back to op, let me see you finish a rb swap for 4k

[Beemer]

rb25 ftw!!!!!!

[johnny2tokes]

i understand the advantages and disadvantages of the rb and the turbo which is what is always explained in the threads and thats not what i'm interested in i'm just trying to get some ppls opinions on what they would do giving that amount of money and knowing that u have to get other things as well as accounting for what is most reliable. You could have easily said," no there is no way you can do a rb swap for under 4k". but you for some reason had to take the jack ass route. I know i can buy a motor and tranny and turbo for around 2k that comes with ecu and wiring harness i have many mechanic friends that will do the swap for free so labor isnt an issue. and i know i need a different drive shaft but besides that where is the other $2k plus that you are claiming its going to cost. You dont have to belittle ppl... but if thats what makes you feel good go right ahead buddy.

[shocker854]

You arn't going to fund a rb25 swap with 4k, as well as get coilovers.

Depending on the condition of your KA, you could turbo it on stock internals and make the same HP as a stock RB25 with a good tune, not safc2 bs, but like JWT, reliably. As well as have money left over for coilovers.

[johnny2tokes]

thanks shocker. much appreciated feedback

[shocker854]

thanks shocker. much appreciated feedback

No problem, you should check out KA-T.org for ka-t info.

[Memberofthe600hpkaclub]

I've done a few rb25 swaps for under 4000....just need fab skills and a good welder....

[johnny2tokes]

I've done a few rb25 swaps for under 4000....just need fab skills and a good welder....

thanks for the response

I def got the personnel to help me with that but where would you suggest buying the engine from.. I've tried to find previous threads where ppl have discussed these things but there is so many and not very organized.

[johnny2tokes]

Has anyone ever bought an engine from www.jgycustoms.com they seem to have some great prices but usually that means its too good to be true. I seen one person had posted on here talking about them getting there order wrong on small things but besides that i didnt see anything about anyone buying motors.

[InsTanCeZ]

SR20DET > RB25DET
but, RB26DETT > all

[Sarom_ps13]

SR20DET < RB25DET
but, RB26DETT > all

Fixed bro:ddog:

[Pro ViZIon]

I would personally turbo the ka. If it blows there's plenty more lying around and parts are easily accessible and fairly inexpensive. Where as the rb is the exact opposite.

[InsTanCeZ]

Fixed bro:ddog:

No, the SR20DET is an overall better engine. It can make about the same power as the RB25DET, but it's way lighter and gives the S chassis a better front/back weight ratio. Putting a heavier engine in the front of the car upsets the balance and handling unless you can tune the suspension accordingly. It's just not worth it. I would go with the SR20DET or even the LSx series engines, which weigh about the same as the SR20DET with a good amount of NA power. :bigok:

[codyace]

Is 4k all you have to your name? Put that in a bank and don't touch it, and save another 4k to play with cars with.


With that considered, get something common/easily fixed. SR is my choice, KA is just as good. Or find a 5.3 LQ v8 in a junkyard and just start right from the get go.

[Silvia716]

you ever consider a CA18DET or RB20DET, you could get either of em for around 1,200$ with a trans.

[codyace]

you ever consider a CA18DET or RB20DET, you could get either of em for around 1,200$ with a trans.

There is a reason why they are cheap, it's because they are junk, and parts are not easily found.

[Sr20KoukiS14]

Once you go inline 6 you'll never go back! Ka-t is more common and entry level. The sound and torque from I6's are phenomenal! Just save money a couple more months and you won't be disappointed!

[greenmachine300zxtt]

RB25 all the way! Im almost done with my build and it may cost more money to build but it will be all worth it. i def agree with Sr20kouki. good luck!

[rynftw]

as a ka-t owner, i'd rock the ka. when i compression tested my ka i got 180 across the board. seemed too good to be true. right now all i've got is a t25, 550cc injectors, z32 maf, fmic, enthalpy tune (best bang for your buck IMO) and it's a good fun car. as long as the car runs fine now and the compression checks out. go ka-t. plus, more torque cuz truck motor ;)

[rynftw]

oh yeah. i've probably got about 2k invested into the ka-t setup :) just for price comparison.

[Turbo Nismo]

To be honest if you only have 4k, you should safe them and search a lot before doing anything. I went with KA-t because I didn't search and began with low budget (ebay junk parts) and ended buying good quality parts = wasting more money at the end. Do things right or do things twice. For now I'll keep my KA with 400hp, and save money until I have enough for buying an RB25. I also bought lowering springs and fake wheels and now also ended up buying coilovers and good brand wheels.

[j20accord00]

i put my coupe together for under 4k. and there is no ebay parts on it. I bought a few 2nd hand items. I just spent the money the right way.

A ka-t setup with a t28 is a fun car. stock sr injectors yada yada. and you can always upgrade as you go/get more money

[rynftw]

well if you spend money where money NEEDS to be spent on ka-t in the first place, then you won't have to upgrade to better quality parts..

[Turbo Nismo]

Parts for KA are cheaper and way easier to get, and produces big power and torque with a good set up and tune. SR's are lighter since the block is in aluminium and it also produces good power at higher RPM's, but less torque. They are also very reliable and efficient engines. I never had experience with RB's, but as far as I know, it aint cheap nor easy, but I love the sound and it's also a beast engine.

[Chaluska]

LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS 1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1L S1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1LS1 LS1LS1LS1

thats all

[enkei2k]

I was wanting to get an rx7 fd but realized i wouldn't have the funds to afford one right now so i want to make my s14 feel and look a lil newer. I've got about $4k and want to either do an rb25 swap or turbo the ka24. I also have to buy coilovers and i was wanting to do the s15 front end conversion. so for the money what would u think would be the better option? As in i don't know exactly how much more money i'll have to spend after i buy the motor, tranny, ecu, and wiring, but if i just buy the turbo kit i know exactly what all i'll need. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. I'm just trying to see what you all think would be the most cost efficient way of going about my s14 transformation.

thanks alot

If you want an FD, go buy an FD. If you don't have the funds to afford one right now, SAVE up and buy it later.

make your own damn decisions. :rant: