Supercharger or Turbo?

[WillFreeZy]

S13, stock basically. KA. Which is better to go with? Turbo or Supercharger? I wanna daily it, but also have good power/reliability.

EDIT: let me edit this, cuz you guys are dbags. I have 4000 dollars I'll dedicate to upgrades. Let me be more clear on what I want. A decent amount of power. 300ish. Reliability is a must. It's my only car, I don't want it to break repeatedly. My question is: what is a better option for up front gains, reasonable cost, and decent reliability. If neither is a good option, list me some upgrades I might consider. Thank you.

[s13silvia123]

Stock............................................. .....msg Lngth

[brndck]

just throw a 300 shot of NOS on.

[jr_ss]

Flux capacitor...

[WillFreeZy]

just throw a 300 shot of NOS on. I appreciate the seriousness in your answer. I literally just wanna learn more, and get some good options.

[WillFreeZy]

Flux capacitor...

Thanks for the great honest response. I've learned so much.

[XMcEvilson]

Assuming you're 16 or something, it's easier to find and put together turbo stuff, but you're going to blewed up your KA if you buy cheap stuff

[KAT-PWR]

Nitrous is what you need

[brndck]

I appreciate the seriousness in your answer. I literally just wanna learn more, and get some good options.

1: learn to use the search button
2: google is your friend
3: literally
4: we are not here to spoon feed you.

[WillFreeZy]

1: learn to use the search button
2: google is your friend
3: literally
4: we are not here to spoon feed you.

1. I did search, couldn't find what I was looking for. You know, there's a million posts on this site.
2. I wanted to use this site, because I was under the impression that this website was for s chassis vehicles, and discussion about s chassis vehicles. I had imagined that there were some actually experienced s13 owners/workers here on zilvia.
3. Certainly
4. See #2

[RB25GUY]

with a quick search "KA turbo Thread" "KA supercharger thread"

i found these in 2 mins you sure you searched????

http://zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?t=572741&highlight=KA+turbo+thread

http://zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?t=486498&highlight=ka+supercharger+thread

[WillFreeZy]

with a quick search "KA turbo Thread" "KA supercharger thread"

i found these in 2 mins you sure you searched????

http://zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?t=572741&highlight=KA+turbo+thread

http://zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?t=486498&highlight=ka+supercharger+thread

You read the post? I clearly asked for a comparison, that takes into account my situation and my needs. You don't want this forum to have people on it right?

[WillFreeZy]

Thanks for all the help. I'll remember what a shitty site this is.

[tuzzio]

What the fuck is a reliable 240?

[mewantkouki]

Best advice would be to leave it alone and drive it. It's a 20 something year old car, it's not going to be reliable under the added stress forced induction will generate.

[5280VertDET]

Reliability is a must. It's my only car, I don't want it to break repeatedly.

Buy this:

LESS THAN $4000 Too! (https://louisville.craigslist.org/cto/5941327049.html)

[Ghostdrifter]

The key to reliability is really keeping the hp figures low. A stage 1ish turbo kit will prob be your best bet. Bottom mount manifold, t28 or similar, internal wastegate, sr20 injector, etc. I like the idea of the SC'd ka but it will require fabrication and some of the parts can be hard to find.

[1on1]

If you have $4000 to spend, I suggest buying a daily first. Once you get your daily reliable, then start dumping funds into the car.

We all know there is that time when you're working on the car, something goes wrong and you'll end up needing a part to purchase locally or wait until the part comes in.

[WillFreeZy]

The key to reliability is really keeping the hp figures low. A stage 1ish turbo kit will prob be your best bet. Bottom mount manifold, t28 or similar, internal wastegate, sr20 injector, etc. I like the idea of the SC'd ka but it will require fabrication and some of the parts can be hard to find.

I really appreciate you giving me a real and quality answer. Thank you.

[dorkidori_s13]

to the original OP... youll have to understand that Zilvia has turned into a shit talking fest, especially toward n00bs who ask simplistic questions. dont get disheartened by the ramblings of a few people that choose to reply, but heed in what older members are trying to tell you. searching is a powerful tool, especially since Zilvia has existed since the early 2000s and will 9 out of 10 times contain the answer you need if you spend more than a few moments searching.

also, if you have $4000 to dedicate to upgrades, i would highly suggest a clean, low mileage (yes they still exist) SR swap with good compression. my first SR got me thru college and lasted well there after! if you MUST keep your KA *shudders*, piece together a QUALITY turbo kit (you can still find S15 turbos brand new for roughly $900) using higher quality parts. tuning on the KA is ESSENTIAL as well! you will need to find a decent stand alone for your KA... if you want to keep the KA reliable, dont over boost the crap out of it. 10psi on an S15 turbo will be about as far as youll want to go on a stock bottom end to ensure reliability.

in all honesty though, take that $4000 and buy a daily driver, then slowly save for building your S-Chassis over a period of time. the daily driver will ENSURE that you have a reliable car to drive around in while you tinker with your S13/S14.

[WillFreeZy]

If you have $4000 to spend, I suggest buying a daily first. Once you get your daily reliable, then start dumping funds into the car.

We all know there is that time when you're working on the car, something goes wrong and you'll end up needing a part to purchase locally or wait until the part comes in.

When I said it was my only car. I meant it was MY only car. In the event something goes wrong, I have another vehicle available. I should have specified that.

[jr_ss]

Thanks for the great honest response. I've learned so much.

You're very welcome!

As suggested, please use the search function and read. Sure, there are a shit load of thread out there on all of this material, but it is a wealth of information.

There isn't a simple answer. There are many factors to consider, age and mileage of said vehicle would be the top of the list. What are your goals? You didn't supply much information, just a bland question of which route to take.

Now that you have supplied more detail, a basic KA-T is all you'll realistically be able to afford.

[FaLKoN240]

If you really searched you would've found the same info I know now.

I have an S13 KA24DET in my kouki S14. (I blew the seals of the first motor within a month of installing it)

KA-T is the normal route. I would recommend a rebuild (at least pistons with new piston w/ new rings and maybe valve guides)

Supercharger is not a good option for the small motor because there's no way to cool the charge coming in, it's not that efficient and tuning options for it are slim.

People typically use Xterra superchargers.

This information is available EVERYWHERE if you look. Seriously Google it and draw your own comparisons. This is what the other members meant when they said they don't want to spoon feed you.

[WillFreeZy]

If you really searched you would've found the same info I know now.

I have an S13 KA24DET in my kouki S14. (I blew the seals of the first motor within a month of installing it)

KA-T is the normal route. I would recommend a rebuild (at least pistons with new piston w/ new rings and maybe valve guides)

Supercharger is not a good option for the small motor because there's no way to cool the charge coming in, it's not that efficient and tuning options for it are slim.

People typically use Xterra superchargers.

This information is available EVERYWHERE if you look. Seriously Google it and draw your own comparisons. This is what the other members meant when they said they don't want to spoon feed you.

I never asked for info about the two things. My whole inquiry was about which was a better option. Do you people really think that I didn't search and read things? I asked a simple question. Only one person gave me a real answer. So much angst and attitude came from my simple question. Extremely toxic environment. I never asked how to install one or the other. I never asked what one was. I never asked for specific models, and numbers, and methods. I asked which was more appropriate for me. How am I supposed to decide if one is better than the other, without having people give me their own experiences? That's what I wanted. People to tell me how it went for them, and which one would be better. I can google search something all day until I have a phd in details. That doesn't help me know which one is more applicable to me, and what possibly could work out better. It's crazy that I use this site for what it's for, question and discussion about an s chassis, and get told to go search somewhere else. That's real great.

[Maxstyle]

I never asked for info about the two things. My whole inquiry was about which was a better option. Do you people really think that I didn't search and read things? I asked a simple question. Only one person gave me a real answer. So much angst and attitude came from my simple question. Extremely toxic environment. I never asked how to install one or the other. I never asked what one was. I never asked for specific models, and numbers, and methods. I asked which was more appropriate for me. How am I supposed to decide if one is better than the other, without having people give me their own experiences? That's what I wanted. People to tell me how it went for them, and which one would be better. I can google search something all day until I have a phd in details. That doesn't help me know which one is more applicable to me, and what possibly could work out better. It's crazy that I use this site for what it's for, question and discussion about an s chassis, and get told to go search somewhere else. That's real great.


Go turbo. It's not worth your time to try to get your hands on the supercharger kit. I tried contacting the KA24DER guy and even told him I was ready to buy and there has been no response. This guys for many other people as well. Cost or R&D to duplicate his kit will leave you with nothing in the end to do any type of ECU tuning. Right now with things like the tomei kit being almost complete, it's just easier for you to do turbo. That way if something goes wrong, you have only one company to blame and try to get things warrantied.

[FaLKoN240]

You can write wall of text all you want. Your question has been answered. Go turbo. With 4k you can rebuild your motor, get a decent manifold, turbo and tune with a z32 maf and some larger side feed injectors.

There you go.

I never asked for info about the two things. My whole inquiry was about which was a better option. Do you people really think that I didn't search and read things? I asked a simple question. Only one person gave me a real answer. So much angst and attitude came from my simple question. Extremely toxic environment. I never asked how to install one or the other. I never asked what one was. I never asked for specific models, and numbers, and methods. I asked which was more appropriate for me. How am I supposed to decide if one is better than the other, without having people give me their own experiences? That's what I wanted. People to tell me how it went for them, and which one would be better. I can google search something all day until I have a phd in details. That doesn't help me know which one is more applicable to me, and what possibly could work out better. It's crazy that I use this site for what it's for, question and discussion about an s chassis, and get told to go search somewhere else. That's real great.

[Kingtal0n]

The way I would turbo a KA:

Rear mount oil-less cartridge, automatic trans

You can go for stock engine 250hp or 500+ if you build the engine/trans. Point would be... nobody would see it coming (pop the hood and nothing there, just stock, painted black intake that sort of wraps around and disappears)

"hey where does that intake pipe go?" -> "to a cold air intake filter". Kind of true, just leave out the turbo part. "ya dont see any oil line going to the oil pan do ya? It ain't a turbo..."

[FaLKoN240]

The way I would turbo a KA:

Rear mount oil-less cartridge, automatic trans

You can go for stock engine 250hp or 500+ if you build the engine/trans. Point would be... nobody would see it coming (pop the hood and nothing there, just stock, painted black intake that sort of wraps around and disappears)

"hey where does that intake pipe go?" -> "to a cold air intake filter". Kind of true, just leave out the turbo part. "ya dont see any oil line going to the oil pan do ya? It ain't a turbo..."

Dats sneaky lol

[ehhhregartless]

When I said it was my only car. I meant it was MY only car. In the event something goes wrong, I have another vehicle available. I should have specified that.

https://media.giphy.com/media/13AjXR7pEf0Jri/giphy.gif

When you provide all the details up front you have a higher probability of getting the info you need.

Dedicate $4k to a running car that already has the power so you don't have to be a burden on anyone else.

[spooled240]

I'm a dude, medium build. 165lbs. Which is better to go with? Hamburger or burrito? I wanna eat it, but also enjoy great taste.



another huge detail...how many fucking miles does your car/engine have? is it even in the right condition to be taking air that is at a higher pressure than the air that is being inhaled/exhaled through your mouth?

[d9m13n]

Wait a little bit. The only reason I say this is that Tomei just announced a full turbo kit for the ka. This will most likely be a better route than piecing together your own kit. If you can stand waiting to bolt on a kit like that and go ka24det, I say do it. IMO, dont waste your time with superchargers. These engines can take higher boost, it doesnt make sense to limit yourself with an expensive -and not very cost effective in terms of power gain- solution. This is my 2 cents on your question. However, this forum is almost a decade and a half old. The cars are getting to be almost 3 decades old. There really arent any new questions that need answering. Please search, and do what most of us did and come to your own conclusions from researching the massive wealth of information that is held here. Zilvia is a great forum, but you wont have a good time asking questions to which there are already plenty of answers. Good luck

[brndck]

I'm a dude, medium build. 165lbs. Which is better to go with? Hamburger or burrito? I wanna eat it, but also enjoy great taste.

another huge detail...
burrito
/thread

[dorkidori_s13]

I'm a dude, medium build. 165lbs. Which is better to go with? Hamburger or burrito? I wanna eat it, but also enjoy great taste.

both, go to del taco! ;)

[jared420sx]

Buy a bmw
...

[zach3904]

I'm a dude, medium build. 165lbs. Which is better to go with? Hamburger or burrito? I wanna eat it, but also enjoy great taste.

search noob.

[kOOpA]

1. buy a daily so you're not relying on somebody else's car like a dickhead
2. stock SR20, leave it alone, plenty of fun

[dorkidori_s13]

^^ agreed!

[Jorgs_7]

If supercharging was worth it or even comparable to turbocharging a stock KA, you would see it much, much more often.

[Malik]

turbo obviously

[driftsucky]

reliable 240?
http://www.reactiongifs.com/r/bsi.gif

1) that's never going to happen. I don't know ANY PERSON that has a reliable 240/Silvia/S-chassis. I know some that break LESS. I know none that are "reliable".

It doesn't matter what kind of project car you have, it should never be your daily. If you've got 4k, use some of that to get something to kick around in like an adult. Then, you can start our journey into owning a 240. Get a swear jar. If you do your own work, invest in band-aid brand. If you're a drinker, always keep a bottle of whiskey in the trunk. It'll ease the pain when you realize what you're getting yourself into.

All that aside, I don't personally know of anyone who's ever supercharged a KA. I know they exist because of the internet, but I've never seen it. Go turbo. If you're not trying to chase down Lambos or something, you can still have a very fun "reasonably reliable" car. I mean, it'll still break at the most un-opportune times because that's what 240's do. But, it's like having a hot girlfriend that farts a lot. Eventually, you just learn to deal with it.

[spooled240]

reliable 240?


1) that's never going to happen. I don't know ANY PERSON that has a reliable 240/Silvia/S-chassis. I know some that break LESS. I know none that are "reliable".

It doesn't matter what kind of project car you have, it should never be your daily. If you've got 4k, use some of that to get something to kick around in like an adult. Then, you can start our journey into owning a 240. Get a swear jar. If you do your own work, invest in band-aid brand. If you're a drinker, always keep a bottle of whiskey in the trunk. It'll ease the pain when you realize what you're getting yourself into.

All that aside, I don't personally know of anyone who's ever supercharged a KA. I know they exist because of the internet, but I've never seen it. Go turbo. If you're not trying to chase down Lambos or something, you can still have a very fun "reasonably reliable" car. I mean, it'll still break at the most un-opportune times because that's what 240's do. But, it's like having a hot girlfriend that farts a lot. Eventually, you just learn to deal with it.

sooo...are you saying he should go with a burrito?

[dorkidori_s13]

honestly, all of my 240s have been insanely reliable... but then again, ive always taken care of them!!! i daily drove my current S13 hatch for almost 5 years with minimal problems... outside of having to replace/fix steel braided lines and random old bits here and there as i went along, my current hatch has been DAMN reliable!

now keep in mind, ive dumped close to $10,000 into the pain in the ass and shes STILL not done... and that money has gone toward very few go fast bits. most of it has been replacing broken parts, restoring damn near every aspect of the car, fixing worn out parts etc etc. there a few go fast bits here and there, but ive built everything with reliability in mind!

now, after buying a daily driver again... i would NEVER dream of owning an S-Chassis again without a daily beater seeing i dont have to worry about the S13 getting stolen, parking garages or cops eye balling me.

[dorkidori_s13]

sooo...are you saying he should go with a burrito?

how did you not catch the del taco comment... get a burrito AND a bacon cheese burger in the same place! :picardfp: lol

[lunchmeat]

The only dependable 240 I've owned was my first 97. Then again, I bought it when it was 3 years old and had 38k miles. Drove it for 9 years. Changed an o2 sensor and timing chain cover gasket. And that was after driving it 100k miles.
I don't trust the one I have now one bit after 200k miles, multiple owners, and 20 years.

[feito]

thread turning into s-chassis reliability thread in 3, 2, 1....

[lunchmeat]

Why not. It's not like it was derailed within 4 posts anyway.

If you're determined to keep the ka, go turbo. But make sure the engine is healthy first or you're gonna have a bad time.

[JM216S14]

The way I would turbo a ka24de would be as followed.

Remove the ka24de and scrap it...

Insert Sr20det and keep it stock.

[Standard]

My s13 is one of the most reliable cars I've owned. Take care of your shit properly and there's no reason it should be unreliable :)