Help me pick a motor swap?

[ClutchSmoke]

Hello all, Long time lurker first time poster here

So I'm in the market for an S13 and I'm not sure if I should put a turbo on it or swap motors. My intent is to build a reliable DD with a bit more oomph than the stock KA. I've looked through the stickies, but I haven't been able to make a decision on which motor I should swap in.

I'm on a budget (not sure how much) but I still need it to be reliable. I've considered- KA24DET/ET, LS (probably LM7, LQ4, whatever else is cheap), and the VH45DE. I'm not to sure how reliable a 350hp KA-T would be. I feel like VH45DE May be on the cheaper side because I see lots of cheap Q45's on Craigslist. I may be a bit biased to the V8's, I love the sound and the powerband :D

Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

[VegasDrifterS13]

Go LSX. Reliable power, parts are at any auto stores near you, And a Guaranteed 300rwhp untouched, and 4-500 HP Easily with simple Valvetrain Upgrades and a lil headwork. Its a no brainer.

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[tauntdevil]

^ This is a good choice if you want to spend the $7k-ish for it.
Though for just doing a bit of street racing (since you didnt mention what exactly you want the car for, DD isnt a reason for power since 60whp is enough for a DD.)
Than basically a RB or SR swap would probably suit you since they are the same price as each other.

[ClutchSmoke]

Go LSX. Reliable power, parts are at any auto stores near you, And a Guaranteed 300rwhp untouched, and 4-500 HP Easily with simple Valvetrain Upgrades and a lil headwork. Its a no brainer.

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I am leaning towards an LS motor, but nobody seems to have a definite answer of what it would cost. Plus my father (who would be helping me) is a huge GM fan. The parts availability also draws me in.

^ This is a good choice if you want to spend the $7k-ish for it.
Though for just doing a bit of street racing (since you didnt mention what exactly you want the car for, DD isnt a reason for power since 60whp is enough for a DD.)
Than basically a RB or SR swap would probably suit you since they are the same price as each other.

I just want a fun DD.

I decided against an RB swap because of the parts situation, and I though they costed more? I was going to avoid SR20 because I wanted to be a little more unique, but that is hard to do on a budget.

What do you all think of the VH45? (Or VK series?)

I think 1JZ/2JZ/1UZ are out of the question too.

[AS240]

LS or JZ. You could even do a SBC.
I learned quickly to stay away from Nissan engines. After a couple RBs and endless KA problems, I'm doing a 2J build. I should have done it from the start.

[feito]

whaaaaat??? All the trolls are asleep or hammered? Damn, time to start some threads that I've been holding back...
Chose what best suits your needs.

[fliprayzin240sx]

How about starting with a fucking budget? No point of going LS1 if you're on a junkyard KA-T budget.

[VegasDrifterS13]

whaaaaat??? All the trolls are asleep or hammered? Damn, time to start some threads that I've been holding back...
Chose what best suits your needs.

I cant believe the Zilvian Trolls have not found this yet. Lol. 24hrs+ and only One so far ^^^ & he even made a good point about budget. Lol.

LS1= $6-8k Depending on motorset

1JZ = $6-8k Depending on Turbo/fuel/ecu

2JZ = $8-9k Depending on Turbo/fuel/ecu

NOW THE HUGE DIFFERENCE DESCRIPTION.

1JZ/2JZ SWAPS ARE GREAT, VERY POWERFUL, STILL TURBO SO WERE TALKIN 3500-7500RPM POWERBAND, WERE ALSO TALKIN AN EXTRA 300+LBS ON THE FRONT END, NOT THE BEST IDEA & THE PARTS SITUATION IS THE SAME AS RB/SR, THEYRE NOT EASY TO GET PARTS FOR WHEN THINGS BREAK, AND TOYOTA IS SUPER PROUD OF THEIR PARTS, NOTHING IS CHEAP AT ALL!!!!

LSX ARE VERY POWERFUL, MOST OUTTA THE BOX HOVER FROM 270HP - 425HP DEPENDING ON SIZE & MODEL, WITH A POWERBAND OF 1800-7000RPM, & DEPENDING ON THE BLOCK ITS EITHER A 50LB WEIGHT REDUCTION W/ALUMINUM BLOCK OR 35LB WEIGHT ADDITION WITH AN IRON BLOCK, NOT ONLY THAT BUT THE WEIGHT OF THE POWERPLANT IS 200LBS MOVED TO THE CENTER OF THE CAR IN THE T56 Trans.

I always say when your looking for something that works well all around, Look at the Pro's. What are they using? Just about all the cars competing are using V8's. There are DieHard Turbo Fans that will always drift turbo cars. But if you like simplicity, reliability, and steady power, V8 is the only way to go.

Point: ever seen a SR20DET go 300,000 miles without a hiccup?? Let me know when you do......

LSX's ARE RACKING UP THAT MILEAGE WITH MAYBE A FEW SPARK PLUGS AND TONS OF OIL CHANGES. I HAVE A FLEET OF VANS AND TRUCKS I WORK ON THAT ALL HAVE 200-320,000 MILES ON THEM. NOT ONE HAS EVER NEEDED ANYTHING OTHER THAN MAINTENANCE....



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[fliprayzin240sx]

^^^Shuddup, its my new years resolution...I'll probably get pissed off again in about 3 weeks and start blasting Noobs again.

Also, might wanna adjust those numbers. 1JZ and RB25 swap price wise, you're pretty much on point $6-8k. LS1 will run you more in the $8k-10k range since engine sets with T56s are pretty pricey. Average in the $3-4K range unless you reaaaaally luck out. 2JZ, will be in the $10-12k range to do right with the getrag transmission. You can shave the price by getting a JDM 2JZ off Aristos and slapping on MKIII supra tranny on it.

[feito]

^^^^it's still '13??

[fliprayzin240sx]

^^^^it's still '13??

I'm starting early... :duh:

[VegasDrifterS13]

^^^Shuddup, its my new years resolution...I'll probably get pissed off again in about 3 weeks and start blasting Noobs again.

Also, might wanna adjust those numbers. 1JZ and RB25 swap price wise, you're pretty much on point $6-8k. LS1 will run you more in the $8k-10k range since engine sets with T56s are pretty pricey. Average in the $3-4K range unless you reaaaaally luck out. 2JZ, will be in the $10-12k range to do right with the getrag transmission. You can shave the price by getting a JDM 2JZ off Aristos and slapping on MKIII supra tranny on it.

Yes. Youre Correct about the 2jz swap pricing if its a JDM Supra Engine and Getrag trans $10-12k. But Aristo 2jz & R154 Trans is only a few hundred more than a 1jz.

Also LS1 swap say $3-4k, Fueled Performance Swap Kit $3500. Say $300 on exhaust and a $500 on misc parts. Were Talkin $7-8k.

You can go Frankenstein on an LSX swap and save TONS. I have seen the swap done for $5k. Many compromises but still ended up with 340hp 322ftlbs to the ground.

OP. If you need help with sourcing any LSX stuff PM me. I can help you find everything you need. LETS GET YOU A 240 SS BUILT!!!!

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[VegasDrifterS13]

I'm starting early... :duh:

Lol. Some noobs are askin for it. Some noobs deserve it. Im amused either way, but some people are harsh....

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[simmode1]

How about starting with a fucking budget? No point of going LS1 if you're on a junkyard KA-T budget.
This.

But if you're looking to be unique... Shit, the way ppl are ditching their SR's, it's becoming rare again like 2003. Just be sure to overhaul it before you put it in. It's likely been pretty beat up by this point.

IMO... Keep it simple, stupid.

[ClutchSmoke]

How about starting with a fucking budget? No point of going LS1 if you're on a junkyard KA-T budget.

I don't have a budget yet. It looks like It'll be around 3-4k... pretty much a step up from junkyard KA-T budget :( I was thinking about finding a 5.3 or 6.0 truck motor and a 4L60e in the car because it would be cheaper... but I really like rowing through gears. Looks like VH45de would be a bad idea, LS it is. Also, I'm surprised the V8 FAQ doesn't have more info regarding non ls swaps.

edit: I forgot to factor in stuff like brakes, 5 lug swap, diff, etc. Fuck.

[VegasDrifterS13]

I don't have a budget yet. It looks like It'll be around 3-4k... pretty much a step up from junkyard KA-T budget :( I was thinking about finding a 5.3 or 6.0 truck motor and a 4L60e in the car because it would be cheaper... but I really like rowing through gears. Looks like VH45de would be a bad idea, LS it is. Also, I'm surprised the V8 FAQ doesn't have more info regarding non ls swaps.

edit: I forgot to factor in stuff like brakes, 5 lug swap, diff, etc. Fuck.

So SR20 it is. Doing the swap yourself and buying ebay FMIC, exhaust and the parts you list above, probably pull it off for $4k.

No way in hell an LS is happening for your budget. Not even with the cheapest parts out there.

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[240boi115]

why do i get the feeling that this guys car is going to be up for sale soon as an unfinished project for the same reason that almost all noobs sell their car. bought cheap shit, didnt research, and ran out of money along with their aspiration to build the car.... you people want to get a car and make it the fastest, best, and forget to enjoy the process of slowly making your car better with time... ride the shit out of your KA till she blows, this will give you more time to save for a better budget and in turn will only benefit you. research not only here but on google, and other sites (dont believe everything on the internet though, there are tons of retards), go to car meets ask about their setups and what they like about the way they did things and what they didnt like. hell find shops to and ask them too. the best tool you can use to not make your car a bucket O shit is your brain and common sense, something that seems to be quite rare now and days.

[ClutchSmoke]

why do i get the feeling that this guys car is going to be up for sale soon as an unfinished project for the same reason that almost all noobs sell their car. bought cheap shit, didnt research, and ran out of money along with their aspiration to build the car.... you people want to get a car and make it the fastest, best, and forget to enjoy the process of slowly making your car better with time... ride the shit out of your KA till she blows, this will give you more time to save for a better budget and in turn will only benefit you. research not only here but on google, and other sites (dont believe everything on the internet though, there are tons of retards), go to car meets ask about their setups and what they like about the way they did things and what they didnt like. hell find shops to and ask them too. the best tool you can use to not make your car a bucket O shit is your brain and common sense, something that seems to be quite rare now and days.

Because you're probably right? Sometimes the cold hard truth is the best eye opener. Although I'm not sure where you were going with the "you people want to get a car and make it the fastest, best..." I never said I wanted the fastest but I get your point. I already figured I'd have to keep the KA long enough to get used to the car, and build up a decent budget.

Maybe I'm not looking hard enough, but if I plan on running around 350hp should I do 300zx brakes or stock brakes with good street pads? I've been in 240s with stock brakes and they aren't very good...

apparently holley/hooker is making a swap kit now. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/hok-12654hkr/applications/ Anybody used it before?

[VegasDrifterS13]

Because you're probably right? Sometimes the cold hard truth is the best eye opener. Although I'm not sure where you were going with the "you people want to get a car and make it the fastest, best..." I never said I wanted the fastest but I get your point. I already figured I'd have to keep the KA long enough to get used to the car, and build up a decent budget.

Maybe I'm not looking hard enough, but if I plan on running around 350hp should I do 300zx brakes or stock brakes with good street pads? I've been in 240s with stock brakes and they aren't very good...

Again man, Google is your Friend. DO RESEARCH. There are a lot of members who Hate these Questions and will Roast Your Ass to no end in a thread like this.

To Be Helpful and answer your brake Question, you always want Better Brakes for a higher powered car. Z32 Brakes are a very Good setup that is inexpensive. Definitely want them on your car.

Aside from brakes, what really stops your car is your Tires. Great brakes + Bad tires = Still not stopping.

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[crewchief05]

LS1 ftw lol

[[email protected]]

Cheap and reliable: minivan vg33e + holset, with 300zx (or rwd hardbody) trans

~2k complete swap, good for around 350hp/450tq before major surgery required

+2k for custom tubular manifolds to front mount turbo etc

[240boi115]

Again man, Google is your Friend. DO RESEARCH. There are a lot of members who Hate these Questions and will Roast Your Ass to no end in a thread like this.

To Be Helpful and answer your brake Question, you always want Better Brakes for a higher powered car. Z32 Brakes are a very Good setup that is inexpensive. Definitely want them on your car.

Aside from brakes, what really stops your car is your Tires. Great brakes + Bad tires = Still not stopping.

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yes, ive seen this type of thread pop up over and over and over, and even i have been susceptible to it myself. OP if 350hp is your goal lsx is the way to go. its a good motor with anywhere between 305-402 hp stock (depending on the type of car it was in. its also great on mpg for a v8. as for the brakes if 300+ hp is your goal 300zx brakes and better is highly recommended the crappy 240 brakes wont stop your car efficiently enough