I have an 89 coupe with the single cam engine but i want to swap in a dual cam engine. It just occured to me to ask if it would be cheaper to just buy the dual cam head at a scrap yard and keep my bottom end. I know that they are both KA24's but what is the difference between the blocks? Also would i need the new ecu or could i stick with the old ecu. Another question is, whatever block i get I'm getting it machined and sleeved, but my stock SOC block is already at 202,000 miles. Would it be worth it to do that much work on a block that has already taken alot of punishment or would the machine work make the block new once again?

 

No it's not worth it. Lots of people are swapping out those engines, my SOHC blew a head gasket so I picked up a DOHC entire engine trans harness and computer, with mafs and coil for $250. It 's in and runs great, and will give me time to prep the RB20 so I don't have to hurry putting it in. 202,000 is past the expected life of that engine anyway don't put $1 into that.

 

I'm still moving forward with the DOC ka swap but I need to know what to purchase with the engine. Is the ecu necessary? what about the trans? What type of stuff do i need to pass emissions???

 

Get the engine, complete harness, MAFS, and ECU, usually these can be found cheap and very complete because the whole thing comes out when you install a SR swap. Your exhaust and downpipe will bolt up so use your stock cat or existing exhuast. ECU and MAFS are different make sure you get them.