New to 240's S13 first try hopefully.
 

Hey guys, this is my first import. I've been into minitrucks for a long time now but lately i've been really getting bit in the ass by the import bug. Posted my truck on Mautofied and I had an offer for a 90 240SX. Car is a hatch with SOHC KA24DE with an auto trans but comes with a DOHC KA24DE and 5spd with most of the stuff to do the swap. Question is, what do you guys think about the SOHC to DOHC swap? This WILL be a daily car with hopefully some mild look-good and go-fast parts. I'll take my hand at drifting at the new events they have at the new track up the road from my house so it'll probably get some good adjustment parts to the steering/suspension but nothing harsh that's made for racing. Can you guys give recommendations for suspension/steering mods? I haven't really had much time to do any real hardcore research but I will.

Thanks alot guys. -Josh

both engines have their benefits but the sohc lacks 2 things which i consider as the most important things to consider. stock the de has 15hp or so more than the sohc, depending on what you're shooting for, 15hp may not be a big deal. secondly, there's the lack of aftermarket parts for the sohc. there are some but not many to choose from really.

with that said, i still prefer the sohc.

Well, being that this car will always be a KA motor (maybe one day turbo), I will take into consideration the aftermarket advantages and the 15HP extra (being that I'm used to driving a truck with only 135HP on tap). I don't want a 300HP car here, I just eventually would like to be able to see 250HP NA. Am I asking too much?

many will tell you that a 250hp na ka is not cost efficient.

You could also go the route of doing a motor swap. If you are considering 250 HP, this is easily reached with an SR20DET or RB20DET, RB25DET, or the RB26DETT swap.

If you really are considering drifting, I recommend an LSD and Basic Coil-overs to get you started. You dont need power to learn to drift.

I guess 250HP is a bit of an overshot. I dont really want to do a different swap. An LSD and Coil-Overs will be in order but what would be a good set of coils that would ride good with good adjustability.

Tein basics are pretty good and cheap. They have adjustable ride height, and camber. I have tein super drifts. Adjustable height, pre-load, camber, and dampening.

Did you give almost 1,700 for them? Where is a good site to look for 240 parts?

I actually got them for $1500

http://www.enjukuracing.com/

http://www.240sxmotoring.com/

Those are a couple. What parts are you trying to buy?

Nothing right now, I'm just looking at pricing and parts. I don't even have the car yet. The guy is still deciding on if he wants to do it. I think I may stay with the KA24E and possibly sell the KA24DE. I did some reading and I don't like the fact that I won't be able to run 87 octane in the car without problems of knock and ping. Also don't like the fact of the knock sensor. Like I said, this car will be a daily driver so gas mileage and dependability is a huge factor. I plan on small mods like true cold air intake, full exhaust(manifold, hi-flo cat, and pipe), maybe some port/polish, and a good bit of suspension mods.

I run regular in my NA 240.

So you don't think I'll have a problem with any of that? If so I'll go ahead and do the KA24DE swap when I do the 5spd swap.

Hey man..Do the DE swap..it'll be worth it..Much more aftermarket support for that motor..and the 5-speed swap will be easier with the motor out because, you can sit in the bay and drill the holes for the Clutch MC, etc etc...get the trans bolted up before its even in the car..

It is a pretty common swap. Just do a little reading before you decide which route you want to go. There are plenty of write ups about it.

I'm doing as much reading as possible. I'm looking at a few cars now and the guy that has the car with the KA24E w/ DE&5spd swap hasn't called me back... So who knows?