Okay, could someone set me straight. Some people say the pistons are the downfall of the KA. Some say it is the compression. Some say its the rings. Can some one let me know.

Also rods...... forged? Where do you find that out? And i don't mean hearsay. Actual paperwork.

thanks

 

i found that out from a lot of hearsay so...................... take it for what its worth, but i am pretty sure they are!

 

OK, let me give my 2 cents:

Turboing the KA is a great idea. The SR vs KA thing really all depends on your personal preferences and your situation (financially). After tons of research and analysis, going KA-T was just the best choice for me and I suppose the same applies to u.

To clear things up, the pistons are definitely the weakest point of the motor. The rods are actually pretty capable.

I suggest that u do a lot of research, talk face to face with experienced people, and see turbo applications before u begin touching your car. Once u understand the ins and outs of turbocharging a vehicle, u will be ready. Simply having an idea is not enough. U need to know the pros and cons of your vehicle.

The KA is a high compression motor that can produce lots of power at low boost. Getting low comp pistons or adding a thicker head gasket will not make the car more powerful, it will only allow u to raise the boost level. U must remember that the lower the compression, the less power u get but the higher u can boost which compensates for the less power. In turn, the higher compression would compensate for the lower boost. For example, a low compression KA will make the same power at higher boost levels as a high compression KA would make at lower boost levels.
I do not suggest going over 12 pounds on a stock KA.
If u are a boost fiend and u have an itch for raising the boost levels, then get the thick head gasket or better off, get low comp pistons. I dont mind the low boost so I wont be getting the low comp pistons. I will however, eventually get forged pistons to ensure that my motor remains reliable while handling the high stresses imposed on it by forced induction.

Someone suggested just slapping on some bolt ons to have a basic kit. I do not suggest this at all. what about proper fuel managment (CRTITICAL!!!)? If u are going to do it, do it right. First have a goal of how much power u would like to make and what kind of drivability u want. Then select a turbocharger that can meet those needs. Most people go with a T3, or T3/T4 because those are the most popular, affordable, and efficient turbos for making power and maintaining high streetability.
I bought an internally wastegated T3. My goal is to make 300 rwhp at no more than 12 pounds. I also plan to have excellent streetability (quick spool up and power delivery) as I keep it between 5-7 pounds for daily driving (250hp daily driver- pretty sweet).

U know what, I can go on forever, I will just stop here and if u have any questions, please ask and I do my best to answer them.

 

hey. just wondering. how much did it cost you to turbo your car. and are you happy with it? thanks

 

I must have forgot to mention that I am not done turboing my car yet. I, like most of u, am on a budget so I am still piecing together my kit. I do not intend on spending any more than $2300 on the entire process. And NO this will not be some rinky dink ghetto kit. It will be a quality kit that is show material. The low figure is mostly because I, along with a friend, will be doing all the work and I know how to shop for my parts and get the best deals.
I have listed and calculated everything needed several times and I should be able to meet my goals.
My plans got kinda set back because of a tranny problem (synchros went bad) so this past weekend I had to go buy a new tranny. I took this opportunity to order my dope *** clutch kit (3-puck). I might also lighten my stock flywheel then get it strengthened to ensure structural integrity. People often forget to add a high performance clutch (essential drivetrain mod) to their mod list when turbocharging. It would really suck to shatter your clutch because of its insufficient power handling capability.

Anyways, if u wanna compare lists, prices, and/or have more questions, shoot

 

What are you using for fuel management? That is pretty cheap.


Thanks for the help.



Driftin RPS13 i appreciate the insight. I was just wondering if anyone knew where to find that info out. I wasn't tring to insult you. Thanks

 

For fuel manangement, I'm using the E-Manage. Its a great unit (very capable, tunable, user friendly and affordable). This, of course, will be paired up with SR20 370cc injectors and a walbro fuel pump.

 

its cool!

and if u want some help here is the list i came up with, i priced it to less than his kit

New Motor $200(bought)
T3/t4 Turbo $???
Z31 Driveshaft and R200 Rear end $60(friend)
I/C Core $200(ebay)
Custom Exhaust Manifold & down pipe ~$150(just piping/ friend is bending and welding it for me)
I/C Piping $???
GReddy Turbo Timer $75(ebay)
AC Tech S7 3D El glow TURBO BOOST Race Gauge $40(ebay)
EGT Gauge $100(ebay)
Fuel Pressure Gauge(ebay) $30(ebay)
AC Tech S7 El 3D glow OIL PRESSURE Gauge $45(ebay)
Adjustable Single Electric Fan Thermostat Kit $30(heavy throttle)
GReddy Type S BOV $164(ebay)
Apex-i S-AFC II $275(ebay)
GReddy PROfec B Spec II Boost Controller $245(ebay)
South Bend TZ series Clutch Kit $265(horsepowerfreaks.com)
370cc injectors $80shipped(bought/net)
WalbroFuel Pump $85(ebay)(bought)

as u can see i am jsut begining lol, i got three parts bought and a bunch to go lol, i am hoping to finish with out spending more then 1500 more, but i think ill have to go over with the turbo unless i jsut pick up a T3 from the junkyard for now

 

man that is cool....The stand alone system i want (TEC3) is more than 2300 .. ....you sure do love ebay.

my pockets are shollow right now. I am tring to buy a house. It is gonna take me longer to do my project than i expected. I guess that give me time to find the best prices. I wish i could afford an RB25.


thanks again for the help

 

Directed to DriftinRPS13:
Thats a nice little list u got there. It's missing a few things but its nearly complete. And I definitely admire your budget. Thats a great job you've done with the prices. I assume that you will spend just about the same as I'm spending. I don't know if i could live without Ebay.
That turbo manifold price is amazing and the price includes fabbing the downpipe-Wow! I'm curious to see how it will turn out (sounds pretty homemade sloppy to me but good luck with it). Man u listed damn near every little electronic quizmo u could get. My list is not so aboundant with those electronics.

By the way, how many miles are on the new motor u bought. I thought about getting one too but it would be a waste to get rid of my 88K motor.

 

i got a motor with 85k on it

and please if im missing something let me no what it is!!!

also the piping will be home made, but far from sloppy!!!! my friend is really really good with fabing (try putting a FMIC on a stratus!!!!!! and have iot still look good!!!!) and he knows what he is doing as he has done it before on a s14 hehe so i am very fourtunate to have a good source!!!!!

 

Fabing IC piping and a downpipe is not as hard as custom fabing a reliable manifold-one that will not leak or crack and still look good. I assume u guys will be fabing a log manifold. A equal length tubular one looks awesome but is ten times harder to fab.

Man, your list actually looks more complete than I previously thought. The only things that I can think of that u are missing are Oil feed and return lines, end tanks for the IC, and possibly and external wastegate if u dont go with an internally wategated turbo. I assume that u already have a large enough exhaust system including a high flow cat or test pipe to ensure maximum flow.

I'm glad u have a friend who can be such a HUGE help and cost saver/reducer. I also have a friend who can weld and get good deals on the piping. Paying for labor sucks.

Hey Driftin, arent we talkin about KA-Ts here. I just checked out your cardomain page and u're talkin about doin an SR swap. What's the deal?

 

yeah, i was actualy planning of just getting a turbo with a internal wastegate to start of with and then later get an external, but i am starting to think il add the ex. in the initial budget

and the oil lines i didnt put cuase i didnt think they would be that expencive(a couple bux for lines right) so i jsut negleglected them

the I/C core will come with end tanks

and the test pipe is included with the dp and i have a GT-Spec exhaust which most of u no is WAY more than enough

 

Actually u'd be surprised how much those lines cost. Most would think that its just a couple of bucks but remember, theses are ss braided lines. They will run you about $90.

 

Making you own exhaust manifold isn't that difficult it just takes time and patience. Driftin RPS13 make sure your buddy or you does some research (it seems like you do) because the proper exhaust manifold will help your turbo spool faster and increase the life of the turbo. Here's a pic of a manifold i made for a SAE formula car.