I have to ask...

I read through all the info for newbies but I'm still a little unsure.
I'm not trying to start an engine debate--I REPEAT I'M NOT TRYING TO START AN ENGINE DEBATE! I'm in the process of trying to find an 240SX, and will have some extra $ left over after. I will be mainly driving it around town, although I would like to take some performance driving classes and go from there.
Here are my options:

1. Replace the KA with an RB25DET. I'm assuming it will run me in the neighborhood of $8000 (give or take 1000)

2. Keep the KA and turbo it. Found a kit for around $5000(claims to produce 325-350 hp) Then spend the remaining on suspension upgrades, or whatever else is needed.

The question is not which is better, but which is better for me. I want to do it right the first time. Do you all think I will be that much happier spending the extra $ on the RB or not. I'm just trying to make an informed decision and you guys seem to know what's up in this department.

SORRY IF THIS IS ANSWERING A QUESTION THAT'S ALREADY BEEN ASKED IN THE PAST!

THANKX-

If Getting A 97-98 240 Then Stay With The Ka Because You Are Going To Go Through Hell With Az Emissions Otherwise. I Could Help You With The Rb25 And Save You A Bit Of Money On It.

not with much knowledgable experience under my belt on the rb25, i have heard very very good things about turbo'd ka's, save yourself the money and stick with an engine you have, turbo it. though, that being an opinion, what is best for you i am not sure. a daily driver? go with the ka BECAUSE you can maintain it much easier, there are more places around to handle a ka with turbo than would know what to do with a rb25 lol. though if that is not something you're concerned about, an rb25 may be good. DUNNO i personally though would turbo the ka

good luck!

what year 240sx by the way?

it all depends on what you want man

ka-t is a fickle setup as far as ive heard, not that its not aweomely powerful, but you HAVE to know what your doing and your fuel has to be right, or kaboom. at least thats what ive heard

rb25det is turbo stock, so its not as moody if you want to call it that lol, you really can't go wrong until you start upping the boost to where it shouldn't be without the proper supporting mods...

rb25 is an inline 6, who doesn't want that, ka is a rough 4 banger, but here its got gobs of torque when turboed... so its all in what you want, not what other people think is right lol

and rb's are getting popular, so i doubt parts are going to be a problem, i don't think they are now. and a motor is a motor, a good mechanic can work on anything ... just because its from japan doesn't make it any different than any other turbo motor

basically, if your looking for something you arne't going to have to deal with, and never have any problems be it small or big, just go buy a new car with power, 240's are projects and they are ongoing projects... its something you should enjoy or jump off the bandwagon lol ;)

just have fun spending your money :) i can't wait to have the money to get my rb25.

just cause you can work on one engine doesn't mean you know how to work on all engines. They all have meticulous designs and ways to put them on. Different Tq specs, different order of taking things apart. And im willing to bet 98% of normal shops will have no literature about a RB engine at all, never seen one before, and will have no idea what to do with it lol.

Where'd you find the turbo kit? Is it for the SOHC or DOHC? Intercooled? Just wondering about it cuz I was thinking about doing the same to my car :D Anyway... you should be safe, just don't go crazy with the boost unless you get low compression pistons or something. Theres a dude on the board that has a great KA-T... it's on a 95 or somethin. He goes by TatII .. check out his posts on this subject. It's a shame to just let go of a great motor, maybe you'd be able to get a KA-T long enough to save for the RB25 if you want to upgrade along the line. Oh, getting an engine rebuild is often recommended before going turbo.. no explanation necessary ;)

i doubt they have info on it as well lol, but rb25 fsm's shouldn't be that hard to get from australia or something... who knows

Where'd you find the turbo kit? Is it for the SOHC or DOHC? Intercooled? Just wondering about it cuz I was thinking about doing the same to my car :D Anyway... you should be safe, just don't go crazy with the boost unless you get low compression pistons or something. Theres a dude on the board that has a great KA-T... it's on a 95 or somethin. He goes by TatII .. check out his posts on this subject. It's a shame to just let go of a great motor, maybe you'd be able to get a KA-T long enough to save for the RB25 if you want to upgrade along the line. Oh, getting an engine rebuild is often recommended before going turbo.. no explanation necessary ;)


Try this link http://www.i-m-racing.com/fmaxturkitfo2.html

Let me know what you think of it.

Looks sweet.. might want to check the reputation of that company. Try looking at www.realnissan.com which is run by a bunch of 240 guys. I think they have a better offer and they can back some of their stuff with a warranty. Don't know of anybody with experience with either though. Good luck!

if you're a newbie like me, aim for a bolt-on, like greddy or xs. dont hurt me if i'm wrong ='(

5000 seems like a lot for a turbo kit, seems to me that 5 Gs could get you most of the RB swap and the RB has more potential further down the line, 325-350 HP out of a KA-T is also a lot, and from what I have read it seems to be getting into the limits of the 2.4, so if I were you I think I would go for the rb25, more displacement, more cylinders, stronger internals, the works,

From my research turboing the KA comes down to the condition of it all when you start, if its a low mileage engine that hasnt been driven hard and put away wet then you have a good start, they already have semi low compression ratios, and being a "truck engine" they also have pretty good bottom ends,

in that price range looking solely at performance I think the RB would be the way to go, but if you have tuff inspections the KA would be the best bet just in case you need to put it all back to stock in order to pass smog.

it depends if you want to go fast in a straight line or if you want a quick car around the turns.

the KA is lighter. weight is the enemy.

no no get the RB

then ship your KA to me...

lol

Does anybody even know if the RB's weight difference SIGNIFICANTLY alters handling capabilities? jeeeeeeeeeeeeez

Rb25, Yes It Does. The Rb25 Is Significant Enough To Drop The Front End At Least .5", The Rb20 Has No Change In Ride Height. But The Turbo Ka Is Going To Have Almost As Much Added Weight As The Rb20 When Said And Done.