KA24DE Swap Planning Qs

[mattanonymous]

I keep going back and forth on SR and KA, but I'm leaning toward KA at the moment. Since it's not quite as well documented, I was hoping to get some of the basic info in one place.

• Engine and transmission (duh)
• Engine and transmission mounts (custom)
• Engine harness and computer (do people go with wiringspecialties just to avoid the effort of trimming and splicing or is there something else?)
• New radiator (Honda del Sol?)
• New alternator (Subaru Justy?)
• Electric engine cooling fan
• Alternator bracket (custom?)
• Pulleys (anything to do here?)
• Fuel pump for EFI (I've seen some honda pumps mentioned, but anything that can be grafted to the gas tank with enough power should work, right?)
• Fuel lines feed and return (I'm assuming these will be custom)
• Pedal assembly (240sx, does the brake pedal need to be swapped out too? how about the master cylinder?)
• Throttle cable (read something about Z31 for the SR, same for KA?)
• Exhaust manifold (original works?)
• Downpipe and rest of exhaust (custom)
• Driveshaft (assume needs to be shortened)
• Body electrics (no idea what's needed for the starter and lights and stuff. can the original wiring be used?)
• Gauges (best options?)
• Frame (KA only requires chopping for transmission mount and notch for speed sensor, right?)

What am I forgetting?

Thanks,
Matt

[Gregs672000]

Maybe I'm getting old (that's a given!) but it seems like sooo much work! I recently saw that Ted in WA State has a conversion that just needs some fixin (ECU wiring issue was it?) and Ted has too many cars... maybe it would be worth considering unless you are married to your current ride... it's already been done for you!

[fj20spl311]

Greg, you are getting old.....

[Alvin]

lots of info on the web from other chassis KA swaps (ie DATSUN 510) can be applied, save for the obvious space differences:

http://www.the510realm.com/viewtopic.php?t=12697

[Gregs672000]

Greg, you are getting old.....

Dang it, I KNEW it! Maybe it's just the weather... I'm genetically designed to hibernate in the winter... must... fight... sleep...

[fj20spl311]

WINTER? Come to San Diego, it been years since the last Winter.....LOL

[Linda]

Yes, California is made for endless projects and engine swaps because of the weather...sigh. You can feel like a gerbil on a wheel, lol
But look at back East getting hammered with "snow bombs"...
Linda

[ted heaton]

Matt,
Two items you forgot are time and money.
1000 hours and the amount of $50 bills in the pile ought to do.

Your check list is pretty complete.
Give me a call and I can go over each entry referencing my 66 KA roadster.
Concerning the frame. The KA motor needs to sit forward so the front cross member needs to be cut a bit
or the KA oil pan needs to be "shortened". Maybe newer installations have resolved this problem.
As Greg mentioned, my 66 KA is for sale.
Recent pictures/info are in the Ted Roadster Mileage Report thread.

Ted
206 707 6167

1000 hours.jpg

P1100731.JPG

[mattanonymous]

Greg, I'm 31 and looking at the list I put together made me feel like it's soooo much work too.

Alvin, I didn't even think of that. Thanks for the idea!

Ted, thanks for the additions to the list haha. Also thanks for the advice! If I wasn't on the opposite coast with a gorgeous 1600 that only needs a motor, I'd be all over your '66!

[Gregs672000]

Hey man, please forgive me if discouraged you! I started on my car at age 22 or 23 (I don't remember, I just turned 54) and have gone through many many redo's over the years, from engine building to body work/paint. I learned as I went, and all the work has been worth every drop of blood spilled, every frustrating moment followed by triumph (and being glad it is not a Triumph!). There is a huge satisfaction that comes from doing the car yourself and making it YOURS. Again, I did not mean to rob you of that potential. I think I just saw a list of things to do, I'm fighting hibernation mode (gets awful gray here in the ol PNW this time of year), and the combo spilled over onto the list. It IS important to know what you are getting yourself into, and I don't know how "in love" you are with your Roadster (though this is part of how you fall in love!), but a love for the car will get you through the tough times (like in all relationships!). We enjoy reading about swaps and projects here on 311s, and will support you in all your efforts, just like Ted offered. The KA is a good swap, excellent power, and if more is desired they can be boosted into seriously scary power monsters. If it is only power you are looking for, well, my friend Steve and I have been kicking around the idea of building a solid, turbocharged fuel injected R16. Not sure what it would cost, but by the time all the frame mods, driveshaft changes, etc etc get done it might be close to the same.

You're asking all the right questions. Do some good WRITTEN planning, have a stable place to do the work where you won't have to be moving from place to place, keep visualizing the final product and SEE yourself driving this car, stomping on the gas and grinning from ear to ear... that will help you persevere when you butt up against some issue that is taxing your patience or bank account. This swap has been done, has been very successful, and yours will be another one with good planning and patience! Onward!

[mattanonymous]

I appreciate the pep talk and tips Greg! Putting together all of the necessary components seems daunting. When I lived in Orlando 10 years ago, all of the 240sx parts were available. In fact, I probably had them as that's what I drove at the time and parted more than one of them out. Nowadays finding parts is a little harder, but I can also just fab some of the parts if needed.

I'll have to see what condition my r16 is even in. It's soaking in penetrating oil right now because it's locked up.

[Gregs672000]

Well, maybe one should consider a stroked R16 with 40 mikunis, some head porting, maybe a mild bump in compression and a decent street cam. Then there are no frame mods, no driveshaft BS, no fabbed motor mounts, stock rad, no need for high pressure fuel pumps and return lines, stock gauges, it's period correct and you can do it all yourself (other than the machine work). R16s are beautiful looking engines and they look very cool with sidedrafts hanging off them, and as noted you can get decent power (and an awesome sound) out of them. Later you could update to a U20's 5 speed or another trans (talk to Daryl for alternatives), add either the EI dizzy or one of the new programmable ones. If you ever wanted to sell it, it would still be considered "correct" or could be put back to stock, which would not be the case with the KA conversion. Not as much power and torque, but still a great engine that should motivate it quite well and give you plenty of smiles. Stroking kits are well sorted out, so no mysteries there...

[Tacoma311]

Tacomaboy says to buy his KA set-up so he can re-power.

[ted heaton]

Tacomaboy says to buy his KA set-up so he can re-power.

Tacomaboy, WHERE have you been for the last 5 years!!!
Welcome back with a new name!.
Ted.

[mattanonymous]

Tacomaboy says to buy his KA set-up so he can re-power.

Did you sign up with a new account? I just messaged you yesterday with a couple of questions. I just picked up a KA.

Might as well ask the questions here.

- Did you have to modify the frame at all?
- You mentioned you found an exhaust manifold that fit better. Was it a stock manifold? What was it from?
- Is it necessary to remove the body?
- What did you end up using for the throttle cable?
- You said you went with a '95 Maxima in tank pump and sending unit. Any regrets? Why not the Civic pump and SU?

Thanks,
Matt