Please help! $5000 to spend for 300HP!

[Onevia]

I have '91 240sx.  It is normal. I have $5000 to spend for the car, and I am aiming for 300-400HP range.

I came up with four plans...

1) Keep the KA24DE
2) Change to SR20DET
3) Change to VG30DETT
4) Change to RB25DET

Then I'm planning to change the exaust, intake, front pipe, computer, fuel pump, clutch, and actuator.

What's the best plan? KA is weak. VG is too heavy. SR is powerless compared to RB. So, RB might be the best engine to tune.

*I can get RB engine for about $2000, so $3000 to spend for rest.

[SaintlyCharBoy]

you were right in that the VG is too heavy, and just not worth the hassle

it is true that the SR is small compered to the rb25, but duh, .5 liters is a lot, and a lot of $$$

i would vote
1) rebuild and build the hell out of the KA
-or-
2) build a nutty sr

but i have a feeling that you want closer to 8 for an RB swap regardless of how cheap you can find the motorset

[S13FREEAAK]

I think you should just give it to me!!!

j/p I would build a sr because it would easier than the rest to do imo because of the aftermarket support. Also you would not have to rebuild it like the ka and it is easier to put in than the vg and the rb.

EDIT: gramatical errors

[240 2NR]

Most SR swaps end up costing close to $5k unless you are able to do a lot of work yourself (clutch, flywheel, fluids, install, any broken parts that need replacing, etc all add up quick).

While an RB is cheap to buy, it's hella expensive to install.  Lots of custom work required.  Though it ranks very high on the coolness category.  

On a buget of $5k I'd say reliable power from an SR or KA is the way to go.  Don't forget to save money for suspension, and brakes to go with your new go fast chassis.

[uiuc240]

since Steve got his info from me, I'll spell out where that money went:

motor w/install = $3500 (and it was a 90% good install...clean wiring under the hood...but other issues)
clutch = $350
fans = $225
intercooler = $250 (didn't come with engine...d'oh)
downpipe = $170
gauges and pod = $100
intake = $50
fuel pump = $100
fluids = $50

that's $4795 just for "stock" boost.  since then I've also added a Koyo radiator = $320, and I have other "necessary" things like an exhaust system and 300zx brakes.  

Remember, I haven't even begun to add the stuff to take me to 300hp:

550cc injectors = $500
ECU = $500-600
Z32 MAFS = $150??
FMIC = $750
turbo = $500-2000 (mine will probably be a $1500 HKS GT2835)
boost controller = $400

and then all the other stuff along the way.

So, if you do the install yourself, you save $1000.  So take the $4795, subtract $1000, then add back the other stuff.

with a good deal on the ECU and a cheap turbo (T28 off of S15), I get a new total of $6845.

Now, you tell me how else you plan on hitting 300 hp with 5 grand?  I'd like to see it done...and RELIABLE.  I could turn the boost to 25 psi on my car right now and make 300 hp ONCE.  Then it would blow up and I'd have to spend all sorts of money rebuilding it...and who wants that?

So, be realistic.  Just get the motor in and drive it for a while.  

Eric

[DSC]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (SaintlyCharBoy @ Aug. 13 2002,01:56)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">i would vote
1) rebuild and build the hell out of the KA
-or-
2) build a nutty sr</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
1) no good way to rebuild and build the hell out of the KA for less than $8k <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':('>

2) even more for a nutty sr <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':('>

man, a car is the most expensive toy i've ever bought <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blush.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':blush:'>

for the ka though, for 5k you can turbo it on stock internals and get good hp...maybe not 300rwhp, but i'd imagine you could get close. well really it depends on whether you buy new or used and how much you can do yourself. If you can't install yourself, there is no way...

buy used and install it yourself and $5k can go a long ways...

[SaintlyCharBoy]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (DSC @ Aug. 14 2002,7:22)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">[quote=
for 5k you can turbo it on stock internals and get good hp...
If you can't install yourself, there is no way...</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
ok, i was assuming (just slap me now) that when he said I'm planning on doing... that he meant that it would be diy work.

that's the way i am, i buy the tools, buy the books, and do it, sometimes i re-do it, but there is a personal satisfaction in finishing your own project

if i do an install i am gonna do it my self, it's just me

[DSC]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (SaintlyCharBoy @ Aug. 13 2002,8:35)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (DSC @ Aug. 14 2002,7:22)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">
for 5k you can turbo it on stock internals and get good hp...
If you can't install yourself, there is no way...</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
ok, i was assuming (just slap me now) that when he said I'm planning on doing... that he meant that it would be diy work.

that's the way i am, i buy the tools, buy the books, and do it, sometimes i re-do it, but there is a personal satisfaction in finishing your own project

if i do an install i am gonna do it my self, it's just me</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
based on his post, I assume he wasn't doing it himself. &nbsp;since RB and VG was in the mix and that he wanted a lot of hp for so little money. &nbsp;sounds like a "pay someone to do it" guy...but i may be reading into his post too much.

but, I'm the same way as you. &nbsp;even if i don't know what I am doing, i'm gona do it myself...and chances are (since I actually care, it being my car) it'll turn out better than if i spent the money for a pro to do it. &nbsp;so paying someone to do it saves you some time...but you spend extra money for a worse job and less personal satisfaction in your newly built monster.

[BEISSEN]

well he can get a s14 black top for

2950.00 that is shipped any where in the us
900.00 for a fmic
250.00 blow off valve
50.00-200.00 for a boost controller
400.00 for a used turbo
100.00 turbo timer
total=4650.00

now we have a sr that is running on stock interanls and at 14 psi with a t28 ball bearing s14 blacktop sr at 246 hp and 270 lbs/torque.he has a manual boost controller a fmic and a blow off valve aftermarket of course now add a bigger turbo and watch the numbers fly.This person is the civickilla240style and et 1/4 mile at 13.6@104 mph...

[SIEKER]

<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'> &nbsp;i love these types of posts! "I have X ammount of money, and i want X HP, what would you guys do?" &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'> I'd buy Maximum Boost by Corky Bell and get a clue as to what you are doing!

[SIEKER]

by the way...a lot of people (myself included) cringe when people say "The KA is weak". &nbsp;Understand the motor and it can be a potent threat when properly turboed. &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

[xhdriver]

i just have to say this...

throw 3000 bucks at a 350, then find yourself almost any chevy to put it in, add nitrous, hello 12's, atleast 300 horse, probly much more.

i love 240sx's and would not buy an american car (even though i like them)

[RedSuns]

you are going to have to spend more than 2950$ for and s14 clip.....

[uiuc240]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (BEISSEN @ Aug. 14 2002,8:45)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">well he can get a s14 black top for

2950.00 that is shipped any where in the us
900.00 for a fmic
250.00 blow off valve
50.00-200.00 for a boost controller
400.00 for a used turbo
100.00 turbo timer
total=4650.00

now we have a sr that is running on stock interanls and at 14 psi with a t28 ball bearing s14 blacktop sr at 246 hp and 270 lbs/torque.he has a manual boost controller a fmic and a blow off valve aftermarket of course now add a bigger turbo and watch the numbers fly.This person is the civickilla240style and et 1/4 mile at 13.6@104 mph...</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
how about all the other parts that i mentioned that you failed to include??? &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':angry:'>

[240 2NR]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (BEISSEN @ Aug. 14 2002,8:45)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">well he can get a s14 black top for

2950.00 that is shipped any where in the us
900.00 for a fmic
250.00 blow off valve
50.00-200.00 for a boost controller
400.00 for a used turbo
100.00 turbo timer
total=4650.00

now we have a sr that is running on stock interanls and at 14 psi with a t28 ball bearing s14 blacktop sr at 246 hp and 270 lbs/torque.he has a manual boost controller a fmic and a blow off valve aftermarket of course now add a bigger turbo and watch the numbers fly.This person is the civickilla240style and et 1/4 mile at 13.6@104 mph...</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Not to mention that you just included $400 for a used turbo to replace a used turbo. &nbsp;Helloooo? &nbsp;An S14 blacktop already comes with an S14 turbo.

[Red]

Just rebuild the KA with forged, lower the compression, and get yourself a F-Max or somone els's turbo kit. Up the boost a little and you will have an ez 300+ hp <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

Soon as I pay off my car i'm guna go for 11's in the quarter.

[uuninja]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (SIEKER @ Aug. 13 2002,10:20)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"><img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'> i love these types of posts! "I have X ammount of money, and i want X HP, what would you guys do?" <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'> I'd buy Maximum Boost by Corky Bell and get a clue as to what you are doing!</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Thank you. &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

[95silvia]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (BEISSEN @ Aug. 14 2002,8:45)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">well he can get a s14 black top for

2950.00 that is shipped any where in the us
900.00 for a fmic
250.00 blow off valve
50.00-200.00 for a boost controller
400.00 for a used turbo
100.00 turbo timer
total=4650.00

now we have a sr that is running on stock interanls and at 14 psi with a t28 ball bearing s14 blacktop sr at 246 hp and 270 lbs/torque.he has a manual boost controller a fmic and a blow off valve aftermarket of course now add a bigger turbo and watch the numbers fly.This person is the civickilla240style and et 1/4 mile at 13.6@104 mph...</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
I agree with everything above except a thing or two.

S14 SR complete engine shipped will be more than 2950, unless you have major contacts which the average Joe will not.

Secondly, I personally have a s14 sr in a 95 240 running 15lbs of boost, i maxed out my stock maf and injectors at 270hp/270tq.

Turbo is good for about 18-20 psi.

Here is a link to my site with my mods and other info if you're interested. http://web.tampabay.rr.com/hsaini

BTW, don't think about just spending money to get power, think about this, you'll need brakes to stop you with that kinda power, suspension and other minor issues that surface.

hope this helps

RINKU

[cbass]

Keep in mind, that $3000 SR may be in rough shape, and it might need a rebuild.

Build the KA, you already have it, so every dollar goes into performance and reliability. &nbsp;My 2 cents

[sr20mofo]

i have $500 dollars and i want 500hp... $1 for every 1 hp right? <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'> black top s14 for about 2900 is acheivable... just gotta know the right connecs... i would tell u my source but then i would have to kill u so it wouldnt work out <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'>

[RedSuns]

i paid 3900$ for my clip and I SWEAR TO YOU....if you gave it fuel,put a batteries in it....and hot wired the key the engine would start......the condition of the body panels were bad but i didn't care....the lowestprice i have seen for just an engine was 3200$....i would say buy three NOS kits and slam about 400horses out of you KA....then just sit back and watch it explode <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/hehe.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':hehe:'>

[obruT ES 41S 79&#39;]

to get 300hp with a KA: 250rwhp. 26x ft-lb

My example:

Used Stage 2 F-Max kit: $3,000.00
GT Spec exhaust: $600.00
Manual boost controller: $50.00
colder plugs: $5.00
Fuel: $20.00

that's it...

For me to get the car to over 300rwhp: (in my case, 318rwhp or 365 crank hp with 330ft-lb).
Nissan Motorsport cams: $380.00
HKS TwinPower: $350.00

Good luck... (Add $1,500 for new F-Max Stage 2 system).

In all honesty, cost the same to get the KA and SR to 300rwhp...

[SilviaDriver]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (BEISSEN @ Aug. 14 2002,8:45)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">well he can get a s14 black top for

2950.00 that is shipped any where in the us
900.00 for a fmic
250.00 blow off valve
50.00-200.00 for a boost controller
400.00 for a used turbo
100.00 turbo timer
total=4650.00

now we have a sr that is running on stock interanls and at 14 psi with a t28 ball bearing s14 blacktop sr at 246 hp and 270 lbs/torque.he has a manual boost controller a fmic and a blow off valve aftermarket of course now add a bigger turbo and watch the numbers fly.This person is the civickilla240style and et 1/4 mile at 13.6@104 mph...</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
man..where do u find a s14 black top for that much!?..i doubt its that cheap..ive seen it go for about 3-4gz..front clip..

[RedSuns]

he was using my swap a a reference...he was off a thousand $$$ for the clip price...

[DuffMan]

Here's how I would do it for 5000, this doesnt include shipping tax and all that crap.

2500 Red top from a trustworthy supplier
750 FMIC
200 boost controller
800 T25/T3 hybrid made from stock turbo
300 SAFC
400 Fuel injectors
50 Belts fluids and whatnot

Of course this cuts a lot of corners. No cooling upgrade, using the clutch the engine came with, stock MAFS, assuming you already have some kind of exhaust, but you could hit 300rwhp with it.

Edit forgot fuel pump and downpipe which are definitely necessary. Lets include those in the engine price, &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/lookaround.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':look:'>.

[uiuc240]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (DuffMan @ Aug. 16 2002,04:54)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Here's how I would do it for 5000, this doesnt include shipping tax and all that crap.

2500 Red top from a trustworthy supplier
750 FMIC
200 boost controller
800 T25/T3 hybrid made from stock turbo
300 SAFC
400 Fuel injectors
50 Belts fluids and whatnot

Of course this cuts a lot of corners. No cooling upgrade, using the clutch the engine came with, stock MAFS, assuming you already have some kind of exhaust, but you could hit 300rwhp with it.

Edit forgot fuel pump and downpipe which are definitely necessary. Lets include those in the engine price, <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/lookaround.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':look:'>.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Nice try, Spongebob.

And you're right that it might be able to work. &nbsp;However, something everyone seems to overlook is the fact that these engines NEVER run perfect right away. &nbsp;Mine still has issues after 8 months of owning it. &nbsp;It's reliable, but I'm still tracking down things. &nbsp;I think it would be wise for ANYONE looking to go SR or turbo to consider maintenance in the equation. &nbsp;

And like you mentioned at the end, cooling is a real issue (my OEM KA radiator would heak soak in ONE highway pull...the new one never spikes). &nbsp;Fans are important...but maybe you get lucky and get the OEM SR shroud with the motor. &nbsp;Good for you. &nbsp;And the SR clutch isn't going to last with 300 hp. &nbsp;If you don't pay for a new clutch at first, you're going to buy another one soon. &nbsp;That's the way it is. &nbsp;So what difference does it make if you pay $8000 now or $8000 later?? &nbsp;It's still $8000. &nbsp;Just save up and do it right.

Or, do the logical route and drive around stock for a while while working out the bugs and getting used to boosting in corners. &nbsp;Let me tell you, 10 psi in 3rd on an on-ramp can be SCARY. &nbsp;I did that after a rainstorm and ended up in the grass. &nbsp;The tail came around like nobody's business. &nbsp;I caught it, but still ended up with two tires in the soft shoulder &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':crazy:'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':crazy:'>

So, to the guy who started this thread. &nbsp;Forget your plans. &nbsp;Keep it simple for now. &nbsp;

Eric

[BEISSEN]

ok i am sorry but i ment a s13 black top johanthan is right it is about a 1g more for a s14 blacktop.I was dreaming of a s14 and trying to say s13 blacktop sorry.My bad.....

[DuffMan]

Fans: Mid 90's Chrysler Concorde 3.5 dual fan from junk yard, ~ $20

<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>

[uiuc240]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (DuffMan @ Aug. 16 2002,3:19)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Fans: Mid 90's Chrysler Concorde 3.5 dual fan from junk yard, ~ $20

<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'></td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
don't forget a couple rolls of duct tape at $4 a piece. &nbsp;hehehe.

<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

Eric

[ca18guy]

It might not be as hard as everyone thinks, if he just wants the goal of 300HP for $5000. If he can do the work himself here is a list of things.

VG30ET- $500
Parts sourced from junkyard for install (ecu-etc)- $300
Driveshaft mod- $100?
T04 turbo- $700
Intercooler- $600
boost controller- $300
BOV- $200
Intake- $30
JWT ECU- $650
Custom Exhaust- $800?
That makes an estimate of - $4180

Leaves you with $900~ to work with and you can source alot of those extra parts for cheaper.

[sileighty]

if you want a lot of speed for 5000 you should get a r6