Revision as of 19:31, 9 November 2008
At 2.4 liters, the KA24E or KA24DE engine is the largest Nissan 4-cylinder engine. In many countries, it is readily available and inexpensive coming out of Nissan pickups. It will make a Datsun 1200 into a quick accelerator.
KA24E in Datsun 1200 = 14.0 second 1/4 mile
The main downside is that it is fairly heavy -- as heavy as an L-series engine (the KA24 is based on the L-series engines). One or two club members have swapped this into their 1200s with good success, reporting 14.0 second 1/4s with a stock motor (http://datsun1200.com/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=6248&forum=2). Reportedly, a stock KA24DE can handle a fair amount of turbocharger boost, but not as much and doesn't rev as high as the SR20DET or CA18DET. So it's a good engine for street use, but the others may be better for high-dollar supercar buildups.
There isn't much information on this swap into 1200s, so here are some links to 510 swap information:
Datsuns.com 510 swap info
In stock form [the KA24] produces a large amount of power and impressive torque compared to the L-series motor. It would take a very carefully built L-series motor to equal the power and torque of the KA24. It has a very fair redline and will easily spin the tires in lower gears. If you are converting from the average L20b with mikuni's or built L16/L18 you will be happily surprised.