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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
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Overview
The main downside of a KA swap 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.
KA24DE Nissan 240SX (S14) 154 HP @ 5400 RPM 160 lb-ft torque @ 4200 RPM
KA24DE Nissan D40 Frontier Pickup 143 HP @ 4300 RPM 160 lb-ft torque @ 4200 RPM
KA24E SOHC 140 hp @ 5600 RPM 152 ft-lb @ 4400 RPM
- Fit a front sump oil pan and use the stock Datsun 1200 crossmember.
- Nissan D21 Pickup is rear sump
- Nissan 240SX is front sump
- Fabricate custom engine mount bracket
- Fabricate custom rear transmission mount
- Use a short (26.3") transmission and 1978-1979 Datsun 510 rear axle with stock 510 driveshaft
- Good aftermarket cams are available for KA24E, but not for KA24DE. So for a stock engine, use the DE. If you plan on building it up from stock levels, use the E.
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.
RWD vs FWD Engine
KAs were popular from the mid-80s through the 2000s.
- Nissan pickups: RWD
- Nissan 240SX: RWD
- Most other Nissan cars: FWD
The difference is mainly in the cylinder head:
- FWD: Distributor at rear of engine
- RWD: Distributor similar to L-series engine
Transmission
KA uses the same bellhousing pattern as the Z-series engines. This in turn is just like the L-series engine, but straight up unlike the slant of the L. So L, Z, or KA transmissions may be used.
Use a short stumpy (26.3") transmission and H165 rear with stock A10 510 driveshaft or B310 automatic driveshaft.
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