Not sure if anyone did that but I am planning on doind a complete rebuild of a ka24de next winter. What I mean when I say a complete rebuilt is that I am going to change(upgrade), clean components from my engine. I won't go KA-T in a near futur nor SR20, I simply want a clean, mean engine that will go near ~180-200hp. I am pretty sure that it's reachable without to much trouble. I only need some tip & tricks for the rebuilds: where to start what to do first, best parts to replace, things like that. I have some good reference for some of the things I want to do but not all. Fell free to tell me some advice and what you think. Thx
Greg, I don’t think this needs to be locked yet as I’m sure there will be others with the same question.
If a lot of good info is brought up in this thread we I will move it over to FAQ and How to section.
As Greg said, www.ka-t.org is a good reference if you plan on turboing your car in the future.
If not, some basics you would want to do are:
head gasket and bolts
check motor mounts
timing chain
high comp pistons if going n/a
rods if you plan on high hp
piston rings
port and polish
wrist pins
main bearings
upgraded cams
etc.
I’m sure I’m missing a few things… anyways, people can add to it.
~180-200hp, not whp. I will for sure get gaskets. If any other ideas, post them. high compression piston would be around what price ? I have search the forum on rebulding the KA and found some things but I would want a complete how to that can be used be others also because I am sure I am not the only one thinking of doing this.Thx
that is a great company, very helpful customer service and pretty quick delivery of parts.
I ordered my sr pistons from them and they just came in today. They have some great deals!
Along with the things phil has mentioned you may also consider shaving the head and adding a big gead gasket, i have heard good things from honda owners who have doen this.
Right now you probably have less than stock hp depending on the condition of your engine, so it will bring you closer to stock hp, if you want n/a power gains I would recommend the 10.5 to 1 comp. pistons since they would yield the best results.
I can’t give you an exact figure since I will be going with lower compression pistons when I rebuild my ka…
I would have the entire rotating assembly balanced, and for assembly have it brought to zero deck. If you decide to with a small overbore (recommended) have the machine shop bore to the piston. Some places will bore to spec, which will hurt the motor. Basically they would caluclate the bore of the KA, and just go 0.020 over that number. If they take a micrometer measurement of the actual piston, you will get a much better seal.
I would also recommend Import Performance Parts. I’ve dealt with them in the past, and know other people who also have good things to say.
With cams … in all honesty, I’d look into regrinds. Colt Cams in Langley can probably help you out. http://www.coltcams.com The cams I’ve seen for the KA aren’t very aggressive at all, and ludicrously expensive.
You’re still looking for almost 50hp over stock. Out of an NA 4 cylinder, that’s a pretty tall order, especially if you want to keep it emissions-legal.
An ECU upgrade would definitely be on the order. Something with more aggressive timing and fuel, rev limiter and speed cut disabled.
JWT has one, but I’ve heard a lot of negative things about JWT from Z32 guys. I’m not going to say I agree with them, it’s just hearsay.
If you discard emissions control … you’ll be almost to that number with an exhaust and intake LOL