sorry if this is a repost at all but here we go. i was looking around the internet and found these interesting facts about the ka and sr.
Displacement
ka: 2,388 cc Bore/Stroke: 89mmx96mm
sr: 1,998 cc Bore/Stroke: 86mmx86mm
verdict: While the SR20 has a box design and can handle higher RPM, the KA boasts a huge difference in displacement. You would have to stroke and bore an SR motor to its limit to match the same displacement as a stock KA.
block
ka: Cast Iron Block
sr: Aluminum Block
verdict: The SR wins out when it comes to weight. But since we are only concerned about power, the KA block is more rigid for our purpose. We won’t have to re-sleeve our block as we would with an SR.
internals
ka: Cast Aluminum Piston, Steel Rod
sr: Cast Aluminum Piston, Steel Rod
verdict: Not much difference in this department when talking about big power. With either engine, you would have to switch to a forged piston and billet rod to handle any serious amount of boost.(that surprised you didnt it)
head
ka: Shim over bucket
sr: Rocker arm
verdict: The SR can spin some RPM but is notorious for breaking rocker arms at high RPM conditions. The KA utilizes a shim-over-bucket design, eliminating the risk of rocker arm failure.
timing
ka: Standard Cam timing
sr: Variable Cam Timing
verdict: VTC is a great way to make power, but there aren’t really that many choices when it comes to VTC-compliant cams. The SR wins when it comes to this feature. But since most tuners use non VTC cams, it’s not by much.
ingnition
ka: distributor
sr: coil pack
verdict: The KA’s distributor design is a simple and reliable way of transmitting spark to the engine. But the coil pack design of the SR conducts a stronger, more responsive spark. Since we will be using a stand-alone ECU, we have the ability to integrate a coil pack system into our KA.
boost
ka: Naturally Aspirated (N/A)
sr: turbo
verdict: Alright, this is the deal breaker. Sure there is no replacement for displacement, but when you add forced induction into the equation, all bets are off. This is the core of the power behind the SR. Our KA will be addressing this with an HKS T51R SPL turbo.
so if you got the money go ka.
http://www.importtuner.com/tech/impp_0907_nissan_ka24de_motor_build/index.html