ok, so today... I did some valve work.

Got the top end quieted up all nice and happy... and now I hear the rodknock.

So, here is my question.

I have a Nissan KA24DE sitting here and was wondering if anyone had put one in a 280zx. The reasoning behind this is that if I put it in for now, I can, later in the future, purchase a mount kit and BAM... RB##DET.

^^ just because its funny right now...

 

an L series engine is an engine i would use to put in other cars, not put other engines in its place.

i say fix the rod knock

 

Here is my logic..
L28e - 135 hp (101 kW) (1975 to 1980), Inline 6, gas mileage... nicht so gut
KA24DE - 155 hp (112 kW) , 4 banger, I know the engine inside and out, parts are everywhere, both stock and performance. Easily replaceable with anything from a SR20 to an RB##... oh, and gas mileage... much better then an 29 y/o inline 6...

 

iv seen a ka in a z before. what are you truly asking? yes it can be done but why. if your looking for approval why do you care what we think? getting good gas mileage is pretty easy if you have a properly running engine and driving it right. i have a 84 ranger 4x4 with a v6/4speed. i drive like a old man in that truck and i get the same mileage i do in my 4banger eclipse. the truck is a FORD >_< but its faithful

 

Wow, relax... I am not looking for your approval or your praises...
And the motor is not anywhere near running right.
I was told otherwise when I bought the car, but alas it is not true.

"wondering if anyone had put one in a 280zx"

Indicates that I am trying to hear about any known issues or difficulties.
The install and fabrication can be done. Just trying to prepare before I rip apart my car.

 

im not stressing over anything. a) its not my car b) its not my money. if you are certain you want the ka in your zx then do it by all means. try looking over on hybrid for the write ups. im not trying to flame you by all means. but if you have a rod knock why not just get another l28 block. they are pretty plentiful. im just saying if you are planing on a rb or sr why sink money in a ka when your money can be used in a better place.

 

I actually saw a KA24DET installed in an early 260Z and it was interesting. It was making good power and was set quite a bit back in the engine bay improving the weight distribution.

 

Not sinking money is what I am planning.
I have a KA... chilling at my shop.
The only other L2#'s I can find locally are retard overpriced.
So for free, I can put a KA in and prep for something else.

Thanks for mentioning Hybrid, I'll check there for more information.

 

throwing the 4 banger in will improve weight distribution like lww stated. iv seen a turbo ka make some nice numbers. it runs the sr for its money. its a great little engine. finding parts for the ka are pretty easy in the US. gonna have to fab up a cross member and tranny member. then you will need a driveshaft made. then the electronics to go with the ka. i dont know if you want to keep the stock ecu and wiring or go stright to megasquirt. i think it will be a great setup just at some point money thrown somewhere.

 

yeah a few people have put in those over at hybridz.

 

one guy at hybridz has 450-500 hp in his ka. thing sounds funny when it drives, but holy crap it goes fast. not to mention that the ka is lighter than the L series.

 

Cool, thanks guys.

Looks like I am gonna be making a trip to the driveshaft shop.

I figure I'll do a few days of work on the KA, then drop it in this weekend.

Gonna see if I can put the 240 gauges in the dash somehow. May try to take the gauges themselves out and swap them into a 280 cluster.

Will keep you posted

 

take lotsa pix along the way for insurance and for us!! custom stuff is always cool.