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dream manual 1977 620 KC engine swap?


L.KAT

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Looking at a possible engine swap-

 

wishlist:

 

light-med towing capacity (think teardrop camper)

good pickup/acceleration/power

reliability

simplicity/ease of working on

 

what would typically fit a manual 4speed 1977 620 King Cab bay within these parameters and what would you best recommend?

 

 

 

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Get a sbc and drop in there

 

I think all the 620s are only rated for 1ton usage, could be wrong though. Don't know how much your trailer weighs either.

 

Possibly a built l20b could handle it. Or you could go vg30/33 like I think yello620 has done and someone is in the process of doing

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Looking at a possible engine swap-

 

wishlist:

 

light-med towing capacity (think teardrop camper)

good pickup/acceleration/power

reliability

simplicity/ease of working on

 

what would typically fit a manual 4speed 1977 620 King Cab bay within these parameters and what would you best recommend?

 

Fit your 4 speed? Only another L 4 cylinder but the larger L20B, like what's in there is the best bet. Hands down the easiest to work on and can be fixed by a Neanderthal. (no offense)

 

If your are asking for an engine other than an L20B then a later KA24E or KA24DE, but the complexity goes up exponentially. You would need to convert the electronics to EFI, new high pressure fuel pump, matching transmission (yours won't work with a KA) drive shaft shortened, trans mount modded, exhaust mods, engine mounts modded, new rad, throttle cable,  convert to internal regulated alternator.... plus you have to find a good running KA or rebuild one.

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Any swap other then an L series will involve more complexity.

 

The stock L20B will meet all your needs other then good pickup/acceleration/ power

 

An L20B is only around 110 HP

 

KA24 is around 145-165 HP

 

A VG30-VG33 is around 165-185 HP

 

The KA is probably the best bet for more pickup and decent mileage and easy to work on. Should have plenty of torque for your towing needs.

 

I have a 1995 Nissan D21 hardbody pickup with a KA24E and it tows lots of stuff. I have towed a 2800# Datsun 280ZX and other small car on my tow dolly, my GF's Aliner Popup trailer (1500#) a small harbor freight utility trailer, etc.

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I also own a 1977 620 KC and would love to have a more modern engine in it. (But mine is way too original to mess with)

 

But since this is a dream swap, I'd like to do a NISSAN VQ swap. Plenty of power.

 

Keep in mind about upgrading the brakes too. 77's still had drum brakes up front that are barely sufficient for the stock engine.

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The drum brakes are ok when adjusted. This is a problem with drum brakes, they need adjusting, thus most of the time they are not ok..

Yes and they are a pain to get them balanced properly so they don't pull when braking. If the truck is not going to be kept original, a disc upgrade in the front is highly recommended.

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4.3 chevy is a good option if you don't mind the hate mail you may receive, powerbyace.com make a really good kit to install it and all you have to do is clearance the firewall and tunnel with the 5# hammer. and drill a few holes. not sure about the exhaust manifolds yet but it looks like they will clear fine.

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For the least expense and down time, you can get 150 hp from an L20b easily plus install a 280Z 5-speed for better gearing.  Quick, simple, Nissan, and you get what you want.

 

 

 


Please do tell. I'd like to know how to add 40hp for cheap.

 

Can't be done. Cheaply or easily.

 

Also the 280z 5 speed is identical to the '77-'78 620 5 speed but probably you will be charged more for it because /it's from a Z car'. Get the 620 or the 810/Maxima 5 speed... same thing for less.

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Can't be done. Cheaply or easily.

 

Also the 280z 5 speed is identical to the '77-'78 620 5 speed but probably you will be charged more for it because /it's from a Z car'. Get the 620 or the 810/Maxima 5 speed... same thing for less.

I kinda knew that Mike. I'm just an old dog wondering if there are any new tricks. Getting an extra 30-40% out of an engine is neither cheap nor easy and in most cases, not reliable either.

 

Even the LZ hybrids don't get there. I know Ermish and Rebello can build engines with that kind of power but they are not cheap. A swap is cheaper then their built engines.

 

 

If it was cheap and easy to add HP, there would be many Datsuns out there with 150hp L20B power.

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Sorry, I was backing up your comment David. A 50%+ increase is possible but a daunting task and for most Datsun owners certainly not 'cheap'.

Agreed. No cheap way to build reliable HP into an old Datsun engine.

 

A NA SR20 is 160hp. Modern 4 cyl. non turbo. But it will cost you $1000-$2000 for the engine/trans/harness and then all the other upgrades on top of that.

 

KA engines are cheap and same HP. Likely the cheapest swap these days.

 

Lots of other cheap swap motors available but all take skill and money to complete properly.

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I guess cheap is a relative term.  Its less expensive than buying a V8, the transmission that goes with it, clutch assembly, driveshaft, motor mounts, headers, custom exhaust, etc...  Its probably  $4500 engine when done (if you pay for 100% of the labor) - WAY cheaper than all the above added up, unless you are REALLY good at being frugal and ok with a worn out engine and transmission that you'll still eventually need to pay a lot of money to rebuild.  $150 will still get you a good 280Z gear box that only needs a few seals replaced.  

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