Hcubed23 Posted March 17, 2017 Report Share Posted March 17, 2017 Hi all I'm new here to ratsun and the Datsun community. I have a late 69 510 2dr. My goal is to build a very fun daily driver. Body work is all done besides a few small welds. The car came with a l20b. Pulled it apart and brought to machine shop. I was quoted over $1,600. I don't really want to put that much money into 110 hp. I'm looking into buying a different rebuilt motor to drop in. Any input would be appreciated. Car will be a daily so good low end torque is ideal. Ka24de? Ka24e? Ca18det? Ca18de? Not sure about turbos as I want good low end torque. Quote Link to comment
Bleach Posted March 17, 2017 Report Share Posted March 17, 2017 You're on the right track. I think a KA24DE would be great. If they are difficult to find or a bit too expensive, then the SOHC version would also work very well in my opinion. The CA18de is a smooth running and high revving engine, but not much torque. 1 Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted March 17, 2017 Report Share Posted March 17, 2017 You want displacement then for torque. KAE or KADE but will be several times more than rebuilding the L20B. If you do get a KA it's going to be used and should be rebuilt so it's reliable. You'll need the KA transmission, a transmission cross member (I think they are still sold for this) and the drive shaft shortened. A suitable rad and engine mounts and a modified oil pan. Get a truck KA they are lighter and easier to mod the oil pan. The KAs are EFI so all the EFI electrical has to be added and a high pressure fuel pump and return line. It is possible to run a carb on these. Quote Link to comment
Hcubed23 Posted March 17, 2017 Author Report Share Posted March 17, 2017 Also does anyone know of good sources to get these engines. I've heard of people having problems with rebuilt motors blowing after 5k miles Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted March 17, 2017 Report Share Posted March 17, 2017 Get one from a wrecking yard that runs and do the swap, then have it rebuilt. Quote Link to comment
Hcubed23 Posted March 17, 2017 Author Report Share Posted March 17, 2017 E vs DE? Quote Link to comment
Lockleaf Posted March 17, 2017 Report Share Posted March 17, 2017 All the engine info you seek is on this website if you search. If you want a used motor best bet is to buy a running vehicle to take it from. Then you can know it's condition before purchase. Quote Link to comment
Draker Posted March 18, 2017 Report Share Posted March 18, 2017 Welcome. Shouldnt be too hard to find a ka e or de in your area. Watch craigslist. Quote Link to comment
KoHeartsGPA Posted March 18, 2017 Report Share Posted March 18, 2017 Everything is possible with drive and basic wrenching skills IF YOU do the proper research.... Welcome to Ratsun! Post oics, show us what you've got!, it's a big deal in these parts! Quote Link to comment
edekalil Posted March 18, 2017 Report Share Posted March 18, 2017 Welcome to the fourm, and please some oics. Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted March 18, 2017 Report Share Posted March 18, 2017 Hi all I'm new here to ratsun and the Datsun community. I have a late 69 510 2dr. My goal is to build a very fun daily driver. Body work is all done besides a few small welds. The car came with a l20b. Pulled it apart and brought to machine shop. I was quoted over $1,600. I don't really want to put that much money into 110 hp. I'm looking into buying a different rebuilt motor to drop in. Any input would be appreciated. Car will be a daily so good low end torque is ideal. Ka24de? Ka24e? Ca18det? Ca18de? Not sure about turbos as I want good low end torque. Things needed or for consideration planning for a KA swap. A KA 5 speed, your transmission wouldn't work or survive a KA. Rewire in and EFI harness so the KA will run. High pressure fuel pump and return line. Proper larger capacity KA rad Modified oil pan to fit flipped or modified 510 cross member. After market engine mount brackets. Modify exhaust (or just replace) system. Convert to internally regulated KA alternator. Shorten drive shaft to match KA 5 speed. Install modified transmission mount and crossmember. Swapping a KA is going to cost thousands even if it's a running engine and you do most of the work. Rebuild a KA even more. If you want a fun driver get a 5 speed and some gears for the dime and call it good. Quote Link to comment
Bleach Posted March 19, 2017 Report Share Posted March 19, 2017 I would watch online (row52) at the you pull it yards. Look for a Nissan Hardbody truck (KA24e) or Nissan Frontier truck (KA24DE) if you're ok with the truck version of the fuel injection. Then go pull it. Starting in 2001 the Frontier also had an optional V6 but they are not as common. Quote Link to comment
edekalil Posted March 19, 2017 Report Share Posted March 19, 2017 Oics, Oics, Oics! Quote Link to comment
banzai510(hainz) Posted March 19, 2017 Report Share Posted March 19, 2017 I don't think its just a DROP IN. Lots of unfinished projects in the for sal section on here and the 510realm all said and done its about 5k$$$$$$ $1200maybe for a crate motor. and you buy the extras to get everthing else replaced. rad hiflo fuel pump . electrics new clutch driveline shorted if needed. header maybe. Otherwise a L20 will get you on th daily driver staus in about a week. Quote Link to comment
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