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Need opinion on engine choice


kneo

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Hi.

I recently been infected with vanlife thoughts and I wish to experiment on a low budget.

My heart is pretty much set on a Nissan Vanette long version (aka c22 or Ichivan) and it usually comes in 2 engine versions around here, the Nissan/Datsun L18 and the KA24 carbureted.

Going to be stock parts all around, aiming at lowest cost (maybe electronic ignition mod) and highest mileage possible.

I own a short Vanette with L18 engine,marked M8U on the block, so I have some experience with it, not so with ka24.

The idea is to keep the cabin part, cut out the rest and build something similar to japanese small motorhomes.

Welcoming any ideas.

Keep in mind I live in Mexico and do not have access to all the goodies and mods that my northern neighbors have :)

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Woah you have the carbed KA? I want a manifold! Ok now onto your actual question.........

 

The KA will make waaaaaay more power than the L18, but if you have an L18 then I would just keep it in there, unless you have access to a carbed KA on the cheap, then I would for sure go with the carbed KA. Also you will want to keep in mind the exhaust and fuel line routing differences. Also the KA will get better fuel economy because of the head design and its going to pull around you and your junk easier.

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And I'm unclear where you are, obviously not States or Canada. We got the Z24i which was too big and too hot for the design leading to engine fires.... and why they were all bought back and destroyed. I would think a KA would be even hotter. An L18 in '89? must be Australia? Maybe Arabia??? if carbed

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Indeed he did.

 

The Vanette was designed for small 2 liter or less engines. For the NA market it wouldn't keep up on the highway an needed PS and air con so a 'too large' engine was used and the problems started showing up. They just made too much heat for the cooling system. I saw one once. It had a console shift 71C 4 speed.

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