kneo Posted June 19, 2018 Report Share Posted June 19, 2018 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 :) Quote Link to comment
captain720 Posted June 19, 2018 Report Share Posted June 19, 2018 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. Quote Link to comment
kneo Posted June 19, 2018 Author Report Share Posted June 19, 2018 The car I own is a Nissan Vanette short body with L18 engine, the car I need to buy for the project is the LWB Nissan Vanette which comes in ka24 carb version or L18. Mb I was unclear in the op. Quote Link to comment
captain720 Posted June 20, 2018 Report Share Posted June 20, 2018 Ah ok I would go with the one with the KA then personally Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted June 20, 2018 Report Share Posted June 20, 2018 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 Quote Link to comment
racerx Posted June 20, 2018 Report Share Posted June 20, 2018 I think he said Mexico. Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted June 20, 2018 Report Share Posted June 20, 2018 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. Quote Link to comment
Lockleaf Posted June 25, 2018 Report Share Posted June 25, 2018 We need pics of this vanette. Quote Link to comment
nl320what Posted June 27, 2018 Report Share Posted June 27, 2018 KA24 carb motor would be great for an mini-RV build. or use the L18 and sell the KA24 carb setup to us in the US for $1000 :) Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted June 27, 2018 Report Share Posted June 27, 2018 All you need is a truck intake and a flat aluminum bolt on adapter for a Weber 32/36 or Z24 carb and an L20B EI distributor. Quote Link to comment
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