Cyl head swap

cs1 · Sep 20th, 2003, 05:08 AM

Has anyone swapped the SOHC KA24 head for the DOHC version? If so, besides the head what parts are necessary to complete the swap. I have a complete KA24DE engine in a 93 Altima and was wondering if I could swap the head into my 95 Hardbody. Thanks in advance for any answers

Tim

himilefrontier · Sep 20th, 2003, 11:03 PM

From what I've heard, it won't work. You have a FWD KA in the Altima, and it is different from the RWD version in a truck like a 98 up Frontier.I compared them since I have a Frontier and a friend of mine had a Altima.

cs1 · Sep 21st, 2003, 02:43 AM

Himiler

Thanks for the reply. What exactly is it that won't work? I was reffering to a head swap not an engine swap. A good engine is a terrible thing to waste.

Tim

jadcock · Sep 21st, 2003, 05:58 AM

Well, I've never done it before, but I'll throw out some suggestions.

At the least, I'd say you'll need new timing components (longer chain, possibly different tensioners and guides). Since there are two timing chain "wheels" on the DOHC head (for each cam), the placement of the tensioner and guide on the SOHC KA24E block may not work with that head.

You'll also need a different exhaust manifold. Possibly, a manifold from a DOHC Frontier would bolt to the Altima head, but maybe not. Himile is right -- since the head on that Altima came from a TFWD car, the exhaust manifold configuration is different -- and the bolt pattern may be different. But for sure, your KA24E manifold won't work -- the exhaust port is a different shape.

Likewise, you MAY need a different intake manifold...again, possibly from a DOHC Frontier. Also, if you have ready access to that Altima head, check it for all sensor locations to see if they're similar to what you have on your KA24E. There may or may not be more or fewer sensors on that DOHC head.

These are just some things to go on. Like I said, I haven't done the swap before, but from what I can think of, the stuff above will be your major issues.

stangmata50l · Sep 21st, 2003, 06:58 AM

I also want to do a head swap on my 95 harbody but I was looking at taking the head off of an older 200SX RWD. Would that head be a better choice?

Ian

himilefrontier · Sep 21st, 2003, 10:23 PM

No ,different series.That would be a CA18(D)E, and it shares little if anything, in common with A KA.The abberviation I prefer is himile as what you used could suggest something else

I have 203k on a fronty , that's where it comes from.

**morepower2** · Sep 30th, 2003, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by cs1
Has anyone swapped the SOHC KA24 head for the DOHC version? If so, besides the head what parts are necessary to complete the swap. I have a complete KA24DE engine in a 93 Altima and was wondering if I could swap the head into my 95 Hardbody. Thanks in advance for any answers

Tim

You need to swap the whole motor.

Mike

himilefrontier · Sep 30th, 2003, 03:06 PM

Yeah, the KA24DE is cheap to get anyways, I see them sometimes for as little as $100

cs1 · Oct 1st, 2003, 04:05 AM

What parts do I have to swap out of a FWD motor to make it fit in the truck? Do I need the truck or car computer. In the end, is it worth the hassle?

Tim

jadcock · Oct 1st, 2003, 06:45 AM

I don't think it'd be worth it -- not for 10 hp (and no increase in torque). The KA24E engine is 134/154 hp/tq respectively. I think the KA24DE is 143/154...at least in the trucks. So for a nominal 9 hp, I don't think it'd be worth any hassle at all. Both are good engines, but to swap one for the other for the power, I couldn't think it'd be worth your effort.

A KA24DE from a car (Altima) might have a few more ponies (150 maybe), but it will also have a different torque curve -- possibly a lower peak and at a higher RPM, so if you ultimately DO decide to swap your E for a DE, I'd definitely look for a truck DE -- or at least swap some truck cams into it so it stays relatively driveable.

himilefrontier · Oct 1st, 2003, 01:42 PM

You CAN'T use the FWD engine in a RWD application.

RMAnderson · Apr 4th, 2005, 05:48 AM

im looking at doing the same type of thing but i want to put a KA24e head onto my Z24e is it possible, i don't get to see much nissan engines cause i work at a toyo shop
sorry to hijack the thread