I'm sure this topic has come up before, but what's the best bang for the buck if I wanna increase hp in my 2.4L KA24E? Are K&N intakes kits really worth it? How about new plugs? Also, I'm gonna need a new exhaust system this summer. I'd like to upgrade, but nothing too ricey. I must not be looking in the right places because I can't seem to find much out there. Thanks.
I'm sure this topic has come up before, but what's the best bang for the buck if I wanna increase hp in my 2.4L KA24E? Are K&N intakes kits really worth it? How about new plugs? Also, I'm gonna need a new exhaust system this summer. I'd like to upgrade, but nothing too ricey. I must not be looking in the right places because I can't seem to find much out there. Thanks.
I'm not sure if K&N makes a drop-in filter. You can always get a universal cone and hook it to your intake pipe. Beware, though, of water intrusion and/or hot air intrusion. Unless you do it right, you may actually come out with worse performance in the end. The key is to get the coolest, dryest air possible.
For the plugs, I'd recommend ONLY the stock NGK plugs. If you're getting a little pinging or something, go one heat range colder. The stock plug is a ZFR5E-11. The colder plug is ZFR6E-11, hotter is ZFR4E-11. I went one heat range colder on mine, but couldn't find the ZFR6E-11 in any store. I went with the Denso equivalent, which was P/N 6211 or something like that. I can check for sure if you want me to.
Replacing the muffler, I'd go with something like a Dynomax Super Turbo. It's fully aluminized, and should last a long time. It's also going to be the mellowest sound I think. When I bought my truck, it had a glasspack on it, and it was horrible. I have an OE muffler on it now and it's much better.
I forgot to mention, you can also bump your timing up a little bit. When I got mine, the previous owner had it bumped all the way up to 18* BTDC. 10* is stock, mind you. I was getting lots of pinging in hot weather, even running 93 gas, until I checked the timing. I set it back to around 10 or 11* and it's been fine since (87 octane, 100* weather, no problem).
I forgot to mention, you can also bump your timing up a little bit. When I got mine, the previous owner had it bumped all the way up to 18* BTDC. 10* is stock, mind you. I was getting lots of pinging in hot weather, even running 93 gas, until I checked the timing. I set it back to around 10 or 11* and it's been fine since (87 octane, 100* weather, no problem).
Jason, not to hi-jack this thread, but I'm going to have to check my timing like you did..I changed the plugs, oil, engine cleaner, etc. and it still pinged...I cleaned out the EGR and it made a world of difference until I filled it up the tank again, and wwaaalaaaa....ping ping ping. Acts like it has the worst damn tank of gas ever...and it's 93 from the same place I always get gas!
I agree though with the poster, it's hard to find things for this truck for some reason. I could not locate the ZFR6E-11 plugs without going online or getting them 'tommorrow' or something. I forgot where I got them actually HAH
I'm not sure how much more performance one can get out of the KA24E, but post back when you find anything. Good luck-
I agree though with the poster, it's hard to find things for this truck for some reason. I could not locate the ZFR6E-11 plugs without going online or getting them 'tommorrow' or something. I forgot where I got them actually HAH I'm not sure how much more performance one can get out of the KA24E, but post back when you find anything. Good luck-
Although the engine in the trucks is the same as some of the 240SXs (the earlier cars, with the SOHC motors), some items (like the intake system) are different and particular to the truck, and I'm sure more aftermarket companies figure if you're after performance, you're not driving a 4-cylinder truck. I understand you can get performance cams (like from NISMO). I think they'd probably take away low(er) end torque in exchange for more hp. I have no experience with them, though.
If you can remember or figure out where you bought those 6E-11 plugs, I'd appreciate you letting me know, because I'd like to get NGK plugs back in the truck. Nobody I talked to would even order 4 $1 plugs for me. I drive the thing at higher engine speeds than I'm used to with domestic V8s, so I figure having a colder plug isn't a bad thing (although I'm sure the "standard" plug is colder than an equivalent domestic plug anyway). All my driving is at least 10-15 miles at a shot, so I don't have any fouling problems with the colder plugs. The (Nippon)Denso sparkers aren't running bad or anything, I'd just like to have NGK plugs in there, just so I know I'm getting performance at least as good as OE.
Although the engine in the trucks is the same as some of the 240SXs (the earlier cars, with the SOHC motors), some items (like the intake system) are different and particular to the truck, and I'm sure more aftermarket companies figure if you're after performance, you're not driving a 4-cylinder truck. I understand you can get performance cams (like from NISMO). I think they'd probably take away low(er) end torque in exchange for more hp. I have no experience with them, though.
If you can remember or figure out where you bought those 6E-11 plugs, I'd appreciate you letting me know, because I'd like to get NGK plugs back in the truck. Nobody I talked to would even order 4 $1 plugs for me. I drive the thing at higher engine speeds than I'm used to with domestic V8s, so I figure having a colder plug isn't a bad thing (although I'm sure the "standard" plug is colder than an equivalent domestic plug anyway). All my driving is at least 10-15 miles at a shot, so I don't have any fouling problems with the colder plugs. The (Nippon)Denso sparkers aren't running bad or anything, I'd just like to have NGK plugs in there, just so I know I'm getting performance at least as good as OE.
will do....let me take a look when I get home...I ordered a bunch of stuff for my wife's old Saab 900 at the same time so I'll look at that receipt.
Although the engine in the trucks is the same as some of the 240SXs (the earlier cars, with the SOHC motors), some items (like the intake system) are different and particular to the truck, and I'm sure more aftermarket companies figure if you're after performance, you're not driving a 4-cylinder truck. I understand you can get performance cams (like from NISMO). I think they'd probably take away low(er) end torque in exchange for more hp. I have no experience with them, though.
If you can remember or figure out where you bought those 6E-11 plugs, I'd appreciate you letting me know, because I'd like to get NGK plugs back in the truck. Nobody I talked to would even order 4 $1 plugs for me. I drive the thing at higher engine speeds than I'm used to with domestic V8s, so I figure having a colder plug isn't a bad thing (although I'm sure the "standard" plug is colder than an equivalent domestic plug anyway). All my driving is at least 10-15 miles at a shot, so I don't have any fouling problems with the colder plugs. The (Nippon)Denso sparkers aren't running bad or anything, I'd just like to have NGK plugs in there, just so I know I'm getting performance at least as good as OE.
I made a mistake, I actually did not get the 6E, I got the 5E. I got my wife's Saab cooler plugs because they did not have stock....and I think the Nissan was that they had stock but nothing cooler.
I should go ahead and try the Denso next time to see if they help any.
Anway if anybody finds ZFR6E-11 let us all know!
Sorry Jason about the mistake-
Kinda to answer the original, and kinda to rib Jadcock...
Mobil1 oil, small difference $25
K&N Filter (drop in, Advance Auto), noticable difference $42
Bosch Platinum Plugs, big difference especially at 1000-3500 RPM They run better after a year than the stockers do new. $10
Disconnect flex hose to filter box, notable difference after 3500 RPM $Free
Synthetic Gear Oil (Mobil1 or Amsoil) in gear box and differential. (smoother shifts fairly noticable) $50
Have never played with the timing, but I would agree that advancing slightly would help. Also I have heard that aftermarket exhaust free's these trucks up a bit. I have been eyeing the Dynomax cat back, but it says it only goes up to '94 even though there were no changes between 94 and 95. I also used Mobil 1 when I repacked my wheel bearings, but I don't think it changed anything. Move up to a 205/70/14 if you are still at stock for a little accel boost. They are slightly shorter, but wider. Truck revs quicker and the wider footprint hooks up better. Kumho tires stick like glue, but didn't seem to last long(8K). Firehawks, stick about as well, but last much longer (20K). You may as well experiment with it as ya ain't likely gonna kill it, and ya can't take it with ya....
__________________
Aaron Ford
95 2WD Nissan PU E
2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue GX
"The hard part about playing chicken is knowing when to flinch" Scott Glenn in The Hunt for Red October
i put new spark plugs in my truck a few months ago and i made for damn sure i got NGK-Rs ...they're great..when i pulled the old one's out they were NGKs also..so after 9 years i don't know if the plugs had even been changed..oh well..got it taken care of!
Although the engine in the trucks is the same as some of the 240SXs (the earlier cars, with the SOHC motors), some items (like the intake system) are different and particular to the truck, and I'm sure more aftermarket companies figure if you're after performance, you're not driving a 4-cylinder truck. I understand you can get performance cams (like from NISMO). I think they'd probably take away low(er) end torque in exchange for more hp. I have no experience with them, though.
If you can remember or figure out where you bought those 6E-11 plugs, I'd appreciate you letting me know, because I'd like to get NGK plugs back in the truck. Nobody I talked to would even order 4 $1 plugs for me. I drive the thing at higher engine speeds than I'm used to with domestic V8s, so I figure having a colder plug isn't a bad thing (although I'm sure the "standard" plug is colder than an equivalent domestic plug anyway). All my driving is at least 10-15 miles at a shot, so I don't have any fouling problems with the colder plugs. The (Nippon)Denso sparkers aren't running bad or anything, I'd just like to have NGK plugs in there, just so I know I'm getting performance at least as good as OE.
Jason, Give NAPA a call on those NGK plugs. I just picked up "V" plugs for my Pathy for $1.89 ea. Seems they may be having a sale on NGK this month. According to their in-store flyer, Iridiums are $7.99...just a few days left. RC
Jason, Give NAPA a call on those NGK plugs. I just picked up "V" plugs for my Pathy for $1.89 ea. Seems they may be having a sale on NGK this month. According to their in-store flyer, Iridiums are $7.99...just a few days left. RC
Thanks for the tip. I'm actually out of town now, but I'll look it up when I get back to town.
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improving performance on 95 hardbody??
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