Best route to 400HP?

[Joeman]

I'm at the point of either selling the 240 or modding it.I bought this car with the idea that it would be cheap to make fun and fast. But since then I've become disabled with a possibly permanent back injury so now it would be going to a shop for 100% turn key transplant. I live in a condo complex so I can't have junk lying around waiting for install. I dont want to go find an engine separately.I could care less about being involved in the build right now. I want to simply fork over about $4g or less to a RESPECTED shop and have my car returned potently powerful (300-400HP) with OEM driveability, good reliability, all sensors, gauges, and A/C working properly and...able to pass smog, or at least swap a couple things in to pass.. Simple, proven, reliable power. I don't want to monitor laptop diagnostics just to drive the car.


Basically what I have to work with is a black stock 5 spd LE model hatch KA24DE (91) with the good cams. The engine is 190,xxx miles and everything seems stout except for it needs a tune up to correct misfire and it needs and muffler.The engine is great for the mileage, It hardly even leaks oil on full synthetic. The suspension, brakes, body, and even the leather interior are all in great shape too. The 3 owner car was grandma driven till 150k, and responsibly driven after that. I've only driven this car 8k miles in the last 3 years of ownership because it's been primarily a "back up car". It's all stock except for a CAI, c/d Brembos, ceramic pads, 1-2 inch lowered eibach springs, pivot control+battery wired H4 Euro spec conversion. It's a great starting platform for any type of build.

I recently bought a full front/rear set of z32 brakes with 30mm aluminium calipers and considered the 5 lug swap but everything is still in boxes. I'm waiting to see if I decide to sell the car it's whether it's worth doing the conversion.

So now I'm at the Crossroads to just sell it, buy a nicer SUV or sedan for $6g or put this money into the s13 and be done with it.


what's the best option for this much money? Where can I get it done in northern Virginia?
1. Sell the car? How Much is it worth? What's a better car under 6g? (Sedan or SUV...I already have a 99 3000GT VR4)

2. Keep and Turbo the KA? Stock bottom or built?

3. swap in an SR?

4. RB? Of course I want an RB26 but I only have 4g to work with including engine, install and tune so what can I expect for my money here?

[sr20boostn20]

if you sell the car what color is it, what condition is the body in, and how much do you want for it?

[Joeman]

Originally Posted by sr20boostn20

if you sell the car what color is it, what condition is the body in, and how much do you want for it?

It's original black paint, overall the body is GREAT. the right front pass fender is dented in, one headlight cover is dented, various tiny dings, there is SLIGHT rust around the rear sponge spoiler.It has a new windshield. The front seats are recovered factory style leather before I got it, but the rear leather is original and torn with glue stains where somebody tried to fix it. I took the back seats completely out and it looks great inside. The paint is fair with some discoloration and light scratches everywhere. The front and rear bumper is pretty faded, but It looks awesome clean and from 6 feet away. I have good replacement headlight assemblies with black covers but they are also faded paint. It needs little things like wiper blades, hatch struts etc... The clutch is a little noisy when it's cold, and it misses until it's warmed up but once you get warmed up everything works smoothly.

I haven't even decided whether to sell it, it depends on if I could get a decent looking reliable family car for 6g (and only if it's better than a modded s13)

so I don't even know how much to ask. I will post some pics for you. It will be a FAIR market price for its condition and current mods. The z32 brakes would be separate.

[kerosinek]

$4k will get you a stock SR swapped in. Which isnt even close to 400hp.

[EAGLE 5]

heh dump in an LS2. Already comes with 400HP but it won't be 4K though.

I'm not sure that budget will allow you that power figure, at least not for more then a few seconds before going BOOM!

[Joeman]

That's what I DIDNT want to hear. So selling it might make more sense because I wouldnt be satisfied with a stock SR nor would I want to have over $10g-$15g wrapped up in an s13 after all the suspension and paintwork. I'd just as well put my money in something more valuable... I really love the tax and insurance break from having a cheaply valued car though.

[Joeman]

here are some pics of the car from 2 yrs ago. The car is still basically in the same condition because it has been parked/ garaged most of the time since then. It's in such nice shape compared to most 240s, so I hate to get rid of it.

[Joeman]

you can see the front right fender really isnt too bad. I just never had the initiative to remove the fender and pound the dent back out. Theres not enough room in that little corner to get to it installed. There arent any SERIOUS problems with the car, just nit-noid stuff because of its age.

[j20accord00]

its a clean car man, I say swap an sr or just build your KA, (KA-T) and have fun with it. I was at the same "cross road" about 3 years ago when I was like 17-18 and I ended up selling it, 3 years later bought another one and did the SR swap..havent looked back since. great car, fast, sporty, plus you have a really clean donor. good luck in whatever you do.

-Evan

[johngriff]

SR swap
Upgraded turbo
cams
injectors
ECU (tuned rom)
Nitrous

Barely scratching at 400hp.
If you find someone to do it for free, you could probably get it done on a little over 4k.

Sorry to hear about your injury.

[Dousan_PG]

4k for 400 reliable hp?
hahaha keep dreaming.
shit wont last that long
if u arent doing it yourself and paying a 'reputable' shop. try 8k and then u got 400+ and not nearly as many worries.

[Full-Lock]

why not sell the VR4, buy another car really cheap in like the 1k range, and put the rest of the money toward the S13?

[HalveBlue]

I'm gonna have to g with what everyone else said: fuhget aboud it.

$4000 isn't going to get you even close to 400 horses.

Either sell the car (which would a shame, 'cause it's so nice and clean) or keep it and a) keep it stock or b) increase your budget.

BTW, why are you so bent on getting 400 hp? Have you ever driven a 400hp 240? Is your goal to achieve some specific lap time or track time? Or do just want to tell people that you drive a 400 hp car?

[Joeman]

Originally Posted by TOPSECRT88

why not sell the VR4, buy another car really cheap in like the 1k range, and put the rest of the money toward the S13?

Haha, HELL no! I love my vr4 plus they are rare for 99. I did say between 300-400hp range even though the title of this thread is 400. I just want serious potency... whatever range that may be.

[ThatGuy]

Cheap-Fast-Reliable
Pick 2 and start doing your homework.
There are plenty of build threads and Tech threads about different engines and modifications.

[GSXRJJordan]

Yup ThatGuy hit it right on the head - and as far as power figures, JohnGriff has the right idea, except I KNOW it can't be done in a shop for even $6k. Assuming you bought a shop's SR swap for $3k (a low average, only R&D Factory is cheaper), GT2871 .86 used for $600, Megan exh mani/elbow/dp $300, exhaust for $200, use your old intake, FMIC $200, High Pres FP $100, Radiator $200, and free fans, you're at $4600 without tuning - and that's with rock bottom pricing. If you're not doin it yourself, it's not gonna happen.

To be honest, all those same parts would be necessary for a 300whp build, except you could run a S14/S15 T28 instead, and possibly save a couple bucks, and tuning could be done much easier. Still not even a sure thing for $6k. And after suspension and paint, yes, you will have spent over $10k just like the rest of us. And you will love your 240 more than your right testicle, just like the rest of us.

Sell the heavy ass 3000GT - if you need help getting convinced, go find someone with a 300hp 240 and beg em for a ride.

[j20accord00]

Originally Posted by ThatGuy

Cheap-Fast-Reliable
Pick 2 and start doing your homework.
There are plenty of build threads and Tech threads about different engines and modifications.

very well put. I like that way of looking at it.

[Tenchuu]

for around 4K you could DIY a RB25 (260HPish). i was less then impresses with SR20. for 400HPish you have to 1. build the hellout of the engine ($$$$) or 2. go with an LS ($$$$$)

just a thought, but where would you get a clean reliable 400HP car for 4K-6K?

[kerosinek]

Originally Posted by Tenchuu

for around 4K you could DIY a RB25 (260HPish). i was less then impresses with SR20. for 400HPish you have to 1. build the hellout of the engine ($$$$) or 2. go with an LS ($$$$$)

just a thought, but where would you get a clean reliable 400HP car for 4K-6K?

Did you even read the OP?

[Full-Lock]

i dunno man..

i still think the best route to 400hp is to sell that land yacht 3000GT

my $.02

[Tenchuu]

Originally Posted by kerosinek

Did you even read the OP?

did you even read the thread.

it has been discussed that that he isaogin to have to do one of 3 things

spend more
deal with less hp
sell the car

and since the RB option was in his origional thread, i was sinply giving him a price figure for that idea for him to consider.

also the SR that you can get installed for cheap must be a higher mileage S13 SR.

[240sx_RB26DETT]

with 4grand you could probably drop the RB26 if you do it yourself, rb26 has lots of potential tahts what i am going to do, if yo have time save up for the RB26 and some mods for it but if you need money i would sell the car i dont think its worth it to keep and try to get 400hp out of 4 grand well good luck

[Full-Lock]

^^if you could drop an rb26 into an s-chassis for that price there would be a lot more rb26 swapped cars around. you should double that number and that would be the typical price, even if you did the swap yourself.

But 4k for an RB26 swap? not happening. even if you have maddd hookups out the ass and every other hole in your body, it is still really not possible for 4k

[Tenchuu]

i have heard that the 26 swaps should be attempted with no less than 10K. all sorts of fun from them and buying an extra RB25 trans, or blocking off the AWD stuff on the 26.

i am wondering how you get a SR tossed in by a good shop for 4k when you pay at least 2K on the motor?

[hybrid_eg]

just sell the car.. if all you have is 4K and dont intend on spending more.. with cars its like with strippers.. they just keep asking for more.. and your 400whp goal is not going to happen.. you can do an sr20 with some basic bolt on's if car is completely stock right now and thats about it.. you should be in the area of some 220-30ish.. which is not actually that bad.. get yourself an LSD and you'll have lots of fun.. i bet you never even drove a 400whp car, not to shit on your parade but you didnt even give this car a try.. you'll be happy with basic bolts on to start of with especially if you have that KA hog in there.. later you can save up and upgrade further.. bottom line if money is a big object and you're not willing to fork out more in the long run, as modded cars obviously require ton of attention which translates in ton of $$ this hobby is just not for you.. as a matter a fact its not for many of us as i'm sure most of us are struggling for $$ but either way that passion about cars keeps you going no matter what.. hmm thats all i can think of right now.. hope that helps!

and to add.. trust me you can drop in the sr yourself, its not hard.. if you dont have a garage ask a friend or something.. its really easy and if you have any self motivation when it comes to cars you should be done with it in a few days if its your first swap.. i hate it when people say "installed".. its simple plug and play! make sure you get "all" the parts you need and you're set! good luck!

[big_schaf]

^well said........

[kerosinek]

He said he was injured. Last I checked a back injury of any kind doesnt lend itself well to swapping engines. Hence, the reason he want to take it to a shop.

[redsuns3838]

Originally Posted by Joeman

It's original black paint, overall the body is GREAT. the right front pass fender is dented in, one headlight cover is dented, various tiny dings, there is SLIGHT rust around the rear sponge spoiler.It has a new windshield.

OK thats not "Great". Great is like no rust, fresh paint, no dents. but car looks clean.

But with your budget you cant get anything that will hit 250whp let alone 400whp. You want 400hp on a 4cylinder turbod motor but you dont want to monitor everything? 400whp is pretty rough on a motor that came out of the factory doing 200whp (assuming you put in an SR) Its considered a pretty highly tuned motor at that point, and things do go wrong and things will need to be monitored.

Dousans estimate of 8K for a 400hp motor is probably even a bit low. Especially with the labor costs of a shop doing it.

I guess you should just buy a sedan or SUV.

[Joeman]

Originally Posted by hybrid_eg

just sell the car.. if all you have is 4K and dont intend on spending more.. with cars its like with strippers.. they just keep asking for more.. and your 400whp goal is not going to happen.. you can do an sr20 with some basic bolt on's if car is completely stock right now and thats about it.. you should be in the area of some 220-30ish.. which is not actually that bad.. get yourself an LSD and you'll have lots of fun.. i bet you never even drove a 400whp car, not to shit on your parade but you didnt even give this car a try.. you'll be happy with basic bolts on to start of with especially if you have that KA hog in there.. later you can save up and upgrade further.. bottom line if money is a big object and you're not willing to fork out more in the long run, as modded cars obviously require ton of attention which translates in ton of $$ this hobby is just not for you.. as a matter a fact its not for many of us as i'm sure most of us are struggling for $$ but either way that passion about cars keeps you going no matter what.. hmm thats all i can think of right now.. hope that helps!

and to add.. trust me you can drop in the sr yourself, its not hard.. if you dont have a garage ask a friend or something.. its really easy and if you have any self motivation when it comes to cars you should be done with it in a few days if its your first swap.. i hate it when people say "installed".. its simple plug and play! make sure you get "all" the parts you need and you're set! good luck!

I think you missed the part where my back is totally screwed. I wont be taking on any DIY projects. Anyway, I am very passionate about cars, and I have and dont mind throwing money at my VR4 and most every other car I had before that,(it's almost a disease I know) but the s13 is a low budget car, so I want to TRY and stick to low budget mods. I've driven a few 400hp cars but they were nowhere near as lightweight as an s13. In fact my VR4 is getting close to 400 with BPU mods, (320 flywheel stock) but the weight somewhat kills the feeling. I dont think the any 240 with any engine could replicate the gut wrenching acceleration of a torquey modded AWD from a dig when you drop the clutch and just "go". (It probably wouldnt feel so stable as my "land-yacht" does at 150mph either.)
A squirly lightweight RWD just wont get that kind of traction, ever. But I enjoy the 240 in a different way... it is so fun to slide around in and it is so tossable in comparison. Smokin the tires whether you want to or not can be quite an adventure. I guess you just have to feel the difference back to back. I really dont want to give up either car, but the 240 is feeling weak on power and all around fun factor these days. Not to mention its really starting to look outdated in a Sea of friggen cyborg future cars.

I'm no stranger to fast cars,I started my first car with a cammed 340 Duster and I was driving a Formula Firebird, by the early 90s... <<(by no means bragging about either car, it was nice back then)

Point being I grew up the youngest around a whole family of musclecar junkies with BRUTALLY fast rides. My dad had a 10 second Cuda and all his buds had late sixties Big blocks, Hemis, Vettes you name it and I rode in them all... and drove quite a few, so you "bet" wrong. I know what you mean they are too much for most people to handle, and that's what I like about them. Most people "want out" when they ride... yeah that's when you know you've got something.
Install help from the (rice-hater) folks I know.... It would be out of the question, those guys are older than dirt now, live too far away, and besides they dont know squat about turbos or modern electronics LOL.

Like I said I could care less about the build process or studying up on what will work the best. To be honest, EVEN if I was able, I'm not real enthused about learning how to hack up a wiring harness to make make it "JDM compatible" or to figure out what frankenstein compressor A/R ratio is going yield x spool time to be best whatever for the street. I will leave that to someone who cares.I've already been there done that with other platforms, and dont care to waste all the time and effort again re-learning it all over for an application that's totally different. Kind of like you know windows XP back to front and they throw Vista at you. I dont want to evolve my learning curve figuring out how it works, I just want to use it. Today, I just want to get in, drive the car and get my adrenaline fix. Nah mean?

[Joeman]

Originally Posted by redsuns3838

OK thats not "Great". Great is like no rust, fresh paint, no dents. but car looks clean.
I guess you should just buy a sedan or SUV.

Well that would be a re-paint which would be $3g. Great is my subjective opinion for it being all factory original body and paint. I havent seen an all original normally driven 91 car of any make without dings, and I havent seen a Nissan paintjob that old without sunfading either especially black blue or silver. . Come to think of it I havent seen too many sponge spoilers without rust at the mounts unless they were refurbished at some point. Especially in the realm of 240's where they are mostly beat to death. So in my opinion, still, this car has survived the elements just "great".

Youre probably right I am considering buying a cheap SUV and just dumping my cash into the VR4 instead, at least there's some collectibility. Either way is a losing battle, cuz I dont want to end up with an outdated $15g beater car with no value in the end. (no offense to s13 owners, I still like the car)