I might be getting into a 1997 Kouki 240sx with 84,000 miles on it. I know I talked about getting a 1996 240sx but it had the red top sr20det in it and I was told by a 240sx expert to stay away. Parts are getting limited for the red top. This has the Ka engine in it. Anyone ever own one with this engine? What did you think about it? How did you like the car over all? I will have to travel 6 hours to get this car so I want to make sure it is something I am going to be happy with if I get it.


Thanks

 

I had a 1990 240 (which had the SOHC of the KA), and it was the weakest part of the car, by far. The DOHC version is a substantial improvement, and either was pretty readily turbocharged (as memory serves me), but ultimately, it's still a truck motor, with no top end. About as far away as you can get from the S2000's engine, hah.

All that said, the S13 was a hell of a car for its time, and if I were looking for a S14, I'd be all over a Kouki, assuming it's stick (if you're going to stick with the KA; if not, it doesn't really matter, I suppose...).

 

get it. Kouki's are the shit. i had a blk top s13 and parts didn't seem hard to get all

red tops and blk top s13's are almost the same. i'm sure s14 sr20's are easy to get as well with the number of them that were sold in japan

 

My '91 KA24DE pulled OK up to the rev-limiter (7200rpm indicated).
However, my '95's KA stopped pulling above about 5500, and was limited at 6500.
Cam change?

Anyway, the S13 KA24DE didn't act much like a "truck motor" as far as I could tell, though you do hear that all the time.


In addition to the less revvy motor, I found the 95 to be a lot softer- and heavier-feeling, and while my '91 had the best-feeling power steering I've experienced, the '95's steering was rubbery and vague.

Loved the '91 (except the bland slab-sided styling), S14 was a major disappointment for me.

My .02...

 

ok thanks... it is definetly stick. I wouldnt even consider an auto unless it had an engine I wanted to swap into another car.

Its no doubt a projet car, Ill have to fix up some dents and scratches then repaint the car jams and all. It has a carbon fiber hood that I hope I can trade with someone for a factory steel hood. Ill give this engine a shot, talk to some people that have turboed the engine to see if its worth it, then possibly going the extra mile and getting an SR. Might as well take it all the way.

 

I have heard of people doing great things with those cars... but all end up with some sort of SR or RB motor in them. If it was me, RB26DETT fo sho. Those cars can be made to look SOOOO sexy, almost timeless with the lip kits and clean lines.

Not to mention they are very light and with the proper engine setup could be great track or highway cars. And I doubt you will have trouble finding SR/RB parts for a while, especially with the used market.

 

There are plenty of companies selling parts for either version of SR20, but as I mentioned in your previous post regarding the 96, emissions and state inspection would be your biggest hurdles if engine swapping. My 96 S14 was previously automatic with the KA before it was swapped to a 5 speed with the SR, the motor was a bit of a dog, but keeping it would be a good chance to take care of the suspension, maintenance, bushings, etc. before increasing the power.

 

Gotta love NY State inspection.... the skyline is illegal in the US because of Emissions. They have an OBD II port but it really goes no where. The car would not really be a daily driver at all. Mostly a track car without the track if that makes sense.

 

Met someone the other night with an LS1 out of a 99 trans-am WS6 in a 96 240sx. 6 speed. He even got the trans-am ecu reprogrammed for his VIN# for when emissions and insepctions come up. Its a beastt with nice volks staggered and side port exhaust, roll cage etc

I also met someone 2 night ago with a 90 240sx with a LS6 with mild cam and some head work. He made 450 ishwhp. he has the silvia front end and his vanity plate reads SR20 LOL.

I would def like the S14 body as a nice drift car/track car. Its always been my favorite body.

 

Yep, here in Washington State I was able to avoid the registration issue by giving a family member's address. Emissions inspections are only required in the major metro areas and we have no state inspection unless you're needing a salvage title. There is a very good shop in our area specializing in engine swaps into S chassis, I would be happy to put you in contact with them if you need any info along the way. Is the kouki you're looking at an SE: 5 lug hubs and VLSD equipped?