Engine Swap for 92 240 SX - Import Tuner Forums at Import Tuner Magazine

Engine Swap for 92 240 SX

There are many differences in the engine options available to your car. At this time, there are SEVERAL engines from which to choose.

SR20DET (most common)
CA18DET (too small 1.8L -bad idea)
KA24DE (already in your car, responds well to boost, but requires proper tuning and such)
RB20DET (inline 2.0L turbo six cylinder...bad idea)
RB25DET (inline 2.5L turbo six cylinder...pretty decent potential, very expensive swap, parts are expensive...very)
RB26DETT (inline 2.6L twin-turbo six cylinder...great power potential, incredibly expensive swap, very high parts replacement costs)
LS-1 (GM Corvette V-8 N/A engine...most potential of all, expensive, not easy swap, requires MUCH fabrication, even when using a swap kit)

As you can see, the selection is not as vast as the Honda swap selection, but it's pretty decent.

If you want an engine that's simple, is a direct drop-in, can handle substantial upgrades without internal modification, was built for boost from the factory, revs very high (and likes to stay there) and has been race-proven, you should by all means use the SR20DET.

If you want an engine that's already in your car, responds well to boost levels of 10-15psi (daily driven), has a very flat torque curve, delivers more torque than hp, doesn't rev high, makes the power down low, but requires internal building to exceed 350whp safely (that's a lot for a 16yr old driver), and requires some tinkering now and again, then you'll want to turbocharge your stock engine (KA24DE).

The RB line of engines is pretty expensive, but quite different. Not many people have that engine in the 240sx and when you pop the hood and see one, it's always cool -even if they're running stock boost and making the same or less power than a modified SR or KA. The RB also has some good torque potential, moreso than the SR or KA.

The CA18DET is a 1.8L turbo motor that pretty much sucks. It's WAY small for the 240sx (2800lbs) and I don't recommend it.

The LS-1 is the big daddy. If you want an engine that makes over 300hp in N/A form, responds VERY well to nitrous and to F/I, can eat up many cars on the dragstrip and will definitely run with the big boys, this swap is for you. However, be warned that it's no task for the impatient. It requires careful consideration and layout procedures, is very time consuming and demands an open mind for fabrication and such. However, the end result is a pavement chewing, tire skinning, ground pounder that will yank a kink in your neck quite instantly.

Hope this information helps in your selection. I do like your plan of learning to drive the car in stock form before pursuing a high-power engine choice. Also, you should upgrade the brakes so it'll stop before upgrading the "go-fast" parts.