Ka24 in a 720

[Pigwarrior]

Looking at mods way down the line, but really just theoretical stuff: I recently realized a ka24 head will fit onto a z24 block, So would it be a simpler swap to say put a ka24de head onto a z24 block so (in my case with a 4x4) the oil pan has no alignment issues, the engine mounts can remain the same and the transmissions and everything can be left alone. Curious if anyone has attempted such a swap, and what kind of pitfalls there would be for this idea. Thanks. 

[datzenmike]

There is an oil drain back hole on the KA24E head (might also be on the KA24DE so check) that opens into a coolant hole in the Z24 block. There are two, left and right side, so you can block the hole in the head and seal it and oil can still drain.  

 

You will want the D21 truck head and not the 240sx (S13) head? The S13 head has the CAS (distributor) sticking out the side right where the Z24 distributor is. I guess you might just remove it and seal the hole.

 

 

[Pigwarrior]

7 hours ago, datzenmike said:

There is an oil drain back hole on the KA24E head (might also be on the KA24DE so check) that opens into a coolant hole in the Z24 block. There are two, left and right side, so you can block the hole in the head and seal it and oil can still drain.  

 

You will want the D21 truck head and not the 240sx (S13) head? The S13 head has the CAS (distributor) sticking out the side right where the Z24 distributor is. I guess you might just remove it and seal the hole.

 

 

Thats interesting with the coolant and oil holes, is there detrimental effects of blocking off the holes for the engine?

[datzenmike]

No they are just for letting valve train oil back into the oil pan and there are two anyway.

 

 

I hammered an aluminum plug in.

 

 

Filled with JB weld two part epoxy.

 

   

[Pigwarrior]

1 hour ago, datzenmike said:

No they are just for letting valve train oil back into the oil pan and there are two anyway.

 

 

I hammered an aluminum plug in.

 

 

Filled with JB weld two part epoxy.

 

   

Awesome, so you've done the swap? how were the results?  

[datzenmike]

Na, I tinkered with putting a KA24E head on a Z22 block bored to 89mm with KA24E pistons making a KA/Z 2300cc hybrid.

[Crashtd420]

I have briefly explored this also, I thought there was mentions of needing to do something with the timing chain?

 

[datzenmike]

Probably run the KA single row timing chain as the KA cam is a different distance from the crank than the Z series I think. Better would be to use a Z cam sprocket and guides and alter the chain length. The L and Z series cam sprocket has a hole for the cam dowel. The single chain sprocket on the KA just has a slit for the dowel but should fit. A single chain is another proof that the double is unbreakable over kill and Nissan was just saving money by retiring it. The KA cam sprocket looks like it was cheaply stamped out.

 

L Z and KA24E cam sprockets

 

 

 

[Pigwarrior]

23 hours ago, datzenmike said:

Probably run the KA single row timing chain as the KA cam is a different distance from the crank than the Z series I think. Better would be to use a Z cam sprocket and guides and alter the chain length. The L and Z series cam sprocket has a hole for the cam dowel. The single chain sprocket on the KA just has a slit for the dowel but should fit. A single chain is another proof that the double is unbreakable over kill and Nissan was just saving money by retiring it. The KA cam sprocket looks like it was cheaply stamped out.

 

L Z and KA24E cam sprockets

 

 

 

I may explore the project more later on in my build