"DRIFT TRUCK" Im gonna Do It!!! Goods and Bads?

[Justin Banner]

Most of the '91 Pathfinder front end is on now!





Straight bolt on affair, no snags or anything!

I've also gotten some rather different ideas, as well. Considering the love I have for pre-runner trucks and the need to stand out in drifting, I started thinking. What if I installed a pre-runner front bumper and skid plate, spare wheel holder (removing the tail gate), installed off-road lights (half of the strobes, the others as off road lights), kept it low, and gave it an "Urban Camo" paint scheme, this could be a very intimidating looking truck. I would also use fitting tires instead of stretched tires, too.

Now, when I'd take it to a Time Attack or any other real downforce type racing, the tail gate would be back on and would have a different front bumper.

I'll start to concept it tonight, along with the bolt-in roll cage I have in my head.

[Justin Banner]

Got my KA24DE today! 7 hours drive time total to get it, but worth it.

[Justin Banner]

I'm going to ask my machine shop guy tomorrow. The great thing about working in an old, independent NAPA dealer, a Machine Shop!

Need pistons and rings if I have to bore to .020." Still, not bad and am getting the engine.

However there is some bad news to report. I will not be having a radio show, the station is under new (well old) ownership and it will be a month at the earliest, if at all considering the format the station will be under (soul music). There may be another option (internet "radio"), but will have to see.

The truck is still going to be built, despite this.

[Justin Banner]

If it's only .02 I think you can get away with new rings, but I'm not 100% on that. Only head work I really have any experience is with big singles on bikes, and generally with those you just have them re-sleaved. You might want to make a post in a more technical oriented forum to get a more realistic answer than 'I think' though

Sorry I couldn't be more help on that.

I'm going to ask my machine shop guy tomorrow. The great thing about working in an old, independent NAPA dealer, a Machine Shop!

[eomund240]

If it's only .02 I think you can get away with new rings, but I'm not 100% on that. Only head work I really have any experience is with big singles on bikes, and generally with those you just have them re-sleaved. You might want to make a post in a more technical oriented forum to get a more realistic answer than 'I think' though

Sorry I couldn't be more help on that.

[Justin Banner]

Depending on the KA, that's a little on the steep side. Around here in Cali they usually go for around $300-$500 give or take. But do keep in mind I paid 800 bucks for a motor 'cause I had a guarantee it had 40,000 miles on it.

I think getting one that needs some work is the way to go though, especially with how much work your project will need. It'll give you the opportunity to upgrade while you're in to it.

Keep us posted on what you decide.

Not sure yet. The engine needs to be bored out .020". That will require new pistons or just rings? It's been so long since I've messed with boring an engine out I've forgot.

[eomund240]

Depending on the KA, that's a little on the steep side. Around here in Cali they usually go for around $300-$500 give or take. But do keep in mind I paid 800 bucks for a motor 'cause I had a guarantee it had 40,000 miles on it.

I think getting one that needs some work is the way to go though, especially with how much work your project will need. It'll give you the opportunity to upgrade while you're in to it.

Keep us posted on what you decide.

[Justin Banner]

Ah, okay, If that's the case it's more on the fair side. I think you're right on the tranny bolt up. Infact I think, don't quote me on this, even the bellhousing will bolt up. Main reason I ask is the trucks more often than not are running a wide ratio 4 speed with an overdrive gear, vs the S13's 5 speed.

I see. The guy hasn't gotten back to me yet and the forums I'm looking on that would have guys in VA are asking for $5-800 for a good, running KA24DE.

[eomund240]

Ah, okay, If that's the case it's more on the fair side. I think you're right on the tranny bolt up. Infact I think, don't quote me on this, even the bellhousing will bolt up. Main reason I ask is the trucks more often than not are running a wide ratio 4 speed with an overdrive gear, vs the S13's 5 speed.

[Justin Banner]

I don't know how available KA's are in your area, but it kinda sounds like he's getting the better end of the deal (If you're the one fronting the cash I mean). Just my opinion though. Out of curiosity, are you getting a 5 speed with it too?

Yeah, I'm getting the money.

No transmission, but I've been told that KA D21 transmissions will bolt up to S13/14 engines.

[eomund240]

I don't know how available KA's are in your area, but it kinda sounds like he's getting the better end of the deal (If you're the one fronting the cash I mean). Just my opinion though. Out of curiosity, are you getting a 5 speed with it too?

[Justin Banner]

Well, It's all about how much you're willing to pay. Depending on what you're spending on this one (I'm hoping it's dirt cheap), a spun bearing as you said isn't all that big of a problem. You can however get a good running one for seriously like 300 bucks if you want to start with something a little better. Check around on some forums a bit just to get an idea of what's out there if you're curious at all about it.

One thing to consiter though, if you're getting this engine for pretty much nothin', you have one big plus in your favor. You have the chance to take an engine rebuild to the next step. Pistons, rods, even a port and polish job if you're up to it.

I'm trying to get it as a trade for my two VG30Es (one complete, one spare) plus cash.

[eomund240]

Well, It's all about how much you're willing to pay. Depending on what you're spending on this one (I'm hoping it's dirt cheap), a spun bearing as you said isn't all that big of a problem. You can however get a good running one for seriously like 300 bucks if you want to start with something a little better. Check around on some forums a bit just to get an idea of what's out there if you're curious at all about it.

One thing to consiter though, if you're getting this engine for pretty much nothin', you have one big plus in your favor. You have the chance to take an engine rebuild to the next step. Pistons, rods, even a port and polish job if you're up to it.

[Justin Banner]

would the spindles be custom built?? If yes, you can also plan to have the steering knuckle shorted where the tie rod bolts to the spindle so you can then increase steering angle.

I've been debating on custom spindles. I can go to Stock Car Products and get on made between $240-250. However, it would probably be made for a 5 on 5 hub. I'm going to contact them to be sure, though, but that will also be a couple of months away.

Just a note, for lowering spindle that is cast made is $275.

Also, since you guys have more experience on KA24DEs, I have a line on one in Winston Salem, but has spun the bearing on #4. Is this actually all that's going to be wrong or are there going to be more problems? I know a spun bearing can be fixed and be fine if I replace all of the bearings, but will there be any specific problems I need to be concerned about.

[Toycoma]

It can, but I can take and shim the UCAs to correct for camber (no drilling required!! poking fun at the McPherson Strut guys). Steering angle, however will be affected and bump steer will be a problem, unless I swap to a 2" spindle, which raises the kingpin up 2" which lowers the front 2" and keeps all of the mounting points the same.

would the spindles be custom built?? If yes, you can also plan to have the steering knuckle shorted where the tie rod bolts to the spindle so you can then increase steering angle.