How to Make a 320 Horsepower Nissan KA24DE

Making 320 horsepower on a ka24de is not too difficult a task, most of what's required is the proper knowledge and the correct parts. People try all day long to turbo charge a ka24de and are left disappointed because they either have incorrect or incompatible parts. Turbo charging a ka24de or any other Nissan is almost an art with many things that can potential go wrong if you don't have at least a clue of how a Nissan ka24de's ignition and fuel delivery system works. The stock ka24de fuel system is not reliable over a maximum of 210 horsepower and the ka24de mass air sensor maxes out shortly after that at about 230 horsepower. So, what we'll need to achieve this tire smoking 320 horsepower level is some good old forced induction, but you can't just bolt on any turbo and fuel system onto a ka24de and expect it to work; ka24de engine management works very well, but in a high performance situation can be rather picky, so in this article I will outline the parts necessary and some information on why they are the most logical selections.

PLUG and PLAY ECU (engine control unit or engine management)
**JWT (Jim Wolf Technology)--This is the most logical decision for an engine computer, because it is plug and play and proven to perform, however there is a considerable wait on these ka24de turbo ecu's because they are in such high demand. All you have to do when purchasing one of these ecu's is to explain what mass air flow sensor, what injectors, engine compression ratio, year of the vehicle (if you have a 95 or newer 240sx then you're going to need an ob2 to obd1 ecu conversion harness), and if you're using aftermarket camshafts.

**RS Enthalpy--If you don't feel like waiting for JWT or the ecu you need is unavailable then you need to go with these guys, all you have to do is tell them what you're trying to do and they will out fit you with the right ka24de turbo program. This shop is very reliable and turnaround is good. Personally, I would go with them first because of the turn around and they also sell the obd2 to obd1 conversion harnesses.

ECU PIGGY BACK SYSTEMS
**Apexi SAFC--Many have chosen to go this route because it seems to be more affordable, many novices think they will be able to program one of these by themselves. While you may be able to change the settings for your ka24de mass air sensor and do injector changes the rough and final tuning will have to be done on a dyno and the street for ultimate power and drive ability while using a wide band oxygen sensor to make and calibrate adjustments. This is really only for someone with experience or someone that intends on going to a dyno to get tuning and horsepower figures for their ka24de.

**Emanage--This can also be used, however it takes quite a bit of wiring and is also a piggy back system for the ka24de like the Apexi SAFC. This is a system that utilizes a laptop and software to make changes to fuel, ignition timing, and maf changes. This is only for a skilled tuner and for use on a dyno.

INJECTORS
**Don't be fooled by cheap Ebay injectors or other companies that offer high performance injectors for the ka24de. There are only five companies that I know of that offer the quality 555cc side feed fuel injectors that you will need for your ka24de turbo project. These companies are Deatshwerks, Nismo, Sard,Tomei, and HKS. Anything else is junk and don't expect these injectors to be cheap, they will run you from $400-500; but their worth every penny by preventing frustration and head aches.

MAF (mass air flow sensor)
The MAF sensor you need for this turbo ka24de project can be sourced from a number of cars and is good to 325 horsepower. These cars are: Pathfinder 00-04 V6, Xterra 00-04 V6, Frontier 00-04 V6, Quest V6, and Maxima 95-98

TURBO
Selecting the right turbo for this application is one choice for the ultimately matched turbo and that is the Garrett GT28RS with a 86 a/r turbine. This turbo is dual ball bearing for quick spool and designed for engines at this displacement. This turbo is good up to 350 horsepower on the ka24de and comes internally wastegated.

EXHAUST MANIFOLD
You want a good ka24de tubular bottom mount turbo exhaust manifold that is T2 flanged such as one from jgycustoms.com. You don't want to get an exhaust manifold that is flanged for an external wastegate as the turbo you are going to be using is already internally gated. You can also buy a setup using a slightly larger T3 50 trim turbo, exhaust manifold, and wastegate from this company, it will save you a little money when compared to the price of the GT28RS: http://www.jgstools.com/turbo/ka24et.html

EXHAUST
Your exhaust system should be 3 inches from the turbo to the tail pipe, I suggest using a Magnaflow muffer and resonator as they are free flowing while still keeping the noise to a minimum. Use only mandrel bent (smooth bends, not crimped) 3 inch exhaust tubing because you want your exhaust to be as free flowing as possible; this is the heart and soul off free power for your turbo ka24de.

CLUTCH
You are definitely going to need a new clutch to hold your new found ka24de's turbo power. I suggest either the ACT street/ strip clutch kit for maximum drive ability or the Spec stage 3 four puck clutch kit if you're going to be doing and drifting or beating on the car much. The Spec stage 3 is good for about 485ftlbs of torque so it should be more than enough, also makes sure to break in your clutch properly with at least 500 miles of stop and go driving.

INTERCOOLER
There are many out there, but make sure to pick up a quality one such as Greddy or Apexi; it will require a few minimal modifications for it to fit the ka24de.

FUEL PUMP
Use either a 300zx twin turbo or a Walboro 255lph pump.

**Make sure to install your mass air meter, turbo ka24de tuned ecu, and fuel injectors first before you bolt on any of the turbo parts. You want to make sure that your car operates and drives normally, before you put the turbo on it. You will also want a wide band air/ fuel meter for your turbo ka24de to make sure that your air/ fuel ratio doesn't exceed 12.5:1. If you have all these key components then your on your way to making 320 horsepower with your turbocharged ka24de.