Help me spec an engine

[bkelly]

I've started pricing out all the parts I need to complete my resto. Things have gone pretty good so far, with the only surprise being needing floor pans. As far as the engine, I want something that can hold its own on a track, but still be streetable. I'm not using my numbers matching engine for this in case a rod decides to go through the side of the block some day. What I plan on using is an L24 with an E88. I know a performance build isn't just buy a bunch of parts and put them in. Everything must work together. So, where do I start?

[justin260z]

Any reason in particular why you chose to use the 2.4l?

[JonnyRock]

Half of the posts in answer to this question are going to tell you to pick up the book "How To Modify Your Nissan & Datsun OHC Engine" it's a great start.

You can find it here: http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/CTGY/TB

[Fun_in_my_z]

The other half of the posts will tell you to check out www.hybridz.org

[beandip]

to save you a bunch of money. Decide what and where you plan on racing. ITS what? Different associations have different rules and what is allowed.

[bkelly]

I'm not going to race it, just track days. I may even just have Rebello build me an engine. I've got that book laying around somewhere.

[ktm]

The other half of the posts will tell you to check out www.hybridz.org

No, no they won't, not for a simple L24 or even simple L28 swap.

[ktm]

I will say this on the matter. If you have a numbers matching engine that you are going to keep in order to preserve the car's originality, that will limit your choices of engines to the L28 and carbs. As soon as you go EFI, you need to swap your entire fuel system (pump, fuel lines, tank) and that is something that you only want to do once as it is a royal PITA.

You may want to check out an SBC swap as the engine mounts are bolt on, no welding required. I do not think you have to do any cutting, etc. of anything on the car and you can use the stock rear end as well. If you are opposed to that "blasphemy", then a 3.1L stroker is an option. Also, you could do a blow through turbo setup on an L28 if you are adventurous.

As long as your horsepower stays below about 250 - 275 fwhp you can use the stock fueling system.

If you want to maximize your horsepower cost be damned, have Rebello build you a 3.1L engine. If you want to maximize your horsepower on a budget and have the ability, time, place and tools, then build the 3.1L yourself. If you have a limited budget, then do a simple L28 swap with some headwork. If you have a very limited budget, then just do a L28 swap.

[e_racer1999]

^truer words have never been spoken.

although i do see some of the desire to keep it a 2.4L. you can build up a pretty beefy 2.4L and still be able to compete, although the HP and TQ numbers will obviously be down. with a 2.4L there are really very few things you can do, and most of it lies in headwork. bigger valves (will require eyebrowing the block), port/polish, bigger cam. you can throw triples on there and get some more grunt. put a decent header on there. electronic ignition will make it more driveable. all of this can apply to an L28, too

but remember, with all engine builds the devil is in the detail.