Nissan 240SX KA24DE Engine for Sale | 2.4L DOHC Inline-4 Naturally Aspirated | Direct Fit Nissan 240SX S13, S14 Plus Altima and Frontier Applications

Description

Nissan 240SX KA24DE Engine for Sale

Looking for a Nissan 240SX engine? Vaz Auto Solutions offers quality Nissan 240SX engines for sale. Whether you’re restoring a classic S13 or S14, replacing a worn engine in your daily driver Altima or Frontier, building a drift project, or sourcing the KA24DE base engine for a future SR20DET / RB swap candidate, our inventory includes reliable options to suit your needs. Enjoy competitive prices and trusted inspection process, ensuring peace of mind with every purchase. Explore our selection today and find the perfect Nissan 240SX KA24DE engine to power your passion project. Don’t miss out, shop now and discover why enthusiasts trust Vaz Auto Solutions for their automotive needs.

Nissan 240SX KA24DE Engine: Power Your Drift Dreams

The Nissan 240SX KA24DE engine is the heartbeat of the US-spec 240SX chassis worldwide, renowned for its blend of low-end torque, agility, and the simple mechanical foundation that has launched countless drift careers, autocross campaigns, and JDM swap projects. The KA24DE’s responsive 2.4-liter inline-four delivers strong mid-range torque (160 lb-ft at just 4,400 RPM), perfectly balanced for controlled slides and precision cornering in the lightweight 240SX chassis. While the engine is sometimes criticized for being underpowered compared to the legendary JDM SR20DET (which was NEVER factory-installed in the US 240SX), the KA24DE has earned its place in drift culture as both a reliable factory foundation and a remarkably tough base for forced-induction builds (with appropriate internals upgrades).

The KA24DE embodies the spirit of accessible rear-wheel-drive performance: a legacy of aftermarket support and tunability, from intake and exhaust modifications to camshaft swaps to turbocharger conversions, this Nissan 240SX engine for sale here offers endless possibilities for customizing your drift machine, time-attack build, or daily driver. It’s not just an engine, it’s the fuel that powers dreams of Nissan rear-wheel-drive enthusiasm.

Features of the Nissan 240SX KA24DE Engine

• Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC): This design allows for better control of valve timing and enhances mid-RPM and high-RPM breathing compared to the single overhead cam KA24E (the previous-generation engine in the 1989-1990 240SX). The DOHC head is one of the KA24DE’s most rebuilt and modified components in the aftermarket.

• Aluminum Cylinder Head: The KA24DE features an aluminum cylinder head, which helps in reducing overall weight and improving heat dissipation for better engine cooling, particularly important during sustained high-RPM operation in autocross and drift driving.

• Cast Iron Block: The cast iron block construction provides excellent durability and tolerance for high-RPM and forced-induction operation when paired with appropriate internals. The cast iron block is one of the reasons the KA24DE is favored as a turbo build foundation.

• Cast Iron Crankshaft: The factory KA24DE crankshaft is cast iron (NOT forged steel as some aftermarket sources incorrectly claim). This cast crank is durable for naturally-aspirated and mild-boost applications but is a known limitation for high-output turbo builds where forged crankshaft upgrades are common practice above ~400 wheel HP.

• Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI): The OEM MPFI system delivers fuel precisely to each cylinder for clean combustion, smooth idle, and reliable cold-start operation across the broad US climate range.

• No Variable Valve Timing: The US 240SX KA24DE is a fixed-timing DOHC engine without variable valve timing. (The JDM-only KA24DE-T variant used in the Japan-market Bluebird SSS-Z had variable timing, but the US 240SX KA24DE does NOT.) This simplifies the engine and reduces electronic complexity but means the powerband is dictated by cam profile rather than variable timing adjustment.

• Economical Operation: The KA24DE is designed to provide a balance of performance and fuel efficiency, with 9.5:1 compression ratio for regular 87 octane fuel, making it suitable for both daily driving and performance-oriented applications.

• Long-Standing Legacy: The KA24DE has a long history within Nissan’s lineup (1991 to 2004 production across multiple platforms), known for its reliability and ease of maintenance, which has contributed to its enduring popularity among enthusiasts.

• Balanced Design: The engine is designed with a balanced configuration including a sturdy block and well-matched components, ensuring smooth operation and longevity even at high mileage.

• Optimized Intake and Exhaust Design: The intake and exhaust systems are engineered to maximize airflow efficiency, enhancing engine performance and responsiveness. The aftermarket offers extensive bolt-on intake and header upgrades that respond well to ECU tuning.

• Compatibility with Modifications: Due to its robust cast iron block and aluminum head, plus extensive aftermarket support, the KA24DE engine is highly adaptable to modifications such as turbocharging (Greddy and Tomei kits are popular), engine swaps (often the KA24DE serves as the swap-OUT donor when an SR20DET is being installed), and bolt-on performance upgrades, offering enthusiasts a wide range of customization options.

• Emissions Compliance: All versions of the US-spec KA24DE engine were designed to meet US emissions standards.

• User-Friendly Design: The engine’s layout and accessibility of components make it relatively straightforward for DIY maintenance and repairs, contributing to its appeal among hobbyists and amateur mechanics.

Nissan 240SX KA24DE Engine Compatibility

The KA24DE engine was used as the factory engine in the following Nissan applications:

Nissan 240SX (the primary application):

• Nissan 240SX S13 (1989-1994 production): The KA24E (SOHC) was used 1989-1990; the KA24DE (DOHC) was introduced for the 1991 model year and continued through end of S13 production in 1994

• Nissan 240SX S14 (1995-1998 production): KA24DE DOHC standard across all years and trim levels (SE, LE, XE)

Nissan Altima:

• Nissan Altima (1993-2001): KA24DE used as one of the engine options in the first and second generation Altima (the Altima KA24DE is a transverse-mounted variant with different intake manifold orientation than the longitudinal-mounted 240SX KA24DE)

Nissan Frontier:

• Nissan Frontier (1998-2004): KA24DE used in the base model Frontier with manual or automatic transmission

Important Note: SR20DET in US 240SX

The SR20DET turbocharged 2.0L DOHC engine is closely associated with the 240SX chassis in drift culture, but it was NEVER factory-installed in the US 240SX. The SR20DET was a JDM-market engine used in:

• Japan-market Nissan Silvia S13 (CA18DET earlier, SR20DET from 1991)

• Japan-market Nissan 180SX (S13 hatchback variant)

• Japan-market Nissan Silvia S14

• Japan-market Nissan Silvia S15

• Japan-market Nissan Bluebird SSS-R / SSS-X (1990-1992)

• Japan-market Nissan Pulsar GTI-R (some variants)

If you’re looking for an SR20DET as a swap candidate for your US 240SX, that’s a separate JDM-imported engine , call (240) 301-0095 for SR20DET availability and pricing.

Maintenance for KA24DE Longevity

To keep your Nissan 240SX KA24DE engine running strong:

• Use high-quality 5W-30 or 10W-30 oil and change it regularly (every 3,000 to 5,000 miles for hard-driven cars, 5,000 to 7,500 miles for daily drivers)

• Replace the timing chain tensioner at high mileage (a known KA24DE wear point)

• Address head gasket leaks promptly (another known KA24DE wear point at 150,000+ miles)

• Follow recommended service intervals for spark plugs, ignition coils, and fuel filter

• Use proper coolant and check levels frequently (50/50 ethylene glycol / distilled water)

• Inspect valve cover gasket at 100,000 mile intervals (common oil leak source)

Whether you’re replacing a worn-out KA24DE in your daily driver, building a track-ready 240SX, or finally doing that SR20DET swap and need the KA24DE removed from your inventory, we have the perfect Nissan 240SX engine for sale to meet your needs. With our wide selection, competitive pricing, and expert support, you’ll be back on the road or track in no time. Browse our inventory of Nissan 240SX engines today and take the first step toward powering your drift dreams!

Vehicle Compatibility

Condition and Inspection

• Engine code verified (KA24DE DOHC, NOT KA24E SOHC)

• Donor vehicle confirmed (240SX S13, 240SX S14, Altima, or Frontier)

• Longitudinal vs transverse mount configuration documented

• Model year and emissions calibration documented

• All 4 cylinders compression tested

• Cam timing inspected

• Head gasket condition assessed (known wear point at 150,000+ miles)

• Valve cover gasket condition documented

• Oil consumption baseline established

• Front main and rear main seal condition noted

• Timing chain tensioner condition checked

• Block visual inspection (no cracks)

• Accessory pulley condition verified

• Engine code verified (KA24DE confirmed, not KA24E)

• Donor vehicle identified (240SX, Altima, or Frontier)

• Longitudinal vs transverse mount configuration documented

• Compression test results available before payment

• Known KA24DE wear points specifically assessed (head gasket, timing chain tensioner)

• Free freight pallet delivery to all 50 states

• 15 day replacement warranty on internal defects

• Nissan 240SX and JDM swap experienced support team