Nissan KA24DE: Everything You Need to Know | Specs and More

If you’ve been around the drifting scene, then you’ve probably heard of the KA24DE engine. It’s the engine that all Nissan 240SXs in the U.S. used. You’ve probably heard that it came from the Nissan Hardbody truck.

The KA24 was designed to replace the extremely outdated Nissan Z engine. Although this engine doesn’t use any innovative technology, it does have a cult following like other Nissan engines. It mostly has this cult following from the 240SX’s cult following, especially considering there are superior engines, such as the SR20DET, that can easily replace it.

The KA24DE is part of the Nissan KA engine family, which also includes the KA20DE and KA24E. In this short article, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about the KA24DE. You can find additional information on the KA24 Wikipedia page.

KA24DE: Engine Basics and Specs

The KA24DE is a 2.4L inline four-cylinder engine that uses an iron cylinder block with an aluminum cylinder head.

Part of the reason Nissan used an iron cylinder block was to save money. The engine was intended for use in light trucks and SUVs, so weight saving wasn’t a significant concern. Had Nissan known they would eventually use this engine in the 240SX, I’m sure they would’ve considered using an aluminum construction.

Early versions of this engine used a SOHC design with three valves per cylinder. Even with its relatively large displacement, the KA24 did not implement balance shafts. Generally speaking, four-cylinder engines larger than 2.0L of displacement use balancing shafts to help reduce vibrations felt in the cab. The KA24DE doesn’t feature these, and it has a slight reputation for being a “buzzy” engine.

Later versions of this engine used a DOHC design with four valves per cylinder which increased power and efficiency.

Oddly enough, Nissan decided to use a shim-over-bucket configuration for the valve train instead of rocker arms. The KA24 uses a Hitachi sequential electronic fuel injection system. Nissan configured some KA24 engines for front-wheel drive vehicles.

• Production Run: 1988 – 2004
• Displacement: 2389cc
• Cylinder Block Material: Cast Iron
• Cylinder Head Material: Cast Aluminum
• Valvetrain: SOHC | Three Valves per Cylinder (1988 – 1997) – DOHC | Four Valves per Cylinder (1991 – 2004)
• Stroke: 96mm
• Bore: 89mm
• Compression Ratio: 8.6:1 to 9.5:1
• Horsepower: 134hp to 155hp
• Torque: 152 lb-ft to 160 lb-ft
• Deck: Open Deck
• Configuration: Inline Four-Cylinder

Cars That Came With the KA24DE

Nissan put the KA24E and KA24DE in a variety of different products through their life cycles.

Some engines were destined for light-duty pickup trucks and SUVs, such as the Nissan Hardbody or Nissan Xterra, but the KA24 is best known for its appearance in the 240SX.

It makes sense just to adapt the engine for multiple platforms rather than creating an all-new engine. While they could’ve used engines like the SR20 or CA18 for some of these applications, they strangely didn’t. Some of these applications even use the SR or CA engine in other countries, but in the US, Nissan simply used the KA24.

• 1989 – 1990: Nissan 240 (KA24E)
• 1990 – 1997: Nissan Hardbody (KA24E)
• 1990 – 1995: Nissan Pathfinder (KA24E)
• 1989 – 1995: Nissan Access / Nissan Prairie (KA24E)
• 1990 – 1992: Nissan Stanza (KA24E)
• 1989 – 1992: Nissan Pintara / Ford Corsair (KA24E)
• 1993 – 1996: Nissan Terrano II (KA24E)
• 2000 – 2004: Nissan Xterra (KA24DE)
• 1998 – 2008: Nissan Frontier (KA24DE)
• 1991 – 1998: Nissan 240SX (KA24DE)
• 1997 – 2000: Nissan R’nessa (KA24DE)
• 1998 – 2001: Nissan Presage (KA24DE)
• 1999 – 2001: Nissan Bassara (KA24DE)
• 1993 – 1997: Nissan Bluebird (KA24DE)
• 1993 – 2001: Nissan Altima (KA24DE-a)

KA24DE: Known Problems

Just like any other engine, the KA24DE has a couple of known issues that are common. The distributor is known for failing on earlier versions of the KA24.

Another prevalent issue is a rattling timing chain, which occurs when the timing chain gets loose from age and begins to rub against the timing chain cover.

Supposedly the alternator fails more than many other vehicles, but we are not able to verify this problem. The last issue is the valve cover gasket which is known for leaking, which is mostly due to the bolt pattern and design of the valve cover.

It’s a pretty quick and easy fix, but it is a common occurrence.

KA24DE: Tuning Potential

Thanks to the massive explosion of drifting, the 240SX has become the most popular tuner car in the world. However, many people upgrade to the SR20DET engine, many stay with the KA24DE because of its larger displacement.

A naturally aspirated built can reach up to 200whp (230bhp), but it isn’t cheap. This kind of build requires a full bolt-on, ported and polished head, bigger cams, and possibly a higher compression ratio.

Many people prefer the turbocharged route as it’s relatively cheap and makes pretty decent amounts of power. Following the Nissan naming convention, many people prefer to call a turbocharged KA24DE a “KA24DET.” Although many people use an eBay turbocharger or the SR20 turbo, the better option is to use a quality turbo.

Something like a Garrett GTX2867R would easily make 400whp or more. If you want excellent throttle response and lots of low-end torque, a Borg Warner EFR turbo would be a great solution. Of course, proper fueling is a big hurdle to get past, and you’ll need much larger injectors and a big fuel pump. If possible, ethanol fuel is highly recommended over pump gas for a KA24DET setup.

Unfortunately, the stock bottom-end isn’t strong as some other Nissan engines, such as the RB, and can only hold up to about 350whp. If you’re looking to go for big power, you’ll need a forged rotating assembly. That being said, 300whp is plenty in a lightweight rear-wheel-drive car and will be more than enough power for sliding around on the track or street.

If you end up dumping that much money into a KA24, you might as well swap in a 1JZ/2JZ or RB engine which will make way more power while also being more reliable.

Ka24E vs KA24DE

There seems to be quite a lot of confusion about the differences between the KA24E and the KA24DE.

As you may expect, these engines are very similar, but there are a few fundamental differences that separate these engines. The most significant difference is the cylinder head.

The Ka24E was a single overhead cam engine with just three valves per cylinder, and the KA24DE was a dual overhead cam engine with four valves per cylinder. If you didn’t already know, the biggest power gains of any engine are found in the cylinder head.

It was mostly the trucks that used the KA24E, but the 89-90 240SX also used it. Luckily, the 1991 – 1998 240SX used the KA24DE.

Design improvements of the dual cam engine include the use of a knock sensor, larger diameter girdled main bearings in the Japanese block, different oil pan, different oil pickup, dipstick location, and piston oil squirters.