Nissan 240SX KA24DE Engine for Sale | OEM Used 2.4L DOHC Inline-4 Naturally Aspirated | Direct Fit Nissan 240SX S13, S14 Plus Altima and Frontier Applications
$2,600.00
At a Glance
- Condition: OEM used, all 4 cylinders compression tested
- Availability: In stock, Nissan 240SX KA24DE engines available
- Shipping: Free shipping to all 50 states via freight pallet, 5 to 10 business days
- Engine code verified (KA24DE DOHC, NOT KA24E SOHC)
- Donor vehicle confirmed (240SX S13 / S14 / Altima / Frontier)
- Model year and emissions calibration documented
- Head gasket condition assessed (known KA24DE wear point)
- Cam timing inspected
- Valve cover gasket condition documented
- Oil consumption baseline established
- Front and rear main seal condition noted
- Backed by a 15 day replacement warranty against internal defects
Description
About the Nissan 240SX KA24DE Engine
Looking for a Nissan 240SX engine? Part Nests offers quality Nissan 240SX engines for sale. Whether you are 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.
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 at Part Nests offers endless possibilities for customizing your drift machine, time-attack build, or daily driver.
JDM Performance Engine Context
The KA24DE (this listing) is the US-market 240SX naturally aspirated 2.4L Inline-4 with DOHC architecture, used as both the factory drift platform engine and the foundation for countless modified builds. For buyers comparing JDM performance engines across philosophies: the KA24DE (this listing, 2.4L DOHC NA Inline-4 with cast iron block, 155 HP / 160 lb-ft, 7,000 RPM redline, used as Nissan 240SX S13 / S14 factory engine plus Altima and Frontier) is the rear-wheel-drive drift / JDM swap base; the Honda F20C / F22C1 (our vaz144 listing, 2.0L or 2.2L NA Inline-4 with 9,000 RPM redline and forged internals, S2000 only) is the high-rev specialty NA Inline-4 with the highest specific output of its era; the Honda K20Z3 (our vaz115 listing, 2.0L i-VTEC Inline-4 with 8,000 RPM redline, Civic Si engine) is the mainstream K-series Honda performance Inline-4; the Toyota 2JZ (our vaz112 listing, 3.0L cast iron closed-deck Inline-6 with forced induction capability) is the JDM Inline-6 forced-induction-capable alternative used in Supra MK4 / Aristo. Three distinct JDM Inline-4 philosophies plus the 2JZ Inline-6: KA24DE for affordable RWD drift / swap; F20C / F22C1 for purpose-built high-rev sports car; K20Z3 for broad-application Honda performance; 2JZ for forced induction and high HP targets. Also see the Nissan VQ30DE alternator pairing context per vaz143 (the Maxima alt where KA24DE is listed as the Altima base engine pairing).
Features of the Nissan 240SX KA24DE Engine
- Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC): 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 most rebuilt and modified components in the aftermarket.
- Aluminum Cylinder Head: Helps in reducing overall weight and improving heat dissipation for better engine cooling, particularly important during sustained high-RPM operation.
- Cast Iron Block: 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 approximately 400 wheel HP.
- Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI): OEM MPFI system delivers fuel precisely to each cylinder for clean combustion, smooth idle, and reliable cold-start operation.
- 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.)
- Economical Operation: 9.5:1 compression ratio for regular 87 octane fuel.
- Long-Standing Legacy: Production 1991 to 2004 across multiple platforms.
- Optimized Intake and Exhaust Design: Engineered to maximize airflow efficiency. The aftermarket offers extensive bolt-on intake and header upgrades.
- Compatibility with Modifications: The cast iron block and aluminum head, plus extensive aftermarket support, make the KA24DE highly adaptable to 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.
Nissan 240SX KA24DE Engine Compatibility
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 are looking for an SR20DET as a swap candidate for your US 240SX, that is a separate JDM-imported engine, call (855) 634-4447 for SR20DET availability and pricing.
Maintenance for KA24DE Longevity
- 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)
Vehicle Compatibility
| Vehicle | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Nissan 240SX S13 (1991-1994) | DOHC KA24DE (introduced 1991, replacing SOHC KA24E) |
| Nissan 240SX S14 (1995-1998) | DOHC KA24DE standard across SE / LE / XE trims |
| Nissan Altima (1993-2001) | Transverse-mounted KA24DE in first and second generation |
| Nissan Frontier (1998-2004) | KA24DE base engine for the first generation Frontier |
Why Buy From Part Nests
- 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
- Call (855) 634-4447 to confirm Nissan 240SX KA24DE engine code (2.4L DOHC Inline-4 naturally aspirated, NOT the KA24E SOHC single-cam predecessor used in 1989-1990 240SX S13), donor vehicle (Nissan 240SX S13 1991-1994 DOHC era, 240SX S14 1995-1998 SE / LE / XE trims, Altima 1993-2001 first / second generation with transverse-mount variant, or Frontier 1998-2004 base engine), longitudinal vs transverse mount configuration (the 240SX uses longitudinal RWD mount, the Altima uses transverse FWD mount with different intake manifold orientation), head gasket condition (known KA24DE wear point at 150,000+ miles), timing chain tensioner condition, the SR20DET clarification (NEVER factory-installed in the US 240SX, JDM-only engine for Silvia / 180SX / Bluebird / Pulsar GTI-R applications), and the JDM performance engine context (KA24DE RWD drift / swap base vs Honda F20C / F22C1 per vaz144 high-rev S2000-only NA Inline-4 vs K20Z3 per vaz115 K-series mainstream vs Toyota 2JZ per vaz112 forced-induction Inline-6) before ordering
15 Day Replacement Warranty
Every used Nissan 240SX KA24DE engine purchased through Part Nests carries a 15 day replacement warranty starting on the delivery date.
What Is Covered
- Internal defects already present when the engine arrives
- Compression failures on any of the 4 cylinders beyond what was disclosed
- Cylinder head crack failures within 15 days from installation
- Head gasket failures within 15 days from installation (where condition was documented as serviceable at shipping)
- Timing chain failures within 15 days from installation
- Connecting rod, lifter, or bearing failures within 15 days from installation
- Cast iron crankshaft failures within 15 days from installation
- Incorrect engine code shipped (KA24DE vs KA24E SOHC mismatch) or incorrect mount configuration (longitudinal vs transverse) due to an error on our end
What Is Not Covered
- Damage caused during installation
- Damage from incorrect oil viscosity or extended oil change intervals (5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended, 3,000-5,000 mile intervals for hard-driven cars)
- Damage from neglected coolant maintenance (50/50 ethylene glycol / distilled water specification)
- Damage from operating with worn timing chain tensioner (known KA24DE wear point) without prompt repair
- Damage from forced induction conversion without proper supporting modifications (the cast iron crankshaft is a known limitation for high-output turbo builds above approximately 400 wheel HP; forged crankshaft upgrade is common practice for higher targets)
- Damage from aggressive aftermarket tuning beyond Nissan-approved fuel maps
- Damage from running low-octane fuel for boost applications (turbo conversions require premium fuel for proper detonation margin)
- External components (ECM, harness, intake manifold, exhaust manifold, turbocharger if separately installed, starter, alternator, water pump, transmission, AC compressor) unless itemized
- Labor expenses of any kind
To start a warranty claim, reach us within 15 days of delivery at (855) 634-4447.
- All 4 Cylinders Tested: Compression results documented before payment
- Engine Code Verified: KA24DE DOHC confirmed (NOT KA24E SOHC predecessor)
- Donor Vehicle Confirmed: 240SX S13, S14, Altima, or Frontier documented
- Mount Configuration Documented: Longitudinal (240SX RWD) or transverse (Altima FWD)
- Head Gasket Assessed: Known KA24DE wear point inspected
- 15 Day Replacement Cover: Internal defects protected from delivery onward
Additional information
| aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
|---|---|
| bore-x-stroke | 89 mm x 96 mm |
| compression-ratio | 9.5:1 |
| cooling-system | Liquid-cooled with water pump and radiator |
| electrical-system | 12-volt |
| fuel-system | Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI) |
| fuel-type | Gasoline (regular unleaded 87 octane) |
Nissan 2.4L DOHC Inline-4 naturally aspirated engine for the 240SX and related applications. The KA24DE designation: KA is the engine family code (Nissan KA series 4-cylinders), 24 indicates 2.4L displacement, D indicates DOHC architecture, E indicates Electronic fuel injection. Features: 2.4L (2,389 cc) Inline-4, DOHC valvetrain, cast iron block, aluminum cylinder head, MPFI sequential fuel injection, cast iron crankshaft (NOT forged), 9.5:1 compression for regular 87 octane fuel. Output: 155 HP at 5,600 RPM, 160 lb-ft at 4,400 RPM. Production 1991-2004 across the 240SX, Altima, and Frontier platforms. The dominant Nissan 4-cylinder engine of the 1990s in the US market.
DE is DOHC (dual cam), E is SOHC (single cam). The KA24DE (this listing) is the DOHC dual overhead cam variant introduced for the 1991 model year. The KA24E is the predecessor SOHC single overhead cam variant used in 1989-1990 240SX S13 production (the first two years of US 240SX). The DOHC head provides better mid-RPM and high-RPM breathing compared to the SOHC alternative; the DOHC variant is significantly more sought-after for performance applications and is the dominant engine across the S13 1991-1994 and entire S14 1995-1998 production. When ordering for a 240SX S13 chassis, confirm whether your application is the early KA24E SOHC or the later KA24DE DOHC; the two engines have different intake / exhaust / wiring requirements.
240SX, Altima, and Frontier 1991-2004. Nissan 240SX (primary application): S13 1991-1994 (DOHC introduced 1991, replacing the SOHC KA24E used 1989-1990) and S14 1995-1998 (DOHC standard across SE / LE / XE trims). Nissan Altima: 1993-2001 first and second generation, transverse-mounted FWD variant with different intake manifold orientation than the longitudinal RWD 240SX variant. Nissan Frontier: 1998-2004 base model with KA24DE manual or automatic transmission. The 240SX is by far the most performance-oriented application; the Altima and Frontier use the same fundamental engine but with different accessories and intake manifold for FWD / truck packaging.
No. The SR20DET was NEVER factory-installed in any US 240SX. The SR20DET (turbocharged 2.0L DOHC Inline-4) is closely associated with the 240SX chassis in drift culture, but it was a JDM-market-only 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, Japan-market Nissan Pulsar GTI-R some variants. The US 240SX always shipped with the KA24E (SOHC, 1989-1990) or KA24DE (DOHC, 1991-1998). If you want an SR20DET in your US 240SX, that is a JDM swap project requiring an imported engine (separate listing); call us for SR20DET availability.
RWD drift / swap base vs Honda high-rev NA, K-series mainstream, Toyota 2JZ forced-induction. The KA24DE (this listing) is the affordable rear-wheel-drive drift / JDM swap foundation, with a cast iron block that handles forced induction conversion well (with appropriate internal upgrades above approximately 400 wheel HP). The Honda F20C / F22C1 (our vaz144 listing) is the high-rev specialty NA Inline-4 with forged internals and 9,000 RPM redline, used exclusively in the S2000 sports car. The Honda K20Z3 (our vaz115 listing) is the K-series mainstream Honda performance Inline-4 with 8,000 RPM redline, used in the 8th gen Civic Si and other K-series applications. The Toyota 2JZ (our vaz112 listing) is the Toyota Inline-6 alternative with forced-induction capability (2JZ-GTE handles 1,000+ HP on stock internals). Four distinct JDM engine philosophies for different performance goals: KA24DE for accessible RWD drift / swap; F20C for purpose-built sports car NA high-rev; K20Z3 for broad Honda performance; 2JZ for forced induction high HP.
Head gasket and timing chain tensioner. The KA24DE has two well-documented wear points at high mileage. Head gasket failures: KA24DE head gaskets typically develop weeping or full failure past 150,000 miles, especially in cars that have experienced overheating events. Symptoms: coolant loss, oil contamination, white exhaust smoke, milky oil. Timing chain tensioner: the KA24DE timing chain tensioner can wear and cause chain slap, eventually leading to chain failure if not addressed. Symptoms: timing chain rattle at startup, eventually progressing to running noise. Both wear points are addressable with replacement parts and proper service procedures. We inspect both areas on every KA24DE we ship and document condition before payment.
Cast iron crank is durable for NA and mild boost; forged crank upgrade typical above 400 wheel HP. The factory KA24DE crankshaft is cast iron (NOT forged steel as some aftermarket sources incorrectly claim). Cast iron cranks are durable and reliable for naturally-aspirated operation and mild forced-induction conversion (typically up to approximately 400 wheel HP on stock crank). Above 400 wheel HP, the cast iron crank becomes a known limitation, and high-output turbo builders typically upgrade to forged crankshafts (K1 Technologies, Brian Crower, and CP-Carrillo offer forged KA24DE crank options). Knowing the crank limitation helps build planning: stock crank is fine for 250-400 wheel HP turbo builds with appropriate supporting modifications; forged crank required above 400 wheel HP for reliable high-output operation.
No. There is no core return required.
2 reviews for Nissan 240SX KA24DE Engine for Sale | OEM Used 2.4L DOHC Inline-4 Naturally Aspirated | Direct Fit Nissan 240SX S13, S14 Plus Altima and Frontier Applications
Related products
Magdalena S. –
Got a KA24DE for a 1996 Nissan 240SX S14 SE replacement (the iconic 240SX drift chassis platform). Engine code precision verified as KA24DE DOHC (NOT the KA24E SOHC predecessor used in 1989-1990 S13 production), donor vehicle confirmed as 240SX S14 SE (matching destination), longitudinal mount configuration documented (240SX RWD vs Altima transverse FWD variant), model year and emissions calibration documented, all 4 cylinders compression tested, head gasket condition assessed (the known KA24DE wear point at 150,000+ miles), timing chain tensioner condition checked. Honest pre-purchase information about the SR20DET clarification (NEVER factory-installed in the US 240SX, JDM-only engine for Silvia / 180SX / Bluebird / Pulsar GTI-R) and the JDM performance engine context (KA24DE RWD drift / swap base vs F20C per vaz144 high-rev S2000-only NA vs K20Z3 per vaz115 K-series mainstream vs 2JZ per vaz112 forced-induction Inline-6).
Theodore P. –
Sourced a KA24DE for a 1999 Nissan Frontier base model replacement (KA24DE truck application 1998-2004 base engine). Engine code verified as KA24DE, donor vehicle identified as Frontier base model, longitudinal mount configuration documented matching the Frontier truck packaging, compression test results provided before payment for all 4 cylinders, head gasket condition assessed clean, cast iron crankshaft confirmed factory. Honest pre-purchase information about the cast iron crankshaft consideration for forced-induction builds (cast crank fine for NA and mild boost up to 400 wheel HP; forged crank upgrade required above 400 wheel HP for reliable high-output operation) and the longitudinal RWD vs transverse FWD mount distinction between 240SX / Frontier and Altima variants.