The Other Build - Nissan Hardbody
 

Not sure how well this is going to be received, but I was asked previously to post some more information on my current project so I figured I'd share.

A few months ago I picked up a cheap Nissan Pickup with 270k miles on it. It's a 1991, 5 speed, 2wd, extended cab. I've always wanted to try a super cheap turbo build to see what I could piece together and this seemed like it would make for an interesting subject.

It's a manual, 2wd, fuel injected, respond well to cheap piggybacks, and has a KA24E motor (same motor that came in earlier S13 240's) so there are plenty of cheap aftermarket parts available.

This is the beast when I got her home:

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1331139715

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1331139715

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1331139715

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1331139715

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1331139715

I found a manifold, turbo, partial downpipe, and some 450 injectors that I picked up cheap off craigslist. I've tried to do some research on the turbo to figure out what it's off of, but haven't had much luck. I'd love if someone could help identify it, I can post more on it when I get home. It's a small T3, oil cooled, internally gated, "Air Research".

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1331139982

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1331139982

thats a volvo turbo Diesel turbo, the wastegate gives it away

oh my -----ing god....I do not need to be seeing this......:vash:

I've been so tempted for the last year to turbo my frontier...2001 2door, 5 speed with a KA24DE :party:

What are your plans for the a/c line coming off the fire wall over the header? That's pretty much the only thing that's stopping me from throwing on a super cheap kit.

Awesome, thanks man. Hopefully it will flow enough to be usefull, I'm not expecting much out of it.

I relocated that AC line and the rest of the AC components to my trash can. :giggle: I originally wanted to try to work around it, but the AC wasn't cold anyway so I just junked it.

Abuot this point I started getting distracted from boost by the horrible paint. I decided to paint the truck, which turned into a huge mess that took months. Apparently the truck had been repainted about 10 times and while sanding the paint would chip off at various levels and I couldn't ever get it smooth. I ended up stripping the entire truck before repainting it. Lost motivation several times, but eventually got it coated. It still needs another coat but at least it's white now.

I picked up some Tacoma wheels as well and put on it. I feel like it's looking a lot better already but still needs a lot of love.

I also lowered it 2 inches on blocks, which seemed to do almost nothing. Definitely would like to lower it some more but new springs are expensive, relatively speaking.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1331143196

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1331143196

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1331143196

By comparing your two pictures, I think your ride height has actually increased.

im pretty sure the specs are:

-Compressor Trim: 50
-Compressor Housing a/r: .42
-Turbine Housing a/r: .48

not really a bad turbo for a project like this. I owned one for awhile to put on my FWD BP and did a bunch of research, I only ditched it because I crammed a KLZE in there instead XD

Pretty neat build.

Are you going for a decent handling pickup? Or a rugged picked with power?

Those wheels look...wrong. I like the original ones, maybe blasted and repainted black. If you're want something that handles, that's another story though.

fender gap increased from smaller tire OD but ... it looks like a hotwheels car with those Taco wheels.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1331212593

I'd like something that handled decent, but I'm not really concerned about it. I just want to make it decently quick, I'd be very happy with a mid 90's trap speed, something around 180-200whp.

Correct, the tires that were on it killing the gear ratios. I went back to a stock sized tire. Like mentioned above, I'd like to go a few inches lower and I think it'd look a lot better.

Nice build so far. I've wanted a hard body for awhile now.

Will the transmission and or rear end hold up ok?

Yeah big boy... I bet you have!

Ouch. That's gonna leave a mark.

You've been on a boat too long. Spending too much time with your hard buddy. Lol

See what happens when you over use the space bar. Let this be a lesson kids. The space bar can cause questionable sexuality. Keep a close eye on vehicle choice and space bar use.

I've got no idea, hopefully it won't be too much of an issue with the modest power gains I'm hoping for. I know the Pathfinder LSD rear end is a direct swap, if it goes I'll definitely be looking for one of those.