KA timing chain kits..

[ZorRtwice]

Im doing this rebuild for my KA and I want it to last a good long while ...even with boost applications down the road.

I have been under the impression it is unwise to cheap out on timing chain and related componants. Always going with OEM nissan parts. Ive been told by more experienced people they have never seen an aftermarket chain "last"

What do you all prefer to use in your KA's and have tried with great success. Now Ive seen this ...and since its half the price of what I would need to get from nissan ...its tempting since Im on a budget and could put that extra money back into suspension.

http://www.frsport.com/OSK-13028-53F02-KA24DE-DOHC-Timing-Chain-Kit-1991-1998-Nissan-240SX_p_3225.html

[Def]

Do OEM timing chains ever fail?

[Matt93SE]

Yup.

[djsilver]

The OEM may be superior but when it's 3 times the cost of anything else I'm willing to take a chance. When I built my motor, the OEM kit was well over $500 everywhere I looked. Based on my experience with OEM and jobber parts in other areas, I'm willing to pay a premium on certain items but not that much. I went with a kit from a known company and haven't looked back. When the timing chains/guides start wearing you can hear it at idle so you generally do get some warning before failure. I wouldn't buy one on FleaBay but FRSport is a reputable suppler. Take a really hard look at the sprockets and replace them as well if the teeth are starting to look sharp. The chain and sprockets tend to wear together.

[Def]

Do the guides fail(i.e. wear through), or does the chain snap? The KA chain is pretty stout, I'd be surprised if it ever let go. I mean... it is a truck motor after all.

[Matt93SE]

I've seen the guides fail and the tensioners sieze, which causes the chain to slap and wear, eventually to failure. usually it's just the tensioners wear out and etc, but I have seen a couple chains fail for whatever reason.

[ZorRtwice]

Ah well thanks for the input. I might save 130$ and get the OSK kit from FR sport.

[KA240SX808]

Look for Cloyes Timing Kits. Comes with everything. Know lots of ppl that have used them and haven't seen one fail or to out prematurely. Decent price too.
I thought about the cheap kits but wouldn't be worth a couple bucks to end up with a snapped chain and bent valves. Or what else the chain may destroy while its on its way to destruction.

[PerilousActs]

Yeah, just get the OEM kit. I got a cheap kit for my SR and the casting on the actual timing chain tensioner was so off that the tensioner didn't even fit into the block properly.

[Bubba]

I call up West Covina Nissan and order the parts piece by piece. Still comes out about the same price as the FRsport kit for OEM parts.

[ZorRtwice]

Thats what im doing with courtesy nissan ....the 600$ kit also has gaskets..hoses...thermostat etc...

I just pick the part numbers for the two chains, two tensioners and tow guides and will order those.

[Matt93SE]

Lots of places with better prices than courtesy, and you get competent customer service to boot.

[Bubba]

West Covina has always beat Courtesy's pricing from the jump. A complete timing kit comes out to less than $200 last time I checked.

[eazye2000]

I'm with Bubba. I got the complete kit from 'The Nismo Shop' which is still part of West Covina Nissan.
Call and talk to Ruben, he'll get you killer pricing. But I think I paid just less than 350 to my door and that included the complete updated timing kit, and a front cover/oil pump rebuild kit with relief valve and shims.

[n00b240sx]

Double Post