KA24DE engine

Specifications

The Nissan KA24DE engine is a 2.4-liter (2,389 cc) inline-four gasoline engine produced from 1991 to 2016, widely recognized for its durability and strong low-end torque in vehicles like the Nissan 240SX, Nissan Altima, and Nissan Frontier. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design with 16 valves (four per cylinder), paired with a cast-iron block and aluminium cylinder head for a balance of strength and heat efficiency. With a bore and stroke of 89.0 mm × 96.0 mm, a compression ratio ranging from 9.0:1 to 9.5:1, and a redline near 6,500 RPM, the engine produces roughly 145–159 horsepower and 153–160 lb-ft. of torque. 

It uses multi-point electronic fuel injection and a shim-over-bucket valve train, and includes features like a knock sensor and piston oil squinters to improve reliability. Known to often exceed 200,000 miles with proper maintenance, it does require attention to its timing chain system due to its interference design, making regular servicing important for long-term performance.

Engine Variants

Standard RWD version of the Nissan KA24DE

It was built for longitudinal, rear-wheel-drive platforms such as the Nissan 240SX, Nissan Hard Body Truck, and Nissan Frontier. It features a cast-iron block, aluminium DOHC 16-valve head, multi-point fuel injection, and a higher-mounted intake manifold suited for RWD packaging. With a compression ratio around 9.5:1 and a redline near 6,500 RPM, it produces roughly 145–155 HP and up to 160 lb-ft.  of torque, offering strong low-end performance and excellent durability, which makes it highly popular for modifications and engine swaps.

KA24DE-A (FWD) variant

Engineered for transverse, front-wheel-drive applications like the Nissan Altima. While it retains the same 2.4L displacement, DOHC 16-valve design, and fuel injection system, it uses a different block and cylinder head casting, along with a reconfigured intake and accessory layout to fit FWD packaging. It typically produces around 150–155 HP and similar torque figures, but due to its structural differences, it is not directly interchangeable with the RWD KA24DE.

Mid-to-late 1990s KA24DE variants

Represent earlier production models used across both RWD and FWD vehicles. These engines generally feature slightly simpler ECU tuning and emissions systems, with output ranging from about 143–150 HP and torque near 150–155 lb-ft. They maintain the same bore, stroke, and overall construction, emphasizing reliability and ease of maintenance, though they lack some of the refinements seen in later versions.

Post-2000 KA24DE variants

It is found in later trucks and SUVs such as updated Nissan Frontier models, benefited from improved intake airflow design, updated ECU calibration, and stricter emissions control systems. These refinements increased output to approximately 155–159 HP while maintaining torque around 155–160 lb-ft. Despite these updates, the engine retained its core design and reputation for long service life and strong low-end torque.

Frequently Asked Questions