I have searched and read all that I can but have not found what I'm looking for.


1998 Nissan D22 (Frontier), 4x4, 5speed, KA24DE, C200 (rear), R180(Front), King Cab


I pull a 4000 lb trailer every week and go 4wheelin once a month, and drive it every day.

So I want an engine with a torque curve that comes in well in the low end, so I'm thinking about a turbo.

My goal is 300 lb/ft of torque, and I am setting the goal high on purpose.

The question is, what should I do with a DOHC to get the torque I'm looking for? How much can I do with the engine in the truck? How much can be weekend projects? Or should I try to buy a second engine, build it, then put it in? Or should I go to a different engine? And a big thing is what do people know about the strength of the rest of the drive train when it comes to towing?

For suspension I have a couple ¾ ton Chevy springs that will help support the rear of the truck so that part is will be addressed.


Just a few questions, thank you.

For a turbo to work down low it has to be undersized- for fast spoolup.
I don't think the clutch is rated for that much load, in the long term.

The auto's are rated higher, 5000#, I think.


i would say that if you're serious, you'll build an engine on the side, then swap in on a weekend. i can't see doing all that you want, and keep it streetable 5 days out of 7.

I like your question

The H233b is plenty strong enough to handle the weight your towing. I would build the engine the install it in a weekend.

Yes the clutch will need to be upgraded.

chevyman_57 dropped a 3.3L from another nissan In his pathy.
(His write-ups are Here on N4Wand Here on 4x4 parts)
He's been very happy with it over the last 6years.

If the 4cyl and V6 D22 run the same tranny it should bolt right up. But You'll need to get the computer, accessories and stuff, to go with it because you have a 4cyl. once you got it all together you should be able to drop in about 180hp (@4800)and 200ft/lbs torque(@2800) I'm sure it has a pretty flat torque band like you want it to.

I'm planning on doing the the same thing with my V6 pathy but B4 I drop it in I'm going to install a stroker kit made by PAECO Industries I'm not going to bore the cyl just stoking alone will take the 3.3 up to 3.5L which should be plenty. (3.8+ ish if I bored too)
I'm hoping for over 200hp and 250ft/lbs of torque by doing so. Stroker motors are known for their torqe!

I would not go the turbo route. turbos are mainly for high rpm and you have turbo lag to deal whith when tying to tap into the lower end of that power. If you want to keep a flatter torqe band go with a bigger engine or a super charger.

Well thank you for the info.

Will the c200 take that? If it can't, what about it is not strong enough? Does the ring break? What specifically breaks inside the differential?

I'd pm chevyman_57 for what needs re-enforced. as far as I know his whole drive train held up to the power and torqe. I'm hoping mine will too.