....."the KA24 has structural problems with the block and piston speed issues so ultimately the SR20 will produce more power. The KA has harmonic issues much past 7k rpm which can result in catastrophic bottom end failure, like the main caps seperating from the block! The SR20's finger follower valve train also allows higher valve velocities and more area under the lift curve. The SR's ports also flow better. The SR has lower piston speeds and will rev higher with less mechanical stress.

For racing the SR is much better suited but its hard to compare both here as the 240 is a much better chassis. RWD mutilink and good geometry strut front suspension is going to kick the Sentra's econobox strut chassis's ass. In a drag race the 240 will always hook up better all other things being equal. The SE-R is hampered by a butter like transmission that shreads third gear easily.

It is difficult but not imposible to get a turbo KA much over 400 hp but it is super easy to get 400+ hp out of an SR20. The most powerful turbo KA's I know get in the mid 400 hp range while the most powerful SR I have worked on made 540 hp in streetable configuration and later 650 hp...." -Mike kojima