Help Questions of reliability: 4 engines; im fed up with the 20e

yes I know I can search but I need testimonials. or advice.

My CA was being pokey today just as it was before i spent $$$ making it run again (which was oil, filter, airbox and associated valves, Filter, TPS, and MAF, and rotor button). Jerks and such right at 2000 rpm, and has no power below 2400 (well less that usual). Last few times it did this it was innoperable after 3-4 more times driven.

I have had a few swaps in mind but i never get around to it. I just want something reliable. More power than what i have, but still a good daily driver. Im trying to stay cheap and reliable.
Engines i have pondered:
KA24 single cam (from a Truck, or 240sx)
CA18DET
L2x series (there are a few wrecked 260s and 280's + a 240 around here)
and the VG30e (few Z31s wrecked, and D21s)

AS far as parts availability they should all be around the same, kas are dime a dozen, so are VGs, and pulsars had a Ca18de so most of those parts can work i think. L series is a tank, but old so if something brakes i cant cheaply and quickly do much about it.

Thaughts and opinions? Testimonials welcome. just help me make it a reliable daily

I say go kade its reliable you can dog it everyday and no harm usually if its a healthy engine. Ive done numerous swaps with these engines. Get it take the head off do head gasket and arp studs and it will last you a long time. But remember you cant have fast and reliable, fast and cheap, or cgeap and reliable. However it goes.

It'd be cool to see an L28et in an S12.

honestly I'd vote for the KA. I had a DE in my 93 240 and it ran like a champ despite burning oil, having a low end rod knock and the timing chain was chattering like a mofo. My 89 has an sohc and it still runs just fine, the timing is off and it too burns oil for some reason, but it starts up every time and never fails on me.

KA's are interestingly stout motors and with a little tweaking here and there they can be made into fun little toys for daily driving

newby200sx on 01:08:17 PM / 10-Feb-11I say go kade its reliable you can dog it everyday and no harm usually if its a healthy engine. Ive done numerous swaps with these engines. Get it take the head off do head gasket and arp studs and it will last you a long time. But remember you cant have fast and reliable, fast and cheap, or cgeap and reliable. However it goes.

KA is the most common choice. You will double your work going to a VG just because you need a crossmember from a SE. Plus the rear end you already have in the car is more suited for a 4 cyl(maybe a high reving C18DE would be fun?) . I would also love to see an old school L28et in an S12. There is one for sale in town for only $600 and thats for the engine, trans, ecu, and driveline. The custom fab work would make it a money pit though.

I'm happy with the VG I swaped in but if I would have went with a KA my car would have been back on the road sooooo much faster.

KA
Single or twin cam
Twin cam > Single cam
Only by a weeeee bit though

Easy swap. Reliable as hell. I pound the living piss outta mine. David has pounded the living piss out of his 10x longer. The KA is your undisputed champ of cheap, reliable, and torquey. Plus it's a motor you could care less about.
AND! Fairly good economy while beating it too.... :P

An L28 would be nice, but it sounds like you want something much more reliable and cheap... An L2x swap would make it kinda neat, but, and this is a HUGE but, the swap may never be finished, and you'll be wishing something easier went in.... plus the parts, and gas mileage isn't that great at all

And, personal experiences and preferences. I fucking, hate, the VG.... I would never, ever, ever own an SE (More for you guys eh?)

KA all the way for you bud

the ca18det swap isnt really cheap, it will set you back about 2000+ to do it right. KA24de is your best choice. Unless you have 2000 bones ready to spend.

However it goes you know what I mean. De is alot more worth it IMO