ca18det questions

How reliable is it? Potential horsepower? Ease of maintenance? Availabilty of parts? Any additional information would be great! I am thirsty for knowledge!

The CA18DET was never made available in the U.S. market, so the only way to get one is to have it imported from Japan. I'm planning on doing this at some point, and I'll be glad to let you know how much it costs me. Nissan quit making it years back because it was so expensive to make. The SR20 "replaced" it in terms of being cost effective, but the CA18 is really a more technologically sophisticated motor. The only "antiquated" thing is the cast iron block. But the SR20 block weighs just as much because it's so thick. THe CA18 is at least capable of 300 hp without replacing every piece of the motor. I expect to be tuning mine to 300-320 hp @ 18-20 psi. Note that I go all out with polishing, blueprinting, and coatings. There are plenty of CA18 parts available from JUN, TODA, etc. American companies don't make parts for them simply because the motor was never made available here.

If you want a bunch of specifics, I can point you to more detailed info.

Its a pretty good motor and mine has been reliable. Its putting out around 250hp with a T3 turbo, bigger intercooler, exhaust and filter. Most mild 2L turbos have a hard time beating it.

I just got rid of my silvia s13, I 'm over here in Japan right now. very hard to find parts that are in good shape since the CA is so old. Lot of people say that the CA18 parts are readily available in Canada, but don't know for sure:badass:

hey guys i live in Canada and i just purchased a stock 89 silvia k ca18det. with all the import fees and a out province inspection the price i pay to have it and drive it is $8200 Canadian. Could you guys give me some web sites that have parts for the ca18

The CA18DET is VERY durable. It is a fine engine, but as mentioned above, it IS getting a bit old. (it is also heavier as it is iron) I have a Silvia with one in it and it has been VERY dependable, however I plan to swap in an SR20DET soon. The SR is lighter and parts are more readily available.

cross over parts are easy to find at your local dealership for mnssan cars in north america that used the non-turbo ca's (stealthj posted a list last year and i think there a website somewhere that has it if you do a google search of ca18det). also www.norrisdesigns od the uk will be happy to help out us yanks.

Its a pretty robust besides the headbolts and head gasket after about 300hp your starting to push it.

takakaira.com - TeH JayDM nss

just make sure you do a well balance tune up and cleaning. Check on everything since it is an old engine. You might have broken hoses and such like that. I haven't seen parts(aftermarket) but hopefully it will get more popular and company will start making parts.

[QUOTE=vsiev]just make sure you do a well balance tune up and cleaning. Check on everything since it is an old engine. You might have broken hoses and such like that. I haven't seen parts(aftermarket) but hopefully it will get more popular and company will start making parts.[/QUOTE

my Silvia only has 60 000 kms, uhh (35 000 miles), so it really has been driven much. but ya i will still get a tune up an what not.

Do any of you now some websites with parts for the ca18det

thanks

takakaira.com