I recently acquired a 1989 Nissan Pulsar NX with the 1.6L and a 5 speed. It, to say the least, is anemic at 90 HP. I know the 1.8L from the era is about 130 HP. I know it will bolt up to the trans axle, but will the 1.6L wiring harness plug in to the 1.8 or will I have to rewire?

i have an 87 with a ca16de. ive been trying to find a ca18 and a ca18 5 speed transmission as well. im in nyc. i know my harness plugs up. just need an ecu. not sure yours does. my last pulsar i swapped an sr20det in it

I am fairly certain you will need to rewire it. I have a 1988 NX with CA18de and have been studying the electronic schematic for several days trying to troubleshoot an issue. There are two distinct sections for 1.6 and 1.8 engines, and there appears to be different types of connectors in key systems - most notably the ignition (distributor vs. EFI).

I can tell you that the CA18de engine inside that little Pulsar frame is definitely a lot of fun!