84 200sx

[turbo84]

Not sure where to put this but i just purchased an 84 200 sx turbo 5 speed and was wanting to get alittle info about these cars and also it runs a little rough what should i look at for a tune up thanks

[Razi]

Welcome to Nico!!!!!!!

I'd change the fuel filter, air filter, and spark plugs for a start.

[numbnuts240]

welcome to the nico.

[Dattebayo]

Honestly, NICO is a little weak on the S12 200sx. http://club-s12.org/v3/ is where you want to be for help on that motor.

[turbo84]

thanks guys im more of an American muscle kind of guy so im lost when it comes to these cars but i really like the style of these cars that's why i bought it what are some cheap performance upgrades?

[Razi]

The CA18s came with a tiny T25 turbo didn't it?

I think a used SR20 T25 or T28 would be a good upgrade in size.

Just keep it well maintained and it should be a peppy little car!

[Dattebayo]

You can't do much with the CA18ET, cept maybe the turbo from a CA18DET motor (from a Silvia or 180sx). Don't use the SR20 turbo, the housing is way too big on the turbine side. I don't know much about it either, but if you go to that link I sent you, they will steer you in the right direction!

[turbo84]

are these cars fast at all stock like will they keep up with some honda's like preludes and crx's thats all everyone has around here?

[Dattebayo]

are these cars fast at all stock like will they keep up with some honda's like preludes and crx's thats all everyone has around here?

Not really. You can put some boost on that little thing tho, it's got an iron block.

[turbo84]

ive got alot to learn about tubos lol all i know about is huge big block chevy motors

[Dattebayo]

Yeah, this is totally different. Read up before you do anything, it can be easy to destroy something on a turbo engine when you don't know enough about them...

I've never really had one running before, so sorry I can't help with that.

[dre1507]

Welcome. Enjoy yourself.

[sbird1]

If you're an American muscle kind of guy, just put a 454 in there and call it a day. :-)

[float_6969]

We've got some S12 (that's the chassis code for that car) guys that frequent the CA18DE(T) section. Ask whatever questions you may have in there.

In short though, the stock CA18ET won't yield you a whole lot of power, but you could be able to get to 200whp on the stock block with the right mods. Past that, I think they start to have problems with the rods.

The CA18DET (the DOHC version of that motor) is a common swap. It's power potential and reliability is MUCH higher.

[AZhitman]

Welcome aboard.

There's your CA expert (float) - He's a walking encyclopedia of CA info. He's your new best friend.

[themadscientist]

I've ridden in a ghetto-tuned CA18ET with a redtop SR20 turbo that pissed a lot of redtops off. The motor can make power. Enjoy it for the moment. If you blow it think about a DET swap. Don't do it to be trendy.

[float_6969]

^This. I've often considered an S12 w/an ET just to see if I could get 300HP out of it. They make more bottom end power than the DET, which is the DET's weak point.

[hannibal]

Welcome!

Any pics of your big block rides?

[float_6969]

That pic is a little old, but you get the point.

[themadscientist]

That turbo kit looks familiar. Dam, that is one crazy master cylinder mod.

[fiznowler]

I am getting ready to start a ka24de swap on an 85 hatch. We have already ordered all the parts to do it just have a little fabbing and some wiring. KA24DE are plentiful and cheap and with a few mods it should be a fairly quick little car considering they are light cars. I love how the S12s all have different neat options. I want to incorporate the bitching betty from the spare parts car into my kouki LOL.

[Razi]

Wow, the CA18 leaves a lot of room in there.

[float_6969]

That turbo kit looks familiar. Dam, that is one crazy master cylinder mod.

You have no idea. I'm still working out the details, but that brake booster is a hydroboost from a GMC Sierra van IIRC. It works off of the power steering system. Should double the clamping force of the calipers and reduce my need for larger brakes. Or so I'm told. We'll see what happens when I've got it up and running.

Wow, the CA18 leaves a lot of room in there.

Yea, you used to be able actually stand in my engine bay, with the engine running, and the electric fan going and not have any flesh wounds. A friend thought I was full of isht, so I did it to prove him wrong. Doesn't work anymore with the new intercooler (not shown in the pic), but the entire engine, including the crank pulley, sits completely behind the anti-sway bar. It never ceases to amaze me how this motor changes the balance of the car. Taking the KA out and putting the CA almost eliminates the inherent understeer stock s-chassis cars are known for. Makes it very neutral. It's the main reason I kept this motor when I sold the S13. I wanted to see how the S14 handled with a CA in it.