89 240 CA18DET Swap

[Simon Tibbett]

Hey,

Ok I am new to the Nissan scene. I have been in the Honda scene for years I am about to be 18 and have owned four Honda's. I am not a ricer, I race Solo 2 and do track days, all my cars were tuned for handling, no cosmetic mods or anything. Ok, just trying to avoid getting bashed.

Anyway, I have now a 1989 240SX XE coupe. It has a KA24E motor right now, the car is stock minus being lowered. I want to do a CA18DET swap, and I have some questions that I just could not find a direct answer to looking through the FAQ and other websites.

First is the CA18DET a reliable motor for drifting. I plan on attending a few DG Trials events, and some SEDA events, I am in GA. I also plan on Solo 2 some more and track days. Can this motor hold up to high RPM of drifting and endurance of track days?

Second, installation. How hard is it, and what wiring has to be done? I dont need my speedo to work, if that makes a difference in wiring. What wires have to be ran, what ECU wires need to be switched, if you had to say how hard the wiring was, what would you say? Wiring has always been my enemy on motor swaps.

Does the CA18DET bolt right in to the 89 chassis? Does the transmission from the KA24 bolt right up, clutch, flywheel, all of it? Driveshaft good and all?

That is all for now, if you have any answers your response is greatly appreciated thanks!

Simon

[Akihisa]

Yes. I like the CA for drifting, it is reliable , but you have to do proper maintenence on it before you put it in. The wiring is really simple as it's about the same as an SR and there are lot's of write ups about it. You also have to use the KA speed sensor and an SR or CA tach. The drive shaft from a 5speed will fit. The KA transmission internals will work in the CA case but the KA bellhousing is different. The clutch and pressure plate work if you remove one pin from the pressure plate or you could drill a hole there.

BTW, Have you seen a dark blue hatchback with big brakes, advan black and blue wheels, and a big trust intercooler? If so, that is my car, it is CA powered. Good luck with a CA18

[Simon Tibbett]

Ok thanks. You live in Watkinsville? Thats cool I am there everyday! I have not seen you.

[Akihisa]

Yeah. I live in downtown Watkinsville.