89 silvia, ca18det. checking it over...

[Fleemer]

hey guys, i'm looking at a ca18det silvia, 89. I've had my ca18de pulsar for 4 year as a DD and just recently sold my rx7 so i'm looking at another RWD car ;P

Reading over the FSM looks like it should read 171 at comp test and a minimum of 142 @350 rpm.

The only thing that concerns me about this car is that it has high KMs for a JDM car (150k)

I'm thinking the only thing at its life's end would be the timing belt/waterpump and turbo. All of which I don't mind replacing but I might as well do an engine rebuild if I'm going that far (again not going to mind doing it but i'd rather get a year or two of car before putting money into the motor)

Can you guys offer me anything else to look at on a high km jdm car? (used to dealing with 80k or less cars so they usually are in better shape! I havn't seen it yet so i don't know)

[Ca_Silvia]

A properly done compression check is going to be the best thing you can do. Also look for oil/coolant coming fromt he back corners of the head. Check shaft play on the turbo.

All of that can be done with minimal tools and any resonable seller should let you do it before you buy it.

[Fleemer]

A properly done compression check is going to be the best thing you can do. Also look for oil/coolant coming fromt he back corners of the head. Check shaft play on the turbo.

All of that can be done with minimal tools and any resonable seller should let you do it before you buy it.

The oil/coolant from back corners.. you're implying to check to see fi teh headgasket is leaking?

Other then that he's more then happy to let me has as many tests done, I know him personally so that should be a problem. I'm just really worried about teh lifespan of the motor since I would be buildign the car for drifting. I have much love for CA18s but I know that 150k is alot for a JDM car (unless tis been in canada fora while and 50+ k has been put on it :P)

IF it looks too haggard I might just import my own 180/silvia with or without a ca18. Whatever is available, not picky atm.

[r34 gtr]

Having looked at about a million cars in the past three months, I would have to say I would refrain from making any judgments until after I had seen the vehicle in person. Just look it over really well and drive it, then make a decision based on your opinion, not someone else's.

[Buddyworm]

Just remember one thing: The japanese drive the piss out of their cars. It's guaranteed that that car has been flogged, especially if it's a turbo. Don't let that turn you off though, mine had similar KM's when I got it but still did 150 psi on all 4 cylinders (and it was definitely ridden hard an put away wet).

[mbmbmb23]

My friend who lived in Japan told me stories of locals who never changed the oil the entire time they owned their car. Seems like car owners there aren't as DIY as people in this country. I would just take it to a trusted mechanic and have them look it over.