ok guys i am new here and just wanting to know some of you guys thoughts on the CA engine...
I am thinking about putting one in my s13 coupe, i dont know anything about these motors but they just attract me for the simple fact most people shy away from them...
What are the major down falls to this motor?What are the GREATS about this motor?How much maintenance will be needed?How much am i looking to get this in my car and running good?What mods are available?
and anything else you guys would like to chime in on...
Jade
CA n00b here!
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i need tires
- Posts: 134
- Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2005 7:57 am
- Car: 91 s13 coupe... coming soon
Re: CA n00b here! (i need tires)
Umm... bias?i need tires wrote:ok guys i am new here and just wanting to know some of you guys thoughts on the CA engine...
Most people? Most people don't even know about them.i need tires wrote:I am thinking about putting one in my s13 coupe, i dont know anything about these motors but they just attract me for the simple fact most people shy away from them...
It's old.i need tires wrote:What are the major down falls to this motor?
cheap replacement partsi need tires wrote:What are the GREATS about this motor?
A lot if you wanna do it right and not cheap out, but don't come back asking why it's broken.i need tires wrote:How much maintenance will be needed?
The RIGHT way? About $1500-2000 on top of the cost of the motor.i need tires wrote:How much am i looking to get this in my car and running good?
Umm...all of them?i need tires wrote:What mods are available?
S-E-A-R-C-Hi need tires wrote:and anything else you guys would like to chime in on...
I love Chris.
Anyway, the headgasket is the main issue with these motors. The other is the HORRIBLE 8bit ECCS engine control. Batch fire above ~3800RPM, easliy spooked into limp mode, and overly rich settings, a new EPROM and ancillaries (MAF, injectors, etc) are a must for any kind of power increase. The head is bucket tappet (hydraulic lifters) so no rocker arms to worry about, meaning that the motor is a rev happy little bugger. Oiling issues seem to be a problem for folks, but I have had good luck overfilling the sump and leaving it at that. It is a an old motor, so replace as much as you can with the motor out (I may be replacing headgasket, studs, water pump, timing belt, and most other gaskets on the car this next weekend ) Another common issue is cold start woes. Anything from a faulty idle valve, air regulator, vac leak, or any other combination of problems lead to many of us having to idle the car until warm before driving.
All in all it is a great motor and a real treat to own.
Anyway, the headgasket is the main issue with these motors. The other is the HORRIBLE 8bit ECCS engine control. Batch fire above ~3800RPM, easliy spooked into limp mode, and overly rich settings, a new EPROM and ancillaries (MAF, injectors, etc) are a must for any kind of power increase. The head is bucket tappet (hydraulic lifters) so no rocker arms to worry about, meaning that the motor is a rev happy little bugger. Oiling issues seem to be a problem for folks, but I have had good luck overfilling the sump and leaving it at that. It is a an old motor, so replace as much as you can with the motor out (I may be replacing headgasket, studs, water pump, timing belt, and most other gaskets on the car this next weekend ) Another common issue is cold start woes. Anything from a faulty idle valve, air regulator, vac leak, or any other combination of problems lead to many of us having to idle the car until warm before driving.
All in all it is a great motor and a real treat to own.
Re: (rico05)
The ca is pretty much a workhorse motor.
Goods: Gotta love iron blocks, no rocker arms, rev happy, like stated above, cheap replacement parts. Umm, some may say a timing chain is a positive, others might say it isnt. I dont really have an opinion on that matter.
Bads: They are old, so you typically have to replace more parts, but like stated replacement parts arent too expensive. Typically, the CA's that are starting to be sold are usually higher mileage. Some aftermarket parts are hard to find, but a little looking around and you should be able to find things.
I paid $1100 shipped for my swap, and to get it up and running depends on if you just want to leave it stock, or upgrade things such as a fmic, radiator, etc.
Goods: Gotta love iron blocks, no rocker arms, rev happy, like stated above, cheap replacement parts. Umm, some may say a timing chain is a positive, others might say it isnt. I dont really have an opinion on that matter.
Bads: They are old, so you typically have to replace more parts, but like stated replacement parts arent too expensive. Typically, the CA's that are starting to be sold are usually higher mileage. Some aftermarket parts are hard to find, but a little looking around and you should be able to find things.
I paid $1100 shipped for my swap, and to get it up and running depends on if you just want to leave it stock, or upgrade things such as a fmic, radiator, etc.
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i need tires
- Posts: 134
- Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2005 7:57 am
- Car: 91 s13 coupe... coming soon
well i have lots of plans, ive just heard lots of bad about this car... the fact of it being old doesnt bother me, i had a 86 so this motor isnt old lol
i just really want to have this to be a reliable motor, it will mainly be track driven but on those days i want to cruise it around on the street i want it to be able to still be a DD
i just really want to have this to be a reliable motor, it will mainly be track driven but on those days i want to cruise it around on the street i want it to be able to still be a DD