Ca18det haters

[float_6969]

The idea of the skirt extending past the centerline of the crank is supposed to give the block and mains more rigidity. I'm not sure I completely understand why or how, but I think I have a vague grasp of the concept.

[float_6969]

Dave, sub 7K revs with ARP rod hardware should be more than enough. You'd prob be OK with the stock bolts, but if they stretch and spin a bearing you'd wish you'd spent the extra $$$ on those rod bolts.

[themadscientist]

I am going OEM bits on my rebuild ecxept for the ARP rod bolts, anybody have a a good source for them? I may go head studs too just because the price is nice.

[dash]

float_6969Relax... not once in this thread I've called the ca18 crapI've owned/moded sr20, BP (mazda 1.8L), g54, 4g63, 4AG and 3TC. So you compare them directly, and its a problem if the ca doesn't come out on top ? Didn't phase me any, only arouse my curiousity. Still here.Just for kicks; an old 2 valve/pushrod dinosaur like my 3tc not only revved to 8k, but pulled past it. Under $250 camshaft/springs + stock bottom end. We know what they're capable of, right.Folks boost stock miata 1.8s with no lesser results than a ca18. We're all familiar with the well documented 10sec 400hp stock block/head miata feature that smoked the 'built' sr20, B18 and 4g63 in a publicised shootout.

"cutting edge" implies innovative, not a head/inlet design seen a few years earlier. I say it "seems like a copy", some goon calls it an assinine statement, later says its similar... jeeez

"Pulling out stops" I would think you'd see a fresh block/motor with a *new level* of refinement, durability, efficiency or power. Raises your expectations, eh. You get neither, is all I'm saying.

Sil40sKWho says I have one ?I currently own six complete ca18det motors, some 4, some 8 port.How many more would I need, to be exiled from "ca hater" list ?Discussing the downsides of a motor obviously a sore spot. Theres a wealth of ca18 info online.... no need to take my word at all. Budget would be my primary reason. Its the easiest swap, most practical and best value powerplant (motor/gbox/loom/ecu $1000) choice for this ae86 project. As I said in my 1st post it is a 'good' motor but people see only what they want to & some spend way too much time assuming & getting emotional. Ideally I would've preferred a toyota 1.8L 20V (7agte)/w58 gbox, but couldn't come near a G. 500hp on stock cams from a street 1.8L is alluring... so I may still build one after I'm thru with/get rid of all this ca18 stufff (2 cars and drivetrains.... too many projects).

BACARDI_DWBYou hit the nail on the head. We have next to no aftermarket support for our u.s. 2.6sohc starions. Yet, few people realized how resourceful it makes you, many prefer to whine. For example; instead of 'the usual' $150 metal head gasket, some run 30-35psi on a $17 cheapie Felpro head gasket + O-ring head... street cars making 4/5/600 ft-lbs of tire-shredding tq.

TMSHow many folks on this forum run rebuilds ? Any near 100 kilo ?How many ca18s have that familiar top end rattle or rod knock ? #1 ca18 failure is rod bearings, with numerous reasons cited. Occurs with alarming frequency. Earlier entries have TONS of "big end" threads on ns.com and sxoc. I've posted in ZERO of them... so yeah, blame/credit me for those while you're at it.

more girdles ?Several street rollas down into the 12s, 11s & one hi 10sec turbocharged 4age. NO girdle, no failures. WTF would I need one for ?? No, you ponder it, order it, and u know just what u can do with your 'prominent item'. Before I pull the trigger, I consult only those who've been there/done it.... you stick to your "tuning catalogs", aiiight.

Anybody interested in some highly technical discussions on the ca18, hit up the bbs mentioned. UK has the longest run of CA18s with some very clever AND experienced CA enthusiasts, valuable info.

Its good to see a handful can remain objective and speak to the topic.I must say I'm surprised at the reaction and behaviour of some.I now know better.

[Sil40sK]

Sil40sKWho says I have one ?

You're avatar

"s13 ca18" that's deffinatly what it says.

[float_6969]

Dash, I've never said the CA is the be-all, end-all motor. I just sometimes get a little irritated that people love to talk down on it. I meant you no personal insult with my comments. I've ridden in plenty of SR20 S13's. They're a great powerplant, but in the end I own a CA and that's what's powering my chassis. I just like it's behavior better I guess.

Again, I have no ill feelings towards you.

[davidricardo86]

[Ca_laurier]

Dash, I've never said the CA is the be-all, end-all motor. I just sometimes get a little irritated that people love to talk down on it. I meant you no personal insult with my comments. I've ridden in plenty of SR20 S13's. They're a great powerplant, but in the end I own a CA and that's what's powering my chassis. I just like it's behavior better I guess.

Again, I have no ill feelings towards you.

same with me. i don't like the feel of the sr20.

i almost switched to sr20 for my second motor. but in the end, ca18 love around. couldn't resist these little buggers.

[chalander3443]

yeah, most people have no idea what a CA is when they ask me what engine ive got. my friends know the drill though. they all know the ca is a beast, because they have all ridden with me. i have laid waste to many cars that *should* have been much faster on paper. i also make it a point to tell everyone that aluminum is for cans, not engine blocks.

I hear ya!

Short Story: My friend owns a 2004 Mach 1, est. 335hp @ flywheel w/his "light" modifications. I myself own a CA in a 91 240sx hatch moderate mod's, waiting for a catalyst, bigger turbo. i suppose that at 7lbs, i am pushing just over 200hp @ flywheel. From a dig to 70 mph, i was two car lengths behind him and was gaining at the end of my second gear. Of course 0-70 is only half the story but for two vehicles that are consist of two completely different designs (power bands, drive lines, weight, etc.). I have to say that the CA certainly holds its own.

I remind you i have a 500lb. curb weight advantage on him.

The race was done with a partially blown head gasket (my engine would overheat like crazy.. QQ) and my clutch was an OEM piece of poop that gave me a stead 10 mins of driving before it would no longer grab what so ever.

My mods at the time were:3inch exhaust w/ 3inch resonatorstock t25 turbo (T-to-tiny)FMICMine's ECU555cc injectorsz32 MAFCone air filterhks ssq BOV =

[themadscientist]

holy zombie thread!

[chalander3443]

lol, true... Google searches do that

[themadscientist]

I found a post from a while ago like that, my own. I was like, "that picture looks familiar".

[chalander3443]

lol, You know you spend too much time on the computer when...

[themadscientist]

google "ca18det haters"

[MeanGreenS13]

haha zombie threads rule! ive personally owned an SR20 in my Green S13, RB20 in my blue S13 and now a CA in my white S13... i really cant complain about any of them, but the CA is more of a shock and awe motor... when people realize you just kicked their *** with a motor smaller than a bottle of coke or pepsi... they become ashamed of what they drive haha

[float_6969]

LMAO! I've never thought of it that way.

[sjbsuperman1425]

the CA is just kicks arse in my opinion. im so glad i didn't get an SR now lol I think i just like the CA head better for some reason.

[MeanGreenS13]

i will tell you from personal experience, the SR isnt a bad engine either. The head is a troublesome design YES, but if you have the money to do either engine all out, they are both excellent power plants.

I personally have my CA now, but plan to build a mild SR for my Fiance very shortly and keep my CA S13 for myself, and then im planning to do a nice pro-street style RB S13... should be fun!

[themadscientist]

They are all good engines just for different reasons. I haven't seen a bad Nissan motor.

[zero_gripS13]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRfoV-fNpNE&NR=1

this makes me happy

[themadscientist]

cracking a 9, very nice.

[ca18detgabby]

I haven't seen a bad Nissan motor.

you mean you havent seen a QR?

[MeanGreenS13]

Quality Resistant

[themadscientist]

you mean you havent seen a QR?

I keep hearing it mentioned, by like everyone. I have never actually worked with one but the reviews are not promising. I'll just do what I always do when Nissan does something bad, blame it on Renault

[float_6969]

See, the Frenchies are good for something after all!

[themadscientist]

The world needs concierge and flying taxis.

[float_6969]

LMAO!

[jbracy7]

i m sorry guys but i just dont like the ca18det. i've had a 88 nx for a 2 months now and even after i droped the turbo in to it .it was just still to peaky for me. im a low end grunt kind of guy yeah it's a good motor just not the one for me its great for high rpm driving but mostly for me it just to honda like btw im not a fan the sr. my motor will always be ka24det the best motor nissan never built ...the end

[silviaS13lover]

sr and ca. i looked at how well each could withstand abuse, and money to power ratio. i have 1300$ in my set up, and beat stock redtops all day.

[MeanGreenS13]

i m sorry guys but i just dont like the ca18det. i've had a 88 nx for a 2 months now and even after i droped the turbo in to it .it was just still to peaky for me. im a low end grunt kind of guy yeah it's a good motor just not the one for me its great for high rpm driving but mostly for me it just to honda like btw im not a fan the sr. my motor will always be ka24det the best motor nissan never built ...the end

if you want low end grunt, you are driving the WRONG type of car my friend..... go get an LS1 Car or Mustang