boost_boy, thanks for pointing out the Stanza transmission, that will allow me to find another source for my transmission if need be. Mine needs to be rebuilt or replaced because the shift selector is bent and the synchros for first gear are pretty much toast. You said to
AVOID the CA18DET pictured below right? Because the intake manifold is inferior. But you also said the transmission is not compatible? Does that have the same transmission code as the USDM version so you can tell the difference? There is a FWD transmission for sale from a JDM supplier in Canada that I was thinking about going for and I want to make sure it will work.
AVOID THIS ENGINE
If you want some idea into the transmission conversion process, I converted my 1987 Nissan Pulsar SE to the 1988 Nissan Pulsar SE transmission. The transmission from the '88-'90 Pulsar SE with CA18DE is the same transmission from the '86-'92 Stanza, at least according to the repair kit listing on drivetrain.com. They carry the same transmission code: RS5F50C
Here's the thread tracking my progress. It begins at post 37 and ends at post 95. You can see throughout what I needed to get it done. Also, for the clutch cable, if I had to do it again I would have just bought a $40 stainless line from Summit or something because it would have been cheaper, prettier, and faster to do than bending hard lines and sourcing OEM soft lines.
http://www.nissanexa.com/showthread.php ... read/page2