CA18DET or SR20DET

[240sx_megasquirt]

I just got my first 240sx and first Nissan in fact. I am going to swap out the TruKA engine for a SR or a CA. I did some reserch, and I like the CA. But I like 189 cc of extra exhaust making capabilites. (bigger slugs make turbo's go quicker). I went to youtube and listened to some CA's and SR's, and the CA sounds Awesome in comparison. But the factor for me is going to be which one can safely handle close to 300 RWHP with stock internals. I plan to run standalone. I have Megasquirt with EDIS on my built, turbo 2.0 FS (Ford/Mazda Probe) so tuning a boosted car is not new to me. So, I need unbiased opinions on which can hold its boost, and how strong the they are internally. I know that you can get 400hp out of a stock internal SR...

[float_6969]

First off, welcome to NICO! We are the home of the largest, and most active CA18DE(T) forum on the net.

As far as the SR vs CA question goes, there isn't an answer. Both motors can handle 300hp stock if they're in good shape. Since the CA is an older motor, they tend to be in worse shape in regards to seals, gaskets, ect. Depending on the condition of the motor-set you get, you may need a rebuild. This can apply for SR's as well though.

You will have to do your own research and make your own desicion based on that info. There is no right or wrong decision (though the SR crowd will often say otherwise).

Good luck and let us know what you decide!

[MasterZenki]

I second that!

Cost -- dont even use it as a comparisonPower -- like he said they are both good in stock HP

just pick which you like...SR or CA

i like em both but i have a CA right now and as far as i know the only CA18DET running in Delaware...but anyways...flip a coin or something...

Research -- it helps you choose which you prefer

[sileightysomeday]

I think it would help him if you stated why you like the CA better so maybe he can get some insight. obviously you chose the CA for your reasons, let us hear em... that's all.

[float_6969]

2 months later the the OP never responded?

[240sx_megasquirt]

No, I'm just being a good listener

That was what I wanted thanks all...
Modified by 240sx_megasquirt at 5:28 PM 2/12/2007

[boost_boy]

I think it would help him if you stated why you like the CA better so maybe he can get some insight. obviously you chose the CA for your reasons, let us hear em... that's all.

A CA18DET is:

Timing belt driven which is quieter in operation. Some people would see this as something that will need maintenance (10 years later and I've never popped a CA belt)

An SR20DET is:

Timing chain driven which is intended to be more reliable and cost effective. Unfortunately, they break as well because it's an item that's costantly under load and tends to get neglected just like CA's timing belt.

Operation: They both operate via nissan's eccs system in which on the SR black top models, are similar to the system on the CA18DET. But since you plan on using the megasquirt system, you could probably care less about nissan's eccs system.

Power comparison: The SR20DET does a bit better in stock form, but not that much better. It's naturally a bigger motor, but I won't use that as an excuse. As a street engine, I like the SR20's linear power band and it seems to compete well with other similar sized engines in it's class (ie 4g63t). The CA18DET is a pretty tough street engine as well, but with it's crappy turbo from factory, it is what it is and one shouldn't expect anymore from the turbo nor the engine.

Bang for the buck: The CA18DET wins the battle here. The SRs are still over-priced IMHO. Complete CA18DET engine sets can range from $1000-$1600 (give or take a few dollars), but are still worth the investment.

Parts availability: The SR owns this category as parts are readily available from most performance shops, but performance parts for the CA18DET can be had if you really want them. Though it's parts variety is not as vast as that of the SR20's.

Reliability: They both are pretty reliable and the both can be a piece of crap if you bought a beat-up engine.

Serviceabilty:The CA owns all nissan engine in ease of serviceabilty including tear-down to reassembly and though this comment is through my own experiences, I invite you to try and tear-down an SR20DET or VQ35 and share your experience with us when you're done .

In conclusion, I can go on and on and on about both powerplants' faults and merits, but if I can help you with making a decision, think about all these things I posted for you and add them to the collection of data you already have and I'm very sure that you'll come to a sound decision.

Good Luck,

Dee