Ca18det ... Sr20det... or Rb20det

[Mor3noz240]

Hey everyone im lookin in the marmet for a swap for my 93 shell. I did alot of research on these three motors but im still debating on which one would be perfect for me.. the ca18det is smaller (1.8ltr) and lighter than the others(sr and rb) but i hardly see aftermarket parts for it( i see more for the sr). The sr is the most common and honestly alil on the expensive side. Plus everyone has one. The rb is cool too but i might need diff mounts and all and i dnt think i can jus drop that 1 in like the other two (ca and sr) .

Sooo what im asking is, what would be the best bang for the buck because i want a motor that has support as well as some reliablity...anyone know? Thanks in advance

[Mor3noz240]

Market**

[240TKE128]

Three Things

1. Trying searching the forums some this debate has been happening since production( not trying to be a jerk but there are literally dozens)

2. Its personal preference and your budget that determines which you should go with. Bang for your buck isn't always the best way to decide cause yes stuff can be cheaper to swap or cheaper aftermarket but that's not always a great thing somethings that are cheaper are cheaper for a reason.

3. I compiled a spread sheet awhile back of the different engine swaps trying to do it cheapest way one and most expensive other, and honestly as far as swaps go even though the SR is more expensive initially if you are planning on rebuilding everything and basically beefing it up its still the way to go in my opinion because the name brand parts are cheaper for the SR then the other engines, and i say that strictly from price standpoint(i know 3 and 2 sound contradictory but there not.)

IMO if your gonna do an engine swap/build then do it based on what you want and just take the extra time to save up for what you want don't do it half @55 and then be disappointed.

[cjmirabal1]

I have a ca18....and i love it. But as for the aftermarket for it. Its very well known now and my sites hsupport it. I have no issues finding parts for it at all. Frsports has 90% for wat i need.

[slidestyle69]

The RB is going to be a more expensive swap with the same results to an sr.

The sr is great engine, Ive had several.

The ca is also a well performing motor. it loves to rev and very boost happy.

Its all about what seems like is a better choice to you, just search the motors individually and find comparison threads and make your choice.

[Gabes13]

Get what you want, but know what youre getting into.

[costa_rican13]

sorry i wont give you the answer, because your money will ultimately give you the "reliability" you're looking for, as well as your rebuild skills/shop skills(or who ever will be swapping the motor. Also, here is a thread that will inform you mostly of what you desire. follow the title very closely.
ca-vs-ka-vs-sr-vs-rb-shut-up-and-read-t277463.html

[Hoffman5982]

You're right, a lot of people go for the SR. But the same thing goes for the RB20. I have seen a s*** ton of them pop up lately. Don't let that deter you. There is obviously a reason everyone likes it. A motor couldn't be that popular if they did nothing but blow up.

If you need assistance with choosing which motor, I say wait and do more research. When I finally cracked down and did my swap, I had over a year of research to know(at least I thought I knew) what I was getting myself into. The best advice I can give, no matter which motor you choose, is buy from a reputable place. If it's cheaper than all of the rest, there is a reason.

[badbob2121]

this thread can now be locked..lol

this REALLY should be a sticky...

ca-vs-ka-vs-sr-vs-rb-shut-up-and-read-t277463.html

[The_caveman]

I think this is a sticky somewhere.....atleast I know theres been a massive thread on it on here since I was 14! And that's getting close to 7 years ago


Imma say what I know....sr best bang for the buck, ca better be planing on redoing all the seals and practically rebuilding it,they are old and need love.

As far as rb20 imma tell you what ips owners son told me( he has an rb25 sileighty and a r33 gts) whenever I was going to pick up a cheap rb20 from Alabama,he said Adam please listen to me,don't do it! Rb20s are expensive! If you dont believe me look at my s13 it still does not run because "I" cannot afford the parts! Put simply buy a sr....or ca... If your going rb... Hope you got a good bit of cash or your cars going to go as fast as you can push it.. For a long time

[costa_rican13]

this thread can now be locked..lol

this REALLY should be a sticky...

ca-vs-ka-vs-sr-vs-rb-shut-up-and-read-t277463.html

i already posted this?