CA18DET Stock Rebuild

[mdb4879]

CA18DET Rebuild

So I'm thinking of rebuilding a DET, but as for now I'm thinking of just going with a stock refresher (rings, rod and main bearings, full gasket set, etc.). It seems that all the parts I look up are aftermarket, though (like race bearings and such). So I would like to know if anything from the USDM CA18DE's could or even should be used. Idk how different the pistons are so would the rings work? and I would assume the rod and main bearing would work, right?

I think I read to use a CA18ET water pump, so what about the oil pump? And the gaskets should be the same, correct? I may not need the bearings since load is only placed on one side. Although you guys might not recommend it, if I can't find bearings it is an option I would think as long as they look to be in good condition. And possibly ACL bearings if they're around the same price.

The motor didn't throw a rod or blow a head gasket, so I'm not looking to have machine work done, I just want a fairly cheap basic rebuild if possible. I guess that basically what I'm asking is could I go to Advance Auto or Autozone and get what I need for a rebuild? So what do you guys think? Any suggestions?

Thanks

[TheMAN]

if you read the sticky thread, there's answers to your questions
a interchange parts list is there too

[mdb4879]

thank you for humbling me, sir. i guess i just assumed that was a small thread about using the search button first, but now i realized it is full of useful info about CA's. i'll be sure to do more research from now on

[float_6969]

No worries. We're not quite as Nazi-like about searching here in the CA forum. There is A LOT of good info in the FAQ though, so please check it out. (Plus I have like a bazillion hours into that thing, so I like it when ppl read it, LOL!)

[mazikowski]

Hey Matt, hope you get that little engine screaming again... Were you ever able to find an ECU for it?

[mdb4879]

kinda, i've been having a time with it tho. i first tried ebay, but the post office mixed up the labels and i got an rb20 ecu and someone else got mine, so i went to trackmasters and talked to arthur and he found me one. so i sent back the ebay one and when arthur got his in, they sent him and rb20 ecu. so he sent it back and found another and should have it in early this week and in the mean time i bought a secondary one from a guy on here, cdkilla i think. so anyways i hope to have it started by this weekend.

i think once i know it'll run i'm gonna go ahead and rebuild it while i have it out of the car, just to start fresh again. and i'm gonna gut out the other pulsar completely. all the interior, speakers, dash, a/c components. i think i could get it down to about 2000lbs. with the t-tops and the hatch off. that should make for a screamin' demon, lol. but don't worry, i'll still keep all the bits and pieces to return it to all its glory one day if i choose to. and i might have to contact you with some questions i've had pop up as i've been around the car in the back yard. but i don't think this is the place for it tho. don't want to start a whole new conversation in the thread, you know? lol

[mdb4879]

also, you might want to take that 1987 CA18DET Pulsar off your cars list