CA18E/ET/DE Vs CA18DET

[KASilvia90]

I'm sorry if this has been mentioned before, the search brought about very minimal information and google didnt have squat.

I finally got my 2nd S13 project car =). I have played with the idea many times of having a CA18DET. Well I think I am going to do it now, I finally got a nudge as you would say it. No matter where or how I obtain the CA engine, I will be tearing down to nothing and giving it a basic rebuild with some extra goodies (upgrade pistons/crank, havent researched that aspect enough yet) but my goal is at least 300hp but no more than 450whp. I figured that would give me some pretty stout 12's if not 11's in the 1/4 with a good setup every where else.

So my question is: $1500 for a CA18DET (plus i dont even know what shipping is, ive been a KA loyalist and never researched costs much). That is a good deal but can you "make" your own CA18DET here in the states cheaper?

I have noticed an abundance of various CA18 (non DET's) in junkyards locally. I figure that there would be some changes needed but is it do-able and if so what actually works/doesnt work and what parts can be cross-referenced to other cars or has to be imported? I know making an SR20DE into an SR20DET is iirc a headswap, new internals (good time to upgrade to stronger) maybe ecu and like intake manifold. With my luck it isnt that simple though =(.

Any help would be and is greatly appreciated. Also, if someone might know, Can you just throw a pieced turbo kit like us KA people do on a CA18DE and call it a day or is it too weak OE-style?

Thank you - A fellow KA loyalistOh and people, please do not even mention the SR, I have not come to debate the engine choice. I have deeply researched each possibility and just will not do the SR because I like to do less common things (if I was rich, their would be an FJ in that bay tomorrow )

[180fan]

eh, the rwd SR20DE and DET differences are 1. compression, 2. you need to tap the holes in the side of the block for the oil and coolant lines, and 3. drill the holes in the inside of the block for the oil squirters.

Your KA depending on how well it was taken care of, mileage and so on should be able to take a moderate amount of boost without blowing up if that's your concern. Most KA's I've seen have a problem at rod #3 or at the crank bearing #3 (where the thrust bearings are).

BTW, less common things are not doable on the S-chassis cars anymore. SR's, KA's, CA's, RB's, and numerous others are running around aplenty nowadays. Anyone trying to be "different" needs to get a clue and get another car.

[KASilvia90]

Well I meant different for my area. Here, I get ridicouled for even thinking about having something other than an SR. I kinda wanna build a different engine, pwn a few of them and make them open there eyes a bit..Well that and the KA/CA both appeal to be very greatly =)