Considering a CA18DET

[ppeters914]

I am considering a 411 wagon project that includes a CA18DET. I'm primarily interested in the car because the bodywork is 80-percent complete, chrome done, extra parts, etc, etc. Seller may sell without engine/trans, but many modifications have been made for the CA18DET.

I know nothing about turbos, and little about FI. I'm doing a basic rebuild on a R16 (1600 pushrod motor w/ SU carbs), and I'll be stroking another R16 later. My current 411 has a L20b mickey-mouse swap from a PO.

I've been Googling like crazy to learn about the CA18DET. There's the basic specs, etc, but nothing about pros/cons, driveability, mpg, hp/torque curves.....nada, or at least I can't find it. I -CAN- find tons of 'how to get monster hp' and CA vs SR arguments, which is all worthless to me. Sure, having a little 'extra' will be nice, but how's this engine as a daily street driver? Is all the goodness above 6k?

Can y'all fill in the blanks?

*EDIT* Just went through the Dyno thread. Most of the sheets are missing/dead links. The ones still there indicate the engine is a dog below 3k. If true, rush hour with this motor will be hell. Yes? No? Maybe?

Thanks.

Pete

[ska69]

IMO, CA18DET FTW!

iirc, there was a thread by float6969 on the subject of ca18det..should help you make up your mind.

cheers,

- Tim

[r34 gtr]

Good info in the FAQ thread found here: faq-s-common-upgrades-d-i-y-upgrades-no ... 14953.html

With my CA I got great gas mileage. I would see upwards of 35mpg on the highway on long trips. Driveability was just fine, but it does lack a little bit of low end torque. I would usually just rev it to 2k rpm and then let out the clutch, which seemed to make all the difference. I was using a metal friction clutch though. It makes plenty of power over about 3500rpm, and in a light car like the 411 I think you will find it is more than enough grunt. As for rush hour, I never had a problem. I would get tired working my super heavy clutch pedal after an hour or so, but that was it. Stock ca18 clutches are light too, so you wouldn't have that problem. Hope this helped!

[Izento]

Gas mileage for mine was about 30. Driveability is very easy, but yes, torque is low at bottom end, but that's with any turbo car. As a daily, it definitely is nice, it's got umph when you want it in the higher rpm range, and it has great gas mileage. Like kitty was saying ^ rev it at 3500 and you got power.

[ppeters914]

Yes, I read float's most excellent FAQ, but it's more of an upgrade guide.

Appreciate the info. This could be fun.

Pete

[float_6969]

If you get the butterfly valve system working properly, and use a smaller turbo(the stock sized turbo is enimic, but the SR T25 is a good match for what you're after), the bottom end power is fine. It's even better if you use the stock rear end gear ratio (4.36:1). These things combined with a stock style clutch (I recommend SPEC, the pedal pressure is SUPER light, I can drive my car all day long in traffic and my leg never gets tired) should yeild you great driveability and a good gas mileage.

[ppeters914]

If you get the butterfly valve system working properly, ...

Hmmm, I'll have to read up on what that is.

...and use a smaller turbo(the stock sized turbo is enimic, but the SR T25 is a good match for what you're after), the bottom end power is fine.

The original T25 is included, but engine has a top mount T3 turbo to allow clearance around motor mounts and steering box. The 411 engine compartment makes the roadster and 510 spaces seem cavernous.

It's even better if you use the stock rear end gear ratio (4.36:1).

Stock 411 rear end is 4.11 (H145 IIRC), but project includes Toyota LSD w/ 4.11 and 3.73 sets.

These things combined with a stock style clutch (I recommend SPEC, the pedal pressure is SUPER light, I can drive my car all day long in traffic and my leg never gets tired) should yield you great driveability and a good gas mileage.

I'm liking what I'm hearing from y'all.

Pete