David's CA18DET Build-Up Thread

Discuss topics related to the CA18DE and CA18DET series engines.
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davidricardo86
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Hey whats up guys? Just kind of excited because in a few hours im getting my motor. I got things straightened out with the shipping company(s) and its scheduled for delivery tomorrow morning (July 13 2006).

I went to go see it today and all i can say is "wow!" It looked real nice and clean, and most of all, looked really complete. This was my first time seeing it up close in person and it actually looked kinda big. I think it was because it had everything on it, like AC compressor, PS pump, Alternator, Water pump, some intercooler piping w/ intercooler, etc. Ill post pictures as soon as i get a chance.

Meanwhile heres the stand i bought it!




Modified by davidricardo86 at 4:31 PM 12/9/2006


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OKRB20DET
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awww man i saw the lil camera by the thread so i was hoping for some CA pics lol

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davidricardo86
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Hahaha yeah i was also wondering how long that would take...!

Here it is. Got here this morning. Looks like i gotta get a hold of them to find out whats up with my ECU. $1350.00 shipped from http://www.jdmsource.ca w/ whatever i got. Finally i can begin my project.
























Modified by davidricardo86 at 7:08 AM 7/13/2006

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c-rad
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TTIWWPOCA18DET

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davidricardo86
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c-rad wrote:TTIWWPOCA18DET
what?!

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c-rad
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davidricardo86 wrote:what?!
This Thread is Worthless Without Pics Of CA18DET.

But now there are pics. And yep, looks like a CA to me!

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tyrannix
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while youre at it, take off the heat shield and take a look at your turbo. i might be smoking crack, but i seem to remember the t25 i had having a 2 bolt compressor output flange

and my t28s have a 3 bolt

you might have a t28 (somebody speak up if im speaking untruths)

CJ

UMS_CA18DET
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Nope thats a stock CA T25. CA T25, SR T25, SR T28 have the 3 bolt compressor outlet.

The difference is the compressor inlet. Also you can tell by the wastegate actuator if its a SR t28

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davidricardo86
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Heres some better views of the turbo, transmission, etc.

Without the heat sheild.

Stock turbocharger.

Closer view of the compressor wheel. It looks really dirty in there. Ill have to take a better look later.

Whats up with that fuzz in the clutch plate? I think its just clutch disc material...

Some more fuzz and dirt inside the CA bellhousing.

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float_6969
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Congrats!

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M374llic4
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looks like its ready! start her up and lets hear!

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OKRB20DET
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yay!, and you totally need to power wasH that tranny
Modified by OKRB20DET at 8:29 AM 7/14/2006

89'ClubK's
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.48 A/R = CA T25. Have you check for shaft play? (assuming you're keeping it for awhile). They're so old from sitting, almost all the CA turbo's need rebuilt. Good Luck!

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davidricardo86
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Thanks fellas! Yeah i just got it so havent gotten a chance to "test" everything. It'll be a while till i wake this monster up. Im going to rebuild it so i guess i will never hear it in its "stock" form.

I spun the shaft a lil and wiggled it and there is some small amount of play. I havent put any type of measuring tool to it or anything but it is a very old motor so its kind of expected. What else would you guys suggest that i look over?

nismoplsr
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First check for obvious stuff like broken wires cracked hoses and stuff like that. You are better off changing all the rubber lines for everything right off the bat. Its much easier than when the engine is in the car.

I would pull the oil pan and the valve covers off to check for alot of sludge buildup and cooked on oil check for metal flakes in the pan and stuff.

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davidricardo86
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dsc4130

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awww sick dude. i like your tranny transportaion haha

kapower06
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About the turbo... there is always a slight amount of play ( up and down/ side to side) on non ball bearing turbos. Now if it has any in and out play chances are that it'll smoke pretty good and possibly need a rebuild, Also you need to get that flywheel resurfaced, I would suggest pulling out all of the dowel pins and using a ka clutch ( rps, centerforce, act etc...) something good. Also you may want to get a stainless steel clutch line as ( depending on miles) the stock rubber one will most likely swell a little and cause hard shifting once hot.

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Neejay
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Congrats. Are you planning to rebuild it any? My problem is that I don't have anywhere to store an engine to rebuild it. I'd have to pay a shop to do everything for me...not as fortunate as others....

This dilemma is almost making me just get another KA (E to DE swap).

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c-rad
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Neejay wrote:Congrats. Are you planning to rebuild it any? My problem is that I don't have anywhere to store an engine to rebuild it. I'd have to pay a shop to do everything for me...not as fortunate as others....

This dilemma is almost making me just get another KA (E to DE swap).
That's hogwash!

Yeah, and I live on the 3rd floor

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DrIft Ready
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nice..that is not a Stock flyweel or clutch..and the turbo is different then my stock t25..here is a pix of the stock stuff off mine

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DrIft Ready
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a nismo fly vs stock

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DrIft Ready
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and the stock one when i pulled it off

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DrIft Ready
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ps..damn that clutch is fuc...ked..wowhere is how mine look..it was brand new..less then 500 miles on it..gave it to homie that fryed his

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davidricardo86
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Cmon, you dont have a empty corner you can put and engine? I cant tell the difference between those 2 flywheels. Also that turbo looks the same except upside down maybe?

Crad, i like how you can eat and live with an engine in your kitchen. hahaha. Dont you get a little messed up from the engine fumes? lol.

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DrIft Ready
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the stock flyweel does not gruve in on the side..its flat and very very heavy

driftin8ez
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Looks good! Just payed for mine! I bought it from Dee (BoostBoy) so i know it will be good. Cant wait to get it in!

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davidricardo86
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Sounds good. Post some pics. Also im getting down to the bare block and head. Ill post pics later today.

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davidricardo86
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Hah finally im getting some lootski to continue with the block machining. Took pistons and conecting rods out. I was thinking about which pistons i should go with. One option, keep stock oem pistons if still within spec and will withstand that amount of horsepower. Im going for about 250-300whp and ive heard that the stock pistons can handle this! The real question should be, how long are these going to last on this high HP? I dont mind spending the extra money on something more reliable and end up being better in the long run then just make it run that number once or just a few times. I'd rather hit that marker consistently.

I started thinking, how about some aftermarket pistons made out of a better stronger material that is able to hit that HP range easily without having to worry about the pistons for a good long time. Later ill worry about high HP numbers. Boost on pistons rated for 400+ HP and run a quick spool turbochager to provide boost for response. When ever i think id want to drag-race, i would just boost more and use the aftermarket pistons already in there, maybe go further with the head valvetrain and runners, but thats later in life. I havent looked that much into it but i know theres CP pistons, Arias i believe, and probably something from Tomei or some other known importer from Japan.

If anyone knows info, give me a heads up, i already started looking for a machinist and the companies aswell. Appreciated.

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float_6969
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http://www.raceeng.com

As for whether you need them or not. You're power range is kinda in a tough spot. 250hp, I wouldn't worry about the stockers. At 300hp, they'll probabally hold up OK, but you'll really be at their limit, and running anything motor related at it's limit is never a good idea.

Also, keep in mind how much work it will really take to hit 300hp, and how fast of a car that really is. For you to make that kind of power off of a T2 series turbo is gonna cost you. It'll be easier to go top mount with a T3/T4 hybrid, but you've go more fabrication to do.

Decide whether you want 250hp, or 300hp. They are going to be two totally different motors internally and externally.


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