FWD CA18DET Transmission Questions

[livelyjay]

I plan on buying one of Phantom Grips, I just don't know when or how I can fit it into the budget.

Back on topic, what FWD axles are compatible with the CA18DE transmission, or are the ones from the Pulsar SE the only ones? I've got a guy looking into the pedals and other parts, but axles are iffy.

[livelyjay]

I own the following: 1987 Nissan Pulsar SE, CA16DE, 135000 milesI want to do the following: CA18DET conversionI have the engine picked out, and will be purchasing in NovemberThe engine is from the U12 AWD, so it's already in the transverse configuration.I've never done a swap or clutch change, but I am mechanically inclined, willing to learn, and willing to take my time and spend $$ to do things the right way (I've done timing belt, water pump, suspension, etc).

My current transmission is starting to whine, which a transmission shop stated sounds like a diff bearing going bad. I have a spare that has 1st and 5th pop-out, which I might try to pull apart to swap diffs and bearings if a simple fluid change doesn't help out current transmission.

1) I have heard the stock RS5F31C transmission (from CA16DE) is weak, and can't handle the load the future CA18DET will put on it. Is this true?

2) Converting to RS5F51C (from CA18DE) will be somewhat involved because I'll need to convert from cable to hydro. What parts do I need besides the following: pedals, clutch master cylinder, clutch slave cylinder, clutch line, axles, flywheel, and clutch?

3) Is the overall process of the cable to hydro conversion straightforward once I have the parts, or will I need to do custom cutting of the firewall, bolting to firewall, etc?

[mazikowski]

To my knowledge, you just remove the clutch cable from the firewall and the hydraulic master cylinder just bolts up right in the same spot.

[Fleemer]

I have a pulsar with a ca18de. It used to be auto but i did a 5 speed swap.

You'l need Pedal, clutch master, clutch slave, clutch lines, flywheel and clutch. Trans mount, trans, trans mount bracket to car, and i think the axles are the same but check on nissanexa.com

The ca18de trans is really strong as ti is the same that they put in VG30 maximas. If you look it up they can take ~300ft/lb before blowing up.

Anything more then 200-250 is useless in FWD anyway. Unless you want crazy mad torque steer :P (I already get enough in my ca18de :P)

[livelyjay]

Thanks Maz, I was hoping it was that easy.

Why would I need the transmission mount if I'm going from manual transmission to another manual transmission? Two auto parts sites online show the same part number between the 87 and 88 Pulsar SE.

If this is the same transmission that's in the VG30 Maxima, could I get that transmission and mount it to the CA18DET (and get all the other stuff for the CA18DE)?

I'll double check the axles, but hey, for $42 a piece might as well get brand new ones with new boots than have one get messed up while I'm driving. Better to have the piece of mind that they are new.

[boost_boy]

Thanks Maz, I was hoping it was that easy.

Why would I need the transmission mount if I'm going from manual transmission to another manual transmission? Two auto parts sites online show the same part number between the 87 and 88 Pulsar SE.

Gearboxes are different and so are the mounts. It would be wise to buy that mount from the dealer or you will get disappointed when they send you the wrong mount because they will.

If this is the same transmission that's in the VG30 Maxima, could I get that transmission and mount it to the CA18DET (and get all the other stuff for the CA18DE)?

That's not entirely true about the transmission being the same one as the maximas. It won't bolt-up because the bellhousings are different and even if you wanted to use the gearbox from the maximas, it will require modification. You need to get the transmission from a pulsar or a 1987-1989 nissan stanza (ratios are different).

I'll double check the axles, but hey, for $42 a piece might as well get brand new ones with new boots than have one get messed up while I'm driving. Better to have the piece of mind that they are new.

Again, don't believe the internet. Those axles aren't for the pulsar you wish they were for. They are for the pulsars with the E and GA series engines (different transmission family).

Dee

[mazikowski]

(and by stupid, I totally mean AMAZING in ways numbering more than the the number of engines TMS has in his garage!)

See, Jay! This is why I suggested you post on here.
Modified by mazikowski at 8:12 PM 9/30/2009

[livelyjay]

I was going to aim for the CA18DE transmission any ways, so I was only asking about the Maxima one.

A1-Cardone lists a part number that's specific for the Pulsar SE with CA18DE. The part numbers they list for the XE version, same year, is different. I might just try it any ways and see if it fits. If anything I just send it back and get a refund. Like I said, no rush.

Anybody have a part number for that transmission mount? BuyNissanParts.com only shows "side mount", which I am guessing is just the passenger side mount, and not the transmission mount.

[Fleemer]

Trans : I did a bunch of research.. the gearbox portion of the entire transmission is the same. Even the input axles, but he is correct, you will need the CA18 bellhousing. Was just trying to say that the gearbox is engineered for a higher output then the stock ca18de (perfect for turbo upgrade without fear of explosions.. unlike SR fwd trannies)

I think, the trans mounting brakets (to frame) are the same, but the mounts may be different. Again, go ask at nissanexa.com. The aussies already know all this stuff and i'm just giving you hearsay :P

[BQ.05.TD]

the exa have a 10dolt diff and the sss vlsd have a 8 bolt diff.i have just striped another cw&p ( 9th one now) the problem is that the shafts want to move away from each other beeing helical cut and the cw&p heal and toe and that strips the right hand side of the pinion. im just abotu to sell my car because of it. and the fact i dont want to fork out over $3.5k for a gbox that is worth half the cars value. so if any one has a idea plz let me know

i would go a exa box but not beeing lsd is the worst. i dont want to go slower

[NUT-CSE]

You can use the Phantom Grip LSD in the exa box.

I don't know if you have heard of them but a guy on the exa forums used one on his exa gearbox and swears by it.

http://store.phantomgrip.com/c...a28de
Modified by NUT-CSE at 2:22 AM 10/2/2009

[Fleemer]

i did some "research" (go googles)

PHantom grip does work but puts extra stress on the I've only read of 1 diff exploding. Some mazda with a v6 that was doing reverse burnouts or something :P

Otherwise they work, how long they last seems to be pretty long.

[livelyjay]

What weight transmission fluid should I use in my current transmission? I'm going to change it and see if that helps the whining.

[boost_boy]

I plan on buying one of Phantom Grips, I just don't know when or how I can fit it into the budget.

Back on topic, what FWD axles are compatible with the CA18DE transmission, or are the ones from the Pulsar SE the only ones? I've got a guy looking into the pedals and other parts, but axles are iffy.

Must be specifically for the pulsar. None of the others will work. As for the phantom grip device, it works and it's in one of my cars that puts out more reliable power than most on this forum. BTW, it is in a FWD pulsar box.

Dee

[mazikowski]

Must be specifically for the pulsar. None of the others will work. As for the phantom grip device, it works and it's in one of my cars that puts out more reliable power than most on this forum. BTW, it is in a FWD pulsar box.

Dee

Dee, would you recommend the Phantom Grip over the RS5F51V (I think that's it... the VLSD box from the Maxima)?

[Fleemer]

Depends if you like the shorter gearing on the EXA box vs the taller gearing on the maxima box. VLSDs arn't as good as mechanical ones. I would gather the phantom grip would work WAAYY better then the vlsd would. Only problem would be how much of a beating could the phantom grip lsd take vs the vlsd one.

[mazikowski]

If a Phantom Grip survived Dee's build, mine wouldn't phase it.

[livelyjay]

Changed out the fluid this weekend. The fluid was pretty dirty and it looks like I was about 1/2-3/4 of a quart low. The transmission was still whining on the way into work this morning. If it doesn't go away by tomorrow I'm shutting the car down for the winter. I'll make a decision on what to do transmission wise soon. Depends on what I can get as far as pedals and such for the conversion.

[boost_boy]

Dee, would you recommend the Phantom Grip over the RS5F51V (I think that's it... the VLSD box from the Maxima)?

I would keep the pulsar's box for track purposes because it's ratio is nice for dragging on the streets or strip. I use to have a stanza gear box and that gearing is good for making vipers and R35s sweat past 150mph (sucks for drag racing though). Now I use the Maxima's gearbox with a gear or two from the pulsar (can't remember which one) and it gets the job done plus. For the cost of the maxima gearbox swap, go get the phantom grip as the maxima or stanza set-up will cost you the cost of a CA18 motor set-up and that's only if you do the work yourself.

Dee

[mazikowski]

Hey, Dee, shoot me an email (jamie.mazikowski[at]gmail.com)... I'd like to further discuss this transmission voodoo that yoo doo.

[Liquid_Neon]

I dunno if this has been said... DO NOT USE THE CA16 transmission... if you can avoid it. They have a smaller flywheel and have been known to not handle boost well at all. If you can source one, please do yourself a favor and use a CA18 transmission. Call a boneyard and get one and check it over.

I blew mine up years back and got a new one for only $250.

I got a spec clutch specifically for the pulsar btw, i dunno the part number but its easy to find.Also, i have swapper motors 3 times now in the KN13 chassis... so if i can offer anything, jsut ask

[livelyjay]

Thanks for the input. The only thing I was planning on using the CA16DE transmission for was to test out the motor swap itself, eventually (within months of finishing) swapping to the CA18DE transmission. Now that my stock transmission is on the outs, I'll be doing the CA18DE transmission swap right off the bat. I've got a line on one at a yard with 78k on it, which I will be purchasing shortly.

[mazikowski]

I dunno if this has been said... DO NOT USE THE CA16 transmission... if you can avoid it. They have a smaller flywheel and have been known to not handle boost well at all. If you can source one, please do yourself a favor and use a CA18 transmission. Call a boneyard and get one and check it over.

I blew mine up years back and got a new one for only $250.

I got a spec clutch specifically for the pulsar btw, i dunno the part number but its easy to find.Also, i have swapper motors 3 times now in the KN13 chassis... so if i can offer anything, jsut ask

I can speak from experience that the CA16DE transmission does not handle boost well, especially with a better-than-OEM clutch... My CA16 transmission lasted 6 months on an OEM clutch, then I replaced it with another CA16 and put in a SPEC Stage 3 CA16DE clutch (rated at 190 ft-lbs, IIRC) and that transmission lost it after less than a month. I guess that's what I get for being stubborn and not listening to the advice I was given...

[livelyjay]

The first used transmission I was looking at was already sold. Looking into another one and I found a few sources that have both axles as well.

I am having issues tracking down a transmission mount. None of the yards seem to have them or bother looking into them for me. Online parts stores all show the same mount, and it looks like this: Does anyone know if this will work? If not, where the hell can I find one?

[Fleemer]

i'm pretty sure ca18de and ca16de mounts are the same.

Its prolly best if you confirm at nissanexa.com

[boost_boy]

i'm pretty sure ca18de and ca16de mounts are the same.

Its prolly best if you confirm at nissanexa.com

They are not the same. You'll need to go through a nissan dealer for the correct transmission mount. You can take my advice or you'll be treading water for a long time trying to track that down. And please don't buy used motor mounts or you'll be sorry as most of them are very old and brittle.

Dee

[livelyjay]

I'll take your word for it Dee. I'll buy one used if this place with the transmission has one, otherwise I'll call around and try and find one. Then when I get it if it's crap I'll get a shop to burn it out and I'll refill it with poly, or just reinforce it with poly.

[livelyjay]

Sweet. Salvage yard in Illinois is grabbing one off of a car for me with around 100k on it. They said the axles were junk with torn boots, so no go on that. He's also going to look into grabbing the pedal assembly for me, since they have the entire car.

One other concern of mine, only because I just thought of it. Will I need to change the hubs too, or is the spline count on the hubs the same between the '87 and '88?

[livelyjay]

One more question, would you suggest buying a brand new flywheel, or should I snag the one off of the car the transmission is coming off of?

[livelyjay]

So I have a transmission on the way, with mount, pedals and flywheel. They said the axles were junk. Another place said they don't want to sell them because the boots are cracked. Now the search for suitable axles starts. Kicking myself for not buying a "local" parts car with bent valves that had everything on it already, because it sold on eBay for around $550.