Got a ca18det installation quote...opinions?

[Neejay]

The shop basically said $1500 for installation, including installation of rebuild parts (mainly water pump/gasket, thermostat/gasket, couple of other minor things). He also said the ca18's go for "$1500-$2300 depending on motor condition". I havent specifically gotten a quote on aftermarket parts I want installed (Nismo Motor Mounts, Walbro 255 fuel pump, greddy o2 housing (sr20), ProjectSilvia 3" downpipe, Enjuku Hotpipe + Greddy Type-S BOV, Blitz Auto Turbo Timer, boost and oil pressure gauges, Autometer Dual Gauge Pod). I'll update that quote after I talk to the shop owner again.

He did say that the bearing and ring installation are normally $700. So Im gonna wait on that (assuming that hes gonna test the motor he gives me) and see what his policy is for a warranty.

When a shop does a swap, do they normally provide belts, spark plugs, o2 sensor, etc? Is this a decent price for everything?

[rico05]

Do it yourself man. It will be cheaper and you will feel a lot more proud of it when you are done! Took me ~25 hours (with help from a friend) and about $1500 to get it in stock w/ minimal maintenance and essentials including motor and shipping.

[Neejay]

Doing it myself is NOT an option. No space and not enough tools. Believe me, I wish I could, but its not possible.

[RMiller]

You're going to end up spending way more money than the finished product will be worth. Better options include buying a car with an engine already swapped, or buying a Greddy turbo kit for the KA.

[Neejay]

You're going to end up spending way more money than the finished product will be worth. Better options include buying a car with an engine already swapped, or buying a Greddy turbo kit for the KA.

Damn, you really believe that??! Thats discouraging

[Nismo1182]

If you lived down here in FL, id do it for half that price.

[f s t caz]

He did say that the bearing and ring installation are normally $700. So Im gonna wait on that (assuming that hes gonna test the motor he gives me) and see what his policy is for a warranty.

bad move.... if it means putting off getting the car back for a week or 2, then just wait and get it done. just have it done first things first and don't worry about it a month or 2 later when something goes bad.

[Neejay]

bad move.... if it means putting off getting the car back for a week or 2, then just wait and get it done. just have it done first things first and don't worry about it a month or 2 later when something goes bad.

If thats the case:- $1600+ ca18det- $1200 installation- $400+/- rebuild parts- $300 rebuild parts installation- $700+/- rings and bearings- $1000 aftermarket parts- $850 fmic + small battery

= approx. $6,050 And we havent even discussed AC and powersteering. I'd also have to locate a dohc tach and if I decide to go with manual, I'd have to get all the auto to manual swap parts + new clutch.

Saving up $6,050 is technically impossible being a college student living at home with a part time job averaging 15 hours a week.

Money sucks...seems like I'd be better off doing a Xatracing blacktop sr20 stage 1 swap for $5,000.

[BoroBoroS13]

WTF, this place is asking for way too much IMO. I got my CA18DET clip for $1300, bought replacement parts (new water pump, denso iridium plugs, timing belt kit, thermostat, psc valve, all the belts, and main seals) for $200, and installed the parts/motor with some good friends over a weekend or two. They shouldnt charge more than $1K for the install and even that is pushing it, my friends shop does SR20 and CA18 swaps for $800.

[Neejay]

WTF, this place is asking for way too much IMO. I got my CA18DET clip for $1300, bought replacement parts (new water pump, denso iridium plugs, timing belt kit, thermostat, psc valve, all the belts, and main seals) for $200, and installed the parts/motor with some good friends over a weekend or two. They shouldnt charge more than $1K for the install and even that is pushing it, my friends shop does SR20 and CA18 swaps for $800.

That sucks. Cali gets all the hookups and resources. I wish I had friends to help me out with the swap. The cheapest Ive found the motor is $1600 shipped.

Where the hell can I get a clip for $1300 and it be in GOOD shape with proof? Where did you get yours? Any problems with it?

[BoroBoroS13]

I got mine from Venus but I inspected it and picked it up myself. Sometimes they have speicals and let CA18 clips go for 1K.

[WeldingHank]

1600 shipped? i got mine from dee for $1400. your would be cheaper as you are closer to FL.