Here's on you don't hear everyday... CA to SR swap?

[hydra]

I have a '92 Euro 200SX with a bone stock CA18DET. Engine runs like clockwork and hasn't given me any trouble in the year I've owned it, knock on wood, save for a broken alternator belt. The problem is that I happened to stumble on an notchback blacktop SR20DET motorset locally off a Euro '96 S14, and the importer wants $1500 for it. This includes the ECU, MAF, and wiring harness. Trouble is that the main harness connector has been cut off. The Ignitor chip is also missing. I have a few questions

First off is this swap even worth it? Assuming I can part out my CA setup to recoup some of the costs, is it worth the trouble? I was planning on modding my CA anyway, but I'm sure you'll all agree that the SR is a better platform to do so..- Assuming the engine/transmission come without mounts, can I reuse my CA mounts or would I have to buy new ones?- Can I use my stock CA Ignitor?- What about my stock CA driveshaft, is it the correct length? If its not, this is a dealbreaker...- What exactly is involved in rewiring the harness to make this work?

Once again, would you go through with this? It might not be justifiable if one were to be rational, but its certainly very tempting!Those extra 0.2L + the VTC should make quite a difference when drifting, no?

[Hijacker]

We have a thread stickied in the FAQ for wiring S14 motors to S13 chassis. Use that to get a good idea of how much wiring work will be needed to run the S14 in your S13.

You can use the CA ignitor, but you'll need to cut the plugs off our old harness and replace the SR ignitor plugs. SR ignitors are different from CA ignitors, but they do the exact same thing.

The driveshaft should work as I've used KA driveshafts on both SRs and CAs.

The motormounts should be the same as well.

When you say "main harness connector" has been cut, are you talking about the ECU connector or the dash interface plug? If it's the ECU connector, you should tell him to keep the harness, cut you a break on the motorset, and source a new harness. Replacing the ECU plug is one of those things I wouldn't wish on my worst enemies. If it's the dash interface plug, then it doesn't matter since you have to chop that connector off anyways.

[IanS]

I personally would just build the CA. Its a badass little engine, and unless you are shooting for obscene power goals, it should make you really happy. Plus its different, and different is good.

Welcome to the site btw.