Is there still a drought on CA18DET engines?

[Jkleisley]

I'm pretty new to the site and I've been reading the CA18DET engines: Want one? post and I noticed it was locked due to availability issues. I have an 89 240sx with a blown KA24E and i've been saving up for a swap. My email is [email protected] and i live in zip 38583. I searched for a newer thread on this issue but only found individual sellers. Any info would be greatly appreciated, Im a little leary of buying from EBAY and I know Dee has some great feedback.

[nvrplzd240]

Well first of all, welcome to NICO man. Hope you enjoy your stay.

Second, regretfully CA's are still pretty difficult to find. Some guys have had good luck on ebay.. but i personally would stay away from them. There are still CA's available.. but none in great condition.

Good luck in finding one though.. if and when you do you won't regret it.. they're great engines.

[themadscientist]

Don't say "still", that implies it will improve. It will only get worse. This motor went out of production about 17 years ago and then the march to extinction began. I am hoarding parts left and right and I suggest you all do the same.

[nvrplzd240]

Don't say "still", that implies it will improve. It will only get worse. This motor went out of production about 17 years ago and then the march to extinction began. I am hoarding parts left and right and I suggest you all do the same.

Listen to the man! He speaks "tha truff". Parts are just a joke to find

[Jkleisley]

Thx for the info, thats bad news though. I don't want to fall in line with all these SR swap guys, and if you look on EBAY they have complete CA18DET swaps listed (im very skeptical though) for like 1400 USD. I was looking at KA24DE engines as well, the main thing is I want to try to do this all myself, I've got access to a shop and my best friend is very familair with body work and paint. I later plan on doing the s13.5 conversion but this was my daily driver so I would really like to get it running. The only import shop in my town told me they only deal in honda's and acura's so im on a one man mission to become the go to guy for nissans.

[themadscientist]

well the CA18DE is the same basic package so people could use those in a pinch. You would have to drill and tap for the piston oilers and switch pistons and cams but the castings are the same. The DE has the same rotating assembly, crank rods and main girdle. This is the JDM DE though not the USEM model.

[240sxbobbis]

everytime i hear this my stomach cringes so what will happen , im saving for an rb now

[RS12Turbo]

I see that you're in Tenn? Have you checked with http://www.jarcoinc.com out of Atlanta?Thats where I got mine........and I've had no problems with it......and I have heard others say the same with their motors they get from them.They go to Japan monthly and hand pick running vehicles, test drive, and inspect the motors, then cut and crate up the front clips once they pass their inspection, and send them back to Atlanta.Email Michael, and let him know you want a ca18det, and he'll let you know what he has.....or when he'll be heading back to Japan. Nice guy, great quality engines

[ch187]

wish i had the spare cash for a spare CA. if this one lets me down i may just have to go RB. my heart wont be broken but i love the fact that you get so much power from such a small displacement engine.

[The_Chosen_One]

I'll talk to my aunt in South America, she's very well known in the Automotive industry down their. She can help me find people who might be interested in exporting.

South America got both the Euro 200sx with CA18DET and USDM 240sx with sohc/dohc.

I'm flying over their in December.

[themadscientist]

tap that source. While everyone is breaking necks to get Japanese engines you could be the first in the market down there and get established.

[ragenasian]

Euro 200sx are dying away also (at least here in Germany). There was a time when I could go to the strip yard and see a couple of 200sx's there with CA's no problem. Now they are becoming scarce. Finding parts is one thing as I have had no luck even finding an intake gasket for those who bought the 4 ports. I went to 6 different shops and couldn't get one single alternator gasket. A used motor in running condition here in Germany will still pull close to a grand and that is usually with none of the accessories. The others you find have bad bearings or built in cup holders in the side of the block. You find one, get it, you might not get another chance.