Just Curious....?

[Dark_Minds]

Hi

I've had my silvia for about two months now and am interested in converting it to a turbo. It's a 1990 Nissan Silvia Qs CA18DE. How much in total will it cost to do this. Plus what exactly are the parts (and prices) needed to convert.

Thanks

[Nathan]

Well, you probably wont get much response seeing as you are from Australia...nothing wrong with Australians, just most people on here are from the US and dont know how much stuff costs to import to Australia, my guess is you would be best served by importing the engine of your choice (SR20DET, CA18DET, RB etc...) and put it in. The CA18DE is not just a CA18DET minus the turbo, it is a different engine in some way: no oil piston squirters, higher compression I think, just general stuff like that, because of this it might just be easier to swap to an allready turbocharged engine.

[chezina]

Dark_minds like Nathan said get a whole CA18det engine or better a whole car with the DET already installed, should be cheaper and easier(in Australia).Here's a link for used engines in Australia:JMS

[kingsoup]

Check out the performanceforums.com boards, they have good info on swaps and probably have the best information on what you are looking for.

BTW we're not all from the U.S., I'm from Canada, I think that Aussies are the best car people in the world. Do anything swaps, intersted in things other then drag racing, my fav.

[Nathan]

ahhh, I forgot about the canadians sorry! I should have said North America, of course...you could always look for a skyline since your from Australia, there is a lot of good info on http://www.skylinesdownunder.com !

[themadscientist]

It's easy if you get a complete turbo engine with the computer. The DE can be converted but it has higher compression and smaller injectors of a different impedance. Now if I were you, I would go scammin chicks cause I hear aussie girls rock! uh, sorry back on track:) If your DE is in great shape use that; get a turbo computer and a set of RB20DET 370cc injectors, they are high impedance so you can retain the DE harness. Get a CA18DET exhuast manifold and a turbo, an S14/15 one is a great upgrade. The higher compression in the DE demands you get a decent intercooler, don't waste your time with OE one get a big un. Make sure you have adequate guages and fuel control to tune the combo out. your fuel pump is fine, the DE and DET use the same one. If you want to upgrade and SR20DET silvia one or any turbo Skyline or 300ZX one will pump more.

[Dark_Minds]

Thanks for the help guys. Well a skyline would be great but the funds dont really agree with me. I've always wanted to fully work an SR20DET accept because im only 18, im still on my 'Probationary Licence'. Which i have to stay with until i turn 21 and get my full licence. And people on a Probationary Licence have guidelines in terms of the power-to-weight ratio they have in there car which is 125KW per Tonne. Thats why i want a CA18DET coz it falls just under.

What are CA18DE's selling for in North America? i can buy an S13 front cut imported from japan (CA18DET), motor, gearbox and all electrics for $2130 AUD (about $1234 US). So depending on what i can sell my current engine for i may get one of those.

[Bizz]

Yeah that sounds like the best idea. http://www.japimports.com.au/parts_engines.htm has half cuts for 2395 aus, but i don't know if it's worth more money for the extra bits on the clip.

[Dark_Minds]

Just one more question. I might sound stupid, i dont know but, i have a mate who has a 5 speed gearbox from a 1973 or 74 Toyota celica. Because my car is auto, and i probably drive it a little immaturely as well, im scared that im going to fugg up my auto. Would i be able to fit this gear box to my silvia?

[boost_boy]

I suggest you just use the CA18DET's transmission! less the dramas and set up to directly fit your car.

[Bizz]

Yeah if you go from auto to mt your gonna be doing enough extra work with clutch peddle mounting. Don't want to fug around with missmatched parts. BTW the price i quoted for the clip includes transmission.

[Dark_Minds]

Sweet. Thanks for the help guys. It's probably gonna cost me a grand to get the engine shipped from where the seller is. which is about 2,300kms away. Oh well. What are prices like in North America to get an engine such as this engine fitted?

[boost_boy]

To install a CA18 usually runs in the ball park of $700 U.S.-$1500 depending on who's doing the work.

[Dark_Minds]

Thats expansive. My folks got a new motor installed in their hyundai excel and it only cost them $600 AUD. Plus im the sys admin for a mechanics shop so i should get a staff discount, hopefully.

[Bizz]

Well i think most of the cost increase is because the swap requires additional work because the motors are different. Good luck on your discount.

BTW where are you in australia?

[Dark_Minds]

From a small town called Heathcote, about 1 Hour from Melbourne. All of the companys that import CA18DET's are either in New South Wale or Queensland (at least 1500Km from where i live) so freight to get the engine here will be a ******!