Limitiations/Problem areas of the CA18DET

[Daemos]

So my friend just picked up a 240SX and he's looking to pick up a front clip with either a SR20DET or a CA18DET to work on the engine and build it up, before putting it into the car (someone should make a FAQ about the CA18...)

He hasn't signed up for these forums yet so I'm trying to figure it out for him. There is TONS of info about the SR so we got the limitiaions/problem areas of that, but the CA18...isn't quite so easy.

So these are what we've already figured on the pros and cons of the CA18:

Pros:Better designed (since some people say the RB was 'designed' around the CA)More Advanced Valve train (can rev alot higher w/less problems)Iron BlockCheaper to buy (ALOT CHEAPER!!!!!! huge factor!!!) Cons:Less AftermarketUsually in worse condition

This is basically the list of questions he asks I'll be searching, and if I find the answer, I'll remove it...but I figured I'd post first before I forget the questions he wanted me to ask

Now basically my friend has a power goal of maybe 330whp? Trying to atleast break high 12s out of the engine.

Now around say for a buffer zone 350whp what things would he need to replace/watch out for?

What are some of the weak areas of the CA that should be addressed asap?

What are some online stores that sell downpipes/exhausts/intakes for the CA18DET? (we've searched, but mostly found only SR20 stuff)

Since the engine is a smaller engine vs the CA18, what type of turbo is recommended, for low lag, but good power output?

[boost_boy]

Quote »Now basically my friend has a power goal of maybe 330whp? Trying to atleast break high 12s out of the engine.[/quote] Can be done on stock engine, not stock fuel system.

Quote »Now around say for a buffer zone 350whp what things would he need to replace/watch out for?[/quote] Refer to answer of last quote.

Quote »What are some of the weak areas of the CA that should be addressed asap?[/quote] Less torque below 3000rpm.

Quote »What are some online stores that sell downpipes/exhausts/intakes for the CA18DET? (we've searched, but mostly found only SR20 stuff)[/quote] Custom parts will be the avenue one will take now. The engine is old and not a whole lot of manufacturers make parts anymore for it.

Quote »Since the engine is a smaller engine vs the CA18, what type of turbo is recommended, for low lag, but good power output?[/quote] Cheaply done will be the T3 family turbo. The sizes were covered in previous posts and I will not repost for every new inquirer. But we have had lengthy discussions on the topic and you should find these fairly easily.

Dee

[Daemos]

hmmm so custom parts, hopefully that won't be so bad...I guess you can't even recommend me any websites?

How bout the fuel stuff? What type of injectors can I get for those?

And which is the best standalone ecu to use?

I'll do a search on T3 turbos hopefully that'll be better than my search with other terms

[iliketocrash]

standalone is more of a preference. it depends what type of features you're looking for and how much you're willing to spend. boost_boy stands by the SDS system but other than that i haven't seen much talk about anyone using any other sort of standalone for this engine. another thing i noticed, which may not be 100% true... but its just SEEMS like everyone on the forum who has had some sort of major engine failure wasn't using 20w50 oil.. or something along those lines at least. just an observation. i would appreciate it if someone proved me wrong on this.

[fanta]

Keep ROM tuning in mind.

[Daemos]

Keep ROM tuning in mind.

Specifiy rom tuning?

he's looking for something that can hold 2 fuel maps, one for high boost (summer) and one for winter (veryyyyyyy low boost)

[Daemos]

standalone is more of a preference. it depends what type of features you're looking for and how much you're willing to spend. boost_boy stands by the SDS system but other than that i haven't seen much talk about anyone using any other sort of standalone for this engine. another thing i noticed, which may not be 100% true... but its just SEEMS like everyone on the forum who has had some sort of major engine failure wasn't using 20w50 oil.. or something along those lines at least. just an observation. i would appreciate it if someone proved me wrong on this.

Using that kind of oil a block heater will probally need to be installed for winter months, that's no problem though...

[boost_boy]

Quote »but its just SEEMS like everyone on the forum who has had some sort of major engine failure wasn't using 20w50 oil.. or something along those lines at least. just an observation. i would appreciate it if someone proved me wrong on this.[/quote] Could be true, but I am the only one that I know of that stands by this. I actually use 20w50 castrol syntec blend and lucas oil stabilizer. Some members don't believe that the oil stabilizer is good for turbo engines, but I beg to differ in that my engines have told the tales over the years.

Dee

[Daemos]

Could be true, but I am the only one that I know of that stands by this. I actually use 20w50 castrol syntec blend and lucas oil stabilizer. Some members don't believe that the oil stabilizer is good for turbo engines, but I beg to differ in that my engines have told the tales over the years.

Dee

Never used oil stabilizer before...do you just mix that in with the oil?

[Trigger]

well no...i run 10w-30 and my engine runs great. If i notice any smoking i might go up to 20w-50 but until then i am happy with 10w-30

[Daemos]

Okay so with motor oil the lower number is good for colderclimates, but the higher number is what is important for high temps + luberication right?

[cortina-mk1]

some good info on comparisons herehttp://www.geocities.com/speed...l.htm

[fanta]

Specifiy rom tuning?

he's looking for something that can hold 2 fuel maps, one for high boost (summer) and one for winter (veryyyyyyy low boost)

http://www.engineers.auckland.ac.nz/~lmoo016/Check the links section as well.