List of CA18DET Advantages, pls.

Discuss topics related to the CA18DE and CA18DET series engines.
dareo
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Car: 1993 Q45, 1989 240sx

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I'd like a list of CA18DET technical advantages. Simple facts, strengths of the engine, reasons to go CA18DET. We all know about the cost reason but why else? Don't make this another CA vs SR thread just an efficient list of CA18DET pros and maybe some cons. Dee, you gotta get in on this.


azncorruptedo17
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Car: 1991 Nissan 240sx SE

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did ya check the stickies?

dareo
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Joined: Thu Jul 17, 2003 10:13 am
Car: 1993 Q45, 1989 240sx

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Yes and there is not currently a sticky or thread containing the advanced info about the CA18DET i'm looking for. The info used to be here a long time ago but ever since the remodel of Nico its been iffy. I've read a lot about the CA18DET before but its all vague memories at this point, so lets make a reference of the engine's strong points.

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iliketocrash
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ummm... i know the most obvious... iron block =) no rocker arm BS... i'm a big fan of the coil and plug ignition type system but some hate it. timing belt as opposed to chain. i dunno about everyone else but i hate chains with a passion. you kind of have an option for a 4 or 8 intake port head. good to have options =) it still counts as being semi-original to own one! the motor also sports top feed injectors which are nice, but the injectors can be a reall pain to remove if you've never done it before or don't have someone helpin you who has done it before. Its my opion that the motor is fairly balance between torque and hp. its certainly not good for haulin heavy loads but its no civic either =) umm it has a crank girdle and piston oil squirters... its a badass lookin little motor... almost square boreXstroke....i think some people have mentioned its rather easy to make and chip the ecu itself.... If you want technical specs on the valve train, ignition system and the like then you should probably just do a search in google. its all pretty easy to find. I think that choosing an engine comes down to personal preference. Only if you're going for insaine horsepower numbers do the small technical superiorites of this engine really tend to shine... but then again to get crazy hp you'll probably strip the motor and trick it out anyway. hmm... i think i'll sleep now. have fun deciding.

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themadscientist
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virtually bulletproof iron block with plenty of meat for overboring, lightweight package compared to an RB20-25 with similar power-handling capabilities. Only weak point I consistently see is high RPM valve float and poor balance of the intake but no more so than pretty much every engine commonly used.

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rico05
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Made from the sweetest yak's milk from the most sacred valleys of the lower Himilayas, the CA18DET while both buttery smooth, it also has a faint hint of cinnamon from the naturally growing fauna of the region. The CA18DET is a great at a party, and makes a colorful addation to any party platter or buffet line! Use as a dip for chips for a southwest flair, or add on top of your favorite dish for a CA18DET experience your taste buds will never forget!

The SR tastes like crap, BTW.

ca18detizzle
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^ ROFLLLxzoRZ!!

boost_boy
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Car: B12 sentra w/built CA18DET, B12 sentra w/fully-built CA18DET, S13 coupe w/ CA18DET, S13 hatch w/CA18DET, 2002 maxima SE
Location: Miami, FL.
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dareo wrote:I'd like a list of CA18DET technical advantages. Simple facts, strengths of the engine, reasons to go CA18DET. We all know about the cost reason but why else? Don't make this another CA vs SR thread just an efficient list of CA18DET pros and maybe some cons. Dee, you gotta get in on this.
One of the advantages I find in the CA DOHC series is the fact they are the easiest to work on in the Nissan performance 4cylinder line-up.

Another advantage is that it was built in an era where it had to be good or get left behind by the competition. It's relatively small size makes it a perfect power plant for you drifters and for some of us folks who want to stick some good performance in an engine bay that's not too Forgiving.

The CA DOHC series' head is an excellent piece of work that will just be always better than that of any of the SR series heads. Like TMS, it's block is nearly bullet proof and has plenty of room for upgrades.

My overall view of this engine is despite the fact that it don't huff and puff like a 2.2litre or better in the lower RPM range, it sure as hell make up for it in the midle and on top of the power band.

I Love it

Dee

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Nismo1182
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iliketocrash wrote:Its my opion that the motor is fairly balance between torque and hp. its certainly not good for haulin heavy loads but its no civic either =)
I towed my friends FC to his house (about 4 miles) with my CA.

boost_boy
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Car: B12 sentra w/built CA18DET, B12 sentra w/fully-built CA18DET, S13 coupe w/ CA18DET, S13 hatch w/CA18DET, 2002 maxima SE
Location: Miami, FL.
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dareo wrote:I'd like a list of CA18DET technical advantages. Simple facts, strengths of the engine, reasons to go CA18DET. We all know about the cost reason but why else? Don't make this another CA vs SR thread just an efficient list of CA18DET pros and maybe some cons. Dee, you gotta get in on this.
it doesn't need:

Block guards

Sleeves

Rocker arm stoppers

VTec

300zx TT pistons

A fast talking, no knowledge crowd of bandwagoners

To be mentioned on the fast and the furious trilogies

To be stroked

Timing Chain and Tensioner

Oil Pump Cover

To be revved to 10,000rpm

Baby-sitted when a little low on water or oil (Granted you don't try and sustain 160mph for 10 minutes).

Dee


azncorruptedo17
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hah damn thats a good list of don't needs...

especially the "fast talking, no knowledge crowd of bandwagoners"

boost_boy
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Joined: Thu Nov 14, 2002 7:28 am
Car: B12 sentra w/built CA18DET, B12 sentra w/fully-built CA18DET, S13 coupe w/ CA18DET, S13 hatch w/CA18DET, 2002 maxima SE
Location: Miami, FL.
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dareo wrote:I'd like a list of CA18DET technical advantages. Simple facts, strengths of the engine, reasons to go CA18DET. We all know about the cost reason but why else? Don't make this another CA vs SR thread just an efficient list of CA18DET pros and maybe some cons. Dee, you gotta get in on this.
Last but not least in my diary, Big/Bad performance can be extracted from a little nissan (20 y/o) 1809cc or 110 CID engine with the squary red valve covers that resembles its family members the RBs physical appearance. But the CA16 and CA18 motors are their own monsters that do whatever you need them to do if you are willing to pay to play.

Dee

dareo
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Car: 1993 Q45, 1989 240sx

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The CA18DET is quite tempting, for the valvetrain alone. From my research it seems to stand up to abuse very well. If i go CA its going to be two CA18DETs, one for my 240 and one will find its way into a MB 190e shell

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turbo_blitz21
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Well have fun. Dude the ca is just a baby rb in my eyes. I love my CA it can take a real beating. Its fun as hell to drift with. And with the fact that you can buy a 2.0 liter stroker kit for it and hook up a t3/4 turbo on it you can beat an sr's *** any day and role with rb's. I am looking to produce around 475 hp with my ca.


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