Motor Swap Options: CA18DET or SR20DET

[pocketrocket]

I have an 88 Sentra (B12) that's dead (the motor). I see a lot of write ups about the sr20 swap into b13s and such, but not a b12. With the CA motor, the only person I've seen who has written anything on the b12 swap is boost_boy, who is helping me out with what I need on that.

I know the pros and cons of both motors, but my question is what will be easier? I've seen mixed feelings about it, and I have never done a swap before... but I'm very determined to learn all I can and get a good car out of it.

Also, Does that GA16DE to SR20DET sticky apply to me? Or will I need different things?

Thanks, Andrew

[mrzabala]

Personally, there both easy to swap in. Basically do the same procedures with the wiring, placing it in the engine, and where everything plugs in (except for the radiator lines and water lines). I would personally go for the CA even though parts are a take a little longer to find.

[pocketrocket]

Well, there are already FWD SR's that I can get with an ECU so I would not need to get a standalone computer or anything, and that kind of electronic work I know nothing about. I figured the SR would be easier to get a hold of, easier to find material written on it, and, once its in, more people to help me out with other issues.

Why would you do the CA instead of the SR?

[nismo2K2]

you sjould check this link out for help on your swap ideas: http://www.nissanperformancema...t.php

[mrzabala]

Im an old school kind of guy. And I like the fact that I dont have to deal with a timing chain on a CA, instead a belt (much easier). And if you ask yourself, than wouldnt an RB be better? Well an rb26dett would be better, but I don't have the funding. I wouldnt want an RB20 because an sr has the same potential with less cylinders. An an rb25 is also expensive and will need more modifications to get it running. CA's are more simple.

[pocketrocket]

nismo2k2: I read, and the sr20 swap sounds.. above me a bit. It seems that a lot more than just the motor/transmission/axles were swapped, and more fabricating had to be done. With my mechanical experience (little to none) I think I would be overwhelmed by that. I'll be glad to tackle something difficult, but I think starting out with something simpler would be best for now.

mrzabala: haha rb would be nice, but if I wanted that, I'd just flat out import an old skyline. So far, I think I can eliminate the sr20, simply because it does seem too difficult for me. Difficult is good, but it has to be doable -- rb25.. notsomuch Also, not to discredit you or anything, but how do you know they are "easy" swaps?

I was just trying to consider my options. I've heard of other swaps, such as the GA16DE and the SR16DE, but for the work, from what I've read its not worth it. So, I've got the possibility of the CA18DET... any other possibilities (not too difficult)

[nismo2K2]

ok. i was just tryin to help a fellow nissan owner. good luck with your decision and swap!

[pocketrocket]

sorry if that came off as knocking you down or anything. I appreciate the help. It definitely seems like the task was hard for those that are trained in the field, and I don't have that kind of experience, so I think it would be to difficult for me.

Did I miss something about the CA18DET in there?

[nismo2K2]

no need to apologize. i wasnt offended.

[nametakennow]

I think zabala is completely lost, actually.

This is the B/P chassis forum. Everything is FWD. Why on earth are we even mentioning RBs? The only semi-realistic B12 swap options here are SR and CA. Furthermore, how is a timing belt LESS of a pain than a chain? Chains don't have to be replaced every 60k or so. If the guides are good, it may never need replacement.

Install-wise, they're both going to take the same amount of work, so why not get more power and fewer headaches with the SR?

[VMPhil]

mrzabala: haha rb would be nice, but if I wanted that, I'd just flat out import an old skyline.

unfortunately i don't think that there is currently any company that can do it legally anymore in the States (without having it shipped disassembled) . Canadians have it good.

[nametakennow]

R33s are still legal.

[pocketrocket]

I've heard with the SR custom motor mounts need to be fabricated, and SE-R transmission/harnesses are needed (more $). Also, if they are both the same amount of work for the chassis, why are there not more sr20s?

Have you done either swap by any chance?

[NSR_s30]

[nametakennow]

I guess it goes back to one thing that I don't see in this thread: was there a variant of the B12 that came with some form of the CA (maybe a CA18E?)? If so, then the CA is the easier swap by far. If not, you'll still need custom work. It seems to me that it'd be worth a shot to try to use a B13 SE-R front/rear motor mount crossbeam and see if everything lines up if you went SR20.

I haven't done either swap, so I go purely on speculation, the general knowledge I have on Sentras and cars overall, and my somewhat limited knowledge of the B12.

My post was geared toward zabala in a way. I really have no idea why, if the swaps will take roughly the same amount of work, anyone would use a CA. The engine is older, it has a timing belt, is less available, and has less aftermarket support.

Again, it all hinges on what the B12s came with from the factory.

[pocketrocket]

None of the B12's came with a CA motor in it. HOWEVER, the pulsar did, and from what I have heard, their mounts can be used. IF the swaps were the same amount of work, sure, the sr20 would be definitely the choice: better aftermarket support, newer motor, bigger base horsepower numbers, more displacement.

I've yet to find anyone on any of the nissan forums that has done any kind of write up on a b12 sr20 swap. That magazine article that was posted a little ways up was a group of students making a sr20 b12... and it was a pain for them, and they're mechanics.

boost_boy is the only person i've found on the net that has written anything or given advice about a ca swap. I appreciate the advice and all, but it'd be great to have the word of someone who has done either or both. No offense, but I'm sure you understand - hopefully someone that has done either will read this