My ca18det build

[nickhebert]

I have a 1990 hb that was auto to start. I built a ca18det with arp studs, mls headgasket, clevite bearing, all new seals and gaskets, t28, 440cc injectors, z32 maf, rom tune, ka24 throttle body and I am going to run 3 inch exhaust all the way back. When I bought the car it had a rust whole in the frame and the stock springs were cut. Well I got the frame fixed and bought a set of ksports lowering spring and put on the stock struts.











Drive home in march was a little bit dirty. It looks alot better after a nice wash and wax















The stock ka24e








The magnet in the auto transmission



Building the Ca18det














































there will be more to come when I get my intercooler

[float_6969]

Looks like it's coming along! I take it there were a few changes of mind on the color of the valve covers? LOL

[nickhebert]

haha well i have two set, and I was looking at powder coating but it was to costly so my girlfriend wanted me to paint them purple. Them my uncle came up and told me he did powder coating and would do my spare set for free so I couldnt really say no. Its coming along but its hard on a 18 year olds budget when I dont really have a job.

[float_6969]

I remember those days. Just keep at it!

[nickhebert]

thanks, I am finishing it up shortly. I am getting the funding for my intercooler and then it is just a matter of waiting until spring. Float what do you use for oil? i read somewhere to use 5w50 but I also read that people use a 0 weight oil.

[float_6969]

depends in climate, but 0-40 or 5-40 should be fine for most situations

[nickhebert]

Its only gonna be a summer car but where I store it in the cold it doesnt matter what oil is in there for storage right? also I have the stock turbo manifold, would it be better to put it back on? i know its a equal length divided manifold.

[float_6969]

Oil type doesn't matter for storage purposes. The stock manifold is better than most other types of manifolds up to around 300hp. It spools faster and has more power in the bottom end than an equal length and won't cost you any power until you get to that neighborhood. If you want more, and are sticking with a T2 flange, have it extrude honed. That should gain you another 100hp on it with no loss in performance.

[nickhebert]

ok so i know what i am doing this weekend.

I just dug out my stock manifold, it looks like there is a crack in the divider. Is this gonna be a problem?

[float_6969]

not a big deal. Every one I've seen has the same thing.

[nickhebert]

ok just wanted to make sure it wouldnt break off and destroy my turbo

[float_6969]

I've never seen one do it.

[nickhebert]

updated: got the old manifold off and the stock one back one.

[nickhebert]

Just put my hub and steering wheel on.

[float_6969]

Coming along!

[nickhebert]

got the turbo back on the manifold, radiator fans on, and started taking stuff off so I can put my intercooler on when it gets here.

[blownhemi]

thanks, I am finishing it up shortly. I am getting the funding for my intercooler and then it is just a matter of waiting until spring. Float what do you use for oil? i read somewhere to use 5w50 but I also read that people use a 0 weight oil.

Just a heads up, my lifters were considerably noisier with 0w50, the first oil I've tried (temperate climate, spring/summer) after the break-in. I've switched to the standard 15w40 as per FSM, it got much better. Since then, I'm not trying to outsmart Nissan in these things. I think you should use the oil that the FSM requires for your climate. You rebuilt engine looks the same as it did 20 years ago, viscosity numbers mean the same thing, as 20 years ago, so, in my opinion, why change anything?

[nickhebert]

I see what you are saying, But float has build alot of ca's and I was just asking his thoughts. The motor does not have oil in it yet and I have not picked an oil yet. I was just asking what he used. Thanks for the info. I will take that into consideration when I buy my oil

[float_6969]

Every motor is different. 15w-50 was one of the worst oil's I've ever run, but if it worked for you, then it's the right oil for your motor.

I would also say that 20 years ago, they didn't have the oils they have today, and if they had, the oil recommendations might be different.

[nickhebert]

I will probly start with 5w40 and if my lifters are really noisy I will see about trying something else. I did not bleed them so I am expecting them to be noisy but I hope that it will go away after a little bit

[boost_boy]

If it matters, I run 20w-50 oil in my CA18s. But don't forget I live in a much warmer climate, so run what works for your engine. Although the technology for oils are much more Advanced, from my experiences, the CAs like the heavy oils. But to each his own and one should learn his engines likes and dislikes before totally committing.

[nickhebert]

ya I probly with start with one oil and see what it does. Dee did you get that block yet? I feel like an a** I forgot that I have taken the oil filter adapter off a while back and I didnt notice until like yesterday when I saw it sitting around. if you want it I will send it out.

[nickhebert]

Just got my intercooler today so there should be some more pictures by the end of the weekend

[float_6969]

woot, build pics!

[nickhebert]

what I was working in





my little heater




there will be more soon.

[nickhebert]

Got my intercooler all piped up.










Where should I put my bov?

here

or here?

[float_6969]

I like mine close to the TB, but I don't have a MAFS. I'm assuming you do, and as such, I would put it on the hot pipe to help reduce the amount of stumbling that you're going to have when you don't recirculate.

[nickhebert]

Ya I was going to start by not recirculating and if I had problems I will recirculate.

[float_6969]

sounds like a good plan to me

[cbh148]

just know that when you're out there suffering in the cold, working on your ca18,

that all your ca18 friends online are enjoying hot cocoa and family programming.