Some CA questions...

[KASilvia90]

K I have a CA18DET with a bit of a spun bearing on good old number 2. What brand bearings would you reccomend?

Also what is the stock redline because I can't find information out on it?

And on stock internals about how much WHP can it produce?

...Sorry if they are kinda noob questions, I made this thread for a different question and then confirmed my question by making a typo on a google search lol. Since I can't delete it, I might as well make some use and ask a few things I've been wondering and can't seem to find solid information on.

[jt15833]

looks alot like it. I used a 200sx bellhousing and ka24 transmission and its still running good. heres the bellhousing i used

[float_6969]

I fixed the thread title. If you don't like it, lemme know what you want it to say.

Redline is 7500 rpm.

There's not a whole lot of difference in bearings, but my personal preference is Clevite 77's. My engine builder swears by them and has built quite a few VERY fast cars.

[KASilvia90]

Thanks for the 7500, I was reading anywhere from 7100-8500 and was hoping to get that cleared up.

I heard to stay away from topline peformance brand bearings and stuff, I don't know why though. I was originally thinking clevite or calico if they offer those for the CA.

Would there be any reccomendations on some things to kinda hop up while its being rebuilt? I don't have a ton of spare cash but I was told things like the head studs were weak and ARP should be used beyond stock boost. I dont think its that drastic but are they very weak?.. That should sum up all my questions I was having though and thanks... Once again sorry about the thread "change" lol.

[davidricardo86]

Thanks for the 7500, I was reading anywhere from 7100-8500 and was hoping to get that cleared up.

I heard to stay away from topline peformance brand bearings and stuff, I don't know why though. I was originally thinking clevite or calico if they offer those for the CA.

Would there be any reccomendations on some things to kinda hop up while its being rebuilt? I don't have a ton of spare cash but I was told things like the head studs were weak and ARP should be used beyond stock boost. I dont think its that drastic but are they very weak?.. That should sum up all my questions I was having though and thanks... Once again sorry about the thread "change" lol.

Even though you can go to 7500rpm, doesnt mean you should necessarily be there. The stock cams wont be making any power at that point and you'll be putting more & more stress on the rods not to mention the bolts. From what ive read, heard and research on here and other CA related forums is that the rods and bolts are what will give at these kinds of speeds more or less the bolts. I doubt you'll hurt anything if you happen to accidentally (or not) but if youre constantly there, you just might. With aftermarket rods and bolts for example Pauter rods and ARP bolts, the problem goes away but then youve got the cams and valvetrain to worry about. I doubt you'll be going past 8000 even 9000rpms anytime soon.

I say use Nissan Factory bearings or if you'd like to "step it up," use Clevite or Federal Mugols. Im sure any of these will get the job done! Anyone else using any other types?

Head bolts can hold upto 300hp according to a well known member on the board. I agree. So can studs, which are known to be yet stronger than bolts. Im going to say it depends on the tune. Its not going to be the boost but detonation and lack of fuel or a lean mixture and maybe preignition thats going to cause a headgasket to blow or your motor. Be safe and give the engine more than enough fuel with correct ignition timing!

[KASilvia90]

Thank you, that was extremely informative and basically answered what questions I have developed.

My CA is now sitting in my garage and I have a 5-speed on its way. Hopefully she'll be running in a month. Just needs a rebuild (rings/cyl walls fine thankfully) and to be dropped in...

Actually thinking of it, I bought a transmission but it has none of the mounting hardware, just the transmission itself. I assume the ka's old mounting brackets fit correctly as if it didnt it would be a possibly an illegal mod (iirc that kinda stuff risks DOT safety approval?)? That basically sums up any of the questions I had and thank you all. This site has proven over and over to be one of the best resources on the intraweb.

[davidricardo86]

Remember, i want to see pics!

IIRC the CA bellhousing will fit onto the KA transmission. The bellhousings' engine side are whats different.

[Sil40sK]

IIRC the CA bellhousing will fit onto the KA transmission.

Yep, it fits up, I tested it and it all works fine. You might have to play around with some sensor wiring though.

[thechinamannN]

I fixed the thread title. If you don't like it, lemme know what you want it to say.

Redline is 7500 rpm.

There's not a whole lot of difference in bearings, but my personal preference is Clevite 77's. My engine builder swears by them and has built quite a few VERY fast cars.

its only 7500? I always here people sayin they only like the ca cuz they rev very high than a sr?

[float_6969]

You could go to 8K if you wanted but it would be a waste of time on the stock cams.

Past 8K, the hydro lifters can be come an issue, and I think the consensus in the UK is that stock rod bolts start to stretch and cause rod bearing problems. A set of ARP rod studs would fix that though.

[KASilvia90]

I was told somewhere that there is a really good "junkyard cam swap" for the CA18DET. I just don't know which engine the donor cam(s) would come from and whether its intake/exhaust or what. Anyone know about this or is there not one? I'm going to the junkyard this weekend I hope and figured if I can get some more power, might as well go for it.

[float_6969]

Don't bother. What you're referring to is one of the cams from a NA CA18DE. The difference is so small that you can't even really tell. I seriously wouldn't bother.