stock internals..

[-HyJynX-]

Hey guys, im doing a lil FAQ for 240s and im wondering whats the max HP the CA18DET internals can take? And whats the max boost they can take. Ive tried searching but no luck at all, thanx.

[boost_boy]

This such a debated subject that no one seem to have an exact answer for because everyone's tuning methods and condition of their motors vary considerably. My hypothesis is that an internally stock CA18DET can handle as much as 450-500hp as long as the fuel system is adequate and timing relations are crisp. For those tuning with the stock ecu and little piggy back boxes will not make it this high and this can only promise. I have an engine that's still stock and is putting out better than 400 at the crank. 20-25psi will be the limit of the stock headgasket, but it all boils down to what condition the engine is in and the way you fuel it.

[paul_s13]

There is no way the standard pistons will take much more than 320bhp @ the crank but I'm basing this on UK BHP not US which there is a difference.

[-HyJynX-]

K..thx guys. and 320bhp is roughly 325hp. Anymore input will help greatly, thx

[quest]

so 320 UK bhp is what ? 325hp at crank US ?? clear this up

didn't LakeS13 on sxoc forum post 396hp on STOCK pistons and rods... with chipped nissan ecu and 5th injector = far less than ideal tuning.I'd think these motors can get 400hp Good tuning is essential. How far can nissan ecu + piggybacks take you ?? It'll be interesting since you'll have control over fuel and timing. DSMs have been making crazy power, exactly like this. Is the stock nissan equipment inferior ? Shouldn't be, we'll see.Bone stock miata 1.8 has done 400 at the wheels... left the factory with cast 9+:1 pistons and normally aspirated. SR20DE, same thing.I doubt the ca18det is any weaker

[float_6969]

Tuning, tuning, tuning. It's all about tuning. 300 on stock internals, with piggy backs. Boost_boys got 400 w/SDS.

[t4 mr2]

I would say any japanese turbo 4 cyl with a dual overhead cam and pent roof design can make over 450rwhp on stock bottom end. Get yourself some cams, an good ems, a good fuel system, a good intercooler, and a properly sized turbo and there should not be a problem.

BTW: The mr2 board used to blast me when I used to tell them this, but I proved it. 549rwhp@25psi on a stock bottm end 3sgte (156K on the block)

[float_6969]

Heck yea!!!

[quest]

some quick stats on that mr2 ? full bost when ?some looney may wanna throw that recipee at a ca18det

[themadscientist]

Buy some pistons and quit cheezing out! I wouldn't push an old junkyard CA18DET past 250hp without a towtruck following me. I love the engines but cmon already, old engines any old engines power-handling capabilty is seriously comprimised by age and wear. Don't hit it to hard until you are able to rebuild it, the pistons and head gasket are the only areas that would be considered "weak" They aren't but if I was building on a budget i would put my money there.

[USDM_OneVia]

Would my parts list be considered a "budget build up"?

I really don't want to have to take the head off unless I really have too.... here is the list.

GReddy VSPL IntercoolerGReddy HotpipeS14 SR T2812-14 poundsHKS SSQVHKS Turbo ElbowHeavy Throttle 3 inch Downpipe3 inch CatApex'i N1 Cat BackZ32 MAF444cc InjectorsWalbro 255Z32 Fuel FilterECU Retune to handle the MAF and Injectors.

Basically some bolt-on's and a bigger turbo will suffice for me. Any reason I should worry about the headgasket going or melting a piston?

Also.... is there a fuel pressure regulator available for the CA's? I haven't really looked, but I guess it would be something I would have to order from overseas. Maybe HKS, Tomei, or even Nismo? Would an SR one work?

Joe

[themadscientist]

basicly what's in my wife's car. The head gasket would be good insurance but not absolutely nessesary for the cobination you outlined. Nismo, HKS and some others make a fuel pressure regulator for you, it's the same as the one for the RB.

[boost_boy]

You can comfortably run around at around 350whp with a stock CA18DET. I boost 15psi on my woman's car with a T3/T04E stage III and the engine loves. And to top it all off, I haven't changed the spark plugs since february 2002. It's all about the tuning as this car seems to be optimal for everyday street/strip fun and still has A/C and P/S in a FWD configuration. Just basically boils down to what condition the engine was in prior to arriving to the states and the way it's handled once you get.

[USDM_OneVia]

Geez thanks guys..... I am building a woman's car then

Dee, I got my motorset from you... so you know it was pretty clean when you saw it. And I have taken care of it ever since it was installed. Never saw the stock fuel pump, an overboost, a knock, overheat, or convential motor oil since it has been in my car.

Thanks guys. I plan on putting all the bolt-on's on at one time in the Spring, so if the motor is out of the car, might as well put in a head gasket to be safe then. Thanks!

Joe

[slw240sx]

man i beat the **** out of my motor, ran it delivering pizza at 12psi for 12hrs at a time, then racing both dig and highway runs every sat night, i expected it to let go on me , but nope , they only thing to go were the rings, and the GT2530 turbo i had.

im depressed i cant drive it now

[slw240sx]

the nismo FPR will work you just have to slightly bend one of the fuel pipes, and its only 120$ from nissan