Suggestions on a good CA18DET build

[TLeid]

So i'm getting my 180sx and i was pondering a good CA18DET build. This is my first CA18DET and i'm rather a newb on this engine. I'm taking the head off to throw on a new head gasket since the owner thinks it's a head gasket gone on it but after the head gasket what kinda mods should i throw in for my build?

My goal is to make around 250-280 hp or however much the motor can handle on stock pistons and that.

If some experienced CA18DET builders could suggest on maybe what type of mods i should throw on in certain order and suggestions on some other stuff or like what kind of turbo i should upgrade to or if i should throw in some cams on it and etc.

The car is going to by a street car and drifting on the side but i'm fully open to all suggestions and help.

Thanks, Tyler

[iliketocrash]

What's your budget?

[ca18detgabby]

"I think it is the head gasket"

you need to do more than just slap a HG on there. IS he still driving it w/ a blown HG? Why does he think it is the HG?

It would be wise to at a minimum do a complete rebuild and get the Head decked and tanked.

beyond that, what all does the car ALREADY have and your budget should tell you alot about what you should do.........

[TLeid]

Well, i'm going to obviously take the head off and i'll find out if it's the head gasket as it's blowing out white smoke and under boosts and just is bbeing sucked away all of it's power.

But i would definately do more than just a head gasket. I already have a time setup to take my head in to get pressure checked, resurfaced, jet cleaned, polished and ported.

But after that is what i'm looking for. What would be my next steps.

My budget isn't really set. It's a project over winter so i can afford the expensive and quality parts over time. I'm willing to throw a few thousand dollars into the car so i'm just looking for a top quality build.

Thanks, Tyler

[iliketocrash]

Since the car will see a decent amount of beating then at least your basic rebuild is in order. Some may disagree but i wouldn't bother with a port and polish if you're only shooting for 280ish hp. I would however have some oil relief work done to the head if you're going to be drifting. Outside of that you'd have a fun car with just utilizing the stock exhaust manifold and some form t28, ball bearing or journal. Then just dump the rest of whatever money into something along the lines of nistune and a good amount of suspension work. Its a pretty simple setup and only one of many setups but it gets the job done.

[bradt]

-Water pump-Timing belt-Tensioner-Bearings-Rings-Gaskets/Seals

That should be a good starting point