Time to clean-up the CA communty's appearance!

[boost_boy]

Ladies, Gents and my fellow moderators as well as Admin gangsters, the CA forum has turned into an all out world wide web complaint forum which remind me of the KA and SR forum (No pun intended) once upon a time. There are too many fly-by-night members that show-up with a complaint, get a million members to do their Monday morning quarterbacking thing by offering advice that's probably not going to help them; but will keep that thread going forever and ever or until the poor booger give up and sell his/her motorset because they can't get it to run because they'll claim the CA folks gave them busted info.

Just look around this forum and tell me how many folks got their stock CAs to even run correctly? There won't be many, but there are a few who took the time to assimilate information from NICO's archive and use it to their advantage. If used correctly, the results is a product that's functioning. But what I do see and I know the other mods see it as well, is folks who do just enough to get the engine to run and can care less about the finer things that complete the eccs system.

As a moderator, as a long standing member with over 12 years experience with CA engines and 18 years with nisan engines, I would like to see more people take the time and sift through the archives for the information they seek, so that we as a group can take this CA thing to another level instead of playing around in beginner land. No one here should be a beginner because what they are trying to accomplish has already been done for them, except the attempted 700+whp CA thing and I got that on lock as I speak .

This is my proposal and decree, if your first post on this forum is a driveabilty or "I can't get it to run issue", you will get redirected to search and your thread will be locked. If you're having an issue that has already been covered, you will receive instruictions and your thread will be locked. If fellow members want to point you to a thread that pertains to your particular situation, they have that option or they too can tell you to search for it. I expect senior members to help us with this as well because I personally am not a post slut and don't sit at a PC for more than 20 minutes at a time and even that's rare for me on some instances.

Please don't see this as being a prick because I'm not, but I hate to see lazy people trying to skate on by without paying some dues and that payment will come in the form of you researching the information you seek. Mods feel free to add comments and if I/you guys see the need to sticky this or merge it into another thread, we'll get it done. Remember gang, we are here to help you and not keep you down, but you got to help us help you as well. We don't hold hands around here and I sure as heck don't want to play daddy as I'm already wonderful kids' father, so you'll have to find someone else for that roll . But again, I am here to share my experience and experiences with the CA. If you want to be a smart-@ss know-it-all, I usually don't even bother posting on a thread of yours because if you really don't need help, why solicit it. Think about it guys! This idea is simple, but it's up to you all to help us help make this place better than what it is because right now, it looks like the other engine communities on NICO that appeared to be nothing more than a "Pitty-Party" and Guess what, I'm fresh out of pitty.

Thanks,

Dee

[ragenasian]

Man this should have been implemented a long time ago.

This gets a from me!!

[Zero260]

this sounds kinda like you are being elitest. I personally try to search as much as I can, but sometimes what appears to be something you could find by searching, you can't.

Also I like this forum because I know there are people here with years of experience, so I like to get input from people on my questions rather than looking up 1 possible answer in the search and going with that. the point of a forum is to be able to reach people and discuss.

I agree that questions like "what is the sparkplug gap?" can be locked out. but to say you're gonna lock all threads you don't deem as worthy questions sounds like a poor choice.

my .02 cents

[boost_boy]

this sounds kinda like you are being elitest. I personally try to search as much as I can, but sometimes what appears to be something you could find by searching, you can't.

Also I like this forum because I know there are people here with years of experience, so I like to get input from people on my questions rather than looking up 1 possible answer in the search and going with that. the point of a forum is to be able to reach people and discuss.

I agree that questions like "what is the sparkplug gap?" can be locked out. but to say you're gonna lock all threads you don't deem as worthy questions sounds like a poor choice.

my .02 cents

An elitest? If you can't find the answer to what you're searching for then by all means you post a thread for help. But when it's the same garbage that has been covered over and over and sometimes the same issue is being discussed a few threads down, you can bet your butt that it will more than likely get locked for lack of personal research. And peep this, where did it say I was going to lock all threads (don't over-exaggerate). Again, failure to read will cause you to fail because that will be pretty lame of me to be locking "ALL" threads without some kind of repercussion. If the shoe don't fit you, there's no need to comment on this as of yet. And the bottom line is, if most of you read the info that's on this forum or at least take heed to the answers that are given to you, I'm very sure most of you will be focusing on other things besides just making the damn engine run right.

In closing zero, don't make this more than what it is by calling names. It is part of our duties as moderators to help others, but at the same time help keep this forum chaos-free as well as make visiting the CA forum a valued experience. Who wants to own an engine that is giving everyone uch an hard time? Not me. And really, making the CA18 run correctly can easily be achieved if folks would learn to take the time to gather the necessary information to help them with their dilemmas.

Dee

[sjbsuperman1425]

Dee,

i will admit i didn't search as good as i should have for my "Idle Sputter" post. I searched google and found 1 or 2 threads with the same problem, and i think it'd be fair to remove/lock the thread i created. Keep it up, i've only been a member to NICO for a few months or so, but you seem to be FULL of knowledge that i'd like to obtain lol

[themadscientist]

sounds like a good idea ya prick I think it is the right move, I'm all in.

[greensx]

The only problem I have with this, is the search engine with nico is really bad. Also when i try to view all the threads on the ca subforum the furthest it goes is 5/3/2008 which was done by coolking4. I don't know if it's just my computer but thats all i get when i change the date range to All. If its not just my computer maybe thats why a lot of people post up simple search problem is because this site doesn't show all the threads that are in CA sub forum

Also another thing is that when you do find a thread that sounds like the problem your having, the author never finishes up if he/she has figured it out or go into detail what fixed it if the have fixed it. Another reason why sometimes people post up useless help threads. Plus it's not like we could just pm them and ask them what it was

[ca18detgabby]

The only problem I have with this, is the search engine with nico is really bad. Also when i try to view all the threads on the ca subforum the furthest it goes is 5/3/2008 which was done by coolking4. I don't know if it's just my computer but thats all i get when i change the date range to All. If its not just my computer maybe thats why a lot of people post up simple search problem is because this site doesn't show all the threads that are in CA sub forum

Also another thing is that when you do find a thread that sounds like the problem your having, the author never finishes up if he/she has figured it out or go into detail what fixed it if the have fixed it. Another reason why sometimes people post up useless help threads. Plus it's not like we could just pm them and ask them what it was

two things for ya.

one mid week this week all things that used to be "archived" are no longer and you can now search back as far as you wish. that is your problem with getting older threads.

second, your problem with people never explaining their solution is what dee is having an issue with in the first place. countless number of people come here ask a question(often the same 2-3 solutions....) and then leave.

when I came here I read all the stickies which had strick requirements to even ASK a single question. those were the days sean and float and Dee ran this place like a well oiled machine. (No offense to anyone) but as of late if TMS isnt here there arent much of a mod presence period.

I could go and link 1/2 the posts to other questions that sound the exact same, but 1/10 of the info the OP gives is what is actually needed to even GUESS what might be an issue. Ive given up on expecting much more these days and often it is something stupid like them having a "performance ECU"....... either that or something is 1/2 pieces together and not properly wired or over hauled before installed.

seems there are very few long standing members here these days. Though I would take an ounce of info from Tim, float, TMS, Dee, greg, phil ect..... than anyone who is a fly by night member and is unable to even put forth effort to try and figure out their own issues.

Ps if you cut the crap and thin out all the same 10 posts about how to make my car not be retarded posts......... what else is there left? a dude offering a real expensive manifold and FS stuff....... maybe we could talk someone into posting up some builds?

PPS sending my bf over to help a local who bought a car with



in it. he should be able to get 90% of it fixed up, dude got his car jacked and was over it after everything got thrashed. so he sold it..... we will make sure this one does not meet the same fate

[sjbsuperman1425]

i agree with everyone so far. there doesn't need to be a whole bunch of random "hey help me really quick" threads, but if someone can't really find a definate answer, and needs a little help to get pointed in the right direction, thats cool too you know? But like Green said, not alot of ppl come back with the answer, they just leave it at that and dont care about the thread or the other CA owners. I can tell you that from me being on here, i've already learned alot and have been pointed in the right direction many times and it has helped me so far. As for posting builds in the forum, i think it'd be a good idea, see what other people are doing and give other peoples some ideas or different ways to do things. I personally think that NICOclub is the best Nissan forum so far. There are others, but are mostly just SR's

Clean up the CA18 Community, but leave some minor things, IMO. it can be good sometimes to have the stupid questions people sometimes forget to come back too

[themadscientist]

"help, someone stole the rocker arms out of my engine!"

[ca18detgabby]

"help, someone stole the rocker arms out of my engine!"

I sure dont see an ignitor..... not sure I see a DR either... but I will have to see what we need.

least i know this guy is a good guy and not a total *** clown that alot of (I hate to say it) orlando people are...... right now I can count 6 people who have non running CAs they have just given up on because they are just unwilling to put the effort forth.

last thing we need to relive is the other CA girl.... so pathetic.

[float_6969]

I think Gabby's hit on why you're not seeing much of a mod presence here much anymore. First of all, be aware that I'm still here, and on NICO AT LEAST 4-6 times a week. The problem is that most of the posts are redundant, and after years of doing this, I DO get tired of constantly linking ppl to the stickies and old posts. Yes, I understand the search function is lacking, but you can still find stuff, and ultimately the FSM is the bible and 90% of the questions posed in this forum could be answered by simply spending some time with it. I'd like to see much less of these kinds of posts, but the fact is that there isn't much else going on with this motor. It's always been low on the list of preference with people and as time goes on, this poor guy only gets older. TMS and I have a project that I hope will help bring the CA back into the spotlight, but time and money are major constraints right now due to the poor economy. I make way more money now than I did 10 years ago, yet I seem to have less money to spend. Good ole' inflation.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I have no problems with this plan, but I fear that we'll loose new members as well. I haven't been a noob in a long time, but I still think maintaining an open environment is our top priority.

[boost_boy]

I think Gabby's hit on why you're not seeing much of a mod presence here much anymore. First of all, be aware that I'm still here, and on NICO AT LEAST 4-6 times a week. The problem is that most of the posts are redundant, and after years of doing this, I DO get tired of constantly linking ppl to the stickies and old posts. Yes, I understand the search function is lacking, but you can still find stuff, and ultimately the FSM is the bible and 90% of the questions posed in this forum could be answered by simply spending some time with it. I'd like to see much less of these kinds of posts, but the fact is that there isn't much else going on with this motor. It's always been low on the list of preference with people and as time goes on, this poor guy only gets older. TMS and I have a project that I hope will help bring the CA back into the spotlight, but time and money are major constraints right now due to the poor economy. I make way more money now than I did 10 years ago, yet I seem to have less money to spend. Good ole' inflation.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I have no problems with this plan, but I fear that we'll loose new members as well. I haven't been a noob in a long time, but I still think maintaining an open environment is our top priority.

I sure as hell hope this is not the case of us losing new members because we won't babysit? It's a simple business model, just research your butt off before requesting the help of the main forum. I've been a member of DSM forums and I've sat behind the scenes gathering the info I need because I know the topics have been discussed. I didn't want to bother anyone because it's not like the 4G63 is a new engine and the CA18 is much older than the 4G63T. Research, research and use the Search. How hard is that? Somethings we need to chime in on, but we'll know when to do that and we know what's mostly in our archives.

Now, if there's an issue with retrieving info from the archives, then that's something we need to bring up to people under the stairs (Admin gang). But other than that, I know most of the stuff is here and wouold like to see people take advantage instead of the 'ol "Just give me the answer" which means we'll be doubling our workload.

Dee

[ca18detgabby]

I sure as hell hope this is not the case of us losing new members because we won't babysit? It's a simple business model, just research your butt off before requesting the help of the main forum. I've been a member of DSM forums and I've sat behind the scenes gathering the info I need because I know the topics have been discussed. I didn't want to bother anyone because it's not like the 4G63 is a new engine and the CA18 is much older than the 4G63T. Research, research and use the Search. How hard is that? Somethings we need to chime in on, but we'll know when to do that and we know what's mostly in our archives.

Now, if there's an issue with retrieving info from the archives, then that's something we need to bring up to people under the stairs (Admin gang). But other than that, I know most of the stuff is here and wouold like to see people take advantage instead of the 'ol "Just give me the answer" which means we'll be doubling our workload.

Dee

zer...forum

here you go Dee!

[ragenasian]

I think with the way the CA forums looks right now it is more of a deterrent. I don't browse the SR forums AT ALL so this is just a hypothesis but right now it seems like there is a whole lot of "I can't get this," or "I can't get that" in the CA forums. So if one was looking for a reason to buy a motor and start venturing out into the forums and came into the CA one all they would see is a whole lot of problems and a few guys who are building. Granted the community is a small one and this makes it harder.

Every now and then somebody comes along with a super nice CA and those who are still pushing it but for the most part all I have been reading is a whole bunch of questions how to fix this or that or people selling their CA's.

I think cleaning it up a little will show more of the builds rather than the problems.

[sjbsuperman1425]

the CA Forum shouldn't be a place for people who are looking for a motor to come and say "hmm i wonder if its good". It should be a place to help people who need it, and to just share infomation about what we've done and our experiences. Every motor has problems and its own little things, and if this forum is cleaned up JUST so it makes the motor look good, i think thats dumb. Why would you only put the GOOD things about the motor and peoples experience on here? DO NOT clean the thread up for that reason. If there are threads of people with problems, and the problems are solved, it'll show that the problem can be fixed and its not like the motor is just junk. I for one have Heating problems, and my car is running rich, but thats what makes being a car enthusiast fun, figuring out and fixing problems and saying "Yea i fixed it!!" lol

lets try not worrying about others that MIGHT buy a CA, and start worrying about people who actually own them!

[ca18detgabby]

maybe a sticky with "sell your crap here" would be a good idea. instead of 12 different ones. just list what you got, price, and location. if it has a million and one posts.... who cares right?

I agree it would be discouraging to see people all over the place selling stuff off.

[HighwayStar22]

Love you guys. Have def met some nice people since I've been here. I'm reassembling the motor as we speak. Hopefully I won't run into anything too crazy.

The only gripe I have echos one already presented..... the search function on this bbs is absolutely rubbish. I can imagine i'm not the only one who has gotten agitated with it for wasting countless minutes of time.

If someone posts a useless thread where the answer is stickied or easier found, then yes, tell them to sod off and lock it.

I only ask that maybe we look at possibly enhancing the search function to be a little more concurrenct with other advanced bbs'.

And thank you to the mods for putting in work to make this place quality.
Modified by HighwayStar22 at 12:38 PM 9/3/2008

[r34 gtr]

I've been on here since 2002 and my car still doesn't run right.

The search button sucks for finding really specific stuff. I do hate dumb "waah it no worky" threads though...

[float_6969]

Tim's eloquence with the English language never ceases to amaze me...

[niscort]

...Every now and then somebody comes along with a super nice CA and those who are still pushing it but ...

I think cleaning it up a little will show more of the builds rather than the problems.

maybe the moderation needs to be more focused on the "few" good threads that end up turning into personal conversations between the clicky crew

zer...r-lol

sort of turns me off making the effort to post anything regarding my build here.... not that any other forum is a perfect example

[D_Stirls]

Hey glen i noticed you signature, guess who has made them???? lol
Modified by D_Stirls at 9:09 PM 9/3/2008

[roplusbee]

From where I stand the moderators are actually great. I am glad that they are going to make things a little more strict around here. I have seen countless "need help fast" threads in the CA section and most of the time I don't even read them. I try to use iternet searches more than the forum search because it will find more results. 70-80% of the time, it brings me right back to NICO and displays content that the forum search did not catch. I have a few friends here in Italy that are seasoned "wrenchers" and I frequent the Auto Hobby Shop to do my work (no more repair shops, speed shops, or even the Dealer for me anymore). Dee, Float, TMS, Ragenasian, and Rico have pointed me in the right direction when I have had issues and I am greatful. I have posted some crap in the forum before, but I do my best to not do that sort of thing. I belong to Zeroyun, FreshAlloy, the Z word, Driftopia, and B15Sentra forums. I read as much as I can before I attempt to do something that is outta my skill set and even then, I get some help when over my head.

All in all, I believe the NICO has the best forum and the best CA "pros". There are some pretty awesome rides here. Most of those being KA-Ts and SR builds, but my favorites are the CAs. Rico's old setup, Ragenasian's, and TMS (pooh is actually my favorite) are the ones that come to mind. I am waiting for Float, Dee, and Memito to unvail their beasts, but those will just be eye candy to me as I don't need that kind of bling or shear power.

Rob

[AFSil80]

I'll admit, I don't get on NICO all that often (if my post count didn't prove that) but after reading this thread, it almost saddens me to see all the people that come here with a problem, don't get it fixed and give up.

I dunno, my first CA blew up in February, I rebuilt it only to have a valve guide break apart and kill the motor before the break in was even done. I almost sold my car altogether. Then my tax rebate came and I bought another motor and haven't had an issue since.

Needless to say, I've learned a lot about this motor in the earlier part of this year.