What makes a "new" engine?

[Neejay]

I've been back and forth between sr and ca, but I decided for a daily driver ONLY I'd be better off getting a ca and rebuilding it. But what would make it technically a brand new motor? Piston rings, bearings, oil pump, head gasket? Based on the previous "crossover" parts thread, I've got a list totally about $375 on rebuild parts. (The only thing OEM so far being an oil pump, piston rings, and bearings).

I can afford to buy a ca18 and rebuild, but not a sr and rebuild. What are the MOST important things to replace to make the motor last the longest?

(I tried to delete this post in CA, but I couldnt).

[Hijacker]

bearings, pistons, rods, rings, head gasket, valve seats, valve stems, valves, valve springs, cams, timing belt, pilot bushing, crankshaft, oil pickup, belt idlers (for timing belt), head bolts, main bearing bolts, rod bolts, front and rear main oil seals

Also, if you wanted the engine to be brought to an absolutely, so close to factory new as possible, you would have to have the block honed, and have it checked for warpage and corrected, as well as the head. The engine will never be like new again. you can get it so close that it's indiscernable, but used engines will always be used engines.

[Neejay]

Damn, quite a bit more than I thought.

I have a list (wasnt expecting it to be almost like new, I was just curious):

Oxygen Sensor, spark Plugs NGK, PCV Valve, OEM thermostat, Thermostat Gasket, Water Pump, water pump Gasket, Upper Rad. Hose, Lower Rad. Hose, Alternator Belt, power Steering Belt, AC Belt, Timing Belt, OEM left/right valve cover gasket, OEM ca18de piston rings, OEM ca18de bearings, head gasket.

Guess I'll throw in front and rear main oil seals.

[Hijacker]

do the CAs require gaskets for the water pump and thermostat? That'll be the first time i've ever seen a nissan engine use gaskets for those parts.

[Neejay]

Im assuming so, since they were both listed in the "crossover parts" thread. And I found the water pump gasket at advance auto parts. I havent been able to find a thermostat gasket though...hmm...

[Hijacker]

interesting. i find it weird since nissan usually uses gasket maker in place of paper. Of course, that's with the exception of the head gasket, and the valve cover gasket.

[Neejay]

Well, technically I guess you're right, cause those 2 gaskets are NOT OEM. Felpro and Beck/Arnley.