What to do?

[S13FX]

Hey guys wuts up, as you all know I just recently bought a '90 240sx. I plan on keeping the stock look as possible and making it a 180SX as much as possible with out the RHD conversion. I even got all the stickers, and the rear garnish with the 180 Logo. Here is my dispute. I have enuf Money to do pretty much any swap I want. My main idea was to just getting the S13 SR20DET with minor turbo, intercooler, injector upgrades and what not. But as I research on the site and every where, Iv come to learn that the 180SX came with the CA18DET. Now Im not asking which ones better heh, cause Iv already read a million and one threads on that one. My main question is. If I get the CA18DET, I save a lil over a grand. Now with that grand I can use to build up the engine it self. and itl be a little monster. So if you guys had a choice which would u chose? The SR20DET with minor upgrades, or the CA18DET which will be a littler better build up?

[masticatingcow]

The CA18DET came with the 180SX originally, but after 91, I think, Nissan switched to the SR20DET. I guess if you wanted to really get anal about it, you could match the year of your USDM make to the JDM 180SX equivalent and choose your engine based on that. It doesn't make that much of a difference. Both are good motors, but as far as my personal preference is concerned, I'd go with the CA18DET. They're still a little cheaper, and IMHO, pound for pound, are better engines.

Either way, your car won't be a 180SX, since as you stated, you'll be keeping it LHD. So don't sweat it THAT much...

[WeldingHank]

the CA18DET was only offered from 89-90. all 180sx's from 91 on had SR20DETs. as to which engine to pick, i think i would be a little biased in that category.

edit: ya beat me!

for reference, with identical turbos (T25G with .80A/R) both engines make identical power.

[PantherRacer]

It seriously depends on your preference. The CA has 1.8 litres and the SR has 2. but the KA has 2.4 and it can be turboed lol. 180sx's did come with SR's, it all depends on which year you're looking at. If you believe that the money you save by buying the CA will help you out in the long run then by all means go for it. I once let myself be swayed by people stating the fact that the CA is older and has less disp, which by their reasoning equated into it being inferior. but if you compare the SR from a 180 to a newer KA with a turbo the same can apply to it.

I say go for the 180sx conversions man. SR or CA? Everyone's going for an SR nowadays, it's the party motor So more parts will be availabe to you. Yet if u get the CA and stroke it (even if you don't) you'll be able to show some people what's what.

edit:dang you guys type fast....well I typed more so... lol

[S13FX]

Well yah thats the whole thing im shady on too, cause I know since the CA is not that new of a motor and the SR is the trend now Il have a problem with the aftermarket for the CA. Plus the whole 1.8l displacment dont phase me, I know it dosent really mean nothing. Now anyone know good place I could look inot buying a CA from? Cause I already had a whole project planned out for the SR with all the parts and stuff from phase2. But now I got the whole CA idea in my head hehe. And yah I will be upgrading the T25 to a T28. But I appriciate the opinions.

[Dattebayo]

According to guys in the CA18DET forum, the CA is a motor more adapted to racing and the SR is both racing and drifting compatible.

The reason being the CA is very gutless under 4000 RPM.

[masticatingcow]

The CA18DET has the distinct advantage of sharing MANY parts with USDM engines. Don't believe me? Search the CA forum... it's all there. Also, there is a stickied thread on where to buy a CA... check it out.

[DriftingisLame]

My vote is for the CA!

and I dont feel like explaining why =)