Wiring for a ca18det into a d21

Discuss topics related to the CA18DE and CA18DET series engines.
727G35
Posts: 60
Joined: Mon May 20, 2019 6:38 pm
Car: 03 5at g35 sedan

Post

Ok so i was saving for an sr20, and found a really nice local ca18det.
Im just wondering after i install the engine and wiring harness, does that wire to my ignition or do i need a special harness to wire the ignition to the starter on the new engine?
First time swapping. Ive pulled engines and rebuilt them so i figured a drop in would be the best way to start(and the price is amazing)
Many thanks!


User avatar
AZhitman
Administrator
Posts: 71061
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2002 2:04 am
Car: 58 L210, 63 Bluebird RHD, 64 NL320, 65 SPL310, 66 411 RHD, 67 WRL411, 68 510 SR20, 75 280Z RB25, 77 620 SR20, 79 B310, 90 S13, 92 SE-R, 92 Silvia Qs, 98 S14.
Location: Surprise, Arizona
Contact:

Post

Whatever you have on the D21 harness that used to go to the ignition switch can be used to start the CA.

727G35
Posts: 60
Joined: Mon May 20, 2019 6:38 pm
Car: 03 5at g35 sedan

Post

Okay and it bolts right in? Sounds akmost too easy!
All the write ups i find now the photos are all gone. If you have anything i should know or know of a good write up id appreciate it. I also seen some cheap rb25det is that just different mounts?

User avatar
AZhitman
Administrator
Posts: 71061
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2002 2:04 am
Car: 58 L210, 63 Bluebird RHD, 64 NL320, 65 SPL310, 66 411 RHD, 67 WRL411, 68 510 SR20, 75 280Z RB25, 77 620 SR20, 79 B310, 90 S13, 92 SE-R, 92 Silvia Qs, 98 S14.
Location: Surprise, Arizona
Contact:

Post

Don't think you're fitting an RB into a D21 without lots of fab. I own both, and highly recommend you stick with a 4-cyl.

User avatar
float_6969
Moderator
Posts: 19853
Joined: Mon Aug 26, 2002 1:55 pm
Car: CA18DET swapped 1995 Nissan 240sx (too many mods to list)
2015 SV Leaf w/QC & Bose (daily)
Location: Topeka, Kansas
Contact:

Post

The CA18 is VERY similar in how it's wired up to the SR20 and the KA24 that came in there. The wires are different colors, but the concepts are all the same. There's a few wires that need 12v+ and a few grounds. Starter wiring should be pretty comparable as well. That being said, I would talk to https://www.wiringspecialties.com/. The wiring on that CA is at least 30 years old now and pretty crusty. I'd bet that you're going to have a lot of broken plugs and bad insulation on the wiring. They could also probably make a wiring harness that would let you plug the CA into the D21.


Return to “CA18DE / CA18DET Forum”