just got a quote for a RWD CA18DET engine, transmission, and ECU for 800, that is close enough for me to pick up.
the bad thing is that it doesn't have a harness. is it even possible to get just a harness anywhere? i've searched boards and googled, found lots of WTB ads and that's about it. or can you get a harness out of a ca18de car and do some modifications? or is the clip worth the extra cost due to it having EVERYTHING.
sorry for the newbieness :oface
worth it without harness?
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NeedCAforS13
- Posts: 4340
- Joined: Mon Jan 13, 2003 3:58 pm
- Car: CA swapped S13 coupe
- Location: Spartanburg SC
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yes it is very reasonable...and yes you can get a harness:D
in fact i got my CA18DET for roughly the same price ($800 shipped) and I got a harness, ecu, and all sensors from a member of NICO in Japan! His name is TheMadScientist, but he's away on vacation or something now...I paid roughly $400 for everything else...but that was awhile ago(expect to pay more)
If you're looking to save afew hundred $ this might be the way to go...but if you want to avoid the headache, just spend the extra bit and get the whole package!
Hope this helps...
Sean
p.s. also check the quality of the engine before you buy...especially if its local. I got screwed with a bad head, and metal chunks in my cylinders which is now forcing me to do a costly engine rebuild...if you can wait, just spend the extra cash and get something with a good warantee. The CA is an old engine, and many of the ones out there are in serious need of some sort of rebuild! Just a word of caution from someone who's been stuck with a bad motor...
in fact i got my CA18DET for roughly the same price ($800 shipped) and I got a harness, ecu, and all sensors from a member of NICO in Japan! His name is TheMadScientist, but he's away on vacation or something now...I paid roughly $400 for everything else...but that was awhile ago(expect to pay more)
If you're looking to save afew hundred $ this might be the way to go...but if you want to avoid the headache, just spend the extra bit and get the whole package!
Hope this helps...
Sean
p.s. also check the quality of the engine before you buy...especially if its local. I got screwed with a bad head, and metal chunks in my cylinders which is now forcing me to do a costly engine rebuild...if you can wait, just spend the extra cash and get something with a good warantee. The CA is an old engine, and many of the ones out there are in serious need of some sort of rebuild! Just a word of caution from someone who's been stuck with a bad motor...
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NeedCAforS13
- Posts: 4340
- Joined: Mon Jan 13, 2003 3:58 pm
- Car: CA swapped S13 coupe
- Location: Spartanburg SC
- Contact:
a few hundred could be the difference between me doing it and not doing it, so....
i think, after i sell my other car (an 88 VW Scirocco 16v), i'll try to find a harness FIRST. the place i got the quote from (Soko in Chicago - i haven't heard much about them but it was all good) said they have plenty in stock so i don't think that should be an issue.
i think that if i get a new motor i would probably refresh it while it's out, to both gain the experience of rebuilding a motor and to make sure that it's nice and new. probably not a total rebuild but at least new gaskets, rings, oil pump, etc.
i'm leaning towards the CA because it's what came in my model year of 240sx overseas (1990) and it seems like it'd be an easier swap, but the one thing that makes me think SR is the availability of parts. however, i'm assuming most sensors, belts, accessories, and gaskets are shared with SOMETHING. i searched for a parts compatibility guide i had seen before and can't find it - could anyone point me to anything similar?
oh and one other thing - how hard is it to keep the AC?
i think, after i sell my other car (an 88 VW Scirocco 16v), i'll try to find a harness FIRST. the place i got the quote from (Soko in Chicago - i haven't heard much about them but it was all good) said they have plenty in stock so i don't think that should be an issue.
i think that if i get a new motor i would probably refresh it while it's out, to both gain the experience of rebuilding a motor and to make sure that it's nice and new. probably not a total rebuild but at least new gaskets, rings, oil pump, etc.
i'm leaning towards the CA because it's what came in my model year of 240sx overseas (1990) and it seems like it'd be an easier swap, but the one thing that makes me think SR is the availability of parts. however, i'm assuming most sensors, belts, accessories, and gaskets are shared with SOMETHING. i searched for a parts compatibility guide i had seen before and can't find it - could anyone point me to anything similar?
oh and one other thing - how hard is it to keep the AC?
More parts are available over the counter at an autoparts store and at a Nissan dealership for a CA than a SR. But more and more shops are starting to stock SR parts so that point is moot. But still, they can and will charge an arm and a leg for those hard to get parts.
I needed an alternator for my CA about 3 days ago. I went to autozone and picked one up the same night.
The SOHC a/c compressor BOLTS right on the CA bracket. The only downside is the compressor pulley sits about 1/2 further than the rest of the pulleys. It shouldnt cause much of a problem (i hope) im about to put the a/c belt on in a few days.
I wanted to do just like the JDM models had. Since my car is a 90, i got a CA for it. Next is the Silvia front with NON projector lights
I needed an alternator for my CA about 3 days ago. I went to autozone and picked one up the same night.
The SOHC a/c compressor BOLTS right on the CA bracket. The only downside is the compressor pulley sits about 1/2 further than the rest of the pulleys. It shouldnt cause much of a problem (i hope) im about to put the a/c belt on in a few days.
I wanted to do just like the JDM models had. Since my car is a 90, i got a CA for it. Next is the Silvia front with NON projector lights
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McAdam
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there are pictures of rods thru CA blocks, but at least you dont have to worry about the heat harming the blocks. aluminum is garbage, lol. The CA is a tough little motor, can take a lot of abuse, if you take care of it.
TheMadSci is getting me a harness and all sensors for like $350. he's pretty much the man. i should be getting it next week some time!
check out my webpage, if your into frankensteining, and welcome to NICO
McAdam
TheMadSci is getting me a harness and all sensors for like $350. he's pretty much the man. i should be getting it next week some time!
check out my webpage, if your into frankensteining, and welcome to NICO
McAdam
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Spectre_240sx
- Posts: 261
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- Car: 1990 240sx SE
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warwick5s wrote:a few hundred could be the difference between me doing it and not doing it, so....
If this is the case, I would suggest waiting a while and saving up some extra money. You should expect to pay a lot more than the price of the engine alone, there are many things you might run into along the way of the swap. I'd say to have a minimum of $1000 extra when doing an engine swap. I'll probably be spending at least $1500 more than the cost of the engine, and yes, I am doing it myself.