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gotta240
05-30-2007, 10:13 PM
How strongly do you guys recomend replacing the ca headgasket with a metal one? Any brands or specific MM recomended?

The head is off, so want to do it right while we are here. The motor is a low mileage CA18det. Motor will be running on a

Megasquirt
t25 turbo
large fmic
450cc EXCEL(sp) injectors
tubular manifold/downpipe/exhaust

and thats about it. With that being said, what headgasket is recomended, and where do you recomend i get it? Thank You in advance!!!

(ps- i did search quickly and didn't find much)

ch1873857
05-30-2007, 10:19 PM
How strongly do you guys recomend replacing the ca headgasket with a metal one? Any brands or specific MM recomended?

The head is off, so want to do it right while we are here. The motor is a low mileage CA18det. Motor will be running on a

Megasquirt
t25 turbo
large fmic
450cc EXCEL(sp) injectors
tubular manifold/downpipe/exhaust

and thats about it. With that being said, what headgasket is recomended, and where do you recomend i get it? Thank You in advance!!!

(ps- i did search quickly and didn't find much)


depends on what you want to do in the future. sure you can if you want to. although a non metal new hg will do great and last a while. i'll just let it be known that you much machine the block and head completely flat for a metal headgasket. if not it will more than likely leak. if your up to doing all that then sure why not.

liv2drift045
05-30-2007, 10:23 PM
If you don't plan on doing much more than that (turbo wise) put a stock Hg back on.

As far as HG's I don't have any recommendations. Search a little more you'll find one. I had a ca swapped 240, wasn't too hard to find what i needed.

GL

cheap_sticker05
05-30-2007, 10:26 PM
Wow, 2 people posted in the time I wrote this! LOL

Well, heres the deal. If you don't plan on getting crazy power and just want a reliable setup, then just get a fel-pro. It is also recommended to replace the head bolts while you are in there. They tend to get stretched, and it is just a good idea to do.

As for the metal headgasket. Nismo, HKS, Greddy/Trust, and Tomei make them. I have heard some not so good things about the Cometic ones for the CA. *I don't have experience with it so keep your panties on everyone* If you plan to go metal DECK THE HEAD AND BLOCK! Also, if you are going this far, you might as well consider ARP studs, then you will not have to worry about things coming apart.

180sxfaktory.com has the Tomei
rhdjapan.com has the Greddy/Trust

gotta240
05-30-2007, 10:31 PM
Haha. That was my next question-

Head studs- Should i just buy new ones from the dealer, or aftermarket ones?

I want to make 260 reliable hp. with this block in the future. With that being said, would a felpro still be cool, or should i go all out and deck block/metal gasket. Budget is a major concern, but also want things right... Thanks again for the replies... much appriciated.

liv2drift045
05-30-2007, 11:11 PM
Imo felpro will be fine. Theres nothing wrong with going metal so you don't have to do it again later, but you dont NEED it for you application.

GL which ever you decide.
I miss my CA:(

Secretsquirrel
05-31-2007, 12:12 AM
Haha. That was my next question-

Head studs- Should i just buy new ones from the dealer, or aftermarket ones?





Get ARP head studs. Part #202-4702

around 100 bucks or so.





SS

gotta240
05-31-2007, 12:23 AM
so felpro head gasket and arp studs= cheapest route to 260 reliable hp?

thanks!!! Any other suggestions/ideas always welcome!

Secretsquirrel
05-31-2007, 11:25 AM
id put an OEM HG over a felpro anyday. I got my HG for like 30 bucks with my Discount, so if u dont have a buddy or someone at the dealership it will be morre, but still worth it



SS

gotta240
05-31-2007, 08:39 PM
great. thanks for the heads up...

I'm assuming the american Ca headgasket will work? From a pulsar or something?

thanks a bunch!

Secretsquirrel
05-31-2007, 10:36 PM
yes it will work...i can get u a part number next time im at the shop.




SS

gotta240
05-31-2007, 11:58 PM
If you get around to getting the part number it would be appriciated...If not, no biggie. I just don't like to rely on the nissan employees to give me the correct part.(Kinda scary when they ask me why i have a diff in the rear of my 240!!!)

Secretsquirrel
06-01-2007, 02:42 PM
If you get around to getting the part number it would be appriciated...If not, no biggie. I just don't like to rely on the nissan employees to give me the correct part.(Kinda scary when they ask me why i have a diff in the rear of my 240!!!)


i have friends at Nissan that i buy parts through....that and i usually have the part number from the FSM...but ca18 cross over parts sometimes is confusing.


its just a headgasket for a 1988 Pulsar NX ca18de. But ill get ya the Part# soon.





SS

gotta240
06-01-2007, 05:02 PM
Sweet! Thanks for clearing up the confusion!!! (i could have sworn somewhere in the faq said SR headgasket...) I'll deff. use the pulsar one!!!

Is it safe to assume i can use the head bolts from the same year pulsar?

Don't worry about the part number if it means going out of the way. I have the old H.G. to compare to and don't want to waste any more of your time. If you already have it, then cool.

Thanks again.

Secretsquirrel
06-01-2007, 07:35 PM
Is it safe to assume i can use the head bolts from the same year pulsar?




honestly, if your planning on moding this motor, just get the ARPs. Since the OEM studs are tourqe to yield, the can only be used 1 time. Where as the ARPs can be used over, and over, and over. SPend now, save later.




SS

johngriff
06-01-2007, 08:13 PM
since the ca is an iron block, i would go with the OEM over any metal HG. The block and head both need to be fucking POLISH decked for a metal headgasket to take well.

So.

Rebuild bottom end (which is a EASY on a ca) and get it decked.

or.

Slap some HG's on dat bisch and hope for the best.

P.S. At least deck the head, and make sure you clean the hell out of the deck of the block.

gotta240
06-01-2007, 09:00 PM
Thanks guys. Ordering arp head studs and stock head gasket. Will not rebuild at this time as this is the cleanest used motor i've seen yet(on the inside, not outside). No carbon build-up, the hone marks are still very apparent in the block, etc. Throwing it together and going to have some fun!!!

gotta240
06-07-2007, 12:24 AM
One more question...

Any suggestions on the timing belt? Does brand really matter or can i go with carquest crapola? Should i just use the same year pulsar as for the H.G.(i know..prob. dumb question)?

thanks.

DeepSeaDynamo
06-07-2007, 12:32 AM
I've heard that OEM Nissan are the best, that goes for the VG in the maxima's anyway

MegasquirtCA
06-07-2007, 12:34 PM
If you can find it get GATES timing belt, since Nissan stopped the production of CA parts. GATES is also the manufacture that makes OEM belts.

gotta240
06-07-2007, 10:43 PM
you rule...and by looking at your name, i think i'll be harassing/bugging you later!!!

After i get the motor assembled and in, i'll be attempting a megasquirt set-up as i have no ecu and no wiring....

steve shadows
06-08-2007, 11:57 AM
P.S. At least deck the head, and make sure you clean the hell out of the deck of the block.

please dont deck (usually infers milling) the head haha, resurface the head. Maybe if you want to raise the compression you can mill or the "deck surface" ie block or head mating areas. lol

If you get a metal hg get a PE or good quality japanese one, you just need to take some time fine polishing the deck surface. Iron is less prone to warpage so it would actually be easier to clean and just drop a metal gasket on if done properly.

For shear reliability sake and the low numbers you looking at just go oem as everyone else has said.

lots os hg threads lately (getting hot haha)