Wich is better CA18DET or SR20DET?

[joga-200sx-]

I have a Nissan 200sx (180sx for europe) whith a Ca18det engine. I really like the car and engine, but I was wondering if Sr20det is considerd a better option for these cars. Does anyone know? And if so why?

Jón Garðar
Iceland

[elevator]

Sure the sr is a great engine...but the ca is very adequate. They are similar in performance...the sr is just newer. Get an sr to build up and use as a spare engine when the ca dies....in other words...Don't do a swap just to get an sr...it just aint worth the effort. I have 2 SR20DETs and a CA18DE. They are all fine engines.

[radrex88]

In my opinion the SR is better, because it takes less money and work to make horsepower. My freind who has a 180sx w/ a CA has had to buy a s13 turbine, bc, fmic, injectors, and spend countless hours just so he could keep up with my SR.

[transient]

Well, I'm going to have to disagree there. Stock for stock, yes, the SR is more powerful, but that doesn't mean much for anyone that's going to be modifying it. The CA can easily push out quite a bit of horsepower, and many will argue that it is a much better design overall (direct valve actuation is a good thing). I've got a CA on the way from Japan right now, and I'll tell you that price was not the reason I decided to go with that engine, it's just a bonus :).

[wherezmytofu]

O MY!

[Joe_M]

I like my CA :)

[aeontony]

The only caveat is age. If you're going to pick up a CA make sure you ask for leakdown or compression numbers.