Ca18det Transmission Replacement? Compatibility?

[spray2020]

Hey everyone,

My name is Cody.
I am new to this forum and have been living in Australia for 2 months. I figured I would join this forum to find out some tech info from some Americans back home!

I recently just bought a 1990 Nissan Silvia ca18det, and find that when I am in the lower gears 1,2,3- when I let off the throttle, the bearings inside of the gearbox sound very rough and loud. Once I am on the throttle, the tranny sounds quiet and smooth. The previous owner told me that he drove it like this for a while with no issues, however I want to replace it as soon as possible because of my fear of getting stuck somewhere.

I have thoughts of eventually swapping to a different motor, whether it be an SR or an RB motor- with that said, what would be the transmission of choice if I eventually want to go that route? What other transmissions are compatible with the ca18det?

Also, how should I go about finding and buying one? Second hand? Rebuilt? New? What is the best bang for your buck?

A local mechanic told me that for a second hand tranny and install would run me about $1000. Now I am willing to take on the task of the install depending on how involved it is-

thanks,

Cody

[om3ga]

You can bolt any SR or KA transmission to the CA bell housing no problem.

[spray2020]

Are there any other components that are needed or is it that easy?

(sorry for the basic question, I know everyone must know this already)

[Howie Felter Snatch]

You can just swap them, You will want to get a new gasket and seal kit for the front plate of the transmission which is the piece you thread the clutch fork pivot into since you have to remove it to do the bell housing swap. You also need to use Ultra Black Permatex RTV for the center plate and let it dry overnight.

[spray2020]

^ thank you for the information!

Is it worth it to swap in a sr20det transmission? The biggest difference are the
gear ratios right? And of course a big price difference?

I also noticed that there is a horrible exhaust fume smell that is giving me a headache. The exhaust is stock and the only aftermarket is the turbo manifold and dump pipe- any ideas where the leak might be coming from?