CA18DET Question

[Drift N Dragg]

I was thinking about putting a swap in my Car. I want to go with the CA18DET.. Does anyone know if this is a Direct Bolt up? and Will I need a new Driveshaft? Has anyone done it (i know someone has too have) if so.. any pics and build thread?

[ch1873857]

alright plain and simple, yes its a bolt up. Use the CA motor mounts, if not the motor will sit higher. other than that, the driveshaft will work. the gearboxes are the same as SR/KA. I am using a s14 sr20 gearbox mated to the ca bellhousing on the tranny. wiring is straight forward and the only difference from the sr wiring job to the ca is that you need to wire the knock sensor directly to pin 23 iirc on the ecu.

ive been rockin the ca for awhile. you can pick up a motorset for about a grand. and honestly i wish i went with the rb20. still want it. but anyway good luck.

[Drift N Dragg]

Thanks I appricate it.. I am getting Motor, ECU, Tranny, Wire Harness .. so I was just curious... I know this is a dumb Question but Gotta ask.. Why the RB20 over the CA18 if the CA is pretty direct bolt.. Besides the Obvious Horse power difference

[ch1873857]

the rb20 isnt really a direct bolt in but its close enough. it uses a similar gearbox to the ka/sr/ca so the stock drive shaft will fit. the only thing your really need is the mounts or a gts-t crossmember. you need mounts for the ca to fit right, right? so its not too much more. they are about the same in price, more power, I-6 goodness, and the fact that they stopped putting CAs in 180sx in 90-91, so they are old as fuck.