[boost_boy]

In the game of performance and having the edge, who cares what someone think. The CA18DET is still a rather small engine compared to most engines nowaday 2.0-2.5ltr. VS the CA's 1.8, but remember this engine has been in existence for 16 years and is still putting the smack down. Yes, your set up will possibly be a first (especially in my book) and I'm 110% sure you will not regret your decision. To those who never experienced the engine first hand may still have doubts about this engine. Those who have seen one in person may see it as another complex motor, but it really is not. Your car will still be a sentra econo-box, but with a blast from the past. So I say go for it man and if you want technical advice, I got your back and so do some of the nissan veterans here. For the price of GTI-r SR20det, you could build a monster CA18 using parts from the big boys (JUN, HKS, TOMEI).

 

[boost_boy]

Contrary to popular beliefs or myths, there is an aftermarket support for this engine, just kinda unknown here locally in the U.S. Remember, this engine powered the Sylvia and the 180sx as well as the nissan bluebird which is equivalent to our 1990-92 nissan stanza. As far as power is concerned I'll admit that the SR20 has proven to me to be a bit more aggressive to 3000rpm than the CA18 and that's mainly because of it's cam design. But if you 're gonna make some real power, you won't be doing with no T25 or T28 and that's for sure. These engines get wicked after 2800rpm and is even more wicked all the way to 8200rpm. As for dyno #'s, since tomorrow is my B-day and I am on vacation I owe to myself and to anyone interested to put up some figures on this vehicle I boast so much about. My B12 that's under construction will be sporting wiseco pistons and re-shot-peened rods which are good for about 400hp in stock form, but we'll find the truth out when I put my girl's B12 on the rollers. You can use the stock DET computer, but for your car it's gonna be an interesting wiring job because of the difference in models. Upgrades are very possible and you have a few different gearboxes you can resort to; all maximas from 1985 to 1994, the 1988 nissan pulsar SE and if you want an all out, nasty, lightning quick street car, then I recommend using the gearbox out of the 1987 nissan pulsar. I had this tranny and the CA16de in my 1987 sentra in 1997 and the SE-R guys were having a hard time trying to figure out why this old school sentra was jumping all over them. Then I put the CA18DE in the same car with the same tranny and the results were the same, but now with the addition of the 2000 civic si (multiple) and (back then) the volkswagen GTI VR6 all got taxed. The tranny can take massive abuse as I have yet to mess up one. The only downfall is that they don't have a limited slip differential which can easily be rectified by sending the differential to Phantom Grip and problem will be solved. The door is open so any questions, fire away.

 

[boost_boy]

You can use the CA18DE and put a manifold and turbo on it, but why do that and a complete engine is only a couple of dollars more. And besides, this engine's ready to go less the hassle.........

 

[boost_boy]

Can I call up my dealer and ask for a copper head gasket for an '87 Pulsar CA18?

The answer is "Yes".

Where'd you get a CA18DET and how much did it cost?

betweeen $800-$1500... some of the guys on this list know of some engine importers, so ask around and if the prices are too wicked, let me know. Rods can be custom made by any U.S. company, but I seriously doubt you'll be breaking a rod on this motor. The wiring still has the same format, just some of the color codes have changed. I say if you have the extra bread, this would be a most wise choice as you will be a bit more flexible with programming and spend less money on having someone wire this thing up, although it's not an impossible feat. And besides, you won't have to play games with an air flow meter. The best bang for the buck is the system I've recommended to you as I have tested it under extreme conditions and I have yet to pop a motor.