Unleashing the Potential: A Comprehensive Guide to the Nissan CA18DET Engine

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The Nissan CA18DET is one of those motors that has crept into the hearts of some car enthusiast, particularly those who have a fondness for the early models of Nissan's drift machines, such as the S13 180SX and 200SX. Produced from 1985 to 1994, the CA18DET was eventually replaced by the 2.0L SR20DET models. And I might make a video comparing the 2 in the future, but for this video here is an in-depth guide on everything CA18, in this video we will delve into the history, the specifications, reliability, and tuning potential of this classic JDM inline-four engine, providing you with the ultimate reference for all things CA18DET.
So lets start at the beginning.
The CA18DET was part of the CA family, which consisted of a total of 14 engines produced by Nissan from 1982 to 1991. This engine family featured varying displacements, including 1.6L, 1.8L, and 2.0L models, with a cast-iron block and an aluminum head. The CA series was developed as a replacement for engines like the Z series, designed to power smaller cars in Nissan's lineup. Among the six versions of the CA18 engine, the CA18DET stood out with its impressive performance and upgrades over previous iterations.
Tuning Potential: Unleashing the Power of the CA18DET
While some may claim that the subsequent SR20DET engine offers greater tuning potential than the CA18DET, it is important not to overlook the latter's capabilities. Numerous examples demonstrate that a well-built CA18DET can achieve impressive power figures, reaching heights of 690 horsepower and some have even gone over (700+ PS). But lets take it step by step.
When embarking on CA18DET engine tuning, it is essential to determine how far you want to take your modifications. If the vehicle will primarily be used on the road, it is advisable to stay within the "Stage 1" or "Stage 2" modifications, as these provide a balance between performance and daily drivability. However, for those planning to engage in track activities such as circuits or drifting, pushing the boundaries with "Stage 3" mods may be the ideal path.
Stage 1 Modifications: So for stage one, we are keeping it simple upgraded intake, sports exhaust, a good remap, and maybe a nice lightend flywheel, to make her rev more easily. Basic upgrades that wont brake the bank and the car will make a decent amount of power.
But it wont be anything crazy as the stock fueling will struggle to keep up. So for stage 2. Lets upgrade the fuel injectors, new pump, better clutch system, Remap to utilize the extra fuel, and then a bigger intercooler to keep everything nice and cool. Now in this stage you wont make over 250HP as the stock turbo wont flow enough air. You should make a reliable 200-250hp. And since these cars are lightweight it should be quite fun.
But for those with a healty bank account you can take it to the next level. Its time for open heart surgery. Remove the head and Port and polished it, while you are at it, upgrade the valves, and cams. Would also be a good idea to upgrade the head bolts. Then the bottom end on these motors can handle around 400HP, but since its open, lets forge the rods and pistons. The crank is strong so you don’t need to change it, but a new balancing shaft would be a good idea. Also Then add a nice turbo, remember if its to big it will take a year to spool up so find the sweet spot. Something like a GTX2867R could be good. Look you can make more power with bigger stuff, but a fatter powerband is better. Then you might want to swop out the box, especially if you want to abuse the thing.
Now you have a strong base to work from, but it still needs to be tuned, make sure you have the right cooling mods to keep her nice and cold, add stuff like oil coolers, make sure the intercooler is good enough etc. Then also use good quality fuel, as this could make a big difference.
There you have it your complete tuning guide on this awesome old JDM motor. If you are fortunate enough to drive a vehicle equipped with the CA18DET engine, there is immense potential for tuning and performance enhancements. Despite being a product of the 1980s, the CA18DET continues to surprise with its longevity and versatility. Bonus fact they sound awesome.

#ca18DET #S13 #drift

[skun]

Proud owner of Ca18det stage2 since 2010 and still unopened stock factory engine! 💪🏻💪🏻

[arkashrampadarath]

I remember driving a 180SX back in 1997 and boy was I impressed with the power from a stock standard example. Earlier that same day I drove a Mercedes Benz E300 with a few mods and I can tell you that the Nissan was Boss in my book

[clubvoid]

Haha did not expect to see my car in a random ca18 video on my homepage! Lovely video, CA18 is a great engine ;)

[RamenPhones]

thank you for the ca18 guide boss, doing the lords work

[matixd]

stock bottom end handles 300 safely, 350 is pushing it. In both cases though stock rod bolts stretch and snap. If you are rebuilding it with stock parts, least you can do is put ARP bolts in the rods. If you are going forged Pistons, dont be cheap and add the forged rods in

[Tonyc_]

I had a Mine's ECU on my CA18DET and I will say their tunes were awesome!

[croustibat]

The 8 ports head is a pain to maintain, and flows less when chasing power. I got a fully built one. The first upgrade anyone should do is a FMIC and an e85 conversion with modern injectors and fuel pump. The gearbox dies when trying to push over 300hp with some grip on the tyres (3rd gear usually). That light grey hillclimb S13 has an elite il300 sequential gearbox and has changed a bit since those vids, but never broke in 10 years ;) The unreliability reputation comes from people who wont change a dying turbo and cant read the oil gauge, leading to killing the engine by lack of oil. They do take 600-700hp pretty well, over that the engine block itself starts to warp and it makes things difficult.

[hayden]

A new balancing shaft? Have you had a ca in pieces before lol.

[okk]

5:25 wait they have ballancing shafts ? Were not thinking 4g63t are we?

[RBRU]

Looking into swapping a ca18 into a ford sierra sapphire

[bBen]

Fuel pump, rail, injectors, fuel lines, surge tank for 500hp ish +
Clutch, flywheel just few things you missed

[businessaspect]

Any decent reliable workshops in and around jhb specializing in ca18s?