Grobblere wrote:
Hi Gary
My motor had that exact problem with the small end, hence the reason why i rebuilt my motor.
Stock is around 8:5, if you want to be safe 9:1 would be a good choice, but if you are going to run 1 bar and the meth the 9.5:1 would make is much more responsive especially at the lower revs. You may be able to turn down the boost for the same Hp figures you are running now on 1 bar. I am personally planning to run at 9.0:1.
The Arais pistons, arent to bad. I bought 2 sets before. Just ensure the engineering firm has the tolerances to spec should they rebore. They are around R5500- R5800 a set. The ones i received has a dish of -6 cc's, which seems they are made to either be able to support hugh lifting cams or be "free running" in case the cam belt snaps. :200sx_2guns:
Shot peening is expensive; I don’t really think it’s worth it. I replaced my rods with some of the Mr Turbo rods, i was skeptical at first but there are a couple of high powered turbo cars running around sporting the Mr turbo rods, the stock rods aren’t to bad either and should also be able to handle the power. I know of guys who ran Ca18det's on over 1.5 bar boost and 400whp with the stock rods. If you do get the Mr Turbo rods, they do not have sprays in them as per the stock rods, so make sure your DET oil sprays aren’t clogged or it will seize the rings in the sleeves.
With regards to your bottom end, I found there is a scarcity on the bearings!!! i would take the crank to be measured and ask the engineering firm to supply the bearings, this would ensure you have good oil pressure. Make sure to get lead copper bearings, if not get some ACL bearings, (I used the regulars ACL bearings on my big ends and the racing bearings on the rods). If you use a good engineering shop they will be able to make sure your tolerances are good within spec and ready to go. Also maybe consider asking them to check the balancing of the crank. My CA18det crank came right out of a new import and they needed to correct it by quite a bunch ( Requested to be low speed balanced and high speed to 10 000rpms @ Fullrace)
If you are going to work on the bottom end, then just keep in mind the front timing gear on the crank is a @#$#@$ to get off!!!! Try to source one beforehand in case, Nissan asks around R350 i think for a new one.
Also make sure to check your head, make sure the valve guides are still fine and the valve seats arent leaking. I found some of mine to be leaking and the guides to be faulty (after i did the head over at Cylinder head services about a year ago, with the car running less than 3000kms the last year.
On the head side, I also replaced my studs with ARP, but to be honest for your goals they might be over kill. Just get a gooood quality head gasket like a cometic. On the exhaust gasket side, have a look at the cometic steel exhaust gaskets. The material gaskets tend to leak because they set as they seat it seems you need to retighten the bolts now and again.
I also chose to replace the oil pump +- R1400, GMB water pump R350, Tensioner bearings +- R550 ans)
Keep the CA18, there have been heavy pointless debates, most based on internet rantings, personal feelings, heresay and speculating thoughts, at the end of the day both motors are old and needs a refresh if you are planning on gunning it, The Sr20s are also prone to throw a bearing if you do not take very good care of it, both of these motors are expensive to replace, i know this because i have had both. The ca18 lacks the cc’s which is esspecially noticeable at the bottom end due to the head design, but the power delivery is up there with the sr20det on higher rev’s. Most people do ridiculous comparing equations, like to compare the motors stock for stock (Different turbo sizes, management differences ans), In the end they are designed to be different, the ca is a motor which is built to rev hence the big 4 ports, unless you would like more bottom end power then the 8 port would suit you. With EXACTLY the same mods the CA18’s seem to be effective and punchy, for the price of the conversion to a sr20 the monies rather spent on a proper ca18 is worth it, saw a vid of a Jap running almost 9 flats with a ca18 the other day and there have been a couple of local guys running powerful ca18dets which include cars running in the 10’s on the ¼ mile @ over 200km/h and 240km/h+ on the 800!!! (at reef)
Check out my thread.... Or you can just buy my motor R45 000 (Will throw in gasket maker for assembly and oil, and a double racing clutch and custom flywheel. Prce is excluding turbo ans... 😁 :domo: :200sx_ban:
Hi Grobblere
Thanks for your vey detailed post.
Do you not think 9.5:1 will be very prone to DET, I know modern cars are high CR boosted units but I think they have a better detailed head to combat the DET?! What CR did you opt for?
I am going to go for CP pistons as I want it to be quiet when cold, they aren't badly priced at $520. I assume to get 9:1 the CPs must be domed. What did you pay for the Mr Turbo rods? Do you know the weight of the stock rods vs Mr Turbo rods?
The bearings, I will run is OEM if the crank is still in spec, these have lasted 140 000km since last rebuild, if not the I will use ACL, probably not Race series as it needs to run for 20 more years and that is not what the Race series is designed for.
At the last rebuild it was dynamically balanced and the fly wheel lightened extensively so I should be good in that department.
Sad thing about this is the engine has just been put back in to change the oil pump, this is why I am so bummed. Anyway I fitted a new OEM oil pump, as well as 6 out if the 16 new lifters are new OEM as well. I will change 2 more to OEM now with he rebuild and the oth 8 when I the funds allow,no rush for them as long I have them on my shelf I happy.
I will definitely replace head bolts to ARP,I have retorqued he head numerous times,stock gaskets and bolts just aren't up to the task for the power I was running.
Will inspect water pump as well, might replace with OEM if needed. Won't go pirate parts at all as I am dead Serious about 20 years of driving.
I think the CA is a brilliant engine, far better head design than the SR20, only reason SR is "better" is parts are cheaper and more readily available and the 200 odd more CCs help with power.
As I said I love my car so using as many original parts is important, thanks for the offer but no I will rather build my own engine.