Ca18det into a b310 sunny (Read 1,260 times)

[Dom90]

Anyone done it?? My knowledge with datsuns is a abit weak at the minute so im just curios what this entails.

Ive heard that a 'stanza' x-member coupled with the CA engine mounts should see the lump in, then abit of tunnel bashing should get the gearbox in? Is that right? Anyone care to shine some light for me 

[Al Ramone]

Reece and Will fitted a CA18DET into a B310 some time ago.

i'm pretty sure the stock crossmember was used. and if you use a S12 gearbox it should fit in easy, but a S13 gearbox will require a bit of hammer action. a stock B210/B310 auto gearbox propshaft is used.

maybe someone who's done it will chime in?

there's plenty more work to do then just bolting it in though.

[Dom90]

Thanks Al
Yeah i understand theres a heap of work to be done, Im just thinking about what my options are currently for more power.

[unclesilvia]

I'm tempted on this or even the non turbo 1800cc version as an upgrade to mine at a later date so will be interested in more information.

[Al Ramone]

it bolts in fine. as i said. look out for an auto propshaft or get one made to fit. possibley use the auto gearbox crossmember as well.

the issue is converting the fuel system to injection, which means adding some kind of surge pot and high pressure lines and pump.

then there's the wiring up. that's pretty easy if you know what you're doing. just get as much wiring from the donor car as you can and then cut it down to what you need when you fit it.

then make up or modify an exhaust system, fit an intercooler if needed. then fit a load of new water and inlet charge hoses. along with the donor rad or maybe a rad from a larger datsun.

once all that's done you'll be up and running. it's at that point you'll find out the brakes aren't up to the job and not long after that you'll blow the diff up. A10 violet axle's are stronger and i'm pretty sure will bolt straight in. poss a little wider though.

start looking for parts now

[Dom90]

Have you read anything on the conversion? Im really debating whether to try and get my hands on an L-series or something like this.

[Al Ramone]

Sept 2, 2013 20:52:04 GMT 1 Dom90 said:

Have you read anything on the conversion? Im really debating whether to try and get my hands on an L-series or something like this.

what engine you chose to go for depends on the size of your budget and your skill level.

L series should be fairly straightforward. i'd guess the Japanese market cars might have even come with it from the factory? also the A10 violet has an L series so it's possible engine, the short gearbox and the propshaft from an A10 will bolt into a B310. wonder if anyone's tried that?

guy on here who bought my old A10 SSS is planing on selling off his drivetrain...

[datsfun]

I think you need to tell us more what you want power wise and more importantly your budget. Comparing a L series to a CA18DET is flawed in many respects. Whilst it may easier to stuff a L18 into the b310' getting 140+ bhp from it is going to cost some serious coin...alternatively you may not be on a power trip and just need a modern engine for daily driver duties? ...

The main issue is the rear axle on the sunny will not abuse from CA18DET whilst it may cope with a mild L series.

[Dom90]

Thanks for the replys
Ill be looking at spending around 1500 to 2000, id much prefer the CA as theres more room to get alot more power out of it in time, but its my skills that will cause issues, I do have someone who would be able to help through it though. I understand that the brakes, diff, suspension etc would all need to be upgraded along with the conversion as well

[30psi]

Personally I think an SR20DE would be a good compromise.

That'll make the light weight sunny quick enough. Once you've got that out of the way then you can later install an SR20DET if you become power hungry.

[Dom90]

Sept 4, 2013 16:36:03 GMT 1 30psi said:

Personally I think an SR20DE would be a good compromise.

That'll make the light weight sunny quick enough. Once you've got that out of the way then you can later install an SR20DET if you become power hungry.

Ca18det's are relatively cheap, 500/600 whereas sr20's are about a grand aren't they?

[Al Ramone]

£1500-£2000 is enough to buy all the parts, including brake and axle upgrade. as long as you can do the work then you should be ok.

£500 engine and box (get a complete car if you can)
£300 on oils, filters, gaskets, big end bearings, cambelt, water pump and spark plugs
£250 on front 280zx brake upgrade with coilovers (talk to me )
£50 larger master cylinder and brake fluid
£200? A10 axle
£200 on new fuel lines, fuel pump and surge pot. (or get your stock tank modified)
£100 or more on intercooler and pipe work.

think thats it?

[datsfun]

The above list assumes you are doing all the work yourself. In the event it's been outsourced, I would budget accordingly !!!!

A few other considerations....

£ 300-350 for a zorst..
Chances are on a £500 engine, the turbo will be fubbered and need reconditioning....think £ big!
With the extra horses, you need to be planted correctly so better seats £100
Suddenly with more than 200bhp, you realise that ou need better contact area and grip, so new stiicky tyres £ 200-300

Once you have upped the boost on the CA, it becomes a very enjoyable experience until theA10 diff blows which struggles with 225 lb/ft...and a good replacement axle is not cheap, especially of you want LSD.

Hopefully you can appreciate that a well sorted car is going to cost you a few quid.

But if you do go down this path, I can assure you based on my experiences with my CA-a10 it's worth it

[Al Ramone]

Sept 4, 2013 23:23:19 GMT 1 datsfun said:

The above list assumes you are doing all the work yourself. In the event it's been outsourced, I would budget accordingly !!!!

yep. just a rough guide on prices, nothing more. i forgot about an exhaust. if you can't build one yourself from used or new parts then yep, thats gonna cost...
if you're clever you could buy a donor 200sx car with a lot of stuff you'd need and then the parts you don't need you could sell on again. it could keep final costs down. it's just a matter of finding the right donor.

Sept 4, 2013 23:23:19 GMT 1 datsfun said:

Hopefully you can appreciate that a well sorted car is going to cost you a few quid.

But if you do go down this path, I can assure you based on my experiences with my CA-a10 it's worth it

yeh done well it'll be a great car. done poorly or not having the funds to get it built right then it will either never get finished or it will always be trouble.

[datsfun]

Sept 5, 2013 8:26:43 GMT 1 Al Ramone said:

yeh done well it'll be a great car. done poorly or not having the funds to get it built right then it will either never get finished or it will always be trouble.

The Irony is that if I were to sell my car, most potential buyers would be giving me the usual " but I can build one for 2 grand etc etc"...

Dom, hopefully you now have a better idea of what is involved and costs