CA18DET swap Whittier

[peter]

Markate, how is it with your Ca18det swap, how do the engine an gearbox fit in the car.

[Markate]

Update...
I finally finished the brakes and suspension work. Last Wednesday we going to be the day. Turns out this swap is not as easy as it sounded. We removed the steering column, alternator, AC pump, etc. The only thing we left on was the turbo. We were hoping to see how much room was needed and if it was 100% necessary to move the location. Turns out that we are going to need to move it to get it in.
The bigger issue is that we can't see how to use the existing motor mounts. They look to be off by at least 4". We called off the install to do more research. Right now it looks like these are the necessary modifications for the install:

• Remove turbo - will need to move to the front

• New exhaust manifold

• Shorten drive shaft

• New motor mounts

• Cut new hole for shifter

I'm hoping to get this going again in a few weeks. any suggestions are appreciated.

[peter]

How it's going Mark, did you work at the engine last weeks?

[Markate]

Sorry for the lack of updates. I decided to move and that has taken most of my time.

We have struggles getting the motor in. It looks like we need to cut the frame to get the oil pan to drop in for the motor mounts. I would love any feedback on how other have done this.



I don't see how else to do it. Thoughts?

[FergO2k]

Some end up finding that certain configs (VG30 Pathfinder vs VG30 Z) have a fwd vs aft oil sump in the pan, and switching out the pan and pick-up tube from the other configuration solved this.
I believe I have read on one fo the 510 sites where someone cut the pan 1/2 way down, flopped it 180 degrees, and rewelded it, to accomplish the same thing. (would have to do same to pick up tube)

[peter]

Mark, that's not so nice to here, I just have my motor at home and ready to build in the car, I want to start this weekend with taking out the old motor.
I belief Tanner made new engine mounts to fit the engine, did you look were the tranny fits?
I didn't here from Tanner that he did a rebuild for his oil pan. The turbo can give some problems with the steering shaft, he has a topmount type.

[fj20spl311]

That motor looks way too far forward.
If you put the shifter in the standard location, does the valve cover clear the firewall?

How about some pictures of the engine compartment from a few feet above the engine.

Normally you would add a mount location to the frame.....the stock roadster mounts are pretty far forward on the engine.....most are farther back.

You could make a engine mount that bolts to the stock mount that bolts to the 4 bolts locations ahead of the factory engine mount bracket on the left side....don't know about the right.

The pulley should be over the cross member.

[fj20spl311]

post 8 days ago?

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/5253942700.html

[peter]

what did they do with the steering-shaft??

[FergO2k]

Ouch, those are some torturous angles for U-joints, although I realize these are not really spinning shafts, just twisted to and fro.
I don't understand the large tube routing, as it already pierces the inner fender on its way to/from the intercooler, so why not re-route it differently so that the steering shaft doesn't have to do that angle so much. (probably just one of those things that I have yet to know all the info, a long list that is)

[fj20spl311]

That's the turbo down there.....needs a top mount turbo.

[Markate]

Sorry, still dealing with the move. Ill get pictures up soon from up above. You guys might be right about the mounts needing to move, but that was one of the reasons I went with a CA18DET, I was told none of that needed to happen. I'm pretty frustrated with the lack of consistent info. Hopefully when this is done I will get some pictures and a how to written up. I may just end up going to Kevin in Riverside and having him help me finish this up.

I've been hoping to hear from Tag, last I heard he had his CA18DET mounted and running.

[Datsun.David]

I had a look at the CA18 Swap from the Seattle listing in person yesterday and would definitely consider the steering solution bush league at best. While functional, and seemingly robust, it's function is predicated on a lot of moving parts subject to wear and ultimately potential failure. Everything about the swap seemed tenuous at best. The exhaust routed underneath the frame left the car with about 3" of clearance and would seriously inhibit driveability. The car had a tonne of solutions that were resolved in a stream of consciousness style with little thought to subsequent implications... Clearly not thoroughly planned or engineered. The owner was asking $7k. On inspection, I wouldn't pay $2500 for the car. It is a 67.5, but it would need to be completely disassembled, and re-assembled with considerably more fabrication to make it a safe driving car in my humble opinion...

[tag.mf]

Mark and Peter, my car is running and driving great now! I had to relocate the MAF to the driver wheel well to get enough distance from the turbo, plus it acts as a cold air intake. Last problem i'm dealing with is my alternator is bad, so replacing that and the swap will be done!

Did you find a solution for your motor mounts?

[peter]

I have, maybe Mark can use my construction too.
Can you show a picture of what you did with your MAF.
http://www.311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=25068