Sorry about posting another CA question. But I searched and came up with nothing, who is the best person on heere to talk to about a CA18DET conversion, I'm after precision explainations and price quotes. But someone who did the bare minimal, ie. No fancy aftermarket computer, etc.
Just stuff like engine, gearbox, intercooler, what computer to use?

Front cuts are they the best bet??

Once again sorry about making up this post, I just want to establish some contacts so I can see how much and easy it will be.

Thanks heaps
damo

Ok I'm one of the more experienced in CA18 installs into 1200s.

The conversion is best done on an Automatic gearbox equipped Datto, because of the bigger trans tunnel.

Buy the engine front cut ($2500)
If It's a Ute, Get R30 Skyline Stumpy gearbox ($500),
Get bigger brakes ($500-$800)
Convert to Hydraulic clutch ($100) Requires custom mods (not bolt-on)
Custom Engine, Gearbox Mounts ($200-$400)
New Timing Belt ($100)
Bigger Radiator ($300)
Custom tailshaft ($250)
Bigger Ute Diff ($300)
Custom hosing for radiator and intercooler ($200)
Custom Exhaust ($400-$900)
Engineer Certificate ($300-$450)
Wiring (someone else doing it) ($500)
Fuel pump hosing filters,return line, surge tank ($400-$1000)
Engine Oil, Gearbox Oil, Coolant, filter ($100)

So base cost would be $6650. Max projected cost $8900.

This is not all including labour which should be estimated at probably 5 x 8 hour man days.
$50 / hour Add another $2000-2500 for skilled labour.

So $8650 -> $11,400.

This is for a stock installation. If you wanted a bigger turbo add $2500 (including manifold and gaskets). Then you need bigger brakes and diff $1200. You'd also need a bigger clutch $500. Bigger front mount intercooler $700.

So for a fast 1200-CA18DET install, expect up to AU$16,400 on top of the purchase price of the Datsun $1000-$4000.

These are realistic prices. Don't fool yourself by looking at engine price alone.

Chris.

Datto dude has hit the nail on the head,
his prices are wrecker prices that are correct.
I shopped around for 6 months and every time I saw something that suited me I bought it..... I did a lot of shopping around and this is what I came up with so far
Engine and bell housing $1100
wolf 3d computer 2nd hand $1100
240k gearbox $50
ute diff $150
cross member $350
tailshaft $30
radiator $140
hoses belts and filters $100
intercooler $100
surge tank home made $10
fuel pumps and lines $350
exhaust $550
beer $50
late nights in shed heaps
fun heaps
what started off as a cheep and simple project didnt take long to blow out but its all worth it the first drive I had. these things are awsom to drive

All the parts I used were second hand and there for I had the usuall problems.
Also I havent even thought about the time I have spent in the shed nutting out problems. The 2 things that I found to be the most dificult were the wireing and setting up the clutch pedal ( lying on my head for a bout an hour)
now I have to get mine engineered and some good brakes in it.....then bigger turbo and so on.................where does it stop

get in contact with Kev Rowley. I'm sure he can help you with this, and he's local as well.

this is some of his handiwork featured in Zoom...
page 1
page 2
page 3
page 4
page 5

2 quick questions on the topic

a.

have many people ha problems with twisting chassie rails

and b.

can u fit a stumpy 5sp skyline box in a manual trans tunnel?

One of my frinds just did a Ca18 install, except he did above stock upgrade, except turbo is stock. he said that i could do the install at around the $4000 mark. Thats with using a front cut, doin a stock CA18DET conversion

Any particluar reason you have chose the stumpy box??

apparetly the stumpy skline box with ca20 bellhousing is the combination to use if you want the gearstick to come throught the original hole in the floor, otherwise with other boxes it sits back further,

no experience, just what i heard

With the initial trouble of moving the hole, I would think the easier to find, possibly stronger and better ratioed CA18 box would be the go?

This is just my opinion again, I am not stating the truth. Anyone comment on that?

I think the stumpy box will fit in the manual trans tunnel, where as the ca18 box wont fit.
I believe it hits at the back of the box just in front of the gear stick.
I do know that the 240k box will just(!!!) fit in with a ca20 bell housing and you have to change the bearing on the lay shaft to a navara Z24 Engined 5 spd. Easy stuff,
but it makes it very hard to get the starter out with a manual tunnel, thats why I chose to put in an auto tunnel. It then all fits with heaps of room.