how do 1200's handle with a ca18 in them (asuming every thing else is set up). I would like to build a 1200 coupe for hill climbs and sprints maybe even improved production.

thats a pretty tuff question. If its all done cheap and thrown together im sure itd handle poos but if you do it properly theyd be a force. Pretty vague question.

There's no doubt that they aren't as nimble or balanced as they are with an A series. With similarly developed suspension though, the stock CA powered car will still be a fair bit quicker than a pretty hot atmo A series.

clicky

This Harrys car, used to be Andrew's - ca18det_man i think

hope that helps

NO! They are unreliable heaps of ####!! Build a decent A series!

L18_B110's 1200 coupe: 230rwkw,Absolute brilliant engineering and seriously scary

P.S would eat just about any under 2lt car

Daveman has it nailed: the lighter A-series car will carry more corner speed BUT that doesn't mean it will be more competitive in a given class. I've driven some race cars that handled OK (Formula Vee comes to mind) but put up really good times.
The first step is figure out what you want from a race car, for me it's cheap fun so a near stock A12GX works fine, go to some local meets and see what appeals to you be it fun or be it ultra competitive.

Tom

the fastest Improved Production Datsun in QLD is Steve Draheim's CA18DET 1200 coupe. Until last year's Nationals, he held the 3001cc and over lap record at Morgan Park.

Adam Allen's SR20DET 1200 coupe holds the SA Improved Production lap record at Mallala (sp?)

Cameron's supercharged and turbo 4AG 1200 coupe is the fastest 2wd around all of the street sprints in SEQ.

So I guess that's a "yes"

That impress's me

I have been racing my a14 ute now for about 8 months. I am never going to be competitve in my class road regestered under 2 litre, some very fast cars in this class. however the little ute gets a lot of positive coments from people and i have got some good times (even beating two 5l 928's and a 911 around barbagello short track).

I am looking into the future and trying to decide what to look for (my ute is stuck in speed events) . I was thinking of a jap import s14 but i love the datsun so much and it i know how well they handle (be it a ute).

This type of question comes around quite a lot.You need to ask yourself,do i want a trailer only car or one i can drive daily.
Once you have that prioritised you can think about body styles and engine types and which class you would like to compete in.
I see and speak to Steve often about his CA powered 1200 and he will admit,to be at the pointy end you will spend HEAPS.

Having said that,if you have got a few bob,look no further than Harrys car in this thread,it is for sale i believe and you will not build a comperable car for less money but most likely around $5K more and still have to develop it.
Think wisely
Cheers