Im pretty sure I can still get the autronic basic SMC for around $1600 only bad thing about them is the cam angle sensor is a prick to change the wheel in Microtech aint bad either for the $$ Haltech are also good

Yeah i kno how ya feel mate.. i had ta choose one for my L20T in my 1600, was bloody hard but i went with a Wolf 3D, Some ppl bag the wolf but i personally think they are a great comp for the cash..

No idea on the computer yet Wardy, each have there own advantages I suppose.

It's probably the most difficult decision in the whole build.

Mate shop around. My last rebuild I saved heaps on good quality parts.
Set of forged venolia pistons with total seal rings $650 Argo forged rods $800 complete ACL race series gasket set with MLS head gasket (every gasket needed for complete rebuild )$400 ARP stud kit $150 Roller bearing turbo $1200-$1800 tomie procams springs and pullies $1200 machine work ??? computer around $1200- $2000
If you need some help sourcing parts give me a yell I have a few good contacts also one great supplier in Japan.

Yeah all those prices on top of the engine build etc would be a decent budget.. what computer do u plan on usin?

Thanks Andrew, some helpful advice. Would a fair budget be something like this?

Cams = 1k, pistons = 1k, turbo = 2k and computer = 2k, bareing in mind these are all new parts (touch wood we can find some of the gear second hand).

My wife stated it before, she wants a nice streeter with enough power for the occasional run. 200rwkw is probably an affordable achievement, with a shot of NOS to get the quarter mile times down.

On a stocko rebuild with normal pistons 170-180rwkw should be fine @ around 15psi should make that kind of power with a decent turbo. If your after more than this its probably wise to at least run forged pistons. This alone will not make more power but will allow you to run more boost.
It is possible to make huge power from a Ca18 ive heard of over 500hp reliably it really depnds on how much power you want and how you want it to make the power. Throw a huge turbo and lots of boost at it should make over 400hp.
My ca18 makes decent power not as much as a lot of cars out there but with a lot more torque and midrange it would definatly be a faster car especially around a race track.
To build a decent forged internal ca18 with roller bearing turbo and cams ect expect to spend upwards or $6k it woudl not be hard to spend $12-$15k with major headwork custom bits and pieces.
Cheers Andrew

Lag's, I better fill in my gap, the $2500 included installation. Our mechanic said as long as we had our brakes, diff and tail shaft sorted (just need the diff) he'll pull down the engine, rebuild it, and slot it in ready to go.

I won't mind paying that kind of money to have all the wiring and the like sorted for me. I'm pretty handy wiring #### up, but bugger me if I'm gonna sort through that mess.

Thats the spirit haha

as much as i can get!!!!!

this is not gonna be a ute with a slightly worked ca this is gonna be my BEAST