Hi everyone putting a ca18det into my datto ute amongst doing the diff tubbing it etc,what i would like to know is i am putting a standard ca18det to keep the engineer happy to get it passed but i would like to work the motor later on do i have to get it re engineered when i work the motor

be carefull where you spend the money on the motor. Id ask your engineer first what is possible, then decide when you can do it.

Most states wont let you change internals that mess with emissions stuff along with turbos etc.

As far as your question do you mean getting the whole car re done or just the motor approved?

do i have to get it re engineered just for working the motor

I would say that anything that has the potential to change emissions would need re-engineering if you didn't get it engineered at the start, only an engineer will be able to give you a 100% correct answer though.

If you are just building an engine though ie forged internals, then there is no way of telling what's inside your engine and these parts are effectively just replacements for worn out original parts.

I'd be more worried that the tubbing will give you issues if you start moving chassis rails etc.

from my understanding in vic- could be interpreted wrong, any non stnadard engine needs engeineering unless it was offered as an option in the same chasis from the manufacturer released in australia.

also any modifications increasing torque or power more than 10% from standard needs engenieering. as well as any change to emissions etc.

so from my understanding, yes you would need to engenieer it twice- technically, but if your stock motor had the new turbo, air filter and intercooler fitted, but was tuned for low power/economy, they would already be engineered as well as your engine number, possibly then not necessitating the 2nd engenieering.

Working the engine may legally necessitate a small charge and a new/updated certificate being written up to be fully legit. You wouldn't be paying twice. Talk to the engineer you plan to use. The certificates can be quite detailed, and changing parts on the engine will mean the certificate is not valid for those mods, The same way if you were to make the mods to a standard 180sx.

This is how it works in NSW the last time I checked.

nsw and vic are pretty similar nowdays from what i understand too.

think it would be more an epa thing than an engineers thing. dont think anyone would really care if all the emissions stuff was still there and it still met emissions...which it wouldnt do as soon as you went a different tune or aftermarket computer