Cheers...I did my first CA18/1200 conversion in about September 1993. So I've "enjoyed" the longterm effects of a rough budget conversion.

Replacing one thing after another..never having a fortnight where something mysterious didn't go wrong.

With the CA18DE I snapped 5 high tensile bolts on the engine mount into the block, and destroyed 3 starter motors (Because I was told 180B ones were the same, and there were no other RWD CA18's in the country.

I had the engine and gearbox out of the car nearly 6 times in the first 6 months on the road. I had to call NRMA for a tow twice. It broke down due to petrol problems over a dozen times. (caused by VL External pump overheating in traffic) Fit a 1200 coil dropping resistor inline (wire up a relay and a dash switch), flick it on when sitting in traffic. It drops the 12V to 9V, and the EFI runs smooth, it's not good enough for on-boost fuel volume.

Having trouble finding information on the engine, converting N13 EXA wiring diagrams and using a rough FAX copy of a Japanese wiring diagram was hell difficult.

I did drive to Canberra on the day after I got it first registered. And I did have some starter problems down there too.

...all that..and I'm still doing another one...man...it's all in the boost

Chris

Dattodude nailed it:

All because a few "cluey" people have done this conversion, it doesn't mean it's easy, cheap or a straight fit.

Undertaking this conversion at the moment, I get annoyed with the uninitiated saying it is one of the easiest conversions.

A CA18 was never meant to go into a 1200 and whilst it can be made to happen if you do it yourself many challenges arise. Thats why I think we do these things.

Have fun

It's a long list. And this has been discussed to death on here for 6 years or so.

Get good brakes and a big diff before you start.

Get a Bluebird speedo cable (it's longer than the 1200)

Use the S13 radiator or an N13 one with a crossover radiator pipe.

Move the battery to the boot, or section the mount and use an slim odyssey Battery.

Upgrade the fuel lines (only use EFI rated hoses)

If it's a Manual gearbox equipped 1200, be prepared to open up the trans tunnel to make the gearbox fit. Otherwise go buy a bluebird series 3 gearbox and a stumpy skyline box. Which is shorter and fits up through the 1200 shifter hole. The S13 box is difficult to install in a Ute.

There's quite a bit to this conversion. Please plan it appropriately. You will need another car for transport while you are doing this conversion. It takes even an experieinced person a couple of weeks to do this job properly.

Seriously though, if you are having trouble with this stuff, I suggest you get someone else to do the conversion for you.

All because a few "cluey" people have done this conversion, it doesn't mean it's easy, cheap or a straight fit.

If you can't do it yourself, you'll have a lot of trouble maintaining it by yourself. There are very few, if any, mechanics who want to service/maintain a transplant modified datsun, without charging you an arm and a leg for their services.

Good Luck,
Chris

come on fella's!

G'day all just been searching for parts list for ca18det into 1200 ute and cant seem to find them anywhere!
Any help would be much appreciated and a great help!

CHEERS!Quote: