The S13 tunnel sounds like a good idea. Does it have to be replaced all the way to the firewall?

what, you cant be serious????

they would burn out anyway i would think???

why heatre box when u can use 2 hair dryers!
thats what my engineer said hook then up 2 a switch and hide them up under the dash i have done so and works like a dream exept alittle 2 hot on high setting..
ps dont steal your mums hairdryer i tryed..

I went with the tunnel out of the front cut. it was probably a bit more work but is better in the long run. Jus cut out the old tunnel then sit in the motor and box. bolt up the new tunnel to the ca18 crossmember and the weld it in. My engineer didn't even notice that it had been done. that way the hole for the shifter is in the right place and the cross member bolts straight on. You will need to get some new carpet made though

The problem with using another tunnel, or making your own from scratch, it that you need to take into consideration the heater box. Also, a modified Auto Tunnel is much easier for an engineer to certify. A full new tunnel (If not done properly) could really bugger up your project.

I like to fit the engine 20-30mm from the firewall.

I do much prefer the Auto Tunnel for CA transplants.

I just fabricated a new tunnel to fit.The handbrake is also repositioned back further as the shfter sits too close but mine is angled slightly towards the drivers seat to give extra room for them second gear changes. I still use the standard gearbox but the head is about 30mm from the firewall.

What about cuting the tunnel out of an S13 Silvia - say the half cut that the CA18DET came out of... just as an idea?

When fitting the CA 5 speed box into a manual sedan, do you think it would be easier to fabricate a new larger tunnel or find a auto tunnel(try)to graft in? Also, is there any clearance problems at the very front of the manual tunnel where it meets the firewall or is it mainly towards the rear of it? Any ifo appreciated.

I agree. You might have got lucky with the importer and ended up with the "Gazelle" gearbox that I've talked about on occasion.

If you know how the SR and CA gearboxes have a box section at the base of the gear shifter?? Well, I find that the back of that section sits about flush with the front edge of the 2 or 3 mm plate section of steel that reinforces the handbrake lever base section of the tunnel.

The gearbox shifter box section needs to sit up inside the cabin for a neat fit, so a sheet-metal box section is added to the top of the tunnel.

I moved my sedan handbrake back 4 inches to clear it The front plugwelds for the handbrake lever mounting plate line up with the old rear weld plugs. I used a Ute internal handbrake cable for the handbrake. Although due to my Commodore Diff, I've since modified it even more, so that the handbrake cables pull equally on each side (for good handbrake turns). The cable has been shortened and goes down in the centre/top of the tunnel. The standard 1200 cable system is good as a parking brake.. no good for rallying, I find.

Chris

Hey Tappet if your shifter is only 2" further back the engine must be a fair way off the firewall??? Either that or a shorter gearbox??
I have just fitted a CA18 box into my coupe It has replaced a MR30 skyline box, its sits closer to 4-5" further back. I had to relocate the handbrake cable.
The gearbox is also quite wide at the back so you will either have to widen the tunnel a bit or just let it rub and vibrate on the bodywork. (not a good idea). I suppose it really depends on how high and hopw far back the engine and box sits back.
The crossmebers I have been doing sit really low and the head is only 10mm off firewall (easier to get to gearbox bolts and better weight distribution.
cheers Andrew