Part 1 of the CA18DET swap guide deals with removing the factory engine from your 240sx but before getting started I will cover a little background information regarding the CA18DET motor and engine swaps in general. But first and foremost, if you do not have the Factory Service Manual (FSM) I urge...
Some of us get lucky, we import a motor from Japan, swap it into our car and drive off into hybrid heaven. But sometimes things just don’t seem right and unmistakably, as I pile the miles on my latest CA18DET, it has started to feel off. The smoke the car leaves behind after trips to redline...
The Walbro 255lph fuel pump is a must for any heavily modified and/or swapped 240sx. They are inexpensive, reliable and flow more than enough fuel to satisfy the thirsts of even heavily boosted motors. Note: These procedures should be performed in a well ventilated area away from open ignition...
The CA18DET motor comes from the factory running 7psi of boost and sporting a small, inefficient side-mounted intercooler that becomes relatively useless at boost pressures above 10psi. Since project CA18DET will see two iterations, one sporting a t25 at 12psi and then a ball-bearing t28 at 14psi...
The KA24DE motor found in the US market 240sx is not the most powerful motor in the Nissan parts bin, however, with a few bolt-ons this motor can really come alive in its Naturally Aspirated form. One such bolt-on is the DC 4 into 1 header that yields a claimed 12hp over the stock header. Set up As...
Performing a compression test on a running motor can give you a wealth of knowledge about the engine. For instance, numbers too low may indicate a bad head gasket, likewise a large variance in numbers can help you isolate problems down to the cylinder. Most importantly, compression testing is...
Although I have seen people do this procedure using just a tire jack, I generally think that is a bad idea. To replace your shocks, do it the right way and put your car on a lift or place your car on jack stands. Furthermore, all 4 wheels will be removed during this install so go ahead and loosen...
Installing subframe spacers is an easy mod that will eliminate the wheel hop present in the 240sx. However, it is necessary to place your car on jack stands before beginning. Furthermore, you will need to loosen, but not remove the lug nuts on your rear wheels before lifting as these wheels will be...
Replacing the rear sway bar can be performed with the car parked on a level surface with the parking brake applied. However, it is a much quicker and easier install with the car lifted so I recommend placing your car on jack stands. Removing the factory sway bar Locate the stock sway bar’s...
Replacing the front sway bar can be performed with the car parked on a level surface with the parking brake applied. However, it is a much quicker and easier install with the car lifted so I recommend placing your car on jack stands. Remove the factory sway bar The factory sway bar (stabilizer) is...
Placing your car on jack stands is a simple process that will allow the average enthusiast to perform lots of work on their car from the comfort of their garage. Tools required 4 jack stands set at the same height (same brand and model for all 4 stands is highly recommended) 1 hydraulic jack 1...
(All items discussed in this entry will have full install walkthroughs posted in the Tech and How To’s page) This car has seen better days and after driving it back from Georgia, it is quite clear that most of the original suspension has remained on this chassis during its 170,000 mile...
