Nissan CA18det

CA18DET

The 1.8 L CA18DET was the last version of the CA engine to be released. It produces 175 hp (130 kW) and 168 ft.lbf (228 Nm). It received a brand new DOHC aluminum head with 16 valves. The turbocharger was also upgraded to a Garrett T25 unit for increased flow capacity, and as such, was fitted with an intercooler to help volumetric efficiency. Fuel was delivered via Multiport Fuel Injection.

It was used in the following vehicles:

* 1987-1988 Nissan Silvia S12 (International market)
* 1989-1990 Nissan Silvia/180SX S13 (International market)
* 1989 Nissan Bluebird SSS Atessa (International market)
* Nissan Exa Turbo (Australia)

Nissan Silvia S12

The S12 platform was produced from late 1983 to early 1989. The US 1984-1986 Hatchback came with either the CA18ET or CA20E and the 1987-1988 Hatchback came with either the VG30E or CA20E. Coupe models were only equipped with the CA20E. Only the US models had the VG30E option in 1987 and 1988. In Canada the 1984-1988 Hatchback came with either the CA18ET or CA20E. Once again Coupe models were equipped with only the CA20E. In Australia, Europe and Japan quite a few different engines were available. The CA20E was available in all of these areas throughout the entire production run. Both a coupe and a hatchback were available in these markets. 1984-1988 hatchbacks were available with any engine offered in the given area (FJ20E, FJ20ET, CA20E, CA18ET) but the Coupe was only available with the CA20E, except for the RS-X version which came with the FJ20ET. The FJ20ET and the FJ20E are dual cam motors (this is not denoted in the engine code). The 1988 Japanese RS-X was equipped with a CA18DET in place of the previous FJ20ET.

More information on these cars is available at www.club-s12.org/board.

S12 Breakdown: United States and Canada– 200SX (XE, SE and Turbo). Europe– 180ZX or Silvia. Australia– Gazelle (GL & SGL). Japan– Gazelle (Hatchback) or Silvia (Notchback).

The S13 was immensely popular in Japan, where it was sold as the Silvia (notchback) and 180SX (fastback), and was also exported, e.g. to the United States and Canada as the 240SX. The S13 was one of the first uses of Nissan’s multi-link rear suspension, the technology of which was previewed in concept cars in previous years.

The early 1990s Japanese S13s were powered by the CA18DET in the case of the K’s or CA18DE for the J’s and Q’s, but all S13s circa 1991 were powered by a SR20DET for the K’s or SR20DE for the J’s and Q’s.

The s13 180sx and its stateside sister 240sx fastback were the only s-chassis variants to incorporate Nissan’s SUPER-HICAS 4-wheel steering system, which was included in an options package that usually included ABS and VLSD.

In Japan, the S13 Silvia was also considered a “date car.”