CA18DET into Datsun 1600 - Costs (Parts-Only!)

IMPORTANT: Before reading this article, please read and understand the turbophile.com disclaimer.

Also understand that prices, availability and methods may vary from what is stated here, as this page was last updated in June 2002.

What follows is a rough guide only to the costs associated with retro-fitting a Nissan CA18DET into a Datsun 1600 doing all the work yourself. I will take no responsibility for your conversion costing more than I have outlined here - as everyone does things differently and some prices may vary from what has been quoted. Also note that this is mostly a 'parts only' costing guide - if you get someone else to do the complete conversion or even parts of it (such as wiring etc), unless specified here, it will cost you extra for labour.

This guide can also be used for other similar conversions such as the SR20DET or FJ20DET, just modify it to suit the price of the different motor.

The ORANGE costs is the expensive route to take, with new components instead of 2nd hand, and the YELLOW costs are the cheaper path.

The items in DARK BLUE are available from Cam at his site here, please note prices are subject to vary and freight to places outside Melbourne will be extra.

Essential Modifications

Motor and Fitting

CA18DET & 5 speed manual gearbox $1650 - $1800
Radiator 2nd hand $100 - $200
Relocate battery to boot (vented box $18) with single cable to engine bay $50
L20b speedo sender $20
Fitting kits:

1. Datsport
The complete package - a replacement for the standard 1600 front end - with Noltec bushes, ball links, bolts, spacers, all steering links, steering arms, radius rods, control arms, motor and gearbox cross-members, front sway bar, quick fit instructions.
$1245

2. Fitting kit from Maddat/Other source
Reversed and slotted front cross member (exchange)
Reversed Steering Drag Link (exchange)
Engine Mount spacers
Custom Sway Bar
Shortened and Balanced Tail-Shaft (exchange)
Custom Gearbox mount
$700 - $800

Intercooler $400 - $600
Intercooler Piping and fittings $100
Blow-off valve $100 (second hand/Bosch) - $295 (Turbosmart Type II)
Boost control valve $100

Exhaust

3" turbo dump pipe $270 (including labour)
3" mandrel bent system with turbo muffler $500 (including labour)
Rear Cross Member with 4" exhaust opening $60
Rear Cross Member with 4" exhaust, seam welded AND slotted $120

Driveline

R180 non-LS mig welded $200
OR
R200 LSD $500 + Modified 1600/510 'Moustache Bar' to suit R200 diff (change over) $60
OR
R180 LSD $1000

Engine Management

Standard computer $0 (if included with engine) plus performance chip $250
Aftermarket management $2000 (various brands range from $1000-$5000)
Miscellaneous relays and wiring, connectors etc. $200

Fuel System

Stainless steel surge tank $110
VL turbo high pressure fuel pump $180
Pierburg high volume, low pressure pump $90
HP fuel lines, hose clamps and connectors $100
Wiring, fuses etc $20

Sundry Items

Accelerator cable, hoses, hose clamps, plugs, filters, oil etc. $300
Dyno time / Professional tuning $200 - $500
Engineers Cert/ Mod plate $200 - $500

Minimum costs in yellow + grey items = approx. $6100
Maximum costs in orange + grey items = approx. $10400

Keep in mind that while this list covers the basics, it is not the sum total of what will need to be done to the car (assuming it is standard) to handle the extra power. Better brakes and upgraded suspension are a must also.

Additional Modifications (recommended)

Suspension - Front

King springs $120
Koni 'red' Adjustable Front Strut inserts $339
Shim adjustable lower control arms $200
Wheel alignment $40

Suspension - Rear

King springs $120
Koni 'red' twin piston, adjustable rear shocks $229
Adjustable rear sway bar $209

Brakes

180B SSS Tokico or Nabco dual 3/4" master cylinder and Bendix booster $100 - $150
240k front struts and brakes $200 + machine discs & new pads $100
Rear discs (R31) $300 + machine discs & new pads $100
OR
Other brake kits range from $500 to $1000 per end and are available from places like MadDat, Datsport and Cam.

Wheels and Tyres

4 x 2nd hand basic 5.5"x14" Skyline steel rims $50 each = $200
4 x new tyres (195/205) $120 each = $480
OR
New 16-17" wheels and tyres $1500 - $2000

Other costs to consider (non-conversion related):

Body and Paint

Prep and decent paint job $2000 - $5000+ depending of condition of body/type of paint etc
New panels if needed
New chromework ie. bumpers, front grille, bonnet and guard/fender trims
New rubbers ie. front and rear windscreens, doors, windows
Tinted windows

Interior

Sports seats/ bucket seats
Sports (non-standard) steering wheel
Gear knob
New carpet and door trims/door cards
Reconditioned/retrimmed dash
Gauges
Seat belts (non-standard retractable items) and pads
Stereo
Alarm (highly recommended!)

Also don't forget Registration and Insurance! Try Shannons for some great deals on insurance.

Technical