The 1.8-liter Nissan CA18 engines were produced in the 1980s and early 1990s and were installed on the Bluebird, Silvia, 180SX, Skyline, Stanza, Prairie and many other models. The family includes carburetor, single-point and multi-point injected, twin-cam and turbocharged versions.
All versions share a cast-iron block with a bore of 83 mm and a stroke of 83.6 mm and a belt-driven timing. The SOHC versions CA18S, CA18i and CA18E have an 8-valve head, while the CA18DE and CA18DET have a 16-valve DOHC head. The most powerful CA18DET with an intercooled turbo produced up to 175 hp in the Silvia S13 and 180SX.
CA family: CA16DE, CA18, CA20.
Specifications
| Production years | 1981-1994 |
| Displacement, cc | 1809 |
| Fuel system | carburetor / injector |
| Power output, hp | 91 – 175 |
| Torque output, Nm | 149 – 225 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 8v / 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 83 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 83.6 |
| Features | SOHC / DOHC |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Turbocharging | no / yes |
| Fuel type | petrol |
The engine was installed on:
- Nissan Bluebird U11 in 1983 – 1990, Bluebird U12 in 1987 – 1991;
- Nissan Skyline R30 in 1983 – 1985, Skyline R31 in 1985 – 1991;
- Nissan Laurel C32 in 1984 – 1989;
- Nissan Stanza T12 in 1986 – 1990;
- Nissan Prairie M10 in 1985 – 1988;
- Nissan Silvia S12 in 1984 – 1988, Silvia S13 in 1988 – 1990;
- Nissan 180SX S13 in 1989 – 1991;
- Nissan 200SX S12 in 1984 – 1988 (USA).
Disadvantages of the Nissan CA18 engine
- The timing belt must be replaced on schedule, its failure means an expensive repair;
- Turbo versions are demanding on oil quality and oil change intervals;
- Age-related oil leaks from the valve cover and seals are common;
- Many surviving CA18DET engines have been tuned, so check their history carefully.
Frequently asked questions about the Nissan CA18
How much power does the Nissan CA18 make?
The Nissan CA18 develops 91 - 175 hp and 149 - 225 Nm of torque.
Does the Nissan CA18 have a timing belt or chain?
The Nissan CA18 uses a timing belt.
What cars was the Nissan CA18 installed on?
Nissan Bluebird U11 in 1983 - 1990, Bluebird U12 in 1987 - 1991; Nissan Skyline R30 in 1983 - 1985, Skyline R31 in 1985 - 1991; Nissan Laurel C32 in 1984 - 1989; Nissan Stanza T12 in 1986 - 1990; Nissan Prairie M10 in 1985 - 1988; Nissan Silvia S12 in 1984 - 1988, Silvia S13 in 1988 - 1990 and 2 more (see the full list above).
What are the common problems of the Nissan CA18?
The timing belt must be replaced on schedule, its failure means an expensive repair. Turbo versions are demanding on oil quality and oil change intervals. All known problems.
What engines are related to the Nissan CA18?
CA family: CA20.
