First Project Car!

[mpowers]

Hello Everyone,

I bought my Datsun Roadster a couple months ago and I this forum has already been a great help to me. I graduated college last year and now that I have the time and money I thought this would be a great first project. The car had been sitting for about 8 years and the previous owner (who already had another roadster) just didn't have the time to work on it. Luckily for me after an oil change, new tires, and a new master cylinder (510 swap), its drive-able and very fun! I found out I had the competition package model after I drained my oil into only a 6 quart bucket (that didn't go over too well). It still needs new shocks, body work, and interior pieces, but I eventually plan to completely completely restore it. Engine seems to be ok for now, but eventually I'm considering a KA24DET swap. Thank you to all on this forum so far, alot of the questions I have about this car have been answered!

[69roadster]

Hi nice to see another roadster in the area. I am in fort Wayne, about 45 min's. from you. There's another member in your neck of the woods. He lives in St.Msry's. Oh. Post some pictures when you can.

[Gregs672000]

No swap! Build the mighty U20!

But regardless, welcome!

[FergO2k]

Welcome, way to get her out and on the road ASAP.
<< after I drained my oil into only a 6 quart bucket (that didn't go over too well..>>
Sounds like that may have gone "over" really well, actually.

Classic, been there done that. Cat litter is your friend.
I also am a big fan of the U-20, having driven mine for extended periods (2-3 hours) of twisties chasing other folks at 4-5.5k rpm.

[Terry Z]

Good to here another driver on the road in this neck of the woods. We'll have to get together sometime as soon as weather breaks. Always lookin for an excuse to drive roadster somewhere. My first was a 69, great memories.

[Garm]

U20 = win

welcome to the forums!

[twistin]

U20 = win

welcome to the forums!

x2

[Datsun.David]

Shouldn't there be a rule that you need to rebuild U20's and you can only swap R16's?

If you have the U20 with the 8L pan, do you have solex carbs too? If so, rock the U20 and you won't regret it...

[notoptoy]

Welcome, pictures, pictures and more pictures please!

[spl310]

Hey, 1600s need love too!

[Down under 311]

x 3

[peter]

Hi Marc, welcome,
Leave the original engine in the car that's much better and restore it.
Nice color too, is it a original one?

[zippy67roadster]

Hey if you stroke an R16 it is as powerful as a U20 without the worry of the death rattle! I agree he should keep the U20 and spend the $ on the interior and paint.

[Gregs672000]

Please understand I mean absolutely NO disrespect to R motors, but what made the U20 special was the head, not the displacement. Power in any engine is found in the head or in its ability to pump air in and out of the motor. The R head can certainly be worked over to improve flow, but per my engine head developer the U20 is an excellent flowing head, and out of the box will outflow many modern multi-valve heads. Despite its other engineering drawbacks with multiple chains, Nissan got the head right. He refers to the 2000 Roadster as "a cylinder head looking for a car"... He likes to give me shit...

[mattywood]

Welcome. Definitely keep the U20. Awesome sound. Solex U20 has the same power are a stock SR20. Also your car will be worth more stock.