KA24DE Swap into 1966 SPL311 underway

[datsun65]

I really enjoy the drive with the new drivetrain. On the street it can be driven in a very tame fashion. But, honestly I find I'm still enthralled by the rush of torque available and I keep punching it! After 30 minutes, I get a bit queezy with my own driving

However, the car does have a personality complex. It is currently set-up in very original, stock form. Originial size (albeit radials) tires , stock suspension, stock seats...

......Then it has this whopping motor. I'm starting to transform the car from a strickly "stock" type car, to a more performance oriented car. Next step is putting on some more appropriate wheels & tires, then some suspension changes. I do want to keep the car a somewhat sleeper, but I'll make several appropriate changes to balance out its new found power.

[datsun65]

Hard to believe it has been close to 10 years since I started (but completed the swap) on my 1966 1600 with KA24DE.

Time for some maintenance, The in-tank fuel pump has bit the dust. I have ordered a new fuel pump and hope to have it sometime next week.

One of the updates I'd like to work on is upgrading the cooling system. I originally used a nice Fluidyne radiator from a Del Sol. The cooling system worked, but was never strong enough. To fit the Del Sol radiator, the lower air scoop was removed, which in turn limited air flow to the radiator at highway speeds. The setup has a small stainless overflow tank, but it wasn't sealed, nor did it have a cap. It was just open to the atmosphere.

So here is my question:

I'd like to use the Champion 3 row roadster radiator (SRL311 Version). The engine bay currently doesn't have room available to use a stock overflow tank in the original position, but I can find room for a nice stainless replacement. However, with a SRL311 radiator (with cap on the radiator), should the overflow tank have a pressurized cap? What kind of cap should I put on the radiator?

Thanks!

[fj20spl311]

I don't know about the Champion SRL version, but originally there was a blanking cap on the radiator and the expansion tank was pressurized.
You would have to check with Champion if the neck is for a blanking cap or pressurized cap.

[datsun65]

Well the KA24DE is back and mobile after the replacement fuel pump. Was able to swap the Maxima pump out with an inexpensive fuel pump kit (only $20) from Felco Products. Works very well.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/281038412311



Next two projects to tackle:

1) Install Champion Three Row Radiator, New Electric Fan, and Overflow
2) Figure out the reason for the Alternator low output.

Since the swap, the voltage meter averages only 13 Volts (some times will make it to ~13.5), and drops significantly once headlights/electric fan kick on (down to 12v). Battery was relocated to the trunk. I need to check through the way the system is grounded out, as well as how the positive cables are all connected up. My guess is there is some weak link, most probably the grounding system.

I don't think it is a bad alternator (Subaru Justy), but that is always a possibility.

Any thoughts/suggestions, always welcome.

[datsun65]

After a long Hiatus...The KA24DE is back in action..

Wow, what a difference..

The good folks at JTRAN Studios in Houston (Big supporter of the Nissan Community).

http://www.jtranstudio.com/

Engine tuned, re-fabbed air intake system, installed new radiator, fan, and factory overflow. Serviced the braking system, rewired voltage gauge, rebuilt driveshaft, installed new shocks...and more.

Crazy thing..had an issue with cooling system since I swapped the engine more than 10 years ago. Previously had a variable thermostatic switch that allowed me to set when the electric fan would turn on. However, at high speed on the highway, the engine ran warm (never overheated, but warm). Turns out the switch was faulty, and at ~50MPH, it would stop working!

The result..Just awesome. Put on 100 Miles this weekend...Very happy!

[Mattk]

Dan
Congratulations on getting her back on the road!
What show is that your at? Is near downtown?
Thinking of going down to Houston in next couple of months to visit and would love to go to a show. The import shows seem to be better than in DFW.

Cheers
Matthew

[datsun65]

Matthew:

Mayday Nostalgic Car Meet

http://www.311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.ph ... start=2145

[Mattk]

Hi there Dan
Just curious about how that champion radiator is holding up in the Houston heat? Did you sort out the alt issue?

Matthew

[datsun65]

Champion Radiator has worked perfectly. I did have a bit of the welding redone for cosmetic purposes. Alternator issue ended up being a non issue.

[Roman]

I know this is an old thread. But it was new to me, and disappointing to find the pics gone.