Engine ID - Interchange/Compatibility

[SPLutah]

So the car I bought has an engine that came from another vehicle. It is mounted up to what I believe is the correct 4 speed for the roadster. A few questions:

What’s the best way to verify this is the correct transmission for my car?

Looking at the engine OD section it appears that this engine is from something Between 1970 begin and end of R16 production. The serial number on it is R105585. What are the potential vehicles this would come out of? Does that matter when I am selecting parts or can I just continue to search for parts for a 1969 SPL311? I noticed that if I search for parts (distributor cover and basics) on some sites I get virtually nothing for the ‘69 sports but I will se a lot for the 510 with the 1.6. Is there any difference or are the parts cross compatible?

Thanks for everyone for your help!

-Daniel

[Nissanman]

That engine number doesn't make sense when I look at some of my references.
It should, for a Roadster 1600, be of this format: R- 5 digit number e.g. R-41234.
There are very few parts interchangeable with the L16 which was fitted to the 510 model.
Most sites will have parts under the SP(L)311 heading.

[fj20spl311]

The later R16 had 6 digit engine numbers.
Almost none of the L16 engine parts work on R16 engines. There are some from a H20 fork lift that work, but be careful as there are two different H20 fork lift motors. The Wiki has a list of interchangeable parts.

I only know of 1 4speed that bolts directly to an R16 motor.

[SPLutah]

Nissanman - from what I see on on Rallye's site the R16 had 6 digit numbers toward the end of its production. See attached. I am not sure what all used or required the R16 that last year to have 26,700 serial numbers (from R93500 to R120200) but that's what I see on the Rallye identification page. http://www.datsunroadster.com/INFO_PAGES/what_year.htm

Phil - your comment gives me hope that I have a R16 and if I do it is bolted up to the right transmission. I will post some pictures of what I have an maybe people can confirm I have the right stuff for this car. Thanks for clarifying the difference between the R16 and L16. Glad I made that mistake now and not after I purchased parts.

-Daniel

[SPLutah]

Attached are pics of the engine and transmission. Any confirmations from you more familiar folks if I have the right setup?

[spl310]

There is a shorter 4 speed that will bolt to a Roadster, but that isn't it. That looks like a complete late 1600 drivetrain. It should work just fine.

[SPLutah]

Thank you spl310! You just relieved a lot of anxiety this Monday morning!

[Curtis]

There is a shorter 4 speed that will bolt to a Roadster, but that isn't it. That looks like a complete late 1600 drivetrain. It should work just fine.

There is?

[Datrock]

To me, the engine number is a obviously a 1970 and the transmission is pre-70 since it doesn't have two electric switches on the tailhousing, so it could be the original transmission with a swapped engine. Also if it is a complete 70 engine swap it will have a solenoid on the intake and extra air lines going to the carbs, 69 and earlier do not have these items that were added in 1970.

[spl310]

There is a shorter 4 speed that will bolt to a Roadster, but that isn't it. That looks like a complete late 1600 drivetrain. It should work just fine.

There is?

Unless I am mistaken the 4 speed from the RL411 is a bit shorter. I could be wrong though. I have heard of a customer transmission as well - used the guts/tailshaft from a 510 4 speed and the case from a 1600 roadster.

[spl310]

Thank you spl310! You just relieved a lot of anxiety this Monday morning!

You are welcome, I am happy to help! Yes, that is probably a 70 as Datrock said. Is there a valve on the manifold between the carburetors?

[SPLutah]

Nothing there but it appears there is a plugged line between them. See pic.