Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

The gauges will all work the same. Speedo reading is determined by the trans, tach is off the distributor.

The gauges should work fine, but the tach for the 1600 has a lower redline and speedometer top speed, hopefully you won't be testing the limits of either and should be fine (At least on a 67, not sure on a '68!). You can always have them reworked at a later time to be correct, or pick up a used set. I am not sure on the temp and oil gauges, but I would think they would also be fine.

racsys wrote: Thu Oct 07, 2021 9:43 am Thanks for the warm welcome everyone. The car has made it to the garage, and the plan is still coming together. I'm still weighing putting the 2000 motor in it. Does anyone have a writeup of putting a U20 into a 1600 car? Would I need to change the mounts? The gauges?

jrusso07 and TobyMan we should hang out! Is there any kind of local get-together already?

Summarizing what others have said,

The U20 engine mounts are the same as R16. The block dimensions are essentially the same from an engine fitting perspective. U20 is bored over and has the OHC head. The biggest difference using a U20/5 speed vs. R16/4 speed is the length of the transmission. You definitely want the 5 speed if you go U20 but you can use the 4 speed with less changes. With the 5 speed you have to cut out/knock out a portion of the floor tunnel to accept the 5 speed...it was made to accept both engines from the factory. It's really easy to fit the U20/5 speed. Lots of posts on the topic on this site.

The U20 has a higher end on the speedo and I think the red line is different on the tach but I don't recall the exact differences (IIRC 160 mph on speedo vs 140???). No effect to use the R16 gauges from a functional perspective. The other gauges are in the 4 up multigauge and are identical across engines

Key functional differences/needs between the U20 and R16 that I know are assuming you want the 5 speed (which can be hard to come by):

1) The speedo cable for the U20/5 speed is longer than that for the R16/4 speed based on where the connection on the transmission is located.
2) U20 frame cross member and transmission mount
3) U20 radiator and hoses - maybe heater hose to intake manifold too
4) Interior 5 speed shift plate
5) The 5 speed engine plate (between engine and transmission) is thicker on U20

As for East Coast get togethers - the biggest one is at Watkins Glen in early Sept for the Vintage Grand Prix festival. There are posts and pictures on this site for the event.

There a quite a few of us in upstate NY - in Buffalo, Syracuse, Ithaca and the Finger Lakes region. We do get together occasionally for fun runs but it usually last minute and with little planning/warning

Thanks Joe! That's just the kind of info I was looking for. I do have a 5 speed that came with the U20, so I would plan to use that as long as it works.

I also just discovered the Tech Wiki. I'll pipe down for a bit and spend some time reading that and searching for other U20 threads too. I'd be surprised if the car was ready by the next Vintage Grand Prix at the Glen, but I will at least come and hang out.

Also, the driveshaft is shorter on a 5 speed. Pat