Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Be it an engine swap, tires or headlights, what do you feel are the best modifications you've done to your car?

Mikuni's, an aluminum flywheel, the ported and polished cylinder head, and the mono-leaf springs. The springs have made everything else worth the effort.

Will

S15 SR20DE power of course!



Michael

Dave Briscos E1 Dizzy~~~~~~~~~~for sure

For the sake of brevity, I have removed comments regarding my upgrades from my previous list.

Aftermarket 4:1 headers
Removed the triangular inner panel near the starter for better access
Gear reduction starter
EI Distributor by Gary boone
3-core 2L radiator
Electric fan w/ adjustable thermostat
Gm "one-wire" chrome alternator
Halogen headlights
Air/Fuel Ratio gauge
Replaced early style "worm & peg" steering box with the later RCB box.
Front comp springs by Mike Young
Panasport 15x6 rims
Stroker R20 engine
5-speed roadster transmission
Speed bleeders on all brake & clutch cylinders
MG rearview mirror mounted to windshield strut

I pretty much favor all the mods equally, but if I had to pick, I'd say the EI Dizzy was probably the most dramatic improvement, and probably the best investment dollar-wise. The MG mirror is also a very useful upgrade for the low-windshield roadster and as another poster mentioned, the Speed-Bleeders are a good bang for the buck.
I like my ride....

First thing I did was add a Pertronix electronic ignition - made starting and driveability amazing. That was almost 20 years ago, when I had no money and knew nothing of a Boone or Brisco or any other Dizzie - I thought I was progressive and a genius. Not sure if I have a compelling reason to change now!
Next really want to get the 5-speed in, and am very interested in some type of carb swap out.
Tom

In re-thinking this, I have to say I got the car with mods, so they have to be noted:
H20 motor
Cibie Headlights
Momo Steering wheel
Enkei Wheels
Plastic engine fan

It came with 240Z seats -horrible - and I did add Miata seats, a major improvement!

Only "mod" I've done was swapping to Hella H1's with Sylvania Silverstar bulbs which I'm quite happy with. I could barely see before and now it's like driving our Mazda3 with HIDs. MUCH better beam pattern.

Rota RBs and a 5 speed swap are next on my list.

Garry Boone dizzy made a big difference. MSD coil and wires. KYB G2 shocks. Momo steering wheel.

And Rareparts lower ball joints, of course!

Linda

EI Dizzy from Stan has made a huge improvement to my runability.

Other than the lighting upgrades, all the mods posted above are on my wish list that I am slowly picking through. I will have the rareparts LBJ's and Mike Young springs installed in the next couple of weeks.
I think I'm going to add the Mikuni HSR's to the list I'm keeping for the stroker I'm building.

So I see a theme, El Dizzy is a good upgrade. Not something I'd really considered before cause my car seems to run just fine as is.

Another vote for the Boone/Brisco EI dizzy!

Other mods:
Hella H4 headlights and new wiring circuit to run headlights directly from the battery
GM alternator
Solex carbs
Yokohama AVS ES100 tires
Later Datsun radio with ipod input hack

Brisco Dizzy
electric fan
electric fuel pump
GM alternator
H4 headlights with wiring mod
forklift starter
Best labor saving mod? - SPEED BLEEDERS

Hopefully front springs in the near future

Gary Boone EI dizzy
GM alternator
Adding proper grounds

shifty wrote:Another vote for the Boone/Brisco EI dizzy!

Hella H4 headlights and new wiring circuit to run headlights directly from the battery

I didn't think these were DOT approved?

DatsunDave wrote:

shifty wrote:Another vote for the Boone/Brisco EI dizzy!

Hella H4 headlights and new wiring circuit to run headlights directly from the battery

I didn't think these were DOT approved?

They aren't, but I don't think anyone is going to make a big fuss on a 40+ year old car. I don't know why they wouldn't be, the beam pattern is wonderful and I don't get people flashing me thinking I have my brights on.