Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I am seeing more and more conversions and I would like to consider one in a few years.

I saw a 2000 roadster with a v8 in it @ goodguys last year and I see quite a few sr20det out there.

Any opinions or notes?

There is an engine swap section on the 311 Forum. When you first enter the forum, look near the bottom of the topic lists.

Lots of good info and links on engine swaps and drivetrain mods.

I have to vote for the SR20-DET. Mostly because I just got mine up and running. Here's the pros and cons off the top of my head:

PRO
220 Hp stock, and easily modified if you need more
Shaves about 100 pounds off the U-20 set up
Modern fuel injected computer controlled engine
Great on gas, low emissions (no stinking like exhaust after a drive)
Moderately easy swap
It's a Nissan product!

CON
Not cheap
Parts available, but not from your local auto store
Must find reputable engine importer
Install requires welding, fabrication, and wiring

All in all, I'm extremely happy I did my conversion and would do it again in an instant.

I have to agree with Dave and would like to add one point in the 'PRO' section...

Starts the moment you turn the key every day.

And it is sooo much lighter than a V8 and I like the sound of the engine much better...TR

Good point Travis. How'd I miss that one, it's on of the best! I gave a friend and fellow Dastun nut a ride for the first time in the roadster last night. He's got 2 510s and an early 70s Datsun pickup. All powered by the original engines, 2 with SUs and one with a Webber. I was sure to point out the best part of all is, it's starts right up and idles perfectly. No choke to mess around with, and no making excuses about how it's "cold blooded" and has to warm up before it runs acceptably.

Well I can definetly see the advantage of the sr20det, but have any of you rode in the v8 equipped roadsters?

I'm really curious to what it feels like, is there a good comparison to the sr20 or is it just overkill that goes straight?

No, never ridden in one...

But, I can't imagine the weight balance can be very good...

Maybe with an all aluminum setup...

Then again, even the SR puts out more torque than can be applied to the street and the wide power band (pulls right to 8K) of the little motor is a lot of fun! TR

Here's another possible pro. Couldn't you relatively easily hook up cruise control with a newer motors with a computer and all? Ofcours another con might be that you have a computer and all that. One thing I love about my simple old car is just that, its a simple old car.

And my car always starts right up! Okay maybe not when it's hot

Anyone who was at shasta saw a v-8 powered roadster. It had a 302 ford stuffed in it. Alot of modification to the engine bay was needed to wedge it in. With the front being so nose heavy the owner told me it does not corner.

As an owner that almost got a SR20DE swap done I can tell you that for a 1900lb car a kicking, high reving 4 banger is all you need!

And anyone looking for a SR20DE setup give me an email, I have one.

Alexi

I still like my solex U20 . Its plenty fast and did/will start on the first try every morning (even with 4 cracked pistons and shot rings. It got 30 mpg on thefreeway as well in that state.)

Will

Small block Chevys can be made to fit rather easily... If you really hate your car!

Our rusted out hulk had a new frame put under it before we got it. Since we had no money into it we decided to make it a death mobile.

If you look at the third pic you can see the front of the engine is at the center line of the front suspension. ALL THE WEIGHT from the swap was put rearward, and yes the 350/PG weighed more than the R/4spd the removal of the center section of the framealong with the (not shown) welded in crossmember and driveshaft loops made up for a lot of the weight.

This iteration of the car was dumped in favor of the new setup.
A Thunderbird Supercoupe block with a set of late model alloy Split Port heads, a ported F150 intake, 1 5/8" tube headers y'ing into a T04 turbo with a Supercoupe intercooler and a port nitrous system for drag race duties. The drivetrain project will be finished in October for testing in Michigan with the body getting prepped for the Grassroots Motorsports $2005.00 Challenge in April.

The width issue is nearly the same as with the SBC but I can move the lighter engie/tranny combo back to the same point in the car.

The other car we will start later in the year will run a Mazda/Kia 2.0L hybrid with a Miata tranny and front and rear suspensions. This one will be a neat driver.

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I was going to wide body it like Shelby did with the Ace in making it a Cobra but with the new revisions I got rid of the dreaded bump steer and caster issues inherent in the OEM design. I put a Miata cradle under it. I will get some photos up of that conversion soon, It is sweet, plu you get an OEM design that weighs half of your original but is twice as strong!