Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Im Eddie, I just bought a 1964 fairlady roadster with a 1600 engine. Although this is my first roadster, this is not my first fairlady. I have owned three z32 fairlady's (90-96 300zx). I spent the majority of my early twenties on twinturbo.net which is a great resource regarding Z's. While there I started from not knowing squat about cars to, building an amazing Z. I invested much of my time and money into that Z, and don't regret a thing. From the resources available on that forum I was able to rebuild/ replace 90% of that car in my garage. From brake pads to a twinturbo engine swap,and even a little body work. So I understand the importance of forums such as this in owning a classic.
My plans for this fairlady began as pretty simple, just to get it running. I bought it with the impression from the previous owner that it just needed the carb rebuilt. Did that, but it turns out the fuel pump needs to be replaced as well. This is no big deal to do, but I discovered I dont like the way it feels. I did get it running, (temporary fix without the fuel pump) and discovered I dont like the way tranny shifts, and the way the engine idled, and especially dealing with the carb, and choke etc. (The classic enthusiast are ready to kill me with that statement.)
Ive decided that I would like to swap a sr20de engine and tranny in. Im all for keeping it original, but I will not enjoy this car with the stock engine and tranny. No, I dont want to build a race car, I just want something thats easy to drive, low maintainence, and reliable. Now Ive been looking at alot of posts on doing this swap such as spriso's posts, and the two others on this forum, and also a website called mydatsunroadster.com which is amazingly great!, and I feel fairly confident in doing this swap in my garage. Do to limited space, I may be doing this with the body on the frame. Any recomendations?
I dont anticipate doing the swap anytime soon though. I know once I start, money will just start flying out of my bank account, so Ive gotta set up a budget.
Also, the 1600 engine is for sale as of now.
Here are some pics of my fairlady. I call her Elva:

welcome. and good luck with you build.

PS. put your location in your profile

Best budget in cash for a serious brake upgrade.

http://www.spriso.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


this guy is a member here, and he is the guru for swapping motors. lots of threads in engine swap on the site to look at and drool over. spl310 is dead on, please upgrade the brakes if you are swapping in a sr20de motor. welcome to the site, and keep us updated with pics of your project.

one day, when the wife is fully on my side with the roadster, i would love to own one more, and do a swap myself. or trade mine to someone who has done a swap.

Also Kevin Desirello, from Riverside, I believe, does that swap. He is on the board also.

Linda

As far as motor swapped cars go, there is no way I would do one on a 1500. The 1500's are a lot more "antique" than the other Roadsters. More of a touring car, than a sports car. I don't know if the 1500 can handle it without a ton of upgrades that you would not have to do with a later car. Why start 5 steps behind?

At the minimum you will need to upgrade the brakes and steering, before the motor swap.

Welcome!
You'll obviously get a lot of opinons here! But the best news is that you get a lot of information and resources to make your own decisions. That is one fine looking "starting place" and I look forward to seeing your project take shape!

Hi and welcome...I am still kinda new here also but you will find there is unlimited amount of resorces and good folks here to get you in the right direction..I am also toying with the swap idea however just my opinion I wouldn't do that to an early Roadster especially one that looks as nice as the one you got there..Good luck with your new toy and keep us posted with you progress..

Welcome and good luck with your new project! I am supremely confident you will be able to find all the information you need to complete your build on this sitre, plus more opinions than you ever wanted!

Eddie,

Congrats on picking up a nice 1500! The SR20 swap is not going to be a lot different in a 1500 than a 1600 as the critical engine compartment dimensions are the same. As you have probably discovered, there are lots of good threads on people's SR conversions in the engine swap section, and as always, if you have any questions regarding converting your car, there are several experts here that will help you with your questions.

I look forward to seeing your progress on your project, and if I can help you with any conversion parts for your project, please don't hesitate to ask.

Michael

Welcome!
Here's a 1500 with turbo'd L-series:
http://311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f= ... =turbo+l16" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;