New Yorker...hoping to be a newbie owner....need a push!

[punkzdriver]

Hey,
My name is Billy, and I am a car fanatic, and used to be a 92 300zx owner. The car was completely worked, but only an NA, so I convinced myself to sell it. I miss it dearly. But, during the time of ownership, I became a Z / nissan / datsun enthusiast/fanatic. My earlier dream was to get a 240z and put a RB from an R34 in it. I currently am pessimistic about that one, being that I dont think I will ever have the funds to do it correctly at a time that my wife will give em the ok.

So, now I search through craigslist and look for cars that can be had on the cheap. Its more than an obsession...quite frankly, its problematic. but, the other day I came across a 69 Roadster 2000 that looks to be in real nice condition, but has no engine or tranny. The owner has an SR20DET, with ECU, tranny, etc. that he was looking to swap in. I am pretty sure he will let the car go for a fair to bargain price, and would possibly do the same on the engine. Now, this is the car that "I have to have".

Over the last few days, I been doing a significant amount of reading and researching about what needs to be done to make the swap happen, as well as found forums such as this one to point me in the right direction. In reality, it more than likely both a much bigger project, and more money than I can take on, but I dont want it to be the one that got away.

The car in question looks real good. Its not show quality, but much better than a driver. I guess the only downside (besides not having a running engine) is that its a 69, and as I have been researching, the earlier models with the short windshield, non-fixed side windows, dash mounted rear view, earlier dash are slightly more appealing to me.
Plus, there is a private performance shop not too far from me, (mainly work on Euros - VW's and audi's) that the owner is a very good metal worker.
Another downside to where I live is that here on the East coast...these seem to be pretty rare, with no clubs even listed on this forum. So, it might be hard to find one, aside from this one, IF this is the car to go with. Although, shipping a good one from the left coast might be cheaper than doing a whole build.

So, this is where I hope to be either pushed by you guys to at least buy the car...possibly the SR20DET engine as well, or to run from this one and wait for either more money, more time, and or a better example.

I appreciate any input that you can give. Ive been on many car forums before for various cars that Ive owned, and I know what to expect.

thanks,
Billy

[Roman]

Well here is a push.

No shame at all in a 69. In a lot of ways it is a better car than earlier low screen models, excepting a 67.5 2 liter.

The 67.5, you would want to restore to stock which is a ton load of cash.

A 69 with the motor swap you have in mind would be one hell of a car, and since you said this car was a bit better than a driver, it sounds like a good platform to start with.

[Poobah]

Shove!!

[Garm]

'69 is my favorite year. Because I have one.

nudge nudge....

[GeoffM]

'69 is my favorite year. Because I have one.

nudge nudge....

Our 69's have the most in common with 250GTO's... so there you go. (Teardrop sidemarker lights)

Hey Billy, have a look at Spriso Motorsports and then get to work!!

[punkzdriver]

'69 is my favorite year. Because I have one.

nudge nudge....

Our 69's have the most in common with 250GTO's... so there you go. (Teardrop sidemarker lights)

Hey Billy, have a look at Spriso Motorsports and then get to work!!

Sent them an email and checked out their website / webpages. Those guys seem really cool, being so open with their knowledge. I even read about some of the cars they have built...wish I were closer to them!

[punkzdriver]

Well here is a push.

No shame at all in a 69. In a lot of ways it is a better car than earlier low screen models, excepting a 67.5 2 liter.

The 67.5, you would want to restore to stock which is a ton load of cash.

A 69 with the motor swap you have in mind would be one hell of a car, and since you said this car was a bit better than a driver, it sounds like a good platform to start with.

The other part of my dilema (sp?) is that I can probably get a better deal on the car than on the engine...so I may want to consider just buying the car and sourcing a potentially cheaper NA SR20DE. Being new to these cars, Im unsure of the true value of the car.

Again, it looks nice...needs some paint, chrome is good, interior is good, but no engine or tranny, and the car has been sitting indoors for 15 years, so brakes and other components are going to be shot.

[Roman]

You can pick up r16 motors with transmission for cheap, install that and drive the hell out of it until you can swing the engine you want.

[notoptoy]

There are actually quite a few Roadster owners not too far from you - maybe. Where in New York are you? City or otherwise in the state?
Dbrick may not be too far, and there are a lot of others. You should probably hear from them soon.

Buy one, you'll love it!

[LI Roadster]

where in NY are you? I'm on Long Island with a 69 2000 if your close you can stop by and take a look.


if you have a good deal on a 69 and feel comfortable with an engine swap, then you might as well go all in and do a flat dash conversion like Eric's car.... best of both worlds.

[dbrick]

There are actually quite a few Roadster owners not too far from you - maybe. Where in New York are you? City or otherwise in the state?
Dbrick may not be too far, and there are a lot of others. You should probably hear from them soon.

Buy one, you'll love it!

OK, where in New York...Whatever it is, we can get you going, I'm cleaning the garage out, so is Stephen, both in North Jersey. If you want to try running cars, I have a 66 with a U20. Woody is in Westchester Cty with a SR20DET car

Spriso and Woody can fill you in, but I would guess 5K+ on a swap.

If you want to forward the info on the car, I'm NOT in the market for one, ask my Wife, glad to look it over, might even know the car.

[punkzdriver]

where in NY are you? I'm on Long Island with a 69 2000 if your close you can stop by and take a look.


if you have a good deal on a 69 and feel comfortable with an engine swap, then you might as well go all in and do a flat dash conversion like Eric's car.... best of both worlds.

Im in lower Nassau County, Seaford...about 45 minutes east of NYCto answer everyone's location inquiries.

I would love to look at your 69...where are you located?

[LI Roadster]

where in NY are you? I'm on Long Island with a 69 2000 if your close you can stop by and take a look.


if you have a good deal on a 69 and feel comfortable with an engine swap, then you might as well go all in and do a flat dash conversion like Eric's car.... best of both worlds.

Im in lower Nassau County, Seaford...about 45 minutes east of NYCto answer everyone's location inquiries.

I would love to look at your 69...where are you located?

I'm in Nassau too 20 minutes away from you. I sent you a PM........
BTW put your location in your profile... it will help you for sure

[punkzdriver]

where in NY are you? I'm on Long Island with a 69 2000 if your close you can stop by and take a look.


if you have a good deal on a 69 and feel comfortable with an engine swap, then you might as well go all in and do a flat dash conversion like Eric's car.... best of both worlds.

Im in lower Nassau County, Seaford...about 45 minutes east of NYCto answer everyone's location inquiries.

I would love to look at your 69...where are you located?

I'm in Nassau too 20 minutes away from you. I sent you a PM........
BTW put your location in your profile... it will help you for sure

Got back to you

[Wikket77]

I have seen that ad on the Yellow 69 shell, looks good and very complete. Drop in a U20 or a R16 and enjoy the ride before the swap.
Look up DRONE , Datsun Roadster of New England.. I'm pretty sure somebody have a R16 that want to get rid off.
Go Luck.