Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Hello Guys and Gals. I've recently decided on what Datsun I want to get, and its pretty obvious since I joined this forum. I am glad I did, cuz your Tech Wiki is the best I have ever seen. I haven't picked up a roadster yet, but I'll be doing some looking and poking around on here before I buy one. I'll have ~$5500 to get myself started after I sell my 1988 Toyota Supra (sale pending, btw). I'll miss having 450hp and a limited slip diff, but I can't have both and go to college.

5 things about me-
I am 19, male
I work at Baxter Auto parts
I love classics. Domestic, Japanese or Aircooled VW.
I am going to school for electrical engineering because I want to work on electric cars.
I like going on cruises and road trips (one of my reasons to get a roadster)

I have been holding out for a 2000 because they are OHC and a 5 speed. My first question- is it worth it? I would keep it mostly stock throughout my college years, except a few wiring upgrades here and there because I love wiring. I keep hearing how expensive parts are and the rarity of some parts. I can get a fair amount of parts cheap because of my employee discount, even if I have to special order them. I don't mind 1600, but I prefer a 2000. Any input is appreciated, thanks guys.

Going from 450hp to 130hp will be a big change, so I would stick with a 2liter. That said, they are more expensive to REBUILD than an R16, but no more expensive to run. I think you will enjoy the 5 speed a lot as well. If you are able to locate a well sorted, well maintained U20 powered Roadster I would go that route. I doubt you will be able to order what is expensive on a U20 (primarily timing gears, tensioners, pistons) from a typical supplier as some are NLA and only available by those who have spent the money to reproduce them for our group. However, it you get a good one and take good care of it you should not need to rebuild it any time soon. We can guide you on what to look for on things like timing gears, etc. Welcome! Once you have one, you'll likely never sell it, even though it is vintage, not super powerful compared to todays rides, rides like a vintage Roadster, etc...

Welcome to the fray-glad you joined us. I am sure you will find that perfect roadster eventually. U20's are expensive to rebuild. High mileage U20's usually have the death rattle from a stretched timing chain. R16's are rock solid motors that can be pumped up by stroking for a lot less money. SR20 swaps are popular as are the KA24 swaps. You should get a drivable roadster first so you can experience the pleasure of one in stock form. Good luck with your search.

Steve

Thank you for the inputs. My first rig was an 83 nissan pickup with the z24 in it, so I am used to slow. Going fast isn't for me anymore, I just want to cruise in a classic.

Welcome! Its nice to see young blood show interest in a car that most people dont even know about. it will help keep thes cars on the road for generations to come!

Check the cost of typical rebuild parts to get a more specific idea about what "expensive to rebuild" really means. On the other hand you can rebuild the 1600 more cheaply.
Who knows maybe you will put an electric motor in your car.
Linda

I've seen those offhand fork lift electric motors stuffed into ford rangers and whatnot. Its a cool gig, but imagining me driving to work for electric cars in a classic cars is a cool idea. Working towards the future in a classic.