Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I am in the process of planning out an SR swap. I am undecided on Turbo or not. Leaning towards turbo.

I figure that for a clean low windshield you are looking at $5k - $7k. Lets assume that you spend $7 for a very clean car that doesn't need paint or any body work. Sell the motor and trans for $1k or so so you are in it $6k.

$1500-$2k for a SR20DET motor seems to be on the high end. Lets say you are now in it $8k.

Tires and wheels $1500. $9500

Suspension $1000. $10,500

Rear end $1500 $12K

Roll bar and upgraded seats $1000 $13k

I'm assuming that someone would install the motor with all needed parts,exhaust,guages, etc for less than $5k. $18,000

What else am I missing?

Good luck getting $1k for a 1600 and 4 speed.

[quote="Alvin"][quote="SERE Nate"]I am in the process of planning out an SR swap. I am undecided on Turbo or not. Leaning towards turbo.
Go Turbo[/color]
I figure that for a clean low windshield you are looking at $5k - $7k. Lets assume that you spend $7 for a very clean car that doesn't need paint or any body work. Sell the motor and trans for $1k or so so you are in it $6k.
Agree with Sid, R16/trans is almost giveaway
$1500-$2k for a SR20DET motor seems to be on the high end. Lets say you are now in it $8k.
$2k+ for a legit, strong motorset, even more for a front clip which is safer
Tires and wheels $1500. $9500

Suspension $1000. $10,500
You could spend $1k in ball joints alone. This depends on the condition of your suspension/brakes
Rear end $1500 $12K

Roll bar and upgraded seats $1000 $13k

I'm assuming that someone would install the motor with all needed parts,exhaust,guages, etc for less than $5k. $18,000
I highly doubt that anyone would provide you with a turnkey install for under $5k. Gauges themselves can be $1k. Turbo associated plumbing adds $$$.
What else am I missing?
Wiring, testing, trouble shooting.

Alvin, that blue is unreadable..lol

If you are getting a DET that doesn't need rebuild for 1500-2k, love to know where..

Your install is way way way under 1/2 for someone who knows what they are doing and is not learning on your car. Just starting at the exhaust manifold, the amount of fab work needed for turbo is exponential compared to a DE. Holes cut in fenders, in the right places, the right parts, a routing that works, the right computer and harness, none of it is cheap. Sure it could be done, especially if you do all the work. But a professional turnkey install for a DET is not cheap or easy.

@SERE Nate

Maybe this is covered above but I'm piling on anyway.

Suspect the stock brakes might not be good enough for you and your turbo ...
Add another 1000 or more for new brakes maybe more if you do not do the work

Lowering your suspension likely will be on your list too ... 300 or more for this.

I searched for a turbo herein too for grins ... Maybe you make him an offer ... Lol

http://www.311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.ph ... bo#p212145

I do not think Alvin and Mike have a turbo and they are plenty fast. There is little
safety from other drivers in these cars so be careful where you drive it!

I think you can buy aftermarket ball joints for 498 plus shipping

I purchased an unfinished '69 s13sr20de project a few years ago. 90% of the body work was done, drive train was all there, had most interior pieces etc. Bought it right and had Spriso do frame mods and supply brackets and mounts. Did a flat dash conversion with new Classic Instruments gauges, body work finished and painted, rx7 LSD rear end by Spriso, 300zx brakes Spriso kit, I sourced and rebuilt calipers, CRX radiator and fan, new water pump, thermostat housing re-route, belt, Nissan lower radiator hose with sensor, air intake plumbing, accelerator cable sourcing and fabrication, Wiring Specialties engine harness, EZ wiring chassis harness, new interior, under hood insulation, new top, wheels and tires, exhaust system, shocks, ball joints, bushings, seals, steering box rebuild, Acura fuel pump in tank (done by Spriso), Justy alternator, re chrome and/or new shiny parts, stainless bumpers, new glove box, new brake and fuel lines, had new master cylinders when car was purchased....probably missed some... but this might give you an idea of what can be involved.

I'm nearing completion and will be happy if I'm in it for less than 20K

Pat Mahoney
so close, yet so far!

Seems like you could almost build a factory five Shelby cobra for the price of a SR20det roadster

SERE Nate wrote:Seems like you could almost build a factory five Shelby cobra for the price of a SR20det roadster

Nope. I was looking into that a few years back before i decided on the mini one

$25k seems to be the figure for a factory five unless you go crazy. At least with those you can do all of the work yourself

@ RCMike
FIXED

Nate, is the FF5 kit-car an option or just for kicks-comparison?

Building a factor 5 roadster is #1 on my bucket list. I don't have $20k to get started though. My plan was to buy a Datsun Roadster for around $5k (think I found one too btw, more to follow as I don't want to lose it) Upgrade the necessary components this fall winter, and enjoy driving it next spring summer and fall. The following winter do the swap. Eventually I'd sell it and use the money to fund my cobra . I want to learn to drive the Datsun and get used to the power in a small car before I kill myself in the cobra

SERE Nate wrote:Building a factor 5 roadster is #1 on my bucket list. I don't have $20k to get started though. My plan was to buy a Datsun Roadster for around $5k (think I found one too btw, more to follow as I don't want to lose it) Upgrade the necessary components this fall winter, and enjoy driving it next spring summer and fall. The following winter do the swap. Eventually I'd sell it and use the money to fund my cobra . I want to learn to drive the Datsun and get used to the power in a small car before I kill myself in the cobra

A good plan, just be sure you do not get too attached to your roadster, smart not to clue us in on your 5 K jewel !
I could never find the time needed to do the work while I was working (employed getting a paycheck).
You are likely more skilled and a lot younger and if you have friends willing to help you, great too!

Just finalized the transaction! There are a few things wrong with it but I feel that it's perfect for what I'm wanting to do. $4500 plus $700 for shipping. So far I'm within budget. . Lol

http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/car ... 64346.html

If you DET swap, be very afraid of that right rear corner. Make SURE that the frame is straight. That car was hit pretty hard in that corner to fold the trunk up like that, and when you start putting real power in the car, well, you want it to go straight..

That being said, welcome to the fun! Get the brakes working and drive the heck out of it for a while! You are going to want to be attached to the car before it becomes a pile of parts..

If your goal is to build a cobra, why do an SR swap rather than a V8? There have been at least four small block Ford powered roadsters built. Going Ford will give you experience with the recommended power plant for the factory five.