Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Teesun68 wrote: Sun Aug 04, 2019 8:15 am All..well - first swap and doing lot's of learning..(read doing things multiple times...lol) ....a couple of question for those who have gone before me on this adventure: Engine mock-up is in but some fine tuning is required:
1) With the tranny in and horizontal, I have about 9 Deg "tilt" off a vertical on the engine -- towards the driver side -- is that normal/expected?

The tilt is normal towards the drivers side. It’s the design of the engine to be tilted. I’m not sure the angle, I can look at mine, but yours looks good just me eyeballin it.

2) With that tilt and keeping the center-line of the frame alligned pretty close to the centerline of the crank-shaft - the drain portion of the standard oil pan is pretty darn close to hitting the bottom A-arm mount to the frame (passenger side) - less than 1/4" of separation which I do not like. Is that "normal" for this swap?

That is also normal. I ended up cutting about 3/4” or more out of my nub. This is to give me clearance and oil change access.

3) I'm only 2 deg down front to back and I'lll be shooting for 5-6 Deg to help with alligment to the pinion..That means jacking up the engine front and maybe shaving the tranny mount a bit to help with that position. Any ideas how high one can go with the front of the engine and still close the hood? reference off the bottom of the block vs. top of the frame for example - or something similar....? My engine is sitting much lower than Matt's in the pictures - however, my body is off on a rotissary in a shop so I can't do any field fit-up/verification...Any ideas on this one?

Matching pinion angle is most important. That should be your target angle for the engine. I’m doing a rearend swap so I can more easily set the angle of the rear end. My engine is currently at 1.5 degrees as is my rearend. As for hood clearance I have about 1”.