Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Just picked up a 70' 1600 all stock and in great shape. Going to go through it but got a ka24 for free with tranny and wanted opinions whether to use it for a swap or a sr20? Is the savings worth it?

Southplacerkid wrote: Tue Jun 30, 2020 12:59 am Just picked up a 70' 1600 all stock and in great shape. Going to go through it but got a ka24 for free with tranny and wanted opinions whether to use it for a swap or a sr20? Is the savings worth it?

You already have a free drivetrain. Use it.
What are you trying to save?

If it's in great shape, I'd leave it stock. I did am SR20 turbo swap but mine was total junk to start with.If you are going to swap then Alvin has good advice.

Southplacerkid wrote: Tue Jun 30, 2020 12:59 am Just picked up a 70' 1600 all stock and in great shape. Going to go through it but got a ka24 for free with tranny and wanted opinions whether to use it for a swap or a sr20? Is the savings worth it?

Why not run it stock and tighten up the loose nut behind the wheel before you go all crazy and take apart something that's "all stock" and "in great shape".

Some guys like the “fixing” or “building” part of the Roadster hobby more than the “driving” part. It’s OK, no shame LOL. If that’s you, go ahead. But it is sad when a car gets torn down, then the project stalls and a bunch of boxes wind up for sale.Fewer people want to put the Humpty Dumpty car back together again..... So, not sure of your motivation or skills but hope you can follow thru on whatever path you choose, and enjoy the process! The List is here to help, and the Search function, though klunky has it all.
Good luck!
Linda

I've not done a swap, but just going from carbs to EFI and the need for high pressure fuel delivery does not make it a drop in deal, unless you want to go dual side-draft carbs. Frame mods are also necessary for both I believe. Options for improving power with the R would include removal of all emission controls (nobody yell at me!), adding an EI distributor, cam change (pros and cons, but more pros from how I like to drive) and dual Mikuni, Weber, Dellorto or the like carbs and intake with a wide band A/F meter for proper jetting. The R looks really cool with the finned rocker cover and dual side-drafts, and sounds cool too. You could always add nitros and challenge a strong U20!
If you plan to keep it, then I encourage you to make it as you want it. If not sure, stock cars are becoming harder to find, so consider keeping it in a manner than makes you happy but can be returned to stock configuration if desired. Once you modify the frame, it's no longer easily returned to stock.

So I guess I’ll chime in.

I agree with the previous posts
-If in good condition why not keep it original (they are fun as sh!t to drive bone stock! and these cars are getting fewer in numbers)
-if in decent condition you could go either way, I’m mean really it’s your car and you’ve got a free, hopefully very clean ka, why not?

But if you go ka, as I have, it’s a can-o-worms! Even with less frame work than a sr needs it’s still a lot of work and...heres the big thing....money! Even with the cost of the motor out you still need to spend on things you will need. But hey I think a lot of us have got a lot more time at home lately (not me though...kids) so it’s good at killin time!
Radiator, Brakes, Gauges or Gauge interface, Wiring, Exhaust ..Just some things to think about that you’ll need!

Then the things you want.
Wheels, interior spruce up, paint?

But most importantly, just have fun with it! Sounds corny but if you don’t then it’s just a waste of time. Nope now it’s corny.

Thinking about what Greg said about “return to stock”
It might be possible to do the swap in a way to make it completely reversible? I have to think about that some more but think it’s possible. I digress

2 cents of nonsense

Matthew

Id call your insurance guy ...be honest telling what you want to do and insure ...for his imput
https://www.lelandwest.com/reporting-ve ... ompany.cfm

By the discussion on that link, the only person on this forum who is actually covered is John Baker, and for him only when he is running the tiny bias ply tires he has for show duty.