How would you do it?

[spl310]

If you were whisked away back to the 60's and given the objective of building the best Datsun Sports model available, what would you keep or change? You can think in terms of parts that were used during the run, parts from other period cars, etc. Let's keep it period though - as if you were given carte blanche to build whatever you wanted from the Nissan parts bins of the 1960s. No dragging parts from anything newer than 1970 into the mix...

[jrusso07]

OK, I'll play

I would start with Datsun competition parts, U20 with Solex carbs with B or C cam, oil cooler, LSD, close ratio 5 speed. Redesign the evil L and chain tensioners to prevent chain slop and stretch, variable timing cam gear, lowering springs, independent rear suspension, Larger front sway bar with rear sway bar, front air dam, Koni red shocks, 4 wheel disc brakes, AR Le Mans wheels, 5 lug hubs, fender space for 8" wide wheels, leather wrapped steering wheel, reclining seats, AM/FM/Cassette deck with 6 speakers integrated into body/interior. Roll bar with movable wind deflector and racing harness attach option, driver and passenger door mirrors, rear mounted battery, inflatable spare tire...

[bakerjf]

I’ve already built that car.

Competition Parts:
Mikuni/Solex Carburetors, “B” Camshaft, 7qt. Aluminum Oil Pan, NOS Oil Cooler and Deep Pickup Racing Oil Pump, NOS Limited Slip Differential (3.7), Clutch Pressure Plate and Disc, NOS Front Springs (early), and 23mm Sway Bar.

Dealer Option Parts:
Everwing Fog Lights, Day/Night Rearview Mirror, Passenger Foot Rest, AMCO “Datsun” Floor Mats.

Rebuilt/revalved period-correct Koni shocks.

Genuine ARE Libre’s wearing period-correct reproduction Pirelli Cinturatos 165/HR14.

No tech “improvements” anywhere (i.e. ignition, stereo, etc...)

[redroadster]

Easy...A 71 240Z , with a Crown brand turbo kit .carbed ..I've driven one ,scary fast ,had the dual pt distributor
How many of you have driven a 311 , Z or sporty 510
on bias plys it was a different animal they seemed more nimbal too

[68DSU]

Easy...A 71 240Z , with a Crown brand turbo kit .carbed ..I've driven one ,scary fast ,had the dual pt distributor

Made as a convertable and you may have the perfect roadster.

[redroadster]

Not when clouds are around
You said best Datsun sports model ,
A Roadster was a 2 door 2 seat / occupant lite car, right ?

[Curtis]

5 lug hubs?

[C.Costine]

OK, I'll play

I would start with Datsun competition parts, U20 with Solex carbs with B or C cam, oil cooler, LSD, close ratio 5 speed. Redesign the evil L and chain tensioners to prevent chain slop and stretch, variable timing cam gear, lowering springs, independent rear suspension, Larger front sway bar with rear sway bar, front air dam, Koni red shocks, 4 wheel disc brakes, AR Le Mans wheels, 5 lug hubs, fender space for 8" wide wheels, leather wrapped steering wheel, reclining seats, AM/FM/Cassette deck with 6 speakers integrated into body/interior. Roll bar with movable wind deflector and racing harness attach option, driver and passenger door mirrors, rear mounted battery, inflatable spare tire...

Joe, it looks like the IRS is by far the most significant item on your list. From where would you source it?

[jrusso07]

Joe, it looks like the IRS is by far the most significant item on your list. From where would you source it?

From the 240Z with the McPherson struts...along with the reclining seats and AM/FM radio.... ?

Rear quarters would have to change a bit and storage for soft top might be an issue but some smart suspension engineer on the team would figure it out before the cars went into production (I am assuming).

I was thinking about a turbo but I am just not well versed in 1960s turbo tech

As for the 5 lug hubs, I was thinking about the loading from the grip of the wide wheels/tires...I would have named the tires if I had a clue as to what was the best sticky tire of the day...radial tires, although a relative old concept were just coming out on production cars in the late 60's...maybe I could bring some current tech tires back with me in the time machine?

[rwmann]

Goodyear Blue Streaks...