Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Hello fellow nuts,

It's been a while since I've posted up, allow me to share the latest! I've got the 'parts' car that I purchased to build out my driver. However as it turns out, I didn't really need much off of it as I had plenty of good stuff to spare to finish my gray-lady out.

The original engine (#11373)from my first car, which i bought from a retired mechanic, was in boxes when I got it. As you can see, didn't take much to get it ready for refresh. Really cool fact, the cylinders had already been honed .050 over and the pistons had been purchased to match
The new motor received new main bearings everywhere, new rings to fit pistons, seals etc Clean original blue and freeze plugs from Dean, Followed by crank and piston installation New timing components of course!
It is so much fun working on these engines!!

Such a fun endeavor Eh? Once you get past the trepidation of its first start and break in, the new fun begins!

I think you omitted the piston return springs

redroadster wrote: Sun Nov 13, 2022 8:48 pm I think you omitted the piston return springs

Haha! Made me look!

So here’s the survivor that’s getting the new transplant. Pick this baby out a few years ago out at Lake Elsinore. Does anyone recognize her?

Gregs672000 wrote: Sun Nov 13, 2022 1:23 pm Such a fun endeavor Eh? Once you get past the trepidation of its first start and break in, the new fun begins!

As anyone who has one of these beauties can probably testify, you have to become your own mechanic in order to keep em. They aren't just fun to drive but also very rewarding to wrench on. Lovin it

Ok, on to pulling the tired U20 out!

great work! you are definitely getting my motivation up and stoke to complete my engine build. that blue with the freeze plugs just looks so right!

Thank you Mochi! Stick with your build, it will be done before you know it.

Right now the "gray-lady" is staring with envy at "zesty" because she's not getting any attention

Dont ask me how I know, but......It's best to remove the grille when pulling engine and/or removing the hood. You'll see many Roadsters that have a bit of nose-punch damage, usually due to ooops during this process. FWIW Pat

Definitely Pat, luckily I managed to ease it in there no problem, however almost broke my windshield glass yesterday changing wiper blades. We Need to be super careful around these legends so better safe than sorry

William

It’s in there!!
She’s a real thing of beauty!

So after many years, I've managed to get another Roadster back on the road! I feel fortunate to be part of a small breed of afficionados working to save these endangered species!
After a few initial runs around the block, I took it into my buddy's shop to help with the muffler installation and the tuning. I was running around without a muffler and wow, what a note from the open header!
I added a flex joint to the old exhaust just past the header and also a bung for an O2 sensor. I wired in an AEM af monitor to help with the tune. It pulls nicely!

Great job there Bill!
Last pic - Oh what a feeling