Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Hi all,

I'm thinking about eventually swapping in to my 1600. Though my engine's good and the gearbox is ok, a 4 speed is just not cutting and and a little more power would be great.

Of all the engine+transmission swaps - what would a recommended swap in be that involved the minimum modifications to the frame and body....?

Cheers, John

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Hasnt the miata engine been swapped w/o any cutting or major mods? Also has an endless supply of performance parts/OEM parts!

Miata motor or Zetec , Im thinking! Good luck!

I heard about the Miata - it's called the MX5 here (we Aussies like codenames for some reason!!). I'm hoping it's the earlier models that can swap in.

The ford zetec here is perhaps the called the 'Focus' here? Anyway I don't think they've been around too long in australia so sourcing a 2nd hand engine would be hard (I may be wrong though).

Anyone out there got the Miata/MX5 conversion?

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Do you have the Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 litre down there? I have a friend in England had one, that was a NICE drivetrain. I've seen them in some Super 7 buildups too, so rear wheel drive is a done deal. http://homepage.ntlworld.com/ian.archbo ... index.html

Thanks for the info guys.

The Ford Focus, Mondeo and Fiesta are front wheel drive I think. Not sure what the go would be for coverting to RWD but it'd be nice to get an engine/gearbox combo together.

We don't have Vauxall here but there's an 82 model cavalier that looks just like an old Holden Camira here - perhaps they have the same engine - but again I think the Camira is a front wheel drive.

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Although the Miata motor might be newer and have the benefits of fuel injection I don't think it will have much more power than the R16. The R16 is close to 100 horsepower and the Miata is 113 or so unless you get the 133 horsepower 1.8 liter. Regardless, there won't be much seat of the pants improvement with a gain of 15-30 horsepower. My suggestion is to use the SR20 or KA24. There is a minor amount of cutting and welding required but they produce 150-165 horsepower and really bring life to the car. I know that you can bolt a lot of speed parts onto a miata motor but you can do the same to your R16 and save the hassle of doing the swap in the first place.

My opinion is to stick with a swap (SR20/KA24) that is very popular and has a lot on knowlege base to solve problems along the way. Then you won't have to worry about finding the right bell housing to put a FWD engine in your car or have to bolt a lot of speed parts on just to equal the performance of the factory U20 motor.

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Good info, but it could be that SR20s in Aussieland don't need cutting. Ken Smart did it with no cuts! Of course, he did have to dent a crossmember which may offend some sensibilities...

Mark,

Is there an area here on the 311 Org site that refers to other mods to get the ztec in a roadster? Engine mounts, trans mount, driveshaft etc? type of external electric fuel pump and the small details?

Thanks, Tom

Agree w/tom. I would love lots of details--but then its all work on you for our gain. Except...if its so compelling that soon there are dozens of Zetecs on the road in Datsuns, you will be the guru emeritus!

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Mark,
Do you have a close figure on the weight of the Zetec engine, fully dressed with manifolds, etc. ready to drop in? I would like to compare it to some other engines of known weight, just to fill out a small spreadsheet of options available.

Thanks.