Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Anyone know of someone in the Seattle area that would perform an engine swap??? I've got a '69 (almost sold it a few weeks back) and think that maybe just putting a bit more "bite" in it might do the trick...it currently has a 1600 engine in from a '67 roadster (per the fellow I bought it from three years ago) suggestions anyone??

If you have more money than time, I would contact Michael at Spriso and see if he will do a SR20 swap for you. He is in Corvallis, OR so he is only 5 hrs from Kent. He's the man.

+1 for Michael, you will be happy

Definately more money than time (or, common sense and mechanical aptitude for that matter) on this end. Two recommendations for the same guy...that's a big plus! Thanks guys!

I am unaware of anyone in the greater Puget Sound area that does engine swaps for roadsters. Closest one that I know of is, yep, Mister Spreadbury in Corvallis, OR. That's if you want a SR20.

ppeters914 wrote: Closest one that I know of is, yep, Mister Spreadbury in Corvallis, OR. That's if you want a SR20.

...or other Nissan drivetrains as well.

....I'm open to a host of suggestions/possibilities....save for a 351 Cleveland....I appreciate your time and feedback.

Saint

Give us the following info, it's the best way to get help and make a decision.
Otherwise this will turn into a "my engine swap is the best one for you" thread

-Are you serious? Or just inquiring?
-Will you do most of the work yourself or completely hire it out to someone else?
-Budget?
-Timeline?
-Nissan or other make drivetrains desired?
-Is modifying the chassis/frame a concern?
-Do you want the bare minimum or something that dazzles underhood?
-Are you looking for a significant amount of power, 200+?

Steve should we work on a " engine swap FAQ" or is that redundant?

Alvin,

No, we could have one of those.

Steve

....I can see how this can get both digressive and polarized by peoples preferences. Alvin, to answer some of your questions...I'm only in the due diligence phase at this point, so truthfully, I'm not sure what I want. I guess keeping it Nissan would be preferential, and budget, hell I have no idea what to expect...I would need someone to take care of it all from horn to hoof as I'm of VERY limited mechanical ability. I do like tinkering w/ my roadster, but honestly, I'm no purist. It's cute...It's fun...It's surely an attention getter....I just like it, and wonder if "goosing it up" a tad bit would be something I would like. Thanks for both the timeliness and the thorough nature of your replies to my post.

Saint

Saint & Son wrote:....I just like it, and wonder if "goosing it up" a tad bit would be something I would like. Saint

All you need to do is "soup up" your existing motor.
Rebuild it, new gaskets, tuned carbs, a hotter cam, larger exhaust, EI, and you are set.

...and to that end, does anybody have a Seattle area recommendation for this type of rebuild? Again, given my lack of mechanical aptitude, I would need someone to do the whole thing for me...might even consider having a 5 speed tranny put in as well...any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks guys for your input!

Saint

Roadsters are very reliable compared to other cars of the same vintage and many newer cars. However, a 40 year old car is going to have some mechanical problems to deal with. There are many roadster examples that need little tinkering but I would say the majority are not gas and go like a modern car. If you are not particularly mechanically inclined then I would have to urge you to have a modern engine installed. I really have nothing against the R16 or U20. They just suffer from being an old design. A modern fuel injected motor will start and run perfectly every time. They will never need carb adjustments. Modern motors can be worked on by most shops and parts are relatively cheap.

nomadtrash wrote:Roadsters are very reliable compared to other cars of the same vintage and many newer cars. However, a 40 year old car is going to have some mechanical problems to deal with. There are many roadster examples that need little tinkering but I would say the majority are not gas and go like a modern car. If you are not particularly mechanically inclined then I would have to urge you to have a modern engine installed. I really have nothing against the R16 or U20. They just suffer from being an old design. A modern fuel injected motor will start and run perfectly every time. They will never need carb adjustments. Modern motors can be worked on by most shops and parts are relatively cheap.

You lie.