Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/article ... un510_KA-T" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Kevin is a great guy and has one hell of a nice 510. When I was actively playing 510s, he went for a ride down to Shasta with me in my VG-turbo powered 510 and by the time that trip was over, the hook was set and he had to have turbo power!

Great car, great guy...

Michael

Michael,

The article seems to suggest you suggested the KA, but you don't seem to like the KA for the Roadster. What's your thought behind that?

Without going into the way-back machine (this recommendation was 10+ years ago now!) this is what I seem to remember: Kevin had some sort of LZ hybrid engine that he was working on for his car, and I suggested the KA would be a good choice as he wanted modern EFI, a ECU that could be easily tuned, and if I remember right, he liked the fact that he could use an aftermarket cast manifold and still clear the 510s steering. The KA fit the bill for Kevin's application perfectly...

As for my opinion about the KA in a roadster, well, that opens one of these:



In all fairness the KA is ok, easy to find, cheap, and I am told a near-no-cut install into a roadster. I have not seen any weights of a KA powered roadster, so I can't tell you what the weight penalty of the iron-blocked KA is. They make more torque than the SR and make more HP than some versions of the NA SR.

I have not driven a KA powered roadster, but I have driven several KA powered 510s, and they don't seem to have the crispness of that the SR does. The SR is silky smooth to its 7500rpm redline, while the KA is raspy and buzzy. Mind you, these are all opinions (and we know what we say about those...)

I suggest a google search, or a search of 311s of the pros and cons of this engine... you can spend months reading people's opinions of this swap.

For many, I am sure the KA would be a great swap-- modern EFI, easy to find, parts as close as your local Nissan dealer. There are several owners on here that have KA powered cars and seem to be very happy with them.

For those who want something a little more interesting (ie. fun to drive), I would suggest a drive in an SR powered roadster. I have not taken anyone for a drive that has told me that they would rather have something else under the hood...

Hope that helps,

Michael Spreadbury
spriso motorsports

Michael,
That was a very well executed walk through a minefield.