I have a 69 521 with a J13 engine. I'm trying to use it as my daily commuter and it's a bit low geared as well as the clutch slipping, in addition to the rear main leaking like a sieve.

I can pick up a L18/5 speed combo out of a 620 for less than the cost of a new clutch, which I think is the way to go. Before I do that though, I need to make sure that it's going to be a simple bolt in, or at least need to be aware of the required changes.

Are the mounts different? Wiring? Since the L series was optional I have to assume it's close to a bolt in. I would appreciate any input.

As a side note, I'd love to do a KA24 and 5 speed from an S13, but I know that's more involved than I have time for right now.

Devin

While I can't say for sure on this particular swap, I know that 90% of the swaps in these trucks require new mounts for both engine ans trans. Haven't seen anyone do this exact swap though, so I'm not really sure.

I'll see if I can dig up some info on it. I suggest you try and see if you can find anyone who has done it before as well.

Welcome to the forums man!

You will have to cut out old mounts weld in new for the motor & mod the transmission mount. Post pictures of you engine bay & I can tell you other changes also depending on what motor & trans you will be running. Check my build thread on my 66 520 there is a lot of info in it. Your truck being a 69 521 should have the longer engine compartment. (back edeg of radiator support to firewall on a 520 is 5" shorter) Post this measurement and I will compare it to a 66 520.

Heck, for all that work I could drop in a V8!

Hey if you do the swap thing, is the J13 engine and trans gunna be needed to be gotten rid of, and if so I'm interested.

hey man i got a 71 pl521 i just went from the 1600 w 4speed to a l20b with a 5 speed out a 240z for the mounts i bolted the old perchs to the l20b and for the tranny i just cut part of the mount off and drilled2holes... datsuns are like chevys n the way that lots of the parts are interchangeable as you probley already know as far as the wireing it was simpler due to the internal regulater in the newer alternator... but i didnt do anyweldin at all so hopefully this helps but my lil trucks wayyyyyyyy better now.... good luck

I did a swap years ago. I took an L20B and swapped out the old L16. I used the L20 motor mounts and it slid right into place, married up with the stock 4 spd. and she ran like a raped ape!! It was a '71 520. I would replace the motor and tranny mounts if you have the dough. I do beleive everything is very close to interchangeable without any fabrication.

I have a 71 521. I pulled the 1600 and 4 speed out, trying to stuff a 2.2 and 5 speed from an 85 king cab in it. Radiator has become an issue, the 85 won't fit in the 71. Will the original 71 radiator provide enough cooling for the 2.2 ( not sure what motor it is, but it has 8 spark plugs for 4 cylinders, and 2 coils). Sounds like I'm not the first guy to do this swap, advice would be apreciated, thanks.

Motor mount on a J motor are on the front, unlike the L series motors that are a side mount. You guys are comparing apple to oranges.

just craig wrote:Hey if you do the swap thing, is the J13 engine and trans gunna be needed to be gotten rid of, and if so I'm interested.

I've got a j13 with the 4spd available. Colorado it lives

Back in the 70's (yes I'm old) I did four 520-21 swaps with 327 chevs and 4 speed Muncies. They were rather exciting rides! Now, for power, I'd swap a V6 chev with a 200R4 trans. Currently, I am putting a 3.8 Buick turbo v6 with a 200r4 in my 71 521. I'll have a great 1600 four speed for sale soon!!

At the risk of hijacking has anyone ever swapped a 1600 out of a fair lady into a 521?

Or the modified [i,e, shorter] R1600 from an RL411?