Buying a Datsun 510

Post by **outcastcat** » Sat Apr 16, 2005 7:46 am

In the search for a cheap car, I ran across a couple articles on the 510. Anyone tell me whats good/bad bout buying an old 510, especially in terms of cheap go. Ive heard it is the building block for a great deal of Datsuns, but can someone please go more into depth about this.

Website · Post by **Bandit240** » Sat Apr 16, 2005 8:25 am

Well if your looking for a cheap car the 510 is not the way to go. Finding a good rustfree one will set you back a few grand. As far as building them, ive found that L20B parts are getting harder and harder to find. I would say find a newer 510 (like late 70's). They came with the L20B (and Z20 in the 80's). Even though they dont look like the old ones ther are still rare. Or if size isnt an issue look for a 210 or B210, they are small, fun to drive and can be found for a fair price. Parts are even harder to find for them since the have the A12, A14 or A15 motor(OHV pushrod motor). In fact theres a guy on NICO with a 81 210 hatchback with a rebuilt A15 for $1300~(EZCheese15)

Post by **outcastcat** » Sat Apr 16, 2005 2:05 pm

Ok another question.

What is easily swappable into a 510. Im 16 (though my dad knows quite a bit about cars) but i cant afford to have the car apart for a long time or do quite a bit of custom fabrication. Ive heard of SR20DETs, KA24 DEs, all sorts of stuff. How easy are these (and other) engine drop ins.

Anyone know if the Sentra transvere non turbo SR20DE will work?

BTW, saw a 510 with a supra engine in it once.

Website · Post by **Bandit240** » Sat Apr 16, 2005 2:18 pm

An easy swap would be the L20B. The KA,SR,CA and all others like that are going to be a bit harder since they will require major changes and wireing to be done. The transverse Sr is something im not sure about.

If your 16 you really dont need to try get a fast car. Find something you can beat on and just drive. Trust me on that one. My frist car was a $350 1983 Nissan sentra, FUN little car for a frist timer. #2 was a 1989 Nissan 240SX, 2 speeding tickets in less than 2 months and 5 months after i got it i hit a deer doing 70.

Message me on AIM @ B11sentra for anything else.

Post by **outcastcat** » Sat Apr 16, 2005 2:42 pm

heard those sentras are good little cars, and they are probably what i am most seriously looking at. Great post though.

probably just get a GA16 sentra, and if i ever get itchy for more power drop in the SR.

Post by **BB Turbo** » Sat Apr 16, 2005 3:41 pm

Do you work? And what grade are you in?

Post by **outcastcat** » Sat Apr 16, 2005 5:56 pm

no i dont work...yet. I am going to get a job, so im trying to get as much information as i can. I know its expensive to buy and swap an engine, but the 510s ive seen on the local forum werent all that expensive. And as for mags whove done build ups on the car, SCC start a rally one. Not what im looking for, but since it covers basics and thats all i need thats fine.

Post by **BB Turbo** » Sat Apr 16, 2005 9:05 pm

What grade are you in? I'd look towards a newer car where parts for it are plentiful.

Post by **compression** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 1:31 pm

Oh boy, yes get the 1.6 sentra. No the FWD SR20 from the SE-R will NOT work, has been covered in great detail, not to mention I have a '91 SE-R and a '73 510 with an SR20DET, I liek to think I know a thing or 2.L-series swaps are cheap and easy L16-L18-L20B are all interchangeable. VG, KA, SR, CA, etc...dont even think about it. NOT CHEAP!But you are not going to find a driveable 510 for cheap unless it is a door ding away from being totalled.Get the sentra, you are young, you will have time to play when you get older and have a little money.

Buying a Datsun 510

Buying a Datsun 510

Re: (Bandit240)

Re: (Bandit240)

Re: Buying a Datsun 510 (outcastcat)

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