Yes . In Many parts of the world the Datsun 510 was sold with the A series engine. At the same time it was not IRS . Wagons and sedans were leaf sprung.

Here a few pictures. In the US the 510 was sold with the L series engine. The reason why the Datsun 710, aka Violet was the most known performance Datsun of the days around the world was due in fact to the "L" series engine, and the IRS suspension , features most datsun 510s did not enjoy around the globe .The 160J Datsuns ( the IRS version Datsun 710, aka Violet.) had factory installed IRS suspension and an "L" series motor ,and this vehicle was available in more places around the globe than the 510 IRS "L" series motor. In the US, the reverse situation happened, where a 510 "IRS" L series engined 510 was offered, while the 710 was not issued IRS suspension. Interesting to see how the same car was offered in different configurations ,and what kind of use it was given around the world, based on those specifications.



Modified by jaimesix at 4:23 PM 11/10/2007
Modified by jaimesix at 2:53 PM 11/14/2007

I suppose we can chalk that up to diligent studying of the markets.

Yes, you are right Mr1der, dilligent study.

Well, I just found out, these Datsun 510s did not have the A series engine. The A series engine is more modern than the engine these 510s have. This engine is the "J" series.

Here some info about the motor from the Wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_J_engine

'Wiki' has a lot of facts but they don't always have the entire story. What about the J16 and J18? Neither of those are mentioned. I have a J16 purchased from an importer in my 320. The J18 was used in cars imported to Central America. That 510 you pictured is probably from there also since it is LHD. And they leave out the fact that the J20 is a 6 cylinder.

Hi.

The sources I have from South America ( not Central America ) , in particular Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador and Brazil, mention Datsun 1500's with J14's and J15's engines. Sedans, ( 2 and 4 doors ) and station wagons all have leaf springs on back . The first cars having the L series engines are the Datsun 160J's and the Nissan Stanza ( called the 510 in the US, the 1980 on 510 ). The Datsun 1600 p/u truck ( the 620 in the US ) came with the L16 engine too.

I am not surprised at the diversity of engine / vehicle combos, I have seen that in other Datsun models ( B210s in the US came with A series engines, while overseas there was the PB210/Sunny excellent 1400 which came fitted with an L14 , and the 140Z/160Z which were PB210s in sport trim and with the L14/L16 engines respectively, all dual carbureted w S/U's ).... but I am surprised at the lack of disclosure, there is nothing written , at least in the english written media, that explains the fact that Datsun 510 cars also came fitted with "J" series engines and leaf spring suspensions. Interesting.

Yes you are correct, South America. I don't know why I said Central. The vehicles I have seen from that region were a B120 'Sunny' pickup from Venezuela. It was LHD with an A series engines though I don't know the size. I've also seen a 'Datsun 1600 deluxe' which was essentiallly a 4 door 510 sedan w/o the 510 badging. I don't recall what type of suspension or engine it had. We did get the L16 powered 620 in the US in 1973. I had one of those back in the day. If you read through Datsun history, you'll find a lot of information the is, at times, sparse and sketchy and sometimes contradictory to other things you read.

Here is a picture of a Datsun 1500 with a J15 engine and leaf spring suspension .

I am gathering more information. The Datsun 510, aka 1300 /1500/1600 was assembled in Taiwan,Peru, Mexico and other countries with "J" series push rod engines and leaf spring suspension.

Here a few poictures. I am after a 510 OHV push rod Datsun catalog and specifications.

^^^ old ftw!

I know the SR20 is an awesome engine powerwise, but so many people have it that I lost all interest in it. Every time I go to a Datsun car meet, there is a plethora of Datsun 510 cars with SR20's.

Nothing against the engine's performance, but I do not like to follow the masses.

people likes to boost KA motors too..! imagine 2.4L boosted happiness!