Been looking at 510s for a long time now, couldn't make up my mind between a BMW 2002 or a TE72 or a Datsun 510. Im set in my head now at getting a 510 but I have some questions for you Datsun guys. Im currently looking at 2 in my area, one has a napz motor the other a stock L series, haven't seen it to tell you what it is. They are both pretty well conditioned the napz has about 5k on engine the L series about 1k since its rebuild. They are both basically the same price, and are both VERY appealing. Im just unsure which route to go. I know the NAPZ is gonna pull a lot more and push nearly 140hp (I assume from my limited wikipedia searching + calculator on typical gain per engine mods on car) and Im sure the L series will sit somewhere around 100hp. (is that correct?)

Basically, Id like to ideally get this as close to a Datsun SSS as possible by chasing down body parts and doing restorations of my own. but for the engine, I want to get to 200 whp. Cost effectively and reliably what would be the best route for me to head down.

I have read that KA24 is really popular with carbs, and some people are really pushing me to dropping an SR20DET. But my school of thought is, if its classic keep it NA and carb it out. ITB's w/e just keep it NA.

Also are there any little annoyances I should watch for on the car when test driving it / inspecting it?

thanks for any responses at all guys Im totally new to this world.

edit*** ok the datsun with the L is an L20, also SR20DET totally out of the question, its just too complicated of a swap, seems on par with the VG. Im basically going to get either one next weekend and eventually do a KA24DE, most likely single cam for the availability. After searching around the forums I realized I started a thread that had been started hundreds of times before. Sorry dudes, Ill post back more when I get the baby.


Modified by ichorid at 11:21 AM 9/4/2008

Did you grab it? Which one? Pics?

-Brian

passed on em they were both 4 doors. Im going to check out a few 2 doors this week, they are a lot pricier though. One does have a KA24de. Ill make sure to update with the car I get. Just dont want to spend over 5k really. So its going to take a minute to find one that is REALLY worth breaking that threshold.

old 510 over a 02 bmw??? you sir, are an enthusiast.

no no, not an 02 bmw. a 70s 2002 series BMW.



looks really similar to a 510.

I'm a big fan of the old L series motors. Personally I'd rock a 510 with a built L20 with sidedrafts and some headwork.

sebazztard wrote:old 510 over a 02 bmw??? you sir, are an enthusiast.

Way to sounds smart lol

sry dont follow bmw pre 90's. id still take that bmw.

I got rid of my 73 510 about 10 years ago and have regretted it ever since. I'm going to make the plunge soon too.

ichorid wrote:passed on em they were both 4 doors. Im going to check out a few 2 doors this week, they are a lot pricier though. One does have a KA24de. Ill make sure to update with the car I get. Just dont want to spend over 5k really. So its going to take a minute to find one that is REALLY worth breaking that threshold.

4 doors can be just as dope as 2 doors.

Good choice on sticking to the L-series. L20s are great motors, and very easy to work on. I always hate seeing a 510 with an SR, mainly because I really don't think it belongs in there. It's too easy. Just throw in a stock SR in a 1800 pound car and you'll be flying. L-Series take hard work and dedication to get them to go fast, and I respect a 510 with a built L-Series way more then a 510 with an SR.

another cheap motor swap would be a nap z (spelling??) but its the single cam truck motors( i think it came in 720's) head is set-up with 8 spark plugs... some head work, cams and side drafts youre g2g.

I say do the carb KA, you can find an engine for a song if you look hard enough.

go with whatever you like, 2 door or 4 door, just be sure to get a clean one. last thing you want is regrets on the chassis half way through the project.

a friend used a Z24 (w/side drafts) and the 5spd, built it to be a BRE, inside & out! down to the last decal, trailered it out to Cali (Nissan meet) and John Morton just happen to be there! and of course lots of pic's, autografted it etc...He let me drive it... once, that car was a blast to drive! pulled in all 5 gears!Sadly he sold it, ($$ flow issue) I wish I had the $$, it would have been in my garage!

man 510's are a real fun car to drive and work on, i have 3 of them and i just love them. my old man has a 2002 thats pretty well built up and its a great car too but there is something about the 510. i give you props on keeping it old school route, But just a suggestion if you cant decide if you want to go napz or L series why not jus build a LZ motor if your not too familiar with this its an Lseries head with a napz block, that way you can get best of both worlds. With the extra cc's from the napz bottom end and a L series head with a mild cam and larger Z valves its a pretty solid torquey engine, and match that up wit a set of side drafts and a header that is classic old school. But i hope you find a deal man best of luck

P.S. im not too sure where your located but if its an area where rust is a problem but just check floor pans the trunk area the water drainage in the fire wall 510's love to rust in these area's