In a month or two i want to buy a 510. I was looking for an s13 coupe or s14 but in my area they're asking too much ($3000 for a rust bucket s13 coupe w/ 120k+). so anyway i don't know datsun engine codes, but i know the 510 is infinitely swappable. i read that the automatic is more desirable for a modern swap because the tranny tunnel is larger... sounds like bs to me but... i don't know 510's very well. So, i'd appreciate it greatly if someone can help me out on this endeavor.

I have never seen an auto 510 with a larger tunnel than a manual one

that's kinda what i figured, anything else i should be on the look out for?

Well your on the east coast, so finding one with no rust is going to be hard to find. I would look for a decent stock one with no prior mods done. I think they came with the L16(slant 4, OHC, 1.6litre). Very popular swap is the L20b(slant 4, OHC, 2.0litre). If your thinking you will find a 510 for under $1500 is decent shape on the east coast, your wrong from what ive found.

On the other hand, if you still wanted a S13, ive got a 1989 Fastback, no rust, needs a little body work and paint. Runs great, but needs the cooling system checked out. About 40k on the motor, but 200k on the car itself. 5sp tranny conversion. Id like to get about $1700 for it to fund a Datsun 620 truck build up that ive been planning for a few years.

sorry man i'd have a 240 by now if i wanted a hatch. although i did see a datsun pick up at hyperfest last weekend it had either a ka-T or sr20. pretty mean looking. Good luck on your project and thanks for the advice

a stock datsun in great condition will go for more than a 240 w/ an SR in it.

Tranny tunnels are the same size for auto or manual. You are going to be VERY hard pressed finding a descent one in the east because not many made it out there and the ones that did got eaten alive by the salted roads.You are not going to find descent one for less than a 240sx. a good place to look is the classifieds section of this website:http://dimequarterly.tierranet.com/

Swapping any modern EFI engine in a 510 is a lot of work. It is MUCH easier swapping an SR into a 240sx.

good luck.