
Turbophile Reader Rides
Welcome to Readers Rides, which are single time feature cars submitted for inclusion on Turbophile by regular visitors of the website. Their pages include photos and a specs sheet, as well as updates for some of the longer running featured cars. If you have any questions about any of these cars, please contact the owner directly if there is an email address supplied.

Ron's KA24DE Datsun 2 Door 510
Matte black and with an interesting engine conversion, this 2-door 510 hails from California, USA.

Peter's CA18DET Datsun 120Y
A comprehensive Nissan CA18DET engine conversion and lots of attention in this Datsun 120Y Fastback.

G1's A15 Datsun Sunny B310
From Malaysia, this is probably the hottest Sunny I've ever seen!

Brad's SR20DET Datsun 1600
The complete package including tidy engine conversion and clean body.

Chris'o's CA18DET Datsun Stanza
CA18DET engine conversion and paint job make this one of the ridiest Datsun Stanzas around.

Dale's Datsun 510
Turbophile's first Datsun 510 2-door model, this one hails from the USA and features old school L16 grunt.

Kenneth's Datsun 1200 Coupe
Another car from the USA, this Datsun 1200 Coupe features an A14 motor and is very tidy.

Drew's CA18DET Datsun 1600
Beautifully presented, top quality conversion, what more could you ask for?

Double Feature - 2 Nissan 350Zs
Two 350Zs from the USA with more mods and bling than you can poke a stick at.

Steve's CA18DET Datsun 120Y Coupe
Very fast Datto 120Y sleeper that runs 12.3 second quarter miles times.

Jamie's RB25DET Nissan Skyline
This slick Skyline features some major mods to produce almost 500 rwhp.

Luke's CA18DET Datsun 1200 ute
Sweet datto ute with top quality Nissan CA18DET engine conversion.

Chris's Green Datsun 1200 ute
Very bright and eye-catching paint make this a very sweet ute with lots of potential.

Sean's L20b Datsun Stanza
A very tidy Datsun-powered Stanza with some nice mods including a great stereo install.

Nick's Datsun 1600 Wagon
Rare 1600 wagon sporting original bodywork and paint, with some choice mods.

Daniel's CA18DET Datsun 1200 Sedan
Comprehensively CA18DET converted Datsun 1200 sedan based in Brisbane.

Ryan's Z18ET Datsun 1600 sedan
Nicely modded Z18ET in a very tidy Datsun 1600.

Mick Beattie's CA18DETs Datsun 1200 Ute
Great datto ute featuring turbo CA18 and some good mods.

Raymond's CA18DET Datsun 1200 Coupe
Very sexy coupe with lots of custom bits, as seen at Jamboree 2004.

Andrew's CA18DET Datsun 1600
CA18DET engine conversion featuring almost full 180SX electrics!

Trent's SR20DE Datsun 1200 Coupe
An awesome looking car with an original engine choice.

Jason's L18 Datsun 1600
This very neat 1600 has had a lot of attention in all the major areas, and will be a sweet ride.

Cameron's Z18ET Datsun 1600
This SSS features a Z18ET engine transplant with modifed brakes and suspension.

Michelle's SR20DET Datsun 1600
A product of perFOURmance Motorsports, this tidy 1600 features an SR20DET.

Ryan's Datsun 1200 Ute
Ryan's ute is the product of a full rebuild, featuring retrimmed interior and hot A14.

Brendan's Datsun 1200 Coupe
This is a great little car, with some good suspension mods to make it handle brilliantly.

Brendan's CA18DET Silvia
This CA18DET Nissan was regularly seen at Sprints and race meetings in SE Qld.

Cameron's Supercharged Turbo Datsun 1200 Coupe
Seen frequently at Queensland Sprint events, car sports a superturbo 4AGZE.

Dave's Nissan Pulsar ET Turbo
Straight, well maintained car and you can see more of it and others at www.n12turbo.com

Jeff's turbo Corona Wagon
Sleeper early toyota features an 18RGEU engine conversion!

Paddy's turbo L-series Datsun 1600
This hybrid-engined 1600 features a suck-through carby setup and RX7 turbo.

Martin's FJ20ET Datsun 1600 Project
Martin is embarking on a full rebuild of his 1600 which was previously fitted with a CA18ET.

Julian's CA18DET Datsun 1600 Project
Full ground-up rebuild of a 1972 Datsun 1600 sedan, featuring CA18DET.

Andy's L20b turbo Datsun 1600 wagon
A rare wagon in very good condition that has been endowed with a turbo EFI L20B.

Simon's RX7
This 1985 model RX7 has been the recipient of a series 4 13B turbo motor and is overall a very tidy package.
These are cars that have been, or are still, owned by the editors of this website. These cars usually have multiple pages dedicated to them, including galleries, updates, and videos as well as the usual specs sheets including modifications. Buttons have been provided when these pages are available.
To view the top quality rides of readers of this website, please visit the Reader's Rides page.
Andrew's 1971 Datsun 1600 | |
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Andrew bought this datto as a complete stocker. It will also be receiving a CA18DET heart transplant sometime in the future so keep watching for updates. |
Charlotte's 1972 Datsun 1200 Sedan | |
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I bought this as a fun runabout for us to drive when our cars are off the road. Unfortunately I had to sell it as I needed the money more than the car. :( |
Charlotte's 1973 Datsun 1200 Sedan | |
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This was bought as a runabout car and it actually proved to be really reliable and fun to drive. It was sold when the Gemini came back into service. |
Charlotte's Gemini Coupe | |
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This was Charlotte's first (registered) car and was the subject of many mods. It was eventually sold after a few years of service. |
Adam's SR20DET Datsun 1600 | |
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Detailed ground-up rebuild of a 1600, with new paint, SR20DET transplant and comprehensive brake and suspension upgrades. |
Ron's KA24DE Datsun 2 Door 510
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Name: Ron Conklin
Email: racemydatsun@aol.com
Occupation: Autozone parts whore
Location: Daly City, California, USA
Make: Datsun
Model: 2-door 510 (1600)
Year: 1971
Engine Hardware: Nissan KA24DE turbocharged 2.4 liter DOHC 4 cylinder engine, forged ARIAS 8.8 cr pistons, Crower 264/264 cams, modified to be adjustable cam gears
Engine Accessories: S-AFC fuel controller, MSD 6BTM boost timing retard/ ignition amplifier w/ 2 step control, accel 8.8 spark plug wires, AEM UEGO wideband O2 sensor and gauge
Induction System: actually FORCED INDUCTION! HOLSET HX35W turbocharger (off of a Cummins diesel truck) stainless turbo manifold, custom 3" exhaust from turbo back, 22"x12" intercooler core, 2.25" hot side intercooler piping, 2.5" and 3" cold side piping, blowing through a Z32 MAF, WEAPON R secret weapon air filter, WALBRO 255lph fuel pump, DSM 460cc injectors, PROJECT SILVIA fuel rail
Driveline: Stock transmission, CLUTCHMASTERS stage 5 clutch ( unsprung 4 puck ) Shortened driveshaft, Hybrid 4.11 LSD (limited slip)
Brakes: Modified Nissan 280zx front struts/brakes
Suspension: Shortened Nissan 280zx struts with 1985 VW Golf strut inserts, 1000 lbs rear springs
Wheels: 18"x7.5" 5ZIGEN wheels, 215 35 18 front tires, 225 40 18 rears
Bodywork and Paint: Stealth bomber flat black, rattle cans.
Interior Gadgetry: Nothing special inside.
Stereo Gear: I listen to my turbo sing!
Performance: I have run a best of 12.7 secs at 114.3 mph with a horrible 60ft time of 2.6 secs on street tires at 10 psi of boost
Peter's CA18DET Datsun 120Y
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Name: Peter Karpouzas
Email: bodyartdetail@optusnet.com.au
Occupation: Club, custom, prestige detailer
Location: Sydney, New South Wales
Make: Datsun
Model: Fastback 120y
Year: 1976
Engine Hardware: Nissan CA18DET
Engine Accessories: EMS computer, intercooler, 400HPGT25R TURBO, 3inch exhaust, M&W high voltage ignition system, polished ports, lightened flywheel, turbo smart dual boost controller, stock cams and block
Induction System: stock
Driveline: 5 speed box, heavy duty clutch, shortened 10 bolt Nissan Bluebird locked diff
Brakes: Nissan Skyline discs with outlaw quad piston calipers front and stock Datsun 200b rear calipers and discs
Suspension: leafs with heavy duty Pedders rear, and front Datsun Stanza struts with heavy duty shocks and springs
Wheels: Simmons 16 by 7's
Bodywork and Paint: Home job
Interior Gadgetry: OBX seats with custom console and new carpets. Autometer tacho and air fuel ratio gauge with boost and oil pressure gauge. Autotechnica steering wheel
Stereo Gear: Healthy Clarion cassette deck with 100 watt amp and Alpine speakers
Performance: First and last run.12.8
Additional Information: 12.8 seconds down the quarter mile was acheived with single wheeler diff and stuffed 5 speed gearbox, as soon as vehicle was registered, not to mention clutch slipped in 4th. These times were not acheived with current engine accessories fitted except for EMS computer. Vehicle gas not been run since engine accessories were fitted including rebuilt 5 speed with heavy clutch and locker diff. Anyones guess as to what it would acheive. Power over 180 rear wheel kw with 627nms torque.
G1's A15 Datsun Sunny B310
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Name: G1
Email: jee_van82@yahoo.com
Occupation: Manager
Location: Malaysia
Make: Datsun
Model: Sunny B310
Year: 1981
Engine Hardware: Nissan A15
Engine Accessories: Stock engine / mild head work ( port & polish & skimming ) All other parts are maintained stock
Induction: Mitsubishi Carburetor (Galant 1.5cc)
Driveline: Datsun 5 speed manual
Brakes: Stock B310 Front & Rear Brakes Mitsubishi Galant (1.8cc) Master Pump
Suspension: Toyota Trueno AE86 Front and rear absorbers and spring
Wheels: Volk Racing 3 piece rims (Offset 0) Tyres - 195/50/15
Body: Front and rear Nissan Sentra Bumpers Mitsubishi Evolution 3 Side skirts
Interior: Toyota Levin Semi Bucket seats
Stereo: None
Performance: 0-100kmh - 13sec Top Speed - 170kph
Information: Street legal / daily use car
Brad's SR20DET Datsun 1600
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Name: Brad O'Neil
Email: fantom_1600@hotmail.com
Occupation: Maccas Boy
Location: Ballarat, Victoria
Make: Datsun
Model: 1600 Sedan
Year: 1970
Engine Hardware: Red Top Nissan SR20DET, 2.0L Twin Cam, intercooled turbo 4 cylinder
Engine Accessories: Standard Nissan SR20DET with standard engine management
Induction: Standard T25 turbo running 9psi with 2.5inch stainless cooler piping, custom front mount intercooler, Blitz pod filter, 3" mandrell bent system from turbo back to turbo muffler
Driveline: Nissan SR20DET 5 speed, shortened and balanced tailshaft linked to a 240k diff
Brakes front: Mitsubishi Verada slotted and drilled discs with Commodore VN SS calipers
Brakes rear: Nissan R31 disc and calipers. Tandem master cylinder with no brake booster
Suspension: 240k front struts with King springs Koni shocks and adjustable strut tops, fully adjustable rear end with King springs and Koni adjustable shocks
Wheels: 16x7 Performance Lotus wheels wrapped in Firenza 205/45/16 tyres all round
Body: Body has been fully metal finished with Suzuki GSX-R fuel filler built into side, car spent 6months in a shed getting done, has been painted in BA Ford Falcon Phantom Purple with aqua and red pearl.
Interior: Autometer Boost guage, Drift Volt and Water guages and OBX Tacho, full custom interior with Nissan Silvia S14 200sx front seats and custom centre console.
Stereo: Boss MP3 headunit, 4inch splits in front with tweeters in airvents, 300watt 6x9s in parcell shelf alongside a Pioneer 600watt free-air sub run by a boss 1000watt amp.
Performance: Yet to be run on dyno ... but goes along nicely.
Information: Recently discovered in was having problems boosting due to a blown exhaust gasket between manifold and turbo ... whole upper left of gasket was missing.
Chris'o's CA18DET Datsun Stanza
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Name: Chris'o
Email: wanted_pka@hotmail.com
Occupation: Maccas Boy
Location: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Make: Datsun
Model: Stanza
Year: 1980
Engine Hardware: Standard Nissan CA18DET
Engine Accessories: Oil catch can, custom surge tank, BMW fuel pump, 3" modified dump pipe, 3" stainless front pipe, cat, Genie stainless 3" middler muffler, 3" cannon with 4.5" tip
Induction: HKS pod filter, stock T25 turbo, 600x300x76mm front mount intercooler, hidden
Driveline: Standard Nissan CA18DET 5 speed manual
Brakes: 290mm vented Volkswagon rotors with custom bracket for nissan R31 Skyline calipers
Suspension: Monroe GT gas, King heavy duty lowering springs
Wheels: 17" x 7 shadow chrome dish courtesy of Bob Jane
Body: Ford velocity 2 pack metallic paint, cut back and rust cut out
Interior: Spitfire boost gauge, GReddy fully auto turbo timer, Turbosmart dual stage boost controller
Stereo: Pioneer head unit, Jaycar 6" rear and Jaycar 4" split in front
Performance: quick
Information: I will be getting the interior totally retrimmed when money allows, then my plans for the engine are aftermarket manifold, gtrs turbo, injectors and an ecu.. then see how we go. Been along time coming, happy with it.
Dale's Datsun 510
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Update 11th November 2006
“I put on a wide body box flare kit, painted - and got some new wheels. Relocated fuel filler to deck lid. I also swapped the L16 in favor of a rebuilt 2.0L (L20B) for now. I am slowly building my new transplant - a carbed VG30e."
Thanks, Dale
Name: Dale Noland
Occupation: Student
Location: Santa Rosa, California, USA
Make and Model: Datsun 510 2-door
Year: 1970
Engine Hardware: Datsun L16 1600CC inline 4
Engine Accessories: Crane cam, shorty header, fireball ignition
Induction: Single Weber down draft carby, ground down polished manifold, side exhaust with glass pack
Driveline: "Dog-leg" 5 speed, R200 diff
Brakes: front Nissan 280ZX rotors and calipers, stock rear
Suspension: front strut brace, Nissan 280ZX struts (2" lower), performance springs, rear KYB shocks, short springs
Wheels: Enkie 14" wheels - stripped and painted with polished lip
Bodywork and Paint: Shaved all side markers, licence plate lights, and side trim holes
Interior Gadgetry: Autometer gauges (oil, water, volts), Autometer 6 1/2" tach and proform shift light, Grant steering wheel
Stereo Gear: Pioneer deck, 4 x 6 1/2" speakers
Performance: "Sucks on the 1/4, but it's fun on the windy roads."
Kenneth's Datsun 1200 Coupe
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Occupation: Retired
Location: Philadelphia, PA USA
Make and Model: Datsun 1200 Coupe
Year: 1972
Engine Hardware: A14 - ported and polished GX head
Engine Accessories: OBERG tattle tail racing oil filter system - Tomei oil pan - Tilton brake and clutch resevoirs
Induction: Twinn Mikuni 40s WITH Tomei intake
Driveline: 5 speed gear box - posi rear
Brakes: Tilton brake and clutch pedal assemblies
Suspension: 5 -way adjustable Tokico shocks - adjustable camber plates
Wheels: four 14" slicks
Bodywork and Paint: red
Interior Gadgetry: Schroth racing seat with five point harness, AutoMeter adjustable fuel pressure regulator - AutoMeter fuel pressure gauge - AutoMeter tachometer
Stereo Gear: radio delete plate - just the sound of the motor
Performance: great
Additional Information: California car
Drew's CA18DET Datsun 1600
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Name: Drew
Occupation: Student
Email: drew_glue@yahoo.com.au
Location: Brisbane, Qld
Make and Model: Datsun 1600
Year: 1971
Engine Hardware:Nissan CA18DET, 1.8L twin-cam, intercooled turbo 4-cylinder (from a 1992 Nissan 180SX)
Engine Accessories: MicroTech LT10 engine management, MicroTech ignition, external Bosch coil packs. Chrome catch can and radiator overflow.
Induction: Standard Garret T25 turbo on custom stainless steel manifold. Custom front mount intercooler. GFB BOV. 3" stainless dump from turbo into 3" exhaust.
Driveline: 180SX CA18DET 5 speed manual gearbox, heavy duty clutch, shortened and balanced tailshaft, standard R160 diff
Brakes: 200b Front disks and calipers, 180b brake booster, Standard rear
Suspension: King springs, Pedders Shocks, Whiteline sway bar
Wheels: 16" Pilot Racing Wheels 5-spoke alloys with 205/45/16 Falken ZE326 tyres all round
Bodywork and Paint: Seam welded engine bay and door jams. Honda Samba 2 pack metallic green paint.
Interior Gadgetry: central locking, Autometer gauges (water temp, oil pressure, boost and tacho), custom interior trimming, Mazda 626 seats, carbon-fibre gear knob.
Stereo Gear: Sony xPlod CD head unit, Alpine dddrive 6x9's
Performance: 160 rwhp with smoky T25 turbo
Additional Information:
Have a R200 diff waiting to be installed. Thanks to my Dad for all his time and patience in helping me complete the build.
Also thanks to Mick from Lange Racing for completing the engine conversion.
Double Feature - USA Nissan 350Z's
Name: Kurt Taylor
Occupation: Student
Email: kurt@nctaylors.com
Location: North Carolina, USA
Make and Model: Nissan 350Z
Year: 2003
Engine Hardware and Accessories: ALTERED ATMOSPHERE Fuel Return System, ALTERED ATMOSPHERE wiring harness, Air Impulse II fuel pressure regulators, completely rebuilt motor from Performance Motorsport, Cooling Mist Methanol System w/ Aquamist Injectors, Carrillo Rods, JE Pistons 8:5:1, Greddy Oil Catch Can, Motordyne Isothermal Plenum Spacer, 5/16" NGK Iridum Spark plug set (One step colder), NISMO Low Temperature Thermostat Kit, Nismo R-Tune cams, Power Enterprise aluminum oil pan, RC 650cc Injectors, Test Pipes, Walbro 255 fuel pump, Custom exhaust manifold, Custom outlet pipes, Intense Motorsports Polished Plenum
Induction: Power Enterprise twin turbo kit, Front mounted air-to-air intercooler, HKS blow off valves
Driveline: Carbon fiber composite drive shaft, ATS Carbon limited slip clutch, Masters Stage 4 6 puck clutch, Fidanza lightweight flywheel
Brakes: Stoptech 14" Big brake kit
Suspension: Cusco front and rear sway bars Greddy GREX front strut tower Tein Flex Coilover suspension with EDFC
Wheels: 5 spoke 19" iForged Wheels Toyo Proxes Tires
Bodywork and Paint: Selected interior components painted Silverstone, rear windshield wiper removal, removal of the front grill, 10% tint, clear side markers
Interior Gadgetry: Custom leather seats
Stereo Gear: Shorty Antenna, Custom fiberglass Center Console (Silverstone) by Wicked C.A.S, Custom fiberglass speaker Pods Silverstone by Wicked C.A.S, JL Audio 450/4 amp, Kenwood DDX7017 Head Unit/ Screen, Kenwood KCA-iP500 iPod Control Interface, MB Quart QSC 216 6.5" Speakers (front), MB Quart QSC 164 6.5" Subs (rear), MB Quart Tweeters, Serius Satellite, Radio Viper Alarm System



Name: George Taylor
Occupation: Student
Email: gt3nc@yahoo.com
Location:North Carolina, USA
Make and Model: Nissan 350Z
Year: 2003
Engine Hardware: Alta catch can, Borla dual exhaust, CJ Motorsports return fuel system with billet fuel rails, Jaz red coolant recovery tank, Kinetix SSV Extreme Flow Manifold, Koyo race radiator, Nismo headers, NGK iridium plugs, Stillen engine dampner, Stillen test pipes
Engine Accessories: polished AUX fuel pump cover, polished overflow, washer & power steering covers, Red Samco silicone hoses, TurboXS UTEC Engine Management System TurboXS Tuner Pro
Induction: aluminium air to air intercooler, ATI Procharger supercharger w/9lb cogs and belts
Driveline: Nismo clutch disc and pressure plate, Nismo flywheel
Brakes: AP big brake kit front and rear, braided steel srake lines
Suspension: Greddy strut tower brace, GT Spec lower front and rear suspension strut bars, JIC flta2 coil over suspension, JIC rear camber rods, JIC traction bars
Wheels: iForged Aeros 19" powder coated black, Toyo T1S
Bodywork and Paint: custom black mesh grill, carbon fiber battery & brake fluid covers, carbon fiber engine cover, custom cut carbon fiber radiator panel, chassis/harness bar, 4 point race harness, shaved door handles, badges, antenna, smoked LED side markers, verticaldoors.com Lambo doors, window tint
Interior Gadgetry: AEM A/F gauge, Autometer oil filled fuel pressure gauge, DEFI EGT & boost gauges and controller, [click here to see gauges] Nissan navigation system, Sparco Milano black leather race seats
Stereo Gear: Kenwood DDX7017 Head Unit/ touch-screen, Focal speakers/sub, JL Audio 450/4 amp, custom fiberglass console by Wicked C.A.S, custom fiberglass door panels/speaker pods Wicked C.A.S, custom carbon fiber sub enclosure by Wicked C.A.S, hidden antenna, JDM Sport horns




Steve's CA18DET Datsun 120Y Coupe
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Name: Steve
Occupation: Manager
Email: qik120why@hotmail.com
Location: Brisbane
Make: Datsun
Model: 120y Coupe
Year: 1973
Engine Hardware: Nissan CA18DET
Engine Accessories: GTR injectors, Mapped ECU, T28 turbo
Induction: Standard
Driveline: 5-speed manual with heavy duty clutch, Mazda Bravo diff
Brakes: 300mm Monaro rotors and Holden twin pot calipers - Standard Bravo rear drums
Suspension: Datsun 200B front struts - Leaf spring rear
Wheels: 15x4 Pursuit rims & 15x7 Pursuit rims
Bodywork and Paint: Rough bodywork with white paint
Interior Gadgetry: Gauges
Stereo Gear: none
Performance: 12.32 @ 110.10 mph
Additional Information: This car is now a shell as I have sold the engine and am using the parts for my 4-door with RB20. It was a lot of fun when I was racing it and just cruising around. I miss driving it.
Jamie's RB25DET Nissan Skyline
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Name: Jamie O'Kelly
Email: horneyslutbastard@yahoo.com.au
Location: Queensland
Make: Nissan
Model: Skyline RB25
Year: 1994
Engine Hardware: Nissan RB25DET, Jun cams, Jun crank, Jun cam gears, custom top feed fuel rail, Rochester 1000 injectors, N1 oil and water pump, GReddy oil cooler, forged pistons and rods, ARP head studs and main studs, Edlebrock fuel regulator, twin o44 pumps, surge tank, splifire coils, ported head
Engine Accessories: Zex kit, water spray kit, braided and silicon hose lines, Speedflow fittings, polished and painted engine covers, custom oil and water tanks, billet fuel filter, Motec M800 ECU
Induction System: 35R turbo, 48 Progate, Blitz intercooler, custom polished piping, custom plenum, custom throtte body, 4" intake, JR filter, PWR radiator, thermo fan, custom dump pipe and screamer, HPC coatings
Driveline: Nismo clutch, lightened flywheel, Cusco diff, Nissan RB25DET gearbox with cut gearing, short shifter
Brakes: Nissan Skyline GTR brakes with DBA rotors
Suspension: Tein coil overs
Wheels: 19 inch unknowns, 19x8 front with Toyo's, 19x9.5 rear with 295x30 P-Zero's
Body: resprayed custom white with spec fx pearl, by Cameron’s Body Works, carbon fibre bonnet, flared original guards
Interior: Cusco water spray controller, Pivot gauges, E-boost 2, Nismo speedo, automatic nos bottle warmer, automatic nos bottle opener, launch switch, Isotta steering wheel, gear nob and handbrake, custom interior, Aerotech seats
Stereo: Alpine MP3 head unit, amps, sub, capacitor
Performance: 496 rw horsepower on pump fuel 1.5 bar. 589 rwhp on c16. 672rwh on gas
Information: In the pic you will see the old fuel rail, which was modded, but cracked with 800 Apexi injectors, now changed to top feed.
Luke's CA18DET Datsun 1200 Ute
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Occupation: Internal Sales
Location: Penrith, Sydney
Make: Datsun
Model: 1200 Ute
Year: 1984
Engine Hardware: Nissan CA18DET
Engine Accessories: custom alloy radiator, overflow tank, oil catch can, M&W ignition, Wolf 3D V4 ecu
Induction System: Custom FMIC, K&N pod filter, T28 turbo, 3" exhaust
Driveline: Nissan CA18DET 5 speed, ceramic 5 puck button clutch, custom tailshaft, stock locked diff (soon to be Borg Warner LSD)
Brakes: Datsun Stanza front brake conversion, remote brake booster under dash, all new brake lines.
Suspension: Pedders heavy duty shocks and lowered springs up front 2" lowering blocks in rear
Wheels: 15" Nissan TRX rims, Kumo ecsta 195 50 15
Bodywork and Paint: All new panels, tarp and tailgate latches removed, sprayed in 2-pack Lemon Yellow
Interior Gadgetry: All new carpet and roof lining, Sparco sprint seats, custom door trims with Sparco embroidery, dash reskinned with Autometer gauge cluster missile switch.
Performance: 160rwhp power on 7-8psi
Additional Information: The whole car was rewired hiding and all alloy bits on the motor were polished by hand.
Chris's Datsun 1200 Ute
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Name: Chris
Occupation: Car Detailer
Location: Gold Coast
Make: Datsun
Model: 1200 Ute
Year: 1978
Engine Hardware: A14
Engine Accessories: stock
Induction: stock
Driveline: stock
Brakes: stock
Suspension: stock
Wheels: 14" Superlites
Body: Bright... no, make that very bright Green 2 pack
Interior: Brand new interior colour changed to Black..... Black hood lining, black seats, black door cards, black dash
Stereo: Pioneer
Performance: stock
Information: This is my work ute and is a daily driver may not have all the performance mods but certainly looks the part.
Sean's L20b Datsun Stanza
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Name: Sean Deller
Occupation: Sales Manager Wildcat & Genie Headers Australia
Location: Brendale
Make: Datsun
Model: Stanza
Year: 1982
Engine Hardware: L20b bored out to 2100cc, custom Genie headers and 2 1/4" exhaust
Engine Accessories: Unsure of internals, built by DatRally Melbourne for sprints (big valves, ported- heavy duty valve springs- k-line guides- Datrally custom cam), Scorcher electronic dizzy
Induction System: Twin 45mm Webers on match ported Datrally manifold
Driveline: Stanza 4 speed gearbox, Stewart Wilkins built clutch, limited slip diff
Brakes: Standard Datsun Stanza, soon to be upgraded
Suspension: King springs , Monroe shocks/struts, heavy duty sway bars and strut brace
Wheels: Enkei 3 piece 15" x 6" wheels with 195-50-15" tyres
Bodywork and Paint: Bluebird front spoiler, paint is Ford Blue Printblue Mica
Interior Gadgetry: Custom boot floor, Bond roll cage, retrimmed velour seats and doors trims, custom kick panels
Stereo Gear: Pioneer DEX-P88R competition head unit, Viscom in-dash DVD player, 7" Screen - custom mounted in dash facia, 5" splits in kick panels, 6" 2-way speakers in rear shelf, Pioneer sub amp, Avantgarde 4 channel amp for speakers, 2 x 10" Audiobank subs in custom box sunk into boot floor with neons
Performance: 150hp at wheels (when built fitted in Datsun Stanza coupe) pulls from 3000rpm all the way to 8000rpm (will rev higher if allowed)
Owners comments: I never get bored of driving it, and its also 100% street legal.
Nick's Datsun 1600 Wagon
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Name: Nick Scott
Occupation: Spares Parts
Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Make: Datsun
Model: 1600 Wagon PL510
Year: 1971
Engine Hardware: Datsun L18 1.8L ohc
Engine Accessories: Head ported and polished, mild cam (1750 - 5000rpm), Perry extractors 4 > 2 >1, 2 1/2" exhaust all the way, 1 muffler, Series 2 Nissan Bluebird electronic ignition, Nissan N13 Pulsar radiator, 200 viscous fan, oversize flat top pistons
Induction System: Twin 40 Dellortos on a Datrally manifold
Driveline: 5 Speed Nissan Skyline C210 box, standard solid rear end
Brakes (front): Twin pot calipers,
C210 Nissan Skyline rotors
Brakes (rear): standard drum brakes
Suspension (front): Lowered King springs on Datsun 240k struts
Suspension (rear): Standard leaf springs
Wheels: 14" x 5" C210 Nissan Skyline rims
Bodywork and Paint: All completely orginal paint and guards. NO RUST at all
Interior Gadgetry: Honda Prelude front bucket seats, sports steering wheel
Stereo Gear: Pioneer stereo
Performance: Not sure what power estimate (125-ish HP @ Engine)
Additional Information: Will be putting in a larger cam, a set of 40mm or 45mm Webers, LSD and electronic fuel pump. Plans for the car are either to go with a SR20DET or CA18DET turbo powerplant with the basic mod as a base and go from there. Hopefully would be all done by the Datsun Nationals in 2007
Daniel's CA18DET Datsun 1200
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Name: Daniel Jory
Occupation: Despatch Manager
Location: Brisbane, Queensland
Make: Datsun
Model: 1200 Sedan
Year: 1971
Engine Hardware: Nissan CA18DET
Engine Accessories: Chipped standard ECU, 3" exhaust from turbo back with 6" cannon, Nissan Skyline R31 Fuel pump, pod filter, internal boost control, BOV, standard fuel tank, surge tank, 10" thermo fan
Induction System: Nissan Silvia S14 T28 ball-bearing turbo, front mount intercooler
Driveline: Nissan Skyline R31 diff, custom tailshaft, standard CA18DET gearbox, hydraulic clutch
Brakes: Nissan Skyline R31 front and rear disks
Suspension: Koni adjustable front struts, Lowered King Springs, 1.5" Lowering Blocks in rear
Wheels: 15" Nissan Silvia turbo rims, low profile tyres
Bodywork and Paint: Metallic blue
Interior Gadgetry: Momo steering wheel and gear knob, HKS boost guage, Turbosmart boost control, custom stainless steel dash, Nissan 180sx instruments, Honda Prelude bucket seats, rear seats taken out ready for either a roll cage or custom sub setup
Stereo Gear: Sony stereo head deck, Pioneer 12" sub, Cadence 800W amp, Pioneer 6"x9" speakers, Sony 6" splits
Performance: Yet to be taken down the quarter mile or dyno because I just lost my licence, but will come all in good time.
Additional Information: Definitely a big thanks to the parents for lending me the money to get the car up and running and to my brother and cousin for their contributions to the customisation of the car.
Ryan's Z18ET Datsun 1600
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Name: Ryan Dickson
Occupation: Student
Location: Noosa, Qld
Make: Datsun
Model: 1600 (P510) sedan
Year: 1971
Engine Hardware: Nissan Z18ET
Engine Accessories: Stinger EMS 4424 ecu, mandrel 3 " stainless steel exhaust, high mount exhaust manifold, stainless high flow cat, HKS 35mm external wastegate (screamer pipe), head work, copper head gasket, electric boost controller, custom alloy radiator, big fuel rail, Malpassi rising rate fuel regulator, FJ20ET throttle body, Mazda RX7 550cc injectors, VL fuel pump, custom surge tank, Davies Craig electric water pump, twin thermo fans. twin Bosch coils
Induction System: K &N pod filter, T3/T4 turbo, custom FMIC, Turbosmart BOV
Driveline: Nissan Z18ET gear box, custom tail shaft, R180 3.9 locked diff, 280zx heavy duty Exedy clutch
Suspension: Coilovers, Datsun 240K platforms, custom King springs, Koni red adjustable inserts, Pedders shocks and springs in rear
Brakes: Nissan 240K discs, twin spot calipers, braided brake lines, rear drum brakes
Wheels: 17"x7", 205/40/17 tyres
Bodywork and Paint: custom mix, blue metallic 2-pack with pink pearl
Interior Gadgetry: OBX bucket seats, usual gauges, Davies Craig electric water pump controller, aftermarket steering wheel, Blitz ssbc electric boost controller, HKS turbo timer
Stereo Gear: JVC mp3 player, Pioneer 6 inch speakers, Pioneer 6x9s
Performance: 260rwhp at 15psi on Redcliff dyno
Additional Information: Thanks to KV, Tim and Marks Customising.
Mick Beattie's CA18DET Datsun 1200 Ute
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Name: Mick Beattie
Occupation: Student
Location: South Brisbane, QLD
Make: Datsun
Model: 1200 ute
Year: 1980
Engine Hardware: CA18DET
Engine Accessories:
Microtech LTX8 ECU, external Bosch coil packs, 500hp fuel pump, Malpassi fuel regulator, modified fuel rail, GTR injectors, R31 skyline fuel tank, pod filter, Nitto 38mm external wastegate, turboXS plumb-back BOV, oil catch can, alloy radiator with alloy header tank, SPAL 14" thermo fan, Speedflow and braided lines throughout
Induction System: TO4e turbo, stainless steel exhaust manifold, Garret B+P Front mount intercooler, alloy pipes, Ford EL throttle body, custom plenum, custom 3 inch dump pipe, 3inch exhaust
Driveline: 28 Spline R31 Skyline diff with 3.9:1 diff gears, mini spool, custom tailshaft, Jim Berry race clutch 3400lbs 5 puck button clutch, standard SR20 5 speed
Brakes:
Front: DBA slotted silvia rotors, Nissan Silvia calipers, Bendix metal king pads
Rear: Nissan R31 rear disc brakes with Bendix pads.
Suspension: KYB struts in front. Strengthened leaf springs in back, extra leaf added, leafs moved inwards, custom tramp rods
Wheels:
Rear: 15x7 ROH Gamblers with 215/60R15 tyres
Front: 15x6 ROH Gamblers with 185/65R15 tyres
Bodywork and Paint: Ford Cougar Red paint, Rolled front and rear guards, rust proof all over, original grill, modified gear tunnel
Interior Gadgetry: Nissan Silvia Dash, Microtech LTX8 hand controller, HKS turbo timer
Stereo Gear: Pioneer cd player, Pioneer 6 inch speakers
Performance: Recently tuned and made 312hp at the rear tyres. When the motor was stock it ran a 13.3 @ 107mph with 170hp. Making more hp now. hoping to go low 12 AT LEAST
Additional Information: Like to thank Kev Rowley (the guy to see about 1200's) and hardcore racing for their contribution to the car
Raymond's CA18DET Datsun 1200 Coupe
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Name: Raymond Bates
Occupation: Chef
Location: Bundaberg Qld
Make: Datsun
Model: 1200 coupe
Year: 1971
Engine Hardware: Nissan CA18 Turbo Stock
Engine Accessories: Factory set up with pod. Fuel is a custom fitted R31 Skyline tank. Exhaust is 2 1/2 inch with 3 inch high flow cat converter and 3 inch dump pipe.
Induction System: Standard turbo with 600x300x75 hybrid intercooler and pod.
Driveline:1200 ute diff widened 60mm both sides to take nissan C20 van axles [saves resplining] trx bluebird 3.9 centre. 3.5 inch tube tailshaft, VN V8 Commodore uni into a SR20 auto box. A transmission hump from a TRX Bluebird was welded into the floor to accommodate the huge gearbox.
Suspension: Rear leaf springs standard, front are lowered King springs, Monroe gas struts, spring saddles were raised 2 inches to fit the 17 inch wheels.
Brakes: Front:- Holden Astra vented rotors VL Turbo callipers, Bluebird sliders, Datsun Stanza struts. Rear TRX Bluebird disk brakes Datsun Stanza brake booster with twin master cylinder.
Wheels: All round 205/40ZR17 tyres with ASA chrome mags, these are 7 inches wide. To get them to clear the front struts I had to weld a 5mm steel plate onto hubs.
Bodywork and Paint: A custom mix of metallic bluey purple acrylic laquer with pearl in it. It has a rear wing moulded to the boot from the racing Datsun coupes. Guards bonnet and let sill are all new. The car was virtually rust free and dent free. I replaced the front quarter windows with the rear quarter windows out of an XY Ford rear door, these are now in a fixed position.
Interior Gadgetry: Front seats are Suzuki, dash was stripped with holes welded up, padded and the instrument cluster out of a 180SX was fitted. Centre console is custom built with T bar and gauges, carpeted rear parcel shelf has two 6 inch Pioneer speakers in it. Sun visors and mirror are out of a Nissan Bluebird, steering column is a Datsun Stanza with TRX bluebird wiper light combo. An Auto Technica 13 inch sports steering wheel was also fitted. Grey cut pile carpet on floor. All paint, body work and conversion was done by myself I am a Chef by trade and learnt my self the hard way with the cars transformation. Common sense and patients are the key factors.
Stereo Gear: Pioneer CD player and four 6 inch speakers.
Performance: Gets up and boogies at 12 psi. I am very happy with the overall handling and performance of the car. Remember this is a stock conversion. I will be putting a t28 turbo, custom computer and bigger injectors later.
Additional Information: I will be fitting flares and a front spoiler and lowering it down even more later. A big thank you to Kevin Rolley for the fitting of the wiring loom. And to Mark Brown for putting the idea into my head. The car is probably worth about 15 to 20 thousand dollars now. And by the way the speedo reading is spot on with my running gear.
Andrew's CA18DET Datsun 1600
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Name: Andrew Peters
Location: Sydney
Make and Model: Datsun 1600
Year: 1968
Engine Hardware: CA18DET
Engine Accessories: standard remapped computer, polished exhaust ports, T25g, 3" exhaust, saab 500x400x35 front mounted intercooler, modified N14 radiator
Driveline: CA18DET 5 speed, R160 3.7:1 diff
Brakes: R31 rear disks, 200b front disks and Hilux 4 spot calipers
Suspension: King springs up front and unknown hard shocks. standard rear springs and Kyb shocks. adjustable lower control arms and castor rods, offset 180b strut tops, 22mm swaybar
Wheels: 14x6" Hotwires
Bodywork and Paint: stock
Interior Gadgetry: 180SX stalk, dash etc. Toyota Levin bucket seats, remote central locking, alarm, retractable seatbelts
Stereo Gear: Clarion CD player
Performance: 13.6@99mph on 12psi
Additional Information:
The 6 wires from the rear lights are the only remaining 1600 loom wires,
the rest is 180SX or auxillary wiring. 180SX stalk upgrade is well worthwhile,
makes the datsun drive like a new car, flashing high beams, variable intermitent
wipers, hazards etc are handy.
I bought the car at the start of 2002, had an engine bay fire. For $700 got the L18 that was in it running with new SU's, dizzy, battery etc then replaced it with a CA18DE (which is for sale) and drove that for a year or so then just put this in. I bought a 180SX front cut, turns out the motor had a piston in the sump, but eventually got another motor out of them...
I'll take it out to the drags again when I get a 3.90 R180 in, next week or two, and give it some more boost.
Trent's SR20DE Datsun 1200 Coupe
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Name: Trent
Occupation: Sheet metal worker
Location: Good old Ipswich
Make: Datsun
Model: 1200 coupe
Year: 1973
Engine Hardware: N/a SR20
Engine Accessories: Stock standard at this point in time
Induction System: Custom lexcon PVC induction box with K&N filter, Custom header feeding 2 1/2 inch mandrel bent exhaust and s/s tip.
Driveline: SR20 gearbox, custom tail shaft, 4:3 LSD diff.
Brakes / Suspension: SR20 Turbo Front discs and calipers
(230 mm I think) with adjustable platforms and King springs. Disc brake
rear-end with reversed eyed leaf springs
Wheels: Polished TRX rims with 195 50 R15's with RS100
Bodywork and Paint: "A home job"
Interior Gadgetry: Import Corolla seats, Silvia instruments, A/C, grey carpet and black interior.
Additional Information: The car is pretty much complete, but I might add some things later down the track. Thanks to Gary and everyone else who gave me a hand to get it on the road in three months.
Jason's L18 Datsun 1600
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Occupation: hardware store
Location: Adelaide SA
Make: Datsun
Model: 1600
Engine Hardware: fully stripped and rebuilt L18
Engine Accessories: Pacemaker headers, 2" big Lukey dump muffler
Induction System: twin SU carburetters
Driveline: SSS 5 speed, R180 open
Brakes: bigger datsun front, stock rear drums
Suspension: aftermarket shocks lowerd with King springs
Wheels: 15" performance Lotus with 195/50/15 performance tyres
Bodywork and Paint: all rust cut out, 2-pack frog green respray
Interior Gadgetry: Prelude buckets, 71 dash, monster tacho, Speco temp gauge, Saas wheel, neons, full velour retrim done by myself
Stereo Gear: Pioneer deck, Pioneer 6" 2ways, Boss 4" splits, Pioneer 6x9"s, Avalanche 800w amp, Kicker 12" ported sub
Performance: wait for the SR to come
Additional Information:
I've had this car since I was 14 now 15 and have been doing it up bit
by bit thanks to my weekend job it will all pay off! Soon to come sr20det
conversion. All and all I think it's a neat ride, don't hesitate to email
me.
Thanks to:
Lee at Mclaren Vale Mechanical on 8323 9324
Mark at MS Paint and Panel at Lonsdale on 0413 495 329
and Mum and Dad for their support in many ways
ameron's Z18ET Datsun 1600
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Name: Cameron Stean
Occupation: Student
Location: Brisbane
Make: Datsun
Model: P510 SSS
Year: 1971
Engine Hardware: Z18ET
Engine Accessories: Microtech MTX8, Haltech twin post coil packs, Front mount intercooler, FJ20 turbo throttle body, Greddy Blow off valve, 3 inch mandrel exhaust, custom C.A.S, BMW race pump with surge tank, excedy clutch , custom 3 core radiator. turbosmart bleed valve.
Induction System: VG30 T3 turbo, HKS pod filter, Front mount intercooler, FJ20 turbo throttle body.
Driveline: Z18ET gear box,custom tail shaft, R180 3.9, 260Z half shafts.
Brakes: 240K disks, 260Z twin spot calipers front, 260Z rear drums rear, 240K booster, 280ZX master.
Suspension: 240K struts ,Koni Race Adjustables, King Springs lowered progressive rate, custom strut tower brace.
Wheels: BBS 15x7 with Silverstone FTZ 205/50-15
Bodywork and Paint: Toyota Diamond White
Interior Gadgetry: P510SSS dash, Autometer gauges, Sparco race/rally steering wheel and pedals, P510SSS seats and door panels, custom rear seats, black carpet.
Additional Information: still have alot of plans for this car, trying to set it up as a circuit car, some of the future mods are -240K rear lower arms, custom front lower control arms, HR31 front struts with GTR quad pots, and maybe rear R32 GTR brakes.
Michelle's SR20DET Datsun 1600
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Name: Robin. My wife Michelle is the owner. She picked the type of engine, colour, wheels, interior colour, etc
Occupation: Loans Officer
Location: Brisbane, Qld
Car Make: Datsun
Car Model: 1600
Car Year: 1971
Engine Details: SR20DET and ECU standard, custom made intercooler, alloy radiator, boost controler, 3" mandrel bent exhaust going down to 2.5" at the rear axle, power steering, 180SX wiper motor, EVO-5 BOV, K & N style air pod
Driveline: 180SX 4 speed automatic, standard rear end
Brakes: rear-standard. front-commodore caliper with modified 180SX vented disc. nissan sunny brake booster and 240K master cylinder. Floor mounted hand brake
Suspension: lowered King springs and Koni shocks all round
Rolling Stock: 205/40/17 on 5 spoke shiny rims
Bodywork and Paint: Body work done by a mate, Jason. Paintwork and finalize bodywork done by Robin's brother (Michelle`s brother in-law) Ivan
Interior Gadgetry: retrimmed interior in velour grey, digital climate control air-conditioning, centre console, 180SX instrument cluster and wiper and light storks and steering wheel shroud, cruise control
Stereo Gear: Pioneer CD player 4 speakers
Performance: goes alright
More Information:
Robin used to rally a Datsun 1600 for about 7 years and had a lot of bits lying around, so we looked for a half decent body to start the project. It was fully stripped. Painted in December 2000 in green with gold pearl.
Had it registered in time for the 2002 Jamboree. Robin (owner/operater of perFOURmance motorsports) and Michelle built the whole car with some help from the following people:
Richard ARE
Trevor CES
Rainer's A14 Datsun 1200 Ute
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Name: Rainer
Occupation: Student
Location: Samford, Brisbane
Make: Datsun
Model: 1200 or B120, 2-door ute
Year: 1980
Engine Hardware: Fully rebuilt, blueprinted and balanced A14 with GX head (Bored to 1434cc), 10:1 comp, 5kg flywheel
Engine Accessories: new 2" Lukey exhaust system, "Hi-Tech Header" extractors, chrome tip, Nissan CA18DET radiator
Induction System: Twin 40mm side draughts (32mm chokes), GX manifold, redline filters
Transmission - Driveline: 63a 5speed gearbox, standard tail shaft and h165 diff
Brakes: Stanza front struts, Stanza discs and calipers, semi-metallic pads, standard rear drums
Suspension: Stanza lower control arms, super low King Springs, Pedders shocks, 3 1/2" lowering block on rear leaf springs, all new neoprene bushes, tie rod ends and ball joints.
Wheels: New 14" Superlite "Performance mags", : 165/50r Falkens front, 185/60r Falkens rear.
Bodywork and Paint: bare metal respray, 2Pak Alfa Monza red, tinted windows
Interior Gadgetry: original seats re-upholstered in red leather and grey velour and extra padding added, Autoteknica steering wheel, SpecO RPM gauge, new carpet, 1200 UTE in heel pads. recovered dash. Pioneer Mp3 head unit, Kenwood 3way 6x9" speakers, Soundstream 5.5 component speakers, Kicker 225w amp
Brendan's Datsun 1200 Coupe
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Brendan's CA18DET Nissan Silvia
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Name: Brendan Kennedy
Occupation: Mechanic
Location: Toowoomba, Qld
Car Make: Nissan
Car Model: Silvia
Car Year: 1990
Engine Details: CA18DET, standard computer, Uni chip, boost cut defender, Bosch Motorsport pump, Garrett GT28 roller bearing turbo running 15 psi boost, custom PWR core intercooler (660x280x75mm) 2 1/2" dump with separate wastgate outlet, 3" high flow cat, 3" mandrel bent exhaust, straight through muffler.
Driveline: standard gearbox and diff
Brakes: R32 Skyline 4-piston front calipers with slotted rotors, standard rear brakes
Suspension Front: Lowered custom made King spings, Koni Sport adjustable shocks, strut brace, polyurethane bushes, increased castor and adjustable camber to 4.5 degrees
Suspension Rear: Lowered custom made King spings, Koni Sport adjustable shocks, solid mounted rear suspension cradle.
Rolling Stock: 17x7" ROH 3-piece wheels, 225/45/17 Falken FK451 tyres
Bodywork and Paint: standard Black
Interior Gadgetry: Autometer boost gauge, adjustable boost, fire extinguisher
Stereo Gear: Fusion CD and tape head unit, Pioneer front splits, Pioneer rear 6x9 2-way speakers, 2x10" Pioneer subs, 4-channel Pioneer amp
Future Mods:
- lightweight alloy wheels
- Semi-slick tyres
- bigger injectors
- more boost!
- twin-piston rear calipers
More Information:
The car regularly competes in Sprint races and occasionally track days
at Morgan Park Raceway, Warwick. It has competed against cars four times
the value and supposedly a lot quicker, and made a fool out of them.
To see a video of Brendan's car at the recent Pittsworth Sprints - click here. (Remember to right-click and choose 'save target as' from the menu)
Cameron's Supercharged & Turbo Datsun 1200 Coupe
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Video 1 Pittsworth Sprints - click here to download | Video 2 Pittsworth Sprints - click here to download |
More videos of other cars from the Pittsworth Sprints |
ENGINE
Toyota 1587cc 4agze Supercharged / Turbo
Toyota SC14 supercharger ,Turbo T3/4 480hp
injectors 440cc, 267 deg cams Std internals
Wolf 3d engine management
DRIVELINE
Toyota T50 gearbox ( getting updated to a W57 gearbox)
Nissan H190 alloy centre diff ( ratios 3.7 to 5.11 )
BRAKES
Front 260mm vented 4pot calipers . REAR 260mm single piston
with adjustable brake bias
SUSPENSION
Front: Fully Adjustable Mac pherson Strut with roll centre Adjusters, koni shocks, king springs
Rear: Satchell 4 link with reverse eye leaf springs and lowering blocks Koni shocks
BODY
Fibreglass front guards, bonnet, door skins 1200 coupe steel shell
WHEELS
13x8" Superlite or 13x7" Hotwire wheels , Dunlop / Bridgestone Slicks
How the SUPERCHARGED / TURBOCHARGED System works
Airfilter > Turbo (10psi) > Throttlebody>Supercharger (13psi ) plus 10psi from the turbo makes 23psi Total boost > intercooler > Engine
There is a Air bypass around the supercharger at IDLE only. The supercharger Runs constantly, Max Hp 250Rwhp at 6800rpm.
Wide Flat torque Band from 3200rpm to 6500rpm, it can make 20psi free reving the engine. NO LAG.
This system works well and gives you instant smooth Torque any rpm. It's like having a big V8 engine in the way it makes it power with good Throttle control which makes it easy to drive due to no Turbo boost spikes.
1200 Supercharged / Turbo system and Car built by Cameron Freeman
Dave's Nissan Pulsar ET Turbo
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Name: Dave Waldock
Occupation: Engineer
Location: Toowoomba, QLD
Car Make: Nissan
Car Model: Pulsar ET
Car Year: 1985
Engine Details:
Engine:
E15ET (40thou o.s.)
ACL pistons
Removal of standard oil cooler
Port and polished head
Port matched manifolds
Induction:
RB30 Throttle body
Pod filter with cold air feed and shielding box.
Relocated AFM position
RX7 Series 5 Intercooler running stainless steel piping.
Exhaust 3 Inch dump into 2.5 Inch mandrel bend and straight through 3
inch stainless muffler
Turbo:
Garrett T25g @ 13psi
Driveline: Exedy heavy duty clutch
Brakes: Standard 4 wheel disks – Bendix pads
Suspension: Lowered Kings with Monroe GT Gas Struts/shockies
Body work and paint: Original sky-blue paint, modified grill for intercooler, 15% Tint, personalised ‘ETN12’ plates
Rolling Stock: 15 Inch ROH Instinct rims with 195/50 rubber
Interior Gadgetry: Custom door trims, usual gauges, sports wheel, speaker pod build-outs, alarm with central locking
Stereo Gear: Probably to much of it... CD player, 10inch sub, 6x9’s and 6 inch’s up front.
More Info: Can see a lot more pics and info on my ride at n12turbo.com/cars/dave/davemain.htm. Being an ET you get your fair share of problems but because of this, they are a great car to teach you the basics behind turbo-charged EFI technology.
Jeff's turbo Toyota Corona Wagon
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Name: Jeff Clancey
Occupation: I.T.
Location: S.E. Qld
Car Make: Toyota
Car Model: Corona Wagon
Car Year: 1977, original 337,000 km's guaranteed!
Engine Details:
Engine:
18RGEU, standard head, standard internals with O-ringed
block, 2mm copper head gasket, standard cams. (approx 7.5:1 compression)
Fuel and ignition:
Standard 18RGEU intake with 2.5" throttle body,
series 4 RX-7 550cc injectors, Microtech MTX-8, custom made crank angle
sensor (based on a Toyota 3S-GE item), quad Bosch coils.
Turbo and induction:
T3 turbo (RB30), factory actuator & internal wastegate,
K&N air filter, custom made turbo manifold, custom made intercooling
piping, 2-stage electronic boost controller (8 or 16psi normally :), Pulsar
GTi-R intercooler, AVO blow-off valve.
Exhaust:
3" dump off the turbo, 3" high flow cat,
3" mandrel bent exhaust, straight through muffler.
Driveline: RPM clutch (still not enough), rebuilt Celica steel case 5-speed, standard Borg Warner diff.
Brakes: Standard discs with Sumitomo 2-Spot calipers front (Bendix pads) and standard drums rear.
Suspension Front: Super Low King springs with Koni adjustable shocks.
Suspension Rear: Standard leaf springs with Koni adjustable shocks
Rolling Stock: 14x6" Datsun 200B-SX rims, 195/65-R14 Goodyear Eagle Ventura tyres.
Bodywork and Paint: Ford Quicksilver paint, custom rolled guards (where are my pliers again?).
Interior Gadgetry: Microtech handset, later model Toyota bucket seats, Autotechnia wheel, Autometer boost gauge.
Stereo Gear: Rockford Fosgate front load CD-Player, Rockford Fosgate 8-stack CD-player, Alpine 6" splits (front), Jaycar Response 6x9s (eear), 2 x Kicker 10" subs, two Jaycar amps with more wiring and filtration gear than you could poke a stick at.
Future Mods:
- New clutch
- Swap front springs and lower back
- Cold air induction
- In-dash tacho
More Information:
"After my original 18R motor started to use more oil than fuel I decided to either get rid of the old Rona or turn it in the sleeper from hell :) So I decided to keep it, after I ran the little bitch on a NA 18RGEU for a while I decided to do something a little more drastic to improve its performance (and also to destroy any would be falcadores that might try anything, I'm just talking tough, much respect to Fords and Holdens :)). Anyway she's practically done now and I couldn't be happier, just got get my clutch sorted so I can take it for a decent pass down the quarter."
Paddy's L-series turbo Datsun 1600
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Name: Paddy
Location: South Australia
Car Make: Datsun
Car Model: 1600
Car Year: 1970
Engine hardware:
suck-thru carb turbo SOHC 1770cc L-series
L16 block + 2mm
L18 crank
L18 rods
85mm 1cc pistons
L20b U67 head
42mm in 35mm ex valves
25/65 .325" cam
8.9:1 CR
Induction System:
custom manifold
1.75" S.U. carb
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Series 4 RX-7 turbo
2.5" mandrel bent exhaust
7psi boost
Engine Accessories: series 2 bluebird electronic ignition
Driveline: L18 flywheel & clutch, R30 skyline 5 speed, 260Z 3.54:1 R180 diff
Brakes: 240z 7/8" dual circuit master cylinder, 200b 253mm solid discs, hilux 4spot calipers, r31 skyline rear discs & calipers
Suspension: K-MAC castor and camber plates, 200b struts, Gabriel front & monroe rear gas shocks
Rolling Stock: 14"x6" rims, 195/60/14 front, 205/60/14 rear
Bodywork and paint: subframe black, Ford GT air duct, 60/100W H4 & 100W H1 lights
Interior Gadgetry: oil pressure, volts & boost gauges, jaycar turbo timer, 200b seats, saas wheel, saas gear knob
Stereo Gear: radio/tape deck 2x20w 2x30w
If you want to know more about Paddy's
1600, or have any questions about
what you see here, please email him
at paddy510@yahoo.co.uk
Martin's Project Cars - Turbo Datsun 1600 / 180B SSS
Update 17th July 2003
I am soon to be removing the FJ20 from my 180B SSS to be installed in the 1600,
I have purchased a S2 bluey motor (pictured to replace the FJ) which I will
be putting in the 180B to be my daily driver. The pictures below are of the
motor, computer, subu intercooler, and the oil air separator.
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Update 24th March 2003
My plans have changed slightly, I'm planning on keeping the 180b together for now, it only requires a pink slip so I will get it re-registered while I'm building my 1600. Then once I get the 1600 body sprayed & assembled with everything including interior, I'll decide whether to wreck the 180b and put the FJ into the 1600, or just purchase an SR20DET to install.
Update 11th March 2003
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I pulled the motor and box out about 2 weeks ago, and I'm continuing to strip the car. I'll be removing the rear crossmember for cleaning and spraying, then I'll be moving the car to my mate's dad's house (he is a rust repair guru), where he will be patching the body repairs which are minimal as it is. Then on to the spray booth. I'm currently storing the car at my Grandma's house (thanks Grandma) which is in Lake Macquarie but soon I will be bringing it back to my house to get it fully underway.
Name: Martin Dunn
Occupation: Cisco Engineer
Location: Sydney NSW
Car Make: Datsun
Car Model: 1600
Car Year: 1971
Engine hardware: FJ20 turbo
Engine Accessories: Microtech MTX-8 , turbo - t3/t4 hybrid, oil air separator, xf falcon throttle body, 3 inch mandrel exhaust, Water-to-air intercooler from rs turbo (no chopping)
Driveline: FJ20 turbo box, R180 diff (til R200 sourced)
Brakes: 300zx front vented discs and rotors, standard rear 1600 drums (for now)
Suspension: Koni lowered springs, no shocks sourced as yet
Rolling Stock: pending
Bodywork and paint: Proposed New HSV Green
Interior Gadgetry: Boost gauge and tacho, plus some other gauges
Stereo Gear: it will have nice head unit, front and rear speakers
Performance: motor has been dynoed at 265hp in a 180b SSS
More Information:
"I have recently purchased
a donor car (180bss fj20 turbo) from
a friend for a very good price, which
I will provide photos of as soon as
they become available. I hope to have
the car realistically running by around
July. The only thing holding it back
is paint and lack of funds for paint.
I have certain car parts that I no
longer need and will be selling to
fund the spray job. Once sprayed it's
only time holding me back."
Julian's CA18DET Datsun 1600
Update August 2005
- Custom Brake lines and braded hoses finished - I included a B&M line locker kit in the rear brake line... Good smoke shows ahead!!!
- Stereo in boot covered and installed - 2 x 15" boxes are in white leather - awaiting final trim in the next few weeks
- New Door cards made - no photos but you will be impressed - 3 speakers in each front door
- Engine completed and running - All is standard at this time
- Custom dash face completed and covered in green leather along with new crash pad
- Restored Smiths guages with custom machined aluminium bezzles fitted
- Front Custom made bumperettes made and fitted - made from Jaguar Type 2 front bar
- Rear Custom bar made and fitted - made from 68-69 Cortina front bar
- Central locking fitted
- Front Datsun 720 diff centre modified and fitted to rear end - Is just a play diff for burnouts - 4.875:1 ratio
- Custom centre console made from donor Ford vechile - alot of plastic welding involved but looks awesome fitted
- Stainless exhaust finished and fitted - Complete hand made system including muffler by myself.
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Car Profile
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Name: Julian
Occupation: Industry and Mining Electrician
Location: Jimboomba, Queensland
Make: Datsun 1600 Sedan
Model: P510
Year: 1971
Engine Hardware: CA18DET Standard Computer
Engine Accessories: Surge pot, HKS Filter, custom intercooler, stainless radiator cover, twin 10'' thermo fans.
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Induction System: Standard size turbo, standard induction.
Driveline: Datsun 720 front diff modified for rear IRS. Ratio 4.875:1. Installed for quick launches and strong burnouts, 5 speed transmission.
Brakes: Rear - standard, fitted with in-line electronic line locker valve, Front - 240K 10.75 inch discs with 4X4 Hilux 4 spot calipers.
Suspension: King springs (1.5 inches too high currently), Koni adjustable shock absorbers all round. Front custom sway bar - Rear bar not fitted, required or wanted for reasons of preference. Front extended control arms (by 15mm), Rear IRS fully adjustable camber (as expected). Front struts have also been cut and shortened by 2 inches below the spring hanger.
Wheels: Porche 'Cookie cutters' style, similar to 918 factory mags. Imported from Japan. Mags are made and stamped by Dunlop.
Bodywork and Paint: Body work is home grown. Entire car was stripped
bare and sand blasted/acid dipped, according to body and panel requirement.
On return to my house I seam welded it fully with 1" strip welds
spaced 1" apart, front to back. Then I ground and filed the engine
bay and sills which was then filled and smoothed and sanded for a show
finish. With all repairs completed it went to Dave at Jagworld Brisbane
who was persuaded to top coat the datto in the company of a few E type
Jaguars which is his usual crust. Many of his upperclass customers were
very impressed with genuine interest. I hoped also to paint it myself
but money was payed to enable an impeccable top coat. The car was painted,
fully stripped and assembled at Jagworld for the transport home. It is
due to return to Dave at Jagworld for the post build touch-ups once completed.
Interior Gadgetry: Toyota Supra electric seats with console mounted joystick to control side and lumbar support. Restored Smiths guages - full set from Triumph Dolamite and recalibrated to suit my needs. Tacho, speedo, oil press, water temp, volts, amps and a VDO boost guage. The interior is currently being designed and trimmed by A1 Quality Trimming Brisbane. We have 2 hides of leather and a swag of material purchased with Ron the trimmer focussing on the datto as his new feature car for 2003.
Stereo Gear: No head set currently as was sold in last 1600. The rest of the stereo gear however was kept back from sale. The boot is a feature of 2 x amps and 2 x 15" Lanzar subs and a false tiltable amp floor to give access to the spare tyre in the well. The two sub enclosures will be covered in white leather and the amp floor and remaining boot will be same velour as in the cabin. The two front doors each have a tweeter, 5" midrange and a 6" bass speaker with no other speakers in the cabin or rear doors.
Performance: Hopefully, this car will be going through a lot of rear rubber...
More Information:
"The driveline install was done by myself with the tunnel being
replaced with a custom larger section at the shifter to allow for a better
install for the box. I set the motor very low on the crossmember and a
bit further forward than most others I've seen. The issue of seating always
has a comment of 'too high' with the use of import seats. To combat this
I removed the cross member and strengthened the floor for side impact,
so that the seats sit directly on the floor pan, allowing for the nice
comfy seats to be used with no complaints. The rear number plate recess
has been removed and the body line continued. All under car components
and crossmembers are powder coated the same colour in hammertone with
a 2.5" stainless steel purge welded and polished system front to
back minus the cat with a custom made muffler (not in photos) which was
done by me. Future photos as posted will start to show the detail of the
build as it progresses."
Andy's L20b Turbo Datsun 1600 Wagon
Name: Andrew Nielsen
Occupation: I.T.
Location: S.E. Qld
Car Make: Datsun
Car Model: 1600 wagon
Car Year: 1970, original 81,000 km's
Engine Details:
Engine: L20b Block - balanced, U67 head – heavily ported, bigger valves, combustion chambers ported, 2mm copper head gasket, standard cam (approx. 7.5:1 compression)
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Induction: L18 EFI manifold (maximum porting), 3" throttle body, FJ20 turbo injectors, Microtech MT8 computer (fuel & ignition), custom fuel rail
Turbo: T3/T4 hybrid (more T4 than T3), custom made turbo manifold, factory actuator & internal wastegate
Exhaust: 3" dump off the turbo, 3" mandrel bent exhaust, straight through muffler, hidden tip
Driveline: 3000 pound custom clutch, dodgy Stanza dogleg 5 speed gearbox, H190 diff
Brakes: 200B front brakes and struts
Suspension Front: standard
Suspension Rear: standard
Rolling Stock: 17x7 with Bridgestone Grid 2's (Front) 17x8 with Bridgestone Potenza S02's (Rear)
Bodywork and paint: standard
Interior Gadgetry: Microtech handset, standard everthing else
Stereo Gear: Clarion head unit, 6 disk stacker, 2x10" Orion subs, Pioneer speakers
Future Mods:
- 1600 SSS tacho
- 2" lowering job
- stronger gearbox
- rear disks
- Vented front brakes with Nissan 4 spots
- huge intercooler
- locked diff
- Type 2 or 3 Turbosmart BOV
- Malpassi fuel pressure regulator
- Bosch Motorsport EFI pump
- 20 PSI 8-)
More Information:
"I've been after a wagon for about 6 years. I wanted one because they're rare (I love to be different) and ugly (which makes them super cool). And the solid diff means traction down the quarter. My aim is to keep the car looking dead stock on the outside and inside and have a killer drivetrain. At any time I can bolt the standard steelies and hubcaps back on for the sleeper look."
This motor used to be in Andy's previous car, a green 1600 sedan as featured on Ozdat here, but due to traction problems the motor was transferred into the wagon. Yet to run the 1/4 mile but hoping for flat 13's.
Simon's 13B Turbo Mazda RX7
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Name: Simon
Occupation: Real Estate
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Web Site: mrrx7.8k.com
Car Make: Mazda
Car Model: RX7
Car Year: 1985
Engine Hardware: Series 4 13B turbo motor, mild ported.
Engine Accessories: Haltech computer, Stock turbo, front mounted intercooler, 3 inch mandrel bent exhaust from turbo back, with 3inch magna flow stainless steel box and 4 inch SP style tip. K&N filter. Makes around 200 rwkw's
Driveline: Series 5 turbo RX7 Gearbox, HD clutch with super lightweight flywheel, Limited edition Mazda finalie 4.44 ratio open diff.
Brakes: Endless pads and DBA slotted rotors. Dot 4 Castrol Fluid
Suspension Front: KYB shocks and Lowered 2 inch springs
Suspension Rear: King springs lowered 2 inches and Koni yellow shocks.
Rolling Stock: 17 Inch ROH Talons with 215/40/17 GT Radials
Bodywork and paint: Respray in Mazda Red, standard body because it looks so good anyway
Interior Gadgetry: Stock :)
Stereo Gear: Stocker then stock :) got plans here though
More Information: Have yet to run a 1/4 time. Looking at 12's depending on traction.
Charlotte's 1971 Datsun 1200 Coupe Specs
Make: Datsun
Model: 1200 or B110, 2-door coupe
Year: 1971
Engine Hardware: Fully rebuilt A15
Engine Accessories: new 1 3/4" exhaust, chrome tip, all new leads & coil, reconditioned distributor
Induction System: E15/E16 carby with auto choke
Transmission - Driveline: Reconditioned Jatco 3-speed automatic gearbox, standard tailshaft and diff
Brakes: Stanza front struts shortened 40mm, Stanza discs and calipers, standard rear drums, Stanza master cylinder, Mitsubishi Lancer brake booster
Suspension: Stanza lower control arms, Toyota Celica Gabrielle gas shockies front, all new wheel cylinders, piston seals, shoes, 1" lowering block on rear leaf springs, all new neoprene bushes, tie rod ends and ball joints.
Wheels: 15" Sigma turbo wheels, 195/45/15 Falken Ziex ZE-512 tyres all round
Bodywork and Paint: bare metal respray acrylic paint (medium blue - KC14), mostly debadged, all new rubbers, laminated windscreens, new door locks and ignition switch, bumpers painted in hammertone silver/grey
Interior Gadgetry: Mazda 121 front seats, rear seats re-upholstered to match, Autoteknica steering wheel, new carpet, doors cards, hoodlining, recovered dash. Sony X-Plod CD player with 2x 5" speakers in front doors and 2x 6x9" speakers in boxes in the boot, plus amp and 10" sub also mounted in boot. Viper car alarm and remote central locking.
Charlotte's 1971 Datsun 1200 Coupe Updates
Update 17th January 2007
Another year, another update!
Due to rising fuel costs, I have been looking into ways to try and reduce the amount I spend on fuel. The coupe isn't too bad on fuel, but like all cars, it can always be better.
In my research, I came across a product called Fuelmate, which is a fuel catalyst that uses tin to produce an extended and more complete combustion. If you want to read more about how it all works, have a look at this technical page on the Fuelsaving website.
I was a bit sceptical at first, as there are a lot of similar products out there that claim to do the same thing, but don't work that well. I decided to give it a go anyway as there is a 12 month money back satisfaction guarantee - can't argue with that!
I went through about a full tank of fuel before noticing the difference, but now after a couple of thousand miles it has really kicked in. The car runs smoother than ever before, and there is even a small but noticeable increase in power.
I am still working out fuel consumption figures, but even without doing the sums I can safely say it uses a LOT less fuel, and can now run safely on fuels with a lower octane rating than BP Ultimate, without pinging.
I would highly recommend this device to anyone who is interested in saving money on their fuel bill - plus all the other advantages! If you are interested make sure you check out the fuelsaving.com.au website - you can even buy online and fit yourself, it's very easy to do!
Update 7th January 2006
Okay so it's been a year and a half since the last update for this car - phew! Talk about slack. The main reason is that nothing substantial has really been done on it that whole time. It has however had a manual conversion and some new tyres.
The engine conversion is still on the cards, but due to starting a business and all the associated costs with that, as well as making a foray into motorbikes, it probably won't be for a while yet. The good news is that when the time comes, it should be a relatively speedy and trouble-free conversion as I now have some great contacts for parts and automotive work.
In the meantime the little coupe is still going well, in fact it's been the most hassle-free motoring I have had in years. A great testament to the reliability of the mighty Datsun!
The datto on one of it's regular journeys on the fun roads in the Gold Coast Hinterland.
Update 13th July 2004
Now that the 1600 is sold, I have been making plans for the coupe, however it will be a long term project over about a year, with the engine conversion not taking place until at least 2005. I will be doing some modifications in the meantime to prepare for the CA18DET, including new supportive racing seats, an LSD and rear disc brakes, and better lower profile tyres.
I also managed to score a loan of a 12" sub and amp, until they are required again or until I get my own, whichever comes first! Pics of the install are below and are fairly self-explanatory so I will let them speak for themselves ...
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Update 15th April 2004
The coupe has been going very well over the last few months as a daily driver while the 1600 has been off the road, and has had a few long highway runs too. The main issue was engine fan - it was very loud and was draining a lot of power from the motor that being an auto it really needed! I managed to pick up a nice 10" thermo from the Toowoomba Swap Meet for a good price, and it has made a huge amount of difference, the car is now much quieter and there's more power too.
More recent improvements include the mandatory turbophile sticker, seat belt pads, a new stereo, central locking and Viper alarm. It has also been the recipient of the Sigma turbo wheels off the 1600 - they are a great improvement over the old TRX rims!
Oh and I have included pics of the Stanza front brakes and calipers if anyone is interested.
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Well I finally managed to get the car I have been after for quite some time! This is a beautiful example, and full credit goes to the previous owner for restoring and modifying it to this extent. Plans for this car include a CA18DET engine transplant.
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Andrew's Datsun 1600
Newsflash!
This car has now been fully converted into the Nissan CA18DET green machine you see below. Expect a full feature in the Readers Rides section as soon as we have completed the photoshoot.
Specs
This is Andrew's 1600 which is undergoing a complete rebuild and a CA18DET transplant. Future plans include a complete respray (colour still to be decided), all new suspension, disc brakes on all four corners, Sigma Turbo wheels and new tyres, upgraded fuel system, larger ball-bearing turbo, R200 LSD and a reconditioned interior.
Keep watching the Updates page for more information.
From this...
To this!
Andrew's 1971 Datsun 1600
Update 6th January 2006
This car is now a completed project, with CA18DET and sweet paint - overall a very tidy and quick car. There will probably (unless I'm feeling energetic enough to do updates for the entire 12 month build in one hit) be no more progress updates for this car, but expect to see a full feature on it soon in the Readers Rides section.
Here's a sneak preview in the meantime...
The car mentioned in the update below, Andrew ended up buying, but unfortunately it with met an untimely end about 6 months afterwards. Click to visit the specs, updates and videos pages for his other Datsun 1600, and old-skool L18 beast.
Update 20th October 2002
Andrew is now considering buying another car for the CA18 to save the time and expense of fixing up another shell for the motor. The shell you see here may be turned into a long term race project. ;)
Update 9th July 2002
This is probably not worth a dedicated update but here's just one pic of the car up on the hoist ... waiting ... waiting ... ;)
Update 13th June 2002
Here's some pics of the shell sandblasted. This project is momentarily on hold until my 1600 is fixed.
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Update 25th May 2002
Since the GTi-R has been sold we have been getting the datto ready for its conversion. Originally the plan was to install an SR20DET, but Andrew really likes my motor and is happy with the performance, so has decided to go with a CA18DET instead.
We sourced a complete 180SX front cut and the car has been stripped and sandblasted.
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Update 19th February 2002
Some vids have been added to the video page.
Update 31st December 2001
The car has not really been doing much lately other than sitting in the shed and occasionally being driven around the yard, as the L18 is now in and running perfectly. We are waiting to see if we can sell the GTi-R before going to the trouble of registering it, as there would be no point in doing that if it's going to be pulled off the road soon anyway.
Good news though, Andrew recieved some new wheels for his birthday/Christmas, they are the Sigma turbo wheels you see below. The red paint has been stripped and the wheels polished, all they need now is tyres!
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Update 5th November 2001
The L18 is now in and running well. We are going to put a Weber we have on the car, but it will need a rebuild first. The car is still not registered, we are waiting to see what it's future will be as it is hoped it will be our SR20DET project car, financial situation allowing. We'll keep you posted! :)
Update 26th September 2001
The L18 is in, but it turns out the head gasket needs replacing as its leaking compression between no. 2 and 3 cylinders. This is being done at the moment, but is progressing slowly as it's hard to find the time to work on it.
Update 12th September 2001
Andrew likes my Datto so much he has decided to buy his own! We picked up the car last week. It will just be a runabout for a while until my Datto is on the road, but after that there are big plans, presently undisclosed, so keep watching for updates... :)
The 1600 is pretty stock and clad in the original baby-poo brown ('honey brown', according to the documentation), the only mods being an aftermarket steering wheel. The standard L16 was VERY tired so has been replaced with the L18 from my Datto, as the pictures show. There was a rather dodgy *repair* job done on the pasenger side rear quarter which has been patched up quickly for now but will eventually be completely replaced.
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Andrew's CA18DET Datsun 1600 Videos
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The datto driving around the garden. |
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A shot of the L18 running. |
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The rocket doing a big grass burnout! | 1.2mb |
Charlotte's Datsun 1600 CA18DET - Specs
Please note! This car has now been sold so there will be no further updates.
Click to jump to ...
Car History
Current Specs
Future Modifications
Special Thanks
Car History
See the latest updates for what has been happening recently with this car and for heaps more images...
The 1600 was bought from Brisbane in early May 2001, with the intention of be used as a daily driver until we had the finances for an SR20 conversion. Some 'quick' removal of rust in the rear quarter panels soon escalated into a major project though. As many will vouch, this can happen very easily! We then decided to paint all the outside panels, and then that progressed to the engine bay as well.
The L18 that the car was bought with has made way for a Nissan CA18DET motor. We sourced a complete front cut from a 180SX and initially paid someone to install the motor, however, most things have been re-done by ourselves and helpful friends (special thanks to these people at the bottom of this page).
We are now on to version 2 of the car, because unfortunately after finally getting it on the road it was involved in an accident (beware semi-blind young females in Ford Festiva's) after only 3 weeks! Click here to see the relevant update and photos. Luckily it was covered by insurance and they paid for a complete shell swap, meaning the old shell is written off, we got a new one and then transferred everything over onto it - doors, bonnet, motor, engine, suspension, drivetrain and interior. A huge job but it has been worth it in the long run!
After missing out the first time, 'Version II' has painted door jambs and the inner parts of the doors and boot, and it really makes a difference. After the accident and pulling the original shell apart, we realised it was not in the best condition, so having to transplant everything into a new and better shell has provided an opportunity to get all the things that didn't go right the first time fixed up the second time around.
After another couple of setbacks including a t-boning incident and a blown motor, the datto is once again on the road and going strong. The main concern now is to upgrade other aspects of the car such as handling, stopping and traction, as I am very happy with the current performance. I figure why bother having a car that goes well when you can't make full use of the power? Another main object is to ensure the power delivery is reliable - I want the motor to last as long as possible.
The car will be mainly used as a daily driver and for cruises, but I also would like to get into Sprints and other track racing, as well as the occasional trip to the drags.
Specs
Make: Datsun
Model: 1600 or P510, 4-door sedan
Year: 1972 (with lots of 1969 bits including dash)
Engine Hardware: Nissan CA18DET, 1.8L twin-cam, intercooled turbo 4-cylinder (from a 1992 Nissan 180SX)
Engine Accessories: custom made oil catch can
Induction System: T28 Turbo from an S14 200SX, front mounted Evo intercooler, mild steel 2 1/4" intercooler piping, GFB BOV
Engine Management: Microtech LT8 (MT8 case but LT8 internals - it was one of the first ones built)
Cooling: N14 Nissan Pulsar radiator, cut down and with inlet/outlet pipes modified to suit
Fuel System: Standard Datsun fuel tank with standard feed into low pressure, high volume pre-pump, into 1.5L stainless steel surge tank into high pressure VL turbo EFI fuel pump to fuel rail. Return from fuel rail feeds back into surge tank with an overflow/breather back into the fuel tank. All flexible lines have been replaced with 3/8" high-pressure EFI fuel hose, and the standard tiny metal return line that runs under the car has been replaced with 3/8" bundy fuel line (metal) and is now used as the feed to the fuel rail, with the old feed line (5/16") taking on its new role as the return line.
Since this expanation may be somewhat confusing, I have drawn a diagram which should make things a little clearer!
Exhaust System: Subaru WRX/Liberty catalytic converter, 3 1/2" dump pipe off the turbo into a 2 1/2" exhaust and straight through muffler
Driveline: 180SX CA18DET 5 speed manual gearbox, heavy duty clutch, shortened and balanced tailshaft, standard R160 diff
Brakes: 240K front struts, discs and twin-spot Sumitomo calipers, standard rear drums, 180b brake booster with 13/16" master cylinder from a 200b.
Suspension: Fulcrum springs front , King springs and KYB rear shockies rear, 24mm heavy duty front swaybar.
Wheels: 16" Pilot Racing 5-spoke alloys with 205/45/16 Falken ZE326 tyres all round
Bodywork and Paint: recently re-sprayed in Arctic White 2-pack - exterior and engine bay, fully badged, engine bay detailing in 2-pack Kent Green, bonnet pins
Interior Gadgetry: custom alloy gear knob, Mitubishi Starion front sports seats, boost gauge, new grey carpet & hoodliner, 1969 dash, aluminium plate under stereo for gauge mounting, alarm
Stereo Gear: Sony X-Plod 50Wx4 CD player, shitty rear speakers
Performance:
Latest power figure is 209.1hp (approx 155kw) on the Dyno Dynamics Dyno at Cramer
Dyno and Performance, Toowoomba at Power Tune 2002 on April 27th. Had previously
recorded a 180hp (134kw) run on the same dyno with a T25 turbo and before the
installation of the new fuel system. Yet to be run down the 1/4 mile, hoping
for mid-low 13's, possibly 12's with traction.
Future Modifications (in order of importance)
- upgraded diff - most likely an open R180
- some more gauges - oil pressure, oil temperature and fuel pressure
- rear disc brake conversion from an R31 Skyline
- larger 3" exhaust from the dump pipe back...
- ... at the same time enlarging the hole in the x-member to fit it
- chrome dumpy tip
- new shocks all round
- better front brake package - may change to 200b struts so I can fit Verada discs and VL turbo Commodore calipers
- rear sway bar
- harnesses plus retractable seat belts - the back seat will come out for racing so the harnesses can be connected properly, then the rear seat will go back in and normal seat belts will be used for daily driving duties
Wish List
- rebuilt motor with forged pistons, flowed head
- larger injectors (RB25)
- bigger turbo - GT25/30 of some description
- custom exhaust manifold
- larger throttle body
- custom plenum
- individual coil packs and better spark plugs
- R200 LSD and associated custom CV half shafts etc
Special Thanks
There have been many people who have helped us out with the car over the past year and a half that I would like to thank:
- Andrew for all the hard work he has put in
- Andrew's parents, Leicster and Margaret, for much-needed financial support, plus for reminding us to eat and always providing sustinence during the long days of bodywork
- Our friend Frizz for helping out when he really should have been working on his own car
- Wado for, ah, entertaining us, and always keeping out spirits up
- Jamie, Damien and Tony at Plastic Fix
- All the guys at the SR20Transplants Yahoo! group for putting up with my annoying non-SR-related questions during the build
- Karl for bailing us out when we are stuck down the Gold Coast at 2am in the morning with fouled plugs and no spares - you're a legend mate ;)
- Mum for always trying to understand my obsession with datto's
Charlotte's CA18DET Datsun 1600 - Updates
Please note!
This car has now been sold so there will be no further updates.
29th June 2004 - [6 new images] - After almost three years of love, time, and money that went into this car - it's finally time to move on ...
15th April 2004 - [7 new images] - After about 4 months off the road, the 1600 is finally back in business!
7th January 2004 - [5 new images] - The CA18 has been getting a fair bit of blowby in recent months ...
19th November 2003 - [3 new images] - I have finally got my car back! Definitely worth the wait though ...
18th September 2003 - [5 new images] - Well after a relatively trouble-free few months, disaster has struck the little datto once again...
17th July 2003 - [8 new images]
10th April 2003 - [3 new images]
28th January 2003 - [3 new images] - The first update for 2003...
12th December 2002 - [19 new images] - A big update detailing BOV and oil catch can addition with images...
18th November 2002 - [6 new images] - Some people have been asking about my radiator setup so here are some pics...
12th November 2002 - [21 new images]
22nd August 2002 - [6 new images]
22nd August 2002 - [update only] - Some good news with the datto - its finally running!! Still no interior or panels ...
20th July 2002 - [6 new images] - We have been doing a few things with the datto lately ...
13th July 2002 - [6 new images]
9th July 2002 - [6 new images] - Being on holidays we managed to get a bit of work in ourselves last week ...
13th June 2002 - [3 new images] - I didn't think it would be this soon but we actually have some stuff to report already...
20th May 2002 - [3 new images] - Some very sad news unfortunately - the datto is out of action...
29th April 2002 - [1 new image (dyno chart)] - We took the datto in the DUEL Import Dyno Challenge yesterday...
25th April 2002 - [update only] Ok well the car is FINALLY ON THE ROAD...
1st April 2002 - [10 new images] - Still no printout for the 180 hp dyno run, sorry...
18th March 2002 - [update only] - More dramas! This time though they might be a blessing in disguise...
19th February 2002 - [3 new images] - Well we got the car back on the 4th of Feb...
22nd January 2002 - [6 new images] - At the moment we are still waiting for the car to be tuned...
16th January 2002 - [update only] - Everything is now finished...
3rd January 2002 - [6 new images] - We now have the datto back in our possession...
31st December 2001 - [6 new images] - I have been meaning to update this page for the last couple of weeks, but...
28th November 2001 - [14 new images] - Ok I finally have some more images of the conversion process...
5th November 2001 - [update only] - Well the conversion has been taking a little longer than expected...
26th September 2001 - [4 new images] - The engine conversion is underway now...
3rd September 2001 - [update only] - Just a quick update this week...
21st August 2001 - [6 new images] - Finally the car is painted...
8th August 2001 - [3 new images] - Well we ran out of time on the weekend to prime the whole car...
1st August 2001 - [2 new images] - The engine bay has now been sandblasted and primed...
14th July 2001 - [10 new images] - We have almost finished getting the body stripped...
Charlotte's CA18DET Datsun 1600 'OCA018' Gallery
These are all the photos that were taken of the car in the time that I owned it. They are all repeated in the Updates section of the site, but combined here for easy viewing. Please select a section from the list below...
First build - Bodywork Images [20 images]
First Build - Engine Conversion [44 images]
Suspension, Brakes etc [6 images]
Finished Car Photos - Version I [6 images]
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Crash Photos [8 images]
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Second Build - Bodywork Images [7 images]
Second build - Mechanical [44 images]
Finished Car Photos - Version II [29 images]
Charlotte's CA18DET Datsun 1600 Videos
If you would like to download any of these videos, please remember to right-click on the thumbnail image then select 'Save Target As' from the pop-up menu.
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Driving over a bridge then through an S-bend past the camera, then turning around and driving back up and stopping opposite the camera. Not particularly exciting, just wanted to see how my new wheels look while moving! And please excuse Andrew's dodgy filming... ;) |
35secs | 3.34Mb |
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More of the same ... driving up and down the road going through a few S-bends, make sure you listen out for the cute 2nd to 3rd gear chirpie on the way back up the hill! :D |
27secs | 1.85Mb |
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Following Dave's Nissan Pulsar ET home from Somerset Dam. Very nice car - visit visit his website www.n12turbo.com for more details |
37secs | 3.92Mb |
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Driving along the road near Somerset Dam on the way to the Jimna Forest Rally in 2002 - coming around a corner and into the straight if you listen carefully you can hear the compressor stall; sounds like a fluttery sequential BOV-type noise. |
13secs | 1.97Mb |
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Along the same road a bit further on - Andrew cuts a corner and you can hear the engine note and turbo quite clearly (over the music). |
11secs | 1.45Mb |
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A view of the inside of the datto while driving along, you can see the fire extinguisher, stereo, dash, carpet etc. Oh and its still the same song playing. |
24secs | 3.41Mb |
The old shell before the accident (pre May 2002):
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A quick overview of the front of the datto just after it had a wash and before we went for a drive. |
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Starting off up the road. | 635kb | |
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Starting (as above) | 566kb | |
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Driving past at high speed. | 523kb | |
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Driving past at a lower speed but accellerating more. | 618kb | |
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Pulling over to the side of the road. | 1.23Mb | |
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Same as above but a lower angle. | 92 kb | |
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Dyno runs at Cramer Dyno & Performance
Shoot Out 27th April 2002 |
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Andrew's 1970 Datsun 1600
This is the latest addition to our collection of dattos, and takes the place of the Suzuki Vitara which was sold just before Christmas 2002. It was bought from Craig in Brisbane with all the major mods already completed, so congrats must go to him for putting the work in to build such a great car. Andrew's other project (the brown CA18 1600) is still going ahead but will be more of a long-term project.
Specs
Make: Datsun
Model: 1600 or P510, 4-door sedan
Year: 1970
Engine Hardware: Datsun L18 Block and head, hot cam (exact specs to come)
Engine Accessories: heat-wrapped extractors into a 2 1/2" exhaust, hotdog and muffler with 4"chrome dumpy tip
Induction System: twin 45mm Webers on a Datrally manifold with trumpets and filter socks
Fuel System: Carter fuel pump
Transmission - Driveline: FJ20 5-speed gearbox, locked 4.11 ratio R160 diff
Brakes: 180b front struts, discs and calipers, standard rear drums, 180b brake booster
Suspension: lowered springs all round, adjustable air shockies rear, heavy duty front swaybar
Wheels: 14" 200b wheels, 185 tyres
Bodywork and Paint: custom paint (light Aqua), bonnet mounted oil pressure & water temp. gauges, bonnet pins, de-badged, all new chrome bits
Interior Gadgetry: 200b front seats, monster tacho with shift light, woodgrain sports steering wheel, 4-point roll cage
Performance: Not sure as yet! Probably in the vicinity of 100-150 hp at the rear wheels. Has run a flat 15 second quarter mile with previous owner, with large amounts of wheelspin.
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Andrew's 1970 Datsun 1600 L18 Updates
Update 7th January 2006
There will be no further updates to this car as unfortunately it was involved in an accident and has been written off. Andrew has managed to salvage some parts from the car however and will be using them in his original brown (now green) Datsun 1600 project car.
Update 4th February 2003
Interior mods and enhancements:
Update 29th January 2003
Andrew has been working hard on his new datto lately, generally cleaning, tidying up and improving the car. The boot area was a bit of a mess, with the fuel pump mounted in the spare wheel well and fuel lines going everywhere.
The leak around the fuel cap had been sealed with silicon, which had partly dissolved and washed down into the fuel tank and was blocking up the lines, pumps and filters. So it was decided to pull the tank out and give it a flush, at the same time tidying up the boot, remounting the pumps and filters and giving it all a paint in gloss black.
He also made up a divider plate to sit over the space next to the spare wheel, underneath this is mounted the fuel pump and its also the storage space for tools and jumper leads etc. Some plain black carpet has also been laid over the top to finish it off, this isn't seen in the photos.
I also took some pics of the rollcage and radiator overflow bottle which is also a new addition (I want one too now!).
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Andrew has also installed some brand new carpet and made a centre console, expect to see pics of this very soon!
Andrew's L18 Datsun 1600 Videos
If you would like to download these videos, please remember to right-click on the thumbnail image then select 'Save Target As' from the pop-up menu.
Charlotte's Datsun 1200 Sedan Version 2
Update 24th February 2003
Sold :(
Update 4th February 2003
Some new piccies of the 1200:
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Specs
We bought this little beauty as a runabout while Andrew's car is being built. It was purchased for a good price and really didn't have much wrong with it other than some minor patches of rust, mainly in the drivers side sill and around the bottoms of the panels. We decided just to strip, rustproof, fibreglass and bog over these areas and this time we promised not to get too carried away (unlike my 1600)!
Someone had really liked the cartoon character 'Taz' in the car's history because the interior was swathed in the little character. Taz front and rear seat covers, floor mats and even a Taz air freshener! Cute I guess but not quite the look I was after so they had to go, along with the plastic skull valve caps on the tyres and door snibs; actually the latter we are still arguing about (Andrew actually likes them).
The motor is stock standard at the moment though we might fit a bigger 2" exhaust and maybe a Weber later. One of the first things to be fixed were the front drum brakes - we replaced them with late-model (1978 - bigger calipers) struts and brakes from a 120Y, in the process we also got the sway bar from it and installed that in the 1200 too.
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Andrew's Nissan Pulsar GTi-R - Specs
This is an image of Andrew's GTi-R that has been modified in Photoshop. Computer mods include intercooler, colour coding, lowering and replacing the dodgy background with a simple one.
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Car History
Purchased in late 2000 with only 55,000 km's on the clock, the car had recently been personally imported from Japan and complianced through Skyline Imports. The only modification was a heavy duty clutch which had been fitted by the previous owner.
Wheels
Originally the car was supposed to be kept standard for awhile, but this didn't last long. The stock 14" wheels were looking a bit shabby, so they were the first to go. Sixteen inch ROH Turismo's wrapped in 195/45 rubber were fitted, but this only heightened the need for lowered suspension, for handling performance as well as looks.
Interior
Some cheaper mods were next in line. We grabbed a few spray cans of off-white auto paint and attacked the interior, namely the door car inserts and centre console. An Autometer boost gauge, sourced from my previous car, was custom moulded into the air vent by Uticolour of Toowoomba. The standard gear knob was replaced by an aluminium one that I made.
You might also notice the red switch installed to the right of the steering column, this is hooked up to a Turbosmart Stage 2 boost controller. Flick it up and the boost increases from 8psi (slightly decreased from standard for around town driving) to 14psi. The higher boost is rarely run, however it will get more use when an 3 inch sports exhaust has been fitted.
Suspension
The height of the car was attended to next, with a set of lowered King Springs ordered in. The ride height of the car is now a lot more pleasing to the eye, but it has become obvious that the shockies are shot and need replacing.
Intake
A Uni filter was fitted next, to assist with engine breathing. This has slightly improved throttle response and made the intake noise more noticeable. A blow-off valve from the previous car also now replaces the standard boost recirculation unit. There have been a few problems with the engine overheating which we believe might have something to do with the filter and the high latent heat of the engine bay. Future plans include swapping the positions of the battery and the filter, then fabricating a cold air box in the bottom right corner of the engine bay, with pipes ducting cool air from outside.
Suspension II
The suspension was not good, with the tyres scrubbing on the guards around corners and over bumps. After a visit to Centreline Suspension in Toowoomba, the car returned with a new set of Koni shocks, matched to the springs. The car now handles a lot better, and only really needs a larger rear sway bar and possibly a strut top brace in the engine bay to stiffen up the body some more.
Clutch
It was gradually becoming apparent that the clutch was not quite 'right'. It had always been very (extremely would be a better term) hard to push in, which we thought was not too strange, being heavy duty and all. When it started slipping it was taken in to Toowoomba Gearbox and Clutch Centre who ordered a 'super duper' heavy duty relacement from Direct Clutches in Brisbane. Upon inspection, not only the clutch was faulty, but the flywheel was scorched and cracked, so a new one was sourced from a GTi-R wreck in Brissy. The clutch has just been finished and the car is now much more enjoyable to drive.
Standard Car Specifications
Nissan Pulsar/Sunny GTi-R RNN14
length - 3975mm
width - 1690mm
height - 1410mm
wheelbase - 2430mm
curb weight - 1220kg
maximum speed - 223kph+
accelleration 0-100kmph - 5.9 seconds
accelleration 0-400m - 13.9 seconds
engine model - SR20DET
engine type - turbocharged inline four, dohc, 16 valves, intercooler
max power output - 227hp @ 6400rpm (or 171.5 kw)
max torque - approx. 290 nm
compression ratio - 8.3:1
turbo - Garret TB2804 (T3/T25 combination)
control system - electronic port injection
transmission type - 5 spd manual
suspension - 4 wheel independent with front macpherson struts, rear parallel links
4wd system - ATTESSA with viscous coupling centre diff and viscous LSD
brakes - vented front and rear
ABS - A4 sensor, 2 channel electronic anti-lock
Andrew's Nissan Pulsar GTi-R - Updates
Update 13th June 2002
The new owner of the GTi-R, Timmy, has installed a brand new stereo system and it looks and sounds great. See below for some images.
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Update 1st April 2002
The GTi-R has regrettably been sold :( but we are in contact with the new owner so if anything interesting happens to the car this page will be updated.
Update 19th February 2002
There are now a few more videos of the GTi-R on the videos page, they are of the car starting up, driving out the driveway and of the instruments while accellerating up to 100km/hr. I also took this pic of the boost gauge.
Update 12th November 2001
I have updated the GTi-R videos on the video page. They now run for slightly longer and are better quality and bigger. They are of the car driving past, and also taking off along the highway. Enjoy!
Update 5th November 2001
In case you didn't notice in the photos, the rear bar has been modified to suit the new configuration of the exhaust. The muffler no longer has the exhaust pipe going in and out the same side, it now goes in the same side but out on the opposite one for better flow. This of course means the tip comes out on the right instead of on the left. A new arch was cut in the opposite side and the existing arch on the left was plastic welded up. It turned out really well, and looking at it most people would never guess... :)
Update 24th October 2001
Well we have finally gotten around to taking some decent photos of the GTi-R, something I have been meaning to do for ages but have never had the time! The only shots I forgot were interior ones, but it hasn't really changed much since the previous ones below. The car is going well, the next modification will be installing the ChipTorque chip we have already got ready to put in it. It should allow us to run up to 15 psi with relative safety. Anyway, the photos can be found on the specs page.
Update 28th September 2001
We got the car back and the new 3" exhaust sounds great; nice and deep without being excessively loud. Performance seems to have improved as well, as the motor does not feel so restricted under load. We took some video of the car accelerating along the highway and the boost gauge. Maximum boost in this video is of the low setting at 10psi, however it can be increased to 15psi through the Turbosmart switch. For these vids go to the video page. Here are a couple more pics, I will take some more soon.
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Andrew's Nissan Pulsar ET Turbo
Update 28th November 2001
The ET has been sold and the new owner, Andrew (funnily enough!) has contacted us with some info and pics documenting the progress of the car.
The E15 was rebuilt with ACL rings and bearings and Sterling oversized pistons, the head has had a port and polish and the block was honed and cleaned up. It now sports a VL throttle body and a hi-flowed T02 turbo and the Unifilter has been relocated to the opposite side, an odessy battery now resides in its place. The interior has been freshened up with some white vinyl spray, and it now has a boost gauge, airfuel ratio meter, and a BOSS steering wheel.
In Andrew's own words...
"This is the ET Andrew once owned, its been
a great car and I'm happy with the rebuild. Performance
is a lot more impressive with the car back on 11psi.
Once the the VR4 intercooler is sorted 15 psi looks
the goods. Fingers crossed the engine holds out, otherwise
it's either RX3 or 180SX time :)"
We are hoping to hear some more from Andrew soon when the VR4 intercooler is fitted - keep watching.
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Specs
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While Andrew owned the car mods included:
- 2 1/2 inch exhaust
- hi-flowed standard turbo
- full suspension including Koni adjustable shocks and King springs
- Alpine stereo
- Unifilter
- CSA Hornet 15" wheels with 195/50 series rubber
- performance chip
- colour coded exterior
- BOV
- boost gauge and other interior gadgets
- re-conditioned gearbox
- running 11psi boost
Performance - Best time over the quarter was 15.736 seconds @ 88.65 miles/hr (or 142.67 km/hr). Estimated to have about 100 hp at the front wheels.
If you are after more info about ET's or Exa's, especially Nissan E15ET performance, please visit n12turbo.com - discussion lists, feature cars and extensive technical info!
Charlotte's Datsun 1200 Sedan
After the Gemini was taken off the road for a rebuild (which never actually happened, by the way), I needed transport so I dished out $800 for this 1973 Datsun 1200 Sedan. The gearbox and diff were the first items to go, simultaneously of course, but these were an easy fix as a friend replaced them for me, at the same time converting the front drum brakes to discs and fitting some lowered springs.
Those drum brakes were great fun, I'd only have to touch them when they were cold and it would result in instant lock up of the drivers side wheel! Very interesting, especially in the wet.
Towards the end of the ownership period, about a year, the tired old original
A12 motor finally almost died, but somehow kept running for a few months on
only 3 cylinders. This lasted up until the day before the car was sold, when
it mysteriously starting running perfectly on four again. I think it liked me...
and I miss it too!
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Charlotte's TC Gemini Coupe
Update 12th September 2001
The Gemini has been sold. Sob sob. :( It has gone to a good home though and the new owner has plans for new paint (goodbye orange, hello light blue) and a bigger, more powerful motor (most likely twin-cam Isuzu of some description).
Specs
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This was my second car, I bought it (actually, swapped it and some cash for my previous Gemini, a red TG sedan with flares [see pic below]!) in early 1997. It was pretty standard at that stage, the only mods were the wheels and the interior, most of which had been recovered (seats, floor, parcel shelf, door cards) as the previous owner was an auto upholsterer by trade. It gradually received a few mods as time went by, including;
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LOTS of interior and exterior colour-coding and detailing, mostly in purple and silver. I figured being bright orange the car already stood out so why not make it even louder! (This is not a philosophy I stand by these days, incidentally)
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a couple of steering wheels, a set of sports pedals, a beautiful aluminum custom-fabricated gearknob which goes from car to car and is currently in the Datsun 1200 coupe
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the usual exhaust mods including extractors, 2 1/4" exhaust with a 3" tip (chrome until it got repeatedly scraped off - ahh the joys of owning a lowered car) and a Mercury muffler
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a Weber carby (Cortina sourced) with big jets and custom accelerator cable mount
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various stereos (a couple of which were stolen, bastards), ending up with the current Sony Xplod CD player with DDDrive 6 x 9's in the parcel shelf and Infinity Kappa 6 1/2"s in the doors
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a set of 3 gauges mounted in the centre console and an Auto meter chrome tacho, also stolen
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an alarm, due to reasons mentioned above
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a couple of sets of new door locks, also for reasons mentioned above!
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lowered suspension (and awesome handling) due to heavy duty springs and new shockies, and front and rear sway bars
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various chrome engine bay bits
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TD headlight and grille conversion, thanks to a TD wagon I bought for parts (see pic below)
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a couple of sets of 205/60 tyres
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a 30/70 cam until it was pilfered for a friends car
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various G160 bottom ends and heads
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various gearboxes, currently has a 5 speed
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a heavy duty clutch which held up surprisingly well
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and probably some more stuff that I can't remember!
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[hover over the images above for a description]
The Gemmi is a great car and I have loved owning it, despite the annoyed looks I have received for its loudness, both in colour and noise! Unfortunately the time has come to part with it to make way for 'Project Datto' (its sale will finance the engine conversion), as much as I have the urge to take it off the road, completely strip it down for a ground-up rebuild, featuring an Isuzu 1.8L turbocharged fuel injected twin-cam and colourshift gold/bronze/maroon paint, with an LSD, four wheel cross drilled and slotted discs, a full velour interior with a completely reconditioned dash, all new chrome, full Koni and Kings suspension.... anyway where was I?? Yeah that's right, its up for sale. But maybe sometime in the future I'll buy another one and do it up.
Adam's SR20DET Datsun 1600
Warning! This is a large page and may take a while to download; but please be patient, it's worth the wait! If you wish to read through the entire project in order, click here to go to the bottom of the page. There will be nothing further added to this page as Adam now has his own website which can be viewed here.
Update 9th November 2003
Well the datto is finally painted! The paint has come up quite well for a home job, not perfect but I'm pleased with it. All I can say is if you are going to have a go at painting a car yourself - USE ACRYLIC paint and apply it nice and thick (can't stress this enough as it saved my paint)!! It's so forgiving. I had a lot of problems with over spray build up on the roof and just little pieces of dust etc all over the paint once I'd finished spraying. As Charlotte knows, I was not happy at all, wanted to cut the datto up into tiny pieces and turf it all in the bin!
To give you an idea of how bad the roof was, when you ran your hand over the roof, it felt like extremely rough sandpaper! It looked absolutely shocking and the rest of the car had dust and crap stuck all over it and i mean *all* over it!
To fix my very ordinary spray job I did the following:
- Left a small fan heater on in the garage for about 30+ hours (this helped to shrink the bumps and lumps on the roof and rest of the shell)
- Once the paint was nice and dry, I rubbed it all back with some 800 grit wet and dry sandpaper
- The sanding leaves the paint looking quite dull so a cut and polish was in order (buffing pad fitted to a drill made light work of this task)
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The paint still isn't perfect, but now if you run your hand across it the paint feels smooth and has a nice shine to it. I'm hoping to get started on putting all the wiring etc back in over the next few days so I can then get the engine back in and leave it in!
I've still been buying bits and pieces for the datto:
- alarm & central locking kit
- new carpet (charcoal grey)
- received my steering wheel too :)
- picked up my new radiator (that i had custom made to fit inbetween my intercooler pipes)
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I was quite restricted with the radiator in terms of size due to the inlet
and outlet location of my intercooler pipes (i.e. right next to the headlights).
The overall size is 570mm wide by 430mm high. The core is 475mm wide by 370mm
high. Due to the size restrictions and the fact that my intercooler takes up
the entire front of the car i went for a 55mm thick core just to keep the SR
nice and cool. The radiator was made by race radiators in Dandenong (Melbourne).
That's about it for now, hopefully there will be more interesting updates in
the next few weeks.
Update 15th May 2003
Ok, been a very long time since my last
update and I must apologise to Charlotte.
Very sorry Charlotte, I've promised you
a million times I would have updates but
have sent you nothing - sorry. [that's ok
Adam :) - CR] I've been working away on
the car but there has been very little noticeable
difference (visually).
The bulk of the work I've been doing is
body work. I can't tell you how much I hate
this part. The worst part of it is the poor
little datto's body is in pretty bad condition
as you can see from the pictures. I had
to cut out and weld in two new channels
for the boot (see pics). Then grinding and
bogging up these parts seemed to take forever!!!
But turned out really well, let me know
what you think.
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Next on the list was to prepare all the panels and luckily for me every single panel needed a certain amount of bog in it... I'm going to be driving a gigantic pile of bog. But who really cares if it gets up and boogies right. All in all I think the body should turn out quite well though. I've welded up the door locks (see pics) and they look great. The idea was more about security than anything cosmetic. My previous car (a vh commodore) had the door lock popped out quite easily when it was broken into. So the little datto will be fitted with keyless entry and an alarm.
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Apart from body work, I've been purchasing bits and pieces along the way.
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Got my ECU modified by Pete Lieberg (sr20transplantsgroup) and it's a very professional looking job. Thanks again Pete! He provided me with 4 maps -
- valet map (limits to 3000rpm and 60k's - good for when you get your roadworthy certificate etc...)
- stock map
- hot map for drag racing etc
- hot map for circuit racing
I got myself a MAF from a 300zx, cost me a little too much. But should be worth it when I finally save the money for a larger turbo and bigger injectors. Check out how restrictive the stock sr20det MAF is compared to the 300zx one.
Momo steering wheel should arrive this week along with boss kit. (will send pics as soon as I get it)
The first dump pipe I made was pretty well crap, so again i turned to Cam McKinnon and as you can see the new dump pipe I have is finished off superbly.
Ooo yeah, got brand spanking new tyres for the old datto. Yokohama A539s up front and some cheaper Sava's on the back. I figured that with the SR in there I'd end up chewing up rear tyres like there's no tomorrow. The Sava's are supposed to be a good *cheap* performance tyre (if there is such a thing), so we'll wait and see.
Bought a button clutch and new pressure plate (see pics). Many thanks go out to Geordie Smith for this (sr20transplantsgroup member). When I first put the engine in I had all the driveline hooked up. When trying to put the car in gear, I basically couldn't. It would either crunch or not go into gear at all. If the car was jacked up I could get it into gear easily.
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First thought was that the clutch cylinder
wasn't doing it's job so i got a new one
... still no go. Finally bit the bullet
and took the gearbox out to find the lovely
clutch you can see in the pictures. I have
no idea how a clutch could ever get this
bad and am hoping that it was from the accident
that the front cut I bought was in. Anyways,
ended up speaking to a number of people
on the sr20transplants group (very handy
bunch of people indeed) and decided that
a button clutch and new pressure plate were
needed. I got a Daiken clutch and reco'd
pressure plate for $450. Actually, Geordie
Smith sourced this for me as all the dealers
in Melbourne wanted exhobitant amounts for
this setup (~$700 riiiip offfff). The new
clutch looks great and is supposed to bite
like there's no tomorrow, can't wait to
give it a bit of curry.
That's about all I've done so far, but I will do my best to update more frequently. The paint should be done very very soon. Just depends on Uni.
Cheers,
Adam
Update 27th August 2002
The engine's back in and I've made up mounts for the intercooler which fits in very tightly between the headlights. In fact I've had to grind off a lot off the headlight mounts in order to fit the intercooler in. I made up the intercooler pipes and have made the inlet pipe up. Also followed Cam's idea of mounting the pod outside of the engine bay (see pic). Should scoop up a lot of cool air, still need to make up a splash guard for it though.
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I've begun fitting my seats (300zx electric seats) and it's kinda strange to
have electric seats in the datto (novelty value) and they are super comfy seats.
There were a few problems with them because they are a little thicker than the
stock 1600 ones and my head would touch the roof without the headlining in.
So I had to make up some mounts and actually mount the seats behind the stock
mounting points. Plenty of head room now, but there won't be much room for anyone
sitting in the back (oh well that will never be me :) ).
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I also bought a boost gauge, boost controller and pod. Haven't had a chance
to fit the boost gauge, but will hopefully get that done in the next week when
the engine is up and running once again. The only other thing that needs to
be done on the mechanical side of things is run the rear brake line and get
a radiator made up. The front and rear discs are all setup now too.
That's about all I've really done, it's taken quite a while to make up pipes etc ... heaps of cutting and welding and the welding is driving me nuts, getting serious headaches from it...
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Update 25th April 2002
Quick bit of advice, never ever ever ever use any type of rust transformer/converter
or whatever they like to call it. I used this and it has a tendency to get stain
your hands/skin from simply touching it (even if the surface is dry). I ended
up having to sand it off, supposedly it's hosed
off, yeah right! I then repainted/primed.
After spending 2 to 3 hours a night over the past week I finally managed to get all the wiring sorted out. Then you'd think it would simply be a matter of plugging this in there and turning the key, right? Wrong, nothing ever seems to work out like that. After plugging in and double checking everything (or so I thought), hooking up fuel/fuel pump and connecting the battery, I finally was ready to turn the engine over for the first time (well first time for me).
Cranks over nicely, but doesn't start. Ok check fuel is hooked up correctly,
yup, check for spark NUP. I couldn't for the life of me figure out why it wouldn't
start. Everything seemed to be hooked up correctly. I remember reading an article
(by Geordie Smith from SR20transplants
group)
and he had the same problem, ie engine cranked but no spark. How'd he fix it?
Simple really hook up the freakin ignitor pack arghhhhhh god damn I'm an idiot.
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Ok plug the ignitor pack in and turn key (remember this is 8:15am Sunday morning and there is no exhaust on the motor bar a tiny dump pipe) and vrooooooooommmm well a little vrooooom and more farting really (listen to sound file). But it started and that called for a big yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa followed by my flatmate racing down to the garage as he thought i'd finally been crushed by the car :)
Click here to hear Adam's car! (right click then 'Save Target As' - WAV file - 35 kb)
Anyways the engine started and that was great, but the tacho wasn't working. I'm using the 180sx dash so after pluggin it in the tacho didn't work. Time to grab the multimeter out and check what's going on here. After checking a few wires it was pretty obvious that there was no power going to the tacho, hooked up some power dodgily to test it and voila it WORKS! Great that's out of the way, now to start the engine a couple more times and rev the bejesus out of it.
Oh yeah i forgot to mention, I picked up a surge tank from Cam Mckinnon (www.sprite.com.au/cm510) and it looks absolutely fantastic as you can see.
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Alright, engine starts, intercooler fits. Time to pull out the engine and paint the engine bay.
Had to hire an engine crane from the local hire shop and i got to talking ot one of the blokes that works there. Turns out he races those Baja volksy things and he reckons that shell synergy petrol is not very good for his engine and judging by the piston (well part of a piston) that he showed me I'm inclined to believe him.
Anyways the engine came out pretty much without a hitch, just tore a tiny hole in the firewall. No matter, that was welded back up in no time.
The engine bay was taken back to bare metal (again) to get rid of that rust convertor rubbish. It came up pretty well as you can see from the pic and after applying an etch primer i proceeded to apply a couple of coats of primer. Waited for it to dry and then applied 3 coats of color. I've been a little worried about the color that i chose (being too bright etc..) but it's starting to grow on me.
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Anyways, that's about where I'm up to the at the moment, hopefully brakelines, fuels lines etc will go in over the next week.
cheers,
Adam
Update 24th February 2002
The engine is finally in but I had quite a few dramas on the way. For starters as you can see in the pic the engine mounts didn't line up with the X member. I have no idea why and neither did the bloke who made up the fitting kit for me. To rectify this problem i made up some spacers out of 1mm pipe (see image II).
The actual lifting of the engine and getting it in the engine bay with gearbox attached wasn't such a big task. Infact it only took around 25 minutes by myself. This is of course not including installing X-member and the likes, just getting the engine in and bolted up.
Once the engine was in properly I jacked up the gearbox to get an idea of how much would need to be cut out of the transmission tunnel in order to get the gear lever through (mark out roughly where to cut). I then let the jack off and cut out a nice big hole. :) (see image III)
The next drama was the gearbox X-member. The bolt holes were so far out it's not funny. So to fix this I've purchased some 2mm sheet metal and am going to redrill the holes in the body and use the 2mm metal as reinforcing in the interior (pics to come when I've done this).
A couple of tips - when dropping in an engine & gearbox, jack the back
wheels up as high as possible (remember to chock the front wheels well too :)).
This makes it much easier to get the two in. Don't do it by yourself unless
you want to chip paint unnecessarily. It is easy enough to do by yourself, but
the best bet is to get a mate to help out.
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Update 22nd January 2002
Some more purchases - adjustable castor rods and new lower control arms -
Update 16th January 2002
Adam has now purchased a few more bits to put on the datto, including front King springs, adjustable rear Koni shocks and an adjustable rear sway bar. Have a look at the pic, and more updates are expected soon...
This will be an ongoing feature so check back often to see the latest news and images of the conversion process. This is the first installment in what will be a detailed and comprehensive story of an SR20DET transplant into a Datsun 1600, including all related modifications and improvements such as paint, brakes, drivetrain and suspension. In Adam's own words...
Project Information
Timeline
I am hoping to get everything complete by Easter in time for Easternats at Sandown Raceway next year. Although this will depend on money and how far I can stretch it! :)
Brakes
- Front VL turbo calipers (already have these), verada rotors are on order as you have to buy blanks and apparently they are only made each time a new run of that particular rotor is made.
- Rear R31 Skyline/Pintara calipers and rotors (have these), handbrake cables etc.
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Suspension
- Front (180B struts) to have Kings springs, not sure of inserts as yet
- Rear lowered h/duty Kings springs (have these) and adjustable konis (getting this week along with front Kings springs)
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Engine
- Nissan SR20DET :) stock internals, Volvo 740 intercooler
- a ball bearing T28 turbo would be nice, but depending on funds this may not come about until after the car is complete
- radiator will be N13 Pulsar (should get this in the new year)
- MadDat fitting kit (24mm sway bar, g/box mount, modified engine x-member, polished steering box brace, modified tailshaft with new unis)
- rear x-member (4" exhaust hole, new bushes)
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At the moment I'm in the process of stripping the shell, as you can see from the photos. I've managed to strip 2 doors and the entire shell (external only). The interior is yellow and will be given a few coats of blue (see pic of boot lid). I chose this color basically because I love the Brock VK Commodore color and I thought that the little Datto would look great in a few coats of blue.
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Hopefully by around the 14th of January next year the shell will be complete and ready to plonk the donk straight in. Fingers crossed along with toes etc.....
If you would like to contact Adam with questions about the conversion, e-mail him here.
