Datsun roadster speed tips from the year 2000 | #T...

Getting Issues Rolling

Datsun lastly bought issues proper with the 1963 launch of the SPL 310, a 1500cc roadster with a extra up to date form than its predecessors. In contrast to their earlier makes an attempt, the SPL 310 was pow­ered by an 85-horsepower, G-type 1500cc pushrod engine. (Whereas the 1500cc engine was normal, a number of vehicles have been transformed to the 1600cc R-I 6 engine discovered in lots of later sedans and highway­sters.) The SPL 310 was launched with a single SU carburetor, and later fashions got here with a pair of SU carbs.

In comparison with Datsun’s earlier makes an attempt at a roadster, wheel dimension was smaller (it decreased from 14 to 13 inches), and the rear gear ratio modified, from 4.62:1 to three.89:1. The rear fold-down seat was changed by a bench seat, whereas an A-arm suspension with coil springs changed the torsion-bar entrance suspension. The faster and extra highly effective SPL 310 was additionally a greater vendor than the sooner makes an attempt, with 3148 models offered by means of early 1966.

In 1966, the SPL 310 was changed by the SPL 311. A bigger 1600cc engine changed the sooner 1500cc unit, whereas twin SU carbs have been now normal gear. Entrance disc brakes changed the ear­lier 10-inch drums, and a bundle shelf was used as a substitute of the again seat discovered within the earlier vehicles. Wheel dimension was elevated from 13×4.5 inches to 14×5 inches, too. Regardless of the mechanical modifications, the bodywork of the 2 vehicles was very related, with most outward variations restricted to the grilles and trim. The SPL 311 additionally fea­tured a slight flare on the entrance fenders.

Of the 40,000 Datsun roadsters offered between 1961 and 1970, greater than half (23,609) of the whole have been SPL 311s. They have been inexpensive and included many choices for which consumers paid further on MGs and different comparable sports activities vehicles of the day. With a couple of exceptions, the automotive remained just about the identical by means of the tip of the mannequin run in 1970. 

Halfway by means of the 1967 mannequin yr, Datsun launched the 2000cc SRL 311, which joined the 1600cc SPL 311 on the gross sales ground. Whereas almost similar from the skin, the brand new automotive featured a bunch of modifications: bigger 2000cc, overhead cam engine with 135 horsepower (Solex ver­sions have been rated at 150 horsepower); five-speed, all-synchromesh trans­mission with fifth gear overdrive; higher, stronger seats; aluminum brake drums; rear torque hyperlink; twin circuit grasp cylinder, with strain differ­ential valve; 160 mph speedometer (changing earlier 120 and 140 mph gauges); and a unique entrance grille with a “D” situated within the heart. Obvi­ously, the badges now learn “2000” as a substitute of” 1600.”

It is vital to notice that the 1967½ 2000 had many objects distinctive to that yr; for that motive, it’ll all the time be one mannequin favored amongst collectors. It was produced in restricted numbers, because the 1968 mannequin yr introduced sufficient modifications to put the 19671h 2000 highway­ster in a league of its personal.

Much more collectible are the vehicles outfitted with Solex carburetors. These vehicles additionally included a unique cam grind, a larger-capacity oil pan, and a 4.11:1 limited-slip differential. From the skin, each the 1600cc and 2000cc fashions acquired even bigger entrance fender flares in mid-1967.

Mannequin Adjustments

Simply as Nissan grew to become extra all in favour of exporting vehicles to the U.S., the Division of Transportation mandated a bunch of modifications in 1968 that affected each the 1600cc and 2000cc roadsters, together with most each different automotive offered within the U.S. that yr.

As mandated by the brand new DOT guidelines, a padded “security” sprint with recessed gauges changed the roasters‘ earlier flat sprint, whereas push/ pull switches changed the unique toggle switches. Headrests grew to become normal gear, whereas shoulder harnesses have been added to the protection belts. Datsun began utilizing a padded steering wheel with a bigger heart part, and the ignition change was moved from underneath the sprint to a locking steering column.

Windshields have been now built-in with our bodies and have been now not re­movable. Beginning in 1968, the rear-view mirror was connected to the wind­protect body as a substitute of the sprint, and just like the Corvette, the radio was now mounted vertically within the heart console with lots of the switches lo­cated there as a substitute of alongside the sprint.

Only some mechanical modifications have been made for the 1968 mannequin yr: all U.S fashions have been fitted with cold-air injection smog pumps, a de­tuned advance curve within the distributor and smaller carburetor needle seats. {The electrical} system was additionally modified, because the fuse panel was relocated from the engine compartment to the glove field. (Now you see why the 1967½ 2000cc fashions are so fascinating?) 

Extra modifications have been carried out for the 1969 mannequin yr, as teardrop facet markers have been added to the entrance fenders, and spherical marker lights have been in.stalled on the quarter pan­els. (For 1970, entrance and rear facet markers have been sq..) The license plate mild was no longer included into the rear bumper; as a substitute, two lights have been added, one on either side of the Iicense plate. These later fashions additionally featured upgraded electrical methods, with higher grounding and headlight relays.

The Solex model of the 2000 might nonetheless be ordered as a vendor­-installed choice, or the components may very well be ordered individually and retrofit­ted by the proprietor.

1970 was the final mannequin yr these vehicles have been produced. The early success of the 240Z, mixed with slowing gross sales of the roadsters, led to the choice to halt manufacturing. Along with the 23,609 1600cc variations produced, Datsun additionally constructed 15,718 2000cc roadsters by means of the tip of the 1970 mannequin yr.

Racing Historical past

Bob Sharp and Peter Brock have been the 2 most outstanding folks racing, each the 1600 and 2000 roadsters. With Nissan taking a eager curiosity· competitors and following the groups’ early successes with the 1500, Bob Sharp was well-placed to construct on his achievements when the 1600 was launched in late 1965.

Bob owned one in every of solely two dealerships to be engaged by Nissan to promote factory-approved, non-Nissan competitors objects for set up on the roadster. In 1967, in his position as Nissan’s competitors guide, he was requested to provide a contest prep handbook collectively with Nissan. That handbook continues to be thought of a must have for anybody critical about racing a roadster immediately.

The 1600 was eligible for the SCCA’s F Manufacturing class, the place it raced alongside different standard small-bore sports activities vehicles of the day. The group rapidly loved additional Divisional successes, and in 1967 Bob Sharp was rewarded along with his first nationwide SCCA championship.

Extra importantly for Nissan, Sharp’s win marked their first-ever nationwide championship–the primary of 10 to be racked up by the 1600 and 2000 roadsters. Since that first win, Nissan has amassed 77 SCCA nationwide championship wins, probably the most of any auto producer.

Bob Sharp continued to race the 1600 efficiently in F Manufacturing in 1968 and 1969, on the similar time racing the 2000 in C Manufacturing class whereas Nissan’s beneficiant sponsorships continued. Sharp captured the Divisional championship in 1968.

In 1969, the group campaigned the manufacturing facility light-weight 2000, of which fewer than 10 ever left Japan. The Bob Sharp group loved additional victories in later years, with their focus shifting to the 510 and Z automotive. Consecutive nationwide championships adopted with each fashions.

Whereas Bob Sharp and his group continued to win victories of their 1600s and 2000s on the East Coast, the Brock Racing Enterprises group, consisting of Peter Brock, John McComb, John Morton and Frank Monise, was successful constantly on the West Coast.

In 1968, the BRE group campaigned the 2000 roadster in SCCA’s D Manufacturing class, culminating in a divisional title for Frank Monise. Halfway by means of that season, lead driver John Morton took the highest place, whereas a second roadster was pushed by John McComb. Morton’s was arrange with the Solex carbs and cam association to run in C Manufacturing class, whereas McComb’s automotive remained in D Manufacturing. Each roadsters achieved related successes.

The Morton and McComb roadsters included a number of efficiency modifications: a entrance air dam cleverly disguised as brake ducts (these have been the primary vehicles in SCCA historical past to make use of an air dam); and a twig bar, which lubricated the cam followers (the thought was later included by Nissan into its 510 efforts); and a compression ratio that was elevated from 9.5 to 12.8:1 with the addition of Venolia solid domed pistons. Weight-saving objects, equivalent to a British plane battery and a plastic clutch scatter-shield have been additionally included, whereas a full roll cage was constructed into the bathtub.

Patrons Information

Moreover wanting on the general car in query, it is vital to know a bit about what separates automotive from a clunker. Remember that the most recent roadster is 30 years outdated.

At all times verify the car identification quantity stamped on the body. It’s situated on the entrance left portion of the body, slightly below the washer bottle. Normally the imprint is mild, and a buildup of filth, grease or paint could make it exhausting to learn.

Evaluate the VIN on the automotive’s body to the title to verify it’s appropriate. Additionally verify the plate situated between the firewall and windshield. This plate has the VIN quantity in addition to the engine quantity. You will discover the engine quantity stamped on a casting on the passenger facet of the engine block close to the timing cowl.

A Datsun 1600’s VIN quantity will start SPL-212xxxxxx, whereas the 2000 will start with SRL-311xxxxx. If these numbers do not match up, it is fairly cheap to imagine that both the engine has been modified out or the body was swapped. If the swap is completed correctly, this could not deter you from investing within the automotive, until you might be particularly searching for an authentic automotive.

Automobiles of this period had little or no undercoating, and subsequently are inclined to rust over time. Widespread areas of rust-through embrace the underside rocker panels, trailing areas of the entrance fenders and the chilly air consumption space (beneath the cowl vent).

Remember to verify the trunk space, because the gasoline tank is connected to the trunk ground with straps. With time and put on, these straps can break and draw back items of the ground with them. The world above the rear wheel wells, the place the quarter panel is seamed collectively, can rust out as effectively. For extra detailed info on rust identification and restore, see the Nov./Dec. 1999 situation of GRM.

The 1600 is a really sturdy little engine–extra so than it’s given credit score for. As with all engines, a compression verify is an efficient indicator tor of the general situation. Variations in compression of greater than 15 % point out worn valves or rings. If the compression checks out okay, and the engine is just not burning oil or knocking, it is in all probability operating high-quality. Verify to verify the temperature gauge is working and that the engine is just not overheating. 

If itruns scorching, it might point out that the top has been milled too far and thus elevated the compression ratio past regular means. Likewise, verify the oil strain gauge. A standard criticism is that at idle the gauge reads 0 to five psi. Roadster oil pumps are sufficient, although, and 10 psi/1000 rpm is sufficient for these engines.

For the 2000 engine, the timing chain meeting is the weak hyperlink. It makes use of a traditional design, however as a substitute of getting a camshaft to the facet, it makes use of the shaft to run the distributor, oil pump and gasoline pump. One other sprocket and chain join it to the overhead camshaft sprocket; there may be an L­-bracket that may break off when the higher chain will get an excessive amount of slack in it. It is best to interchange the nine-piece meeting each 80,000 miles or so. Ditto for the rod bearings. 

Datsun roadsters incorporate a traditional wishbone entrance sus­pension and dwell axle within the rear supported by semi-elliptical leaf springs. Within the entrance suspension alone, there are 22 grease fittings that want lubrication. Sadly, many roadsters have been uncared for on this space, and it is good to verify all of the entrance suspension parts for lacking mud seals and boots. Those which are nonetheless there are sometimes break up open and leaking, or the ball joints and higher/decrease management arm bushings are dry, inflicting untimely put on. These parts may be changed, however a set of 4 ball joints runs $500. 

Steering packing containers sometimes leak and must be checked for gear oil. It is commonplace to search out steering packing containers stuffed with water after the automotive has been parked outdoors for a lot of years, necessitating costly repairs or substitute.

If the steering wheel has a couple of inch of free play, a locknut adjuster can take up a number of the slack. Later fashions (starting in mid-1969) got here with a recirculating-ball prepare­ment that changed the sooner cam-lever design. To verify the steering field for correct operation, elevate up the grease cap and verify for any transfer­ment whereas the wheels are turned.

One other check of the entrance suspension is to park the entrance wheels on a number of sheets of newspaper, then have an assistant tum the wheel lock-to-­lock. Whereas the entrance wheels are being moved by means of their vary of movement, verify underneath the automotive for any binding or uncommon motion. Verify the entrance anti-roll bar for any bends, too, as some folks have been identified to make use of them for tow rope attachments.

Roadsters have wonderful brakes–when all of the parts are working correctly. Brake fluid has an affinity for water, which might rust out brake traces and fittings; so verify these cru­cial components on any roadster. Additionally verify calipers and wheel cylinders for leakage. Most roadsters in unrestored situation will want new wheel cylinders, calipers and grasp cylinders, in addition to rubber hoses.

One other space to take a look at is the place the mas­ter cylinder attaches to the firewall. The firewall part is just spot-welded and can start to flex when the brakes are utilized. A grasp cylinder brace may be made or pur­chased to strengthen the firewall.

Take a couple of minutes to examine the highest. All roadsters got here with a gentle prime, tonneau and boot cowl. If the fabric is worn out, it may be changed, however the frames and associated components are getting scarce. On the 1968-’70 vehicles, the metallic entrance bow will start to sag, however may be rewelded or changed.

Hardtops have been supplied by a number of compa­nies as a dealer-installed choice. Most are fi­berglass with a triangle facet window, no win­dow, or a porthole window.

Efficiency Upgrades

So far as efficiency goes, the 2000 engine has a 40-horsepower benefit over the 1600; the smaller engine, nonetheless, appears to be extra standard amongst racing buffs. That is primarily as a result of the truth that the 1600 is cheaper to construct, and a number of homeowners “stroke” a 1600 by utilizing the crank, rods and pistons from a 2000. (The bore is identical.) The additional displacement and longer stroke mix for a considerable in­crease in horsepower, with out the frailty of the 2000’s timing chain configuration.

Engine swaps are a preferred option to get addi­tional energy, particularly when the price of rebuild­ing a 2000 can exceed $3000. Nissan’s KA24 (240SX) or any one of many pickup engines (L18, L22) may be fitted underneath the hood of a roadster, and for these all in favour of gaining extra energy than the four-cylinder swaps, the Infinity J30 and VG30 V6 engines are a great way to go.

In case you select to forego the engine swap, get­ting your 1500, 1600 or 2000 to run correctly will offer you a number of satisfaction with­out breaking the financial institution.

As all three engines got here outfitted with twin SU or Solex carbs, verify that the throttle shafts haven’t any free play in them; matching up the float ranges, combination and idle speeds is the subsequent step. Mikuni and Weber make replacements for the manufacturing facility carbs that supply the added benefit of separate idle and combination circuits. When you’ve got the bucks and wish the last word in tuning, Elec­tromotive gives an digital gasoline injection sys­tem that replaces the inventory side-draft carbs with particular person throttle our bodies.

The inventory distributor works high-quality, however after 30- plus years, it is a good suggestion to have the bushings, cam and advance weights and comes changed. On the 1968-’70 fashions (each 1600 and 2000), Nissan, in conforming to DOT mandates, added a cold-air injection pump, de-tuned advance curve and match smaller needles and seats within the carbs. In case your native air high quality legal guidelines allow, again­relationship your engine to pre-1968 settings will professional­vide a substantial efficiency improve, espe­cially on the low finish.

It doesn’t matter what the classic, all roadster engines have mechanical valve adjusters: the 1600 makes use of a traditional pushrod con­figuration, whereas the 2000 has the alter­ment on the cam followers. Sustaining correct clearances will prolong valve practice life, in addition to guarantee good efficiency.

Exhaust methods can profit from the addition of header and two-inch exhaust pipe to the again. When selecting a header, verify to verify the flange mates up effectively to the consumption manifold, as each manifolds share the identical gasket and fasteners. The 1600 got here with a 1.5-inch exhaust from the manufacturing facility, making the system improve.

Concerning the remainder of the drivetrain the inventory clutch is often a lot stout until engine is being swapped out for one thing unique. The 2000 clutch pack is a heavier-duty unit and is an efficient improve for the 1600. The five-speed is the favourite, and a few have been made by Borg-Warner. All have aluminum circumstances and have shut gear ratios, with fifth being overdriven at .089:1.

The Solex-equipped 2000s got here outfitted with a 4.11:1 restricted slip differential, and the non-Solex vehicles got here with a 3.70:1 open rear differential. The 4.11 :1 rears are the favourite amongst racers, particularly when mixed with the five-speed.

For autocrossing and highway racing, many fanatics improve the entrance suspension by putting in competitors entrance springs and high-performance shocks. In a budget-oriented transfer, some homeowners have eliminated the bottom coil of every spring. One other trick for racers is to alter the camber from zero to one- or two-degrees damaging. Altering the caster to a two-degree damaging setting will assist convey the steering wheel again to a impartial place.

Whereas many roadster homeowners have added rear anti-roll bars to stiffen the again of the automotive, the inventory leaf springs must be ample. With the Iive axle on the roadster, it is fairly stiff already. An even bigger entrance anti-roll bar could be simpler, anyway.

Concerning wheels and tires, it is vital to understand that the roadster fender wells are fairly accommodating, however any aftermarket wheels should be at or close to zero offset. On the entrance calipers, there may be an uncovered brake line that runs inboard from the caliper. Any wheel that has any damaging offset will trigger the brake line to rub the tire. Inventory wheels are 14×6 inches, and they’re going to accommodate a 185/60-14 tire fairly properly. A 205/50-15 works effectively for optimum width.

For these all in favour of highway racing and autocrossing, Nissan Motorsports nonetheless gives a number of competition-ready exhausting components for these vehicles, from connecting rods and camshafts to baffled oil pans and suspension packages. In addition they supply components like ultra-close transmission ratios, solid pistons and the notorious side-draft carb equipment discovered on the 150-horsepower 2000cc roadster.

Security

The primary situation on the protection listing is nice brakes. The 1966-’70 roadsters got here with 11-inch rotors up entrance, and getting the whole lot to work correctly is a should. Once more, the sheet metallic space the place the grasp cylinder mounts to the firewall is weak and liable to cracking, however this may be remedied by bracing the grasp cylinder to the steering column or by rewelding the bracket to the firewall.

Roadsters have the threaded bosses already in place to accommodate the set up of a manufacturing facility roll bar. Nonetheless, the manufacturing facility roll bar solely attaches to the sheet metallic thread bosses, so a greater improve could be the addition of a roll bar that’s welded or bolted to the bathtub of the automotive or the body. A rollover is rarely factor.

Whereas the manufacturing facility seats are ample, Mazda Miata seats are an affordable option to improve the seating. They’ll must be raised up an inch or so off the ground with the intention to slide up and again. The manufacturing facility seat belts are minimal at greatest, so for rac­ing and security on the whole, a correct five-point har­ness must be added.

Elements, Restora­tion and Enioy­ing the Trip

Roadster components may be exhausting to return by, however there are a variety of distributors devoted to holding these vehicles alive. An excellent place to begin is your native Nissan deal­ership, which nonetheless carries a shocking quantity of NOS (new outdated inventory) components. Nonetheless, even NOS components can endure from Father Time, espe­cially rubber items. Fortuitously, there are distributors nonetheless dedicated to offering NOS and used components in addition to strong technical recommendation from which even the novice can profit.

For many who are searching for an excellent driving expertise in a traditional sports activities automotive with out spend­ing $25,000, the Datsun roadster is a wonderful alternative. In an age when a lot of the present of­ferings from automotive makers resemble the whole lot else on the highway, the Datsun nonetheless turns heads. These vehicles have character and the old-world allure of yesteryear. Whereas they undoubtedly require extra driver enter than immediately’s vehicles, the problem makes them much more enjoyable to drive. Whether or not your alternative is a 1500, 1600 or 2000, avenue or monitor, these vehicles are assured to maintain a smile in your face.