About a month ago I picked up a 78 Long Bed from some kid who bought it as a work truck, took it apart, shattered his clavicle, lost his job, and then sold it to me non-running. I scored it for $600.
I've been doing research since then, trying to find out just what I got myself into. :rollseyes:
First things first, I'd like to get the engine solid before anything else. Now I don't know too much about engines (I used to pride myself cause I was the only one of my friends who could change their own oil :lol:), so I was hoping all you datsun geniuses could give me a hand.
The stock engine is an L20b with a W58. I've picked up a closed chambered W53 along the way. I'm considering 3 possible builds:
1) Stock L20b with W53 (8.662 compression ratio)
2) Stock L20b with W53 and L18 pistons (9.609)
3) 1mm overbored L20b with W53 and late L28 flatop pistons (10.498)
(I used the Ozdat Engine Design Utility to get those figures, assuming a 1.5mm Nismo gasket. Hope I used it right.)
My first question is "How much compression?" This is going to be a daily driver, so no 100 octane race fuel.:rollseyes:
My second question is about head work. Some more research that I've done has said you can convert any of the closed chambered heads to the SSS head simply by opening up the intake port to 1.50". Is this something I want to do? I've also read something about valves from a P90. What does that mean/entail?
Doing even more research (I said I've had this truck for a month and haven't touched it right? :rolleyes:), the Shadbolt/Colt 449 cam sounded interesting (for, again, a daily driver). Anyone have any experience with this cam?
The last point I'd like to mention is I live in the great state of California, home of the SmogNazis. Any idea as to how any of this work could effect my chances at passing the emissions test?
And the obligatory picture. Thanks in advance for your help.