Hello, after seeing some threads and reading some information, I really want to swap an S13 subframe into my 510 wagon for handling performance and simply the experience and skill learned while doing it.
This is not a daily driver car, its a ratty rusty non-straight bodied 510 that I'm using to learn on and hopefully create something that is a reflection of my skill level and learning experience.
The first time I decided to buy the car I had never changed oil before, I bought it with the engine trans separately and built it up over time into its running form with no knowledge or idea of what it actually involved. I hope to make the rest of the project a bit more planned and organized.
I was reading the thread about mounting in the 510 subframe/IRS to the wagon, and gathered from that info its just as hard to swap in the S13 rear subframe.
I know the rear frame of the wagon will have to be reinforced to mount the S13 subframe, and then the shock/coilover mounts will have to be made.
All the mountings will need careful measurement, and cautious decisions on the best setup on the subframe.(solid bushings ? shorten it? S13 wheelbase is only like 2 inches longer than 510)
The wheel tubs(?) will need to be modified and raised a bit probably, for the best results. I'd love to fit 9" wide rims in there comfortably.
After the subframe/diff is mounted, the measurements for the driveshaft can be done an I can have one made.
The problem is I do not have the skill experience or knowledge to do this, and I would like help finding how I can gain the knowledge so I'm not walking in blindly or end up with a chopped up rear end and no way to go back!
The basic ideas and requirements are known, but I want to make sure it is done right. I don't want a cobbled together sub frame that I am scared to push hard, I want something that will survive abuse. Weekend driving, track, autocross, drifting, the good handling characteristics of the s13 into a 510.
The S13 has good aftermarket support, limited slip differentials, coilovers, ect. I'd love to have all of this tuning potential into the rear suspension.
I am going to be taking a welding class in the next few weeks, and hopefully start practicing with smaller projects, welding up coilovers, ect.
I will also need the knowledge of how to properly reinforce the chassis, and create the strut mounts. I know there are some books on this, I am going to order one soon, any recommendation?
I really want to do this project elegantly and professionally to make something that is race-worthy. I'd hope to document and get lots of pictures and information so that other datsun guys can do the same thing. IMO nothing cooler than a slammed wagon with camber.
I am not planning to start this until I have the necessary knowledge to complete it, however long that will take I am willing to wait.
I understand a lot of you will ask why, or you are ruining that datsun, sell it to someone who wont wreck it, ect... The reason why is why does anyone do anything? I know your point of view and how ridiculous my idea may sound, but there is only one way to learn for me and that's getting in there and getting it done. I am NOT taking a perfect survivor and modding it to death only to turn up in a junk yard 6 months later. This is a project, I have a garage I am willing to buy all the tools and invest the time to make it really nice. I just really cannot do it without the knowledge and help of all the people here, who have already helped me endlessly with other much smaller fixes.
I have been researching this and looking at as many other examples as I can find, but they are rare.
I don't make much cash, but most of it goes towards my Datsun. I am saving up and hoping with careful budgeting to spend around $2-3k's on all the parts and tools(I only have basic socket set, wrenches, jack stands/ floor jack.), is that a realistic number? I am hoping to create a schedule and budget my time and get it done over the winter season as I wont want to drive much anyway.
Well, anyone got something to share? Thanks.
TL;DR? I WAN DRIFT HERRAFRUSH WAGOON!!! (*sarcasm)
IRS wagon...
edit, here is a S13 subframe into an AE86.
http://speedhunters.com/archive/2010/03/12/guest-blog-romas-tamulevicius-my-toyota-ae86-build-thread.aspx