Noshaq Sar

Seems like the next major task is nailing down my engine choice and tracking down a donor car or the essential components I'll need. Although room is an issue as far as dealing with a donor car, I'm currently looking for a workspace that could host a second vehicle. I have a decent Miller (millermatic 211) welder and have been learning over the last year some fundamentals. Need practice with thin sheet metal, but the equipment is ready to go.

Here are photos of what I'm working with. As far as budget, I'm willing to spend upwards of $15k to restore it...but that's if I'm going to splurge on some fun things like a supersonic grille, some nice front seats, and wheels. To add more context, I do plan on doing everything myself (with a couple exception where I run into major hiccups). I have a lot of painting experience with various finishing techniques (though I've never done any automotive painting). I have access to a paint booth and also have a very nice HPLV 5-turbine paint setup. My expectation is I can do this in 3 years (not sure if that's realistic). I'm just ignorant and thought all older 200sx had VG30E or CA18s and know those can get spendy. I think all-in-all its in decent shape...but input is welcomed. Undercarriage seems super solid, firewall/engine bay completely rust free. All doors inside and out are in great shape as well as hinges. Small dent in roof. Trunk/rear end very solid too. Floors are all good, except front passenger side that definitely needs replacing. Also as seen in pictures, some bad rust in rear wheel well/rear passenger rail. Last, the rear panel i show is pretty rusted out too. I think it might have 240 rear drive shafts...and I do believe the rear diff is an STI (just not sure what from...need to research that). Also has a custom exhaust that was built out of a shop in Boise Idaho (I think). Edite note: Dash is in incredible shape too.

The internet is a beautiful place. Sounds like I might need to take a trip with my buddy to Helena! I'll definitely grab those struts. As far as the engine goes, not sure that's in my price range, but maybe I can snag a killer deal. I'll dig around, see if there might be a transmission to use. edit: Should I also grab the 280 rear diff/etc? Current setup has no engine/transmission/DT, I believe it actually has an old STi r180 diff (but still learning about what components can be used together, so not sure if it has any use for me).

Man, already a lot of input, and that means a lot! I want to make this a fun to drive and reasonable to upkeep car. The reason I have steered away from L16/18/20B is mostly an issue of finding any near me (Montana isn't a great place for sourcing stuff). If I go the L-route, is it worth going for a 5-speed over the stock 4-speed? I'll be sure to dig into the resources you all shared. Cheers!

Hello, brand new here! Long story short, I recently snagged myself a 1972 Datsun 510 (4 door) for a killer price. It doesn't have an engine (might explain the deal). I'm pretty stupid when it comes to working on engines, but what I lack in knowledge, I make up in confidence. As I've been planning on how I'm going to get her up and running, I've wrestled with the numerous options out there for engines. Do I go for an original engine, do a KA24DE swap, or do something wildly stupid and try a k24 swap. I know purists won't approve, but I seriously need help better understanding why it's not really done. I've seen one forum on here about a k24 swap...but I guess my question is, why can't I just do what all the Miata folks do? Plenty of transmission adapters, wiring harnesses, and ECU's on the market. I just don't know if I'm missing something. Forgive my ignorance, I'm eager to learn and really want to restore this car.