Mulisha620 Posted September 8, 2011 Report Share Posted September 8, 2011 Hey 620 guys I had something else I wanted to run by you... Before I bought my 620 I had a 66 El Camino- I have since sold my elky but I kept the original 283 v8 (short stroke, small displacement, more rev's) and the Muncie 4 speed too. I am getting my 620 together and am getting ready to get it back on the road, after I get leaf springs, tires, and either rebuild my stock carb or install this Weber 32/36 I just found in my garage- And when I get it going I'm planning on leaving it stock for quite a while. But eventually I'd like to do something different- I'm sure it's an old subject and it's been discussed to death, but what's the common census on throwing a small block Chevy into a 620?? Has anyone done it? or are there any killer pictures of any v8 620s out there? Quote Link to comment
uieluck Posted September 8, 2011 Report Share Posted September 8, 2011 Hey 620 guys I had something else I wanted to run by you... Before I bought my 620 I had a 66 El Camino- I have since sold my elky but I kept the original 283 v8 (short stroke, small displacement, more rev's) and the Muncie 4 speed too. I am getting my 620 together and am getting ready to get it back on the road, after I get leaf springs, tires, and either rebuild my stock carb or install this Weber 32/36 I just found in my garage- And when I get it going I'm planning on leaving it stock for quite a while. But eventually I'd like to do something different- I'm sure it's an old subject and it's been discussed to death, but what's the common census on throwing a small block Chevy into a 620?? Has anyone done it? or are there any killer pictures of any v8 620s out there? Don't know why you would. Datsun 620 V8 Ratsun has TOPICS and FORUMS for posts! Sometimes it's fun to look. Quote Link to comment
ggzilla Posted September 8, 2011 Report Share Posted September 8, 2011 The common consensus is some people are against it, others are for it. Do it. Just remember that the longer stroke 350 revs just as high as the 283. The 283 simply makes less power. Quote Link to comment
DRIVEN Posted September 8, 2011 Report Share Posted September 8, 2011 Yup, it's been done more than a couple times. If you proceed you'll probably have as many critics as fans. I won't say you shouldn't do it. I would suggest you do tons of research and have twice the cash on hand that you think you'll need. With any big engine/small car swap, there are 3 major things that will take the fun and enjoyment out of the end product. Cooling, weight, too much torque. I actually disagree with ggzilla on one point. The 283's lack of grunt is a good thing. It helps with traction and should be just fine with the 620's H190 rearend. Sure, you could fit a 450+ cube stroker in the same space but it's no fun if you can't hook it up. One more thing - better brakes for sure. The Klotz kits are great. Keep us posted. Quote Link to comment
justin 620 Posted September 8, 2011 Report Share Posted September 8, 2011 Do it! But you need to think about every aspect of it. Do you have the skills, time, money, space etc.? Are you ready for the gas you'd have to feed it? (I'm assuming a yes because you're putting a BIGGER motor in your camino) Is your truck ready for it? Just some things to consider before doin any motor swap ;) Quote Link to comment
Mulisha620 Posted September 8, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 8, 2011 Hey thanks for the replies! I've poured through a ton of forums for everything from Honda 50's to Ford Rangers, I can tell you guys here on Ratsun know your stuff. Can't express how much I appreciate finding this awesome community of Datsun enthusiasts. My 620 is my favorite truck and now Ratsun is my new favorite forum. Thank you all again- That build thread on that king cab is absolutely out of control.... Thanks uieluck- I had figured there wouldn't be much left of the stock firewall on a v8 swap, but wow... The truck was bagged too though, which took it to another level of fabrication. And the body drop? wow...... just wow.... LOL I've been told by quite a few guys that the shorter stroke on the 283, compared to a 350, means higher rpms. If the 350 revs just as high, maybe its more like the 283 is SAFER to rev higher?? This is interesting... And DRIVEN pretty much took the thoughts right outta my head, I had kept the 283 when I sold the elky on purpose, for maybe throwing it in the 620, because of it being so small. I figured the 283 would be mild enough to not twist my truck in half... But still have the raw power I was dreaming about- I'll be checking into it regardless, but it will be a while yet before I jump into a motor swap. I've had reliability issues with my Datsun before, (Dead battery/Voltage regulator/Alternator issues) so in all reality I haven't really had much time behind the wheel in it at all. (The short time I did drive it produced some of my fondest memories though, I can promise you that...) So I am very much looking forward to really driving it everyday, and getting my hands all over my L18- (One day though, I hope to post some vids of my 9 second 620..) I will definately keep you all posted... Thanks again- (and if anyone comes up with more on 620 v8 swaps, pllleeeease throw it up here, I would love to see it all!) Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 Won't fit without cutting the firewall. Once cut you are committed to it. If you give up the 620 ends up at the crusher. 1 Quote Link to comment
Mulisha620 Posted September 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 Won't fit without cutting the firewall. Once cut you are committed to it. If you give up the 620 ends up at the crusher. You're absolutely right.. As awesome as it would be, the thought of getting halfway through it and not being able to finish was the first thing that crossed my mind. It would be heartbreaking. I've already jumped the gun and sold a couple of really sicks whips in my early days... I'll be buried in this truck. I won't let it go. It's not something I'm planning on jumping into any time soon, but I can't help but dream of a v8 620. The appeal is just too great. If i ever did it I would run open up-swept headers too, 8 chrome tips comin' right outta the hood. All the T-buckets and Ford deuces would eat my shorts...:cool: Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 V6s will fit. Newer ones have monster hp, efi and economy. Quote Link to comment
ggzilla Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 V6 done't sounds as good Quote Link to comment
datonalky Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 Don't know why you would. Datsun 620 V8 Ratsun has TOPICS and FORUMS for posts! Sometimes it's fun to look. sometimes it is fun to look!! http://community.rat...__fromsearch__1 Quote Link to comment
ggzilla Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 Kind of a meaningless statement... Don't know why you'd put a KA in a 620 Don't know why you'd put an L20B in a 620 Don't know why you'd put a V8 in a 620 Don't know why people climb mountains This could go on all day... 1 Quote Link to comment
datonalky Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 Kind of a meaningless statement... Don't know why you'd put a KA in a 620 Don't know why you'd put an L20B in a 620 Don't know why you'd put a V8 in a 620 Don't know why people climb mountains This could go on all day... well said, different strokes for different folks! Quote Link to comment
sethris Posted September 10, 2011 Report Share Posted September 10, 2011 anybody tried to do a turbo l16 or 18? seems pretty do-able maybe.... :blink: Quote Link to comment
ggzilla Posted September 10, 2011 Report Share Posted September 10, 2011 Icehouse drove a turbo L16 to Canby. The turbo kit was made in the 1970s. Quote Link to comment
Guest kamakazi620 Posted September 10, 2011 Report Share Posted September 10, 2011 The common consensus is some people are against it, others are for it. Do it. Just remember that the longer stroke 350 revs just as high as the 283. The 283 simply makes less power. Depends on what 350 stock 350=5500 roller350=higher 283 =6000-7000 283s are almost balanced factory ,also looks up chevy 302 rated 290hp but really more like 375hp 302 chevy is 283s stroke350 bore with 202 heads Quote Link to comment
Guest kamakazi620 Posted September 10, 2011 Report Share Posted September 10, 2011 In my opinion put a ka in it and save 283for a classic chevy I gots a bored/balanced283 that is now a 292 solid lifter cam 305 iroc heads lots off $$$ put in it it wakes up at 2500-7500 Quote Link to comment
ggzilla Posted September 10, 2011 Report Share Posted September 10, 2011 You are hearing people talk about theory -- not about actual reality. Factory stock 283s wouldn't rev over 6k. The 302 did but had special valve springs. It's not the stroke that is the limiting factor, but the valve springs and the factory warranty considerations (lower redline means longer lasting engine). Even the 283 stroke is longer than the Datsun A12 stroke which was redlined at 6000 but revs to about 6500 RPM before valve float sets in. Again, longer stroke engines can rev just as high or even higher, it just depends on how they are built. I agree the 283 would be great for a 620, as the lower torque (compared to a 350) is not needed for the light truck. I dunno why that one guy said he disagreed with me. Quote Link to comment
DRIVEN Posted September 10, 2011 Report Share Posted September 10, 2011 I dunno why that one guy said he disagreed with me. I thought I was reading between the lines that you were suggesting a 350 instead of the 283. My mistake. I don't disagree anymore :D . The "which is better" debate could be endless. Let's just not. Quote Link to comment
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