what setup

[jimmy billy]

Hey guys im looking at what i can do to the handling in my 510. Id like to keep it as vitage as i can and as cheap as i can. Pick n pull parts are great for that. I know i can use Z car parts but which parts and years??

 

Let me know what you guys think and know and sugest.

Thank you :-D

[datzenmike]

'Handling' is usually improved by lowering the center of gravity making the car more stable.

 

Shocks or dampers improve the comfort and 'feel' of the ride and reduce annoying bounce. Stock shocks tend to be a compromise towards comfort rather than handling so firmer oor even new stock ones are often a vast improvement.

 

Tires have come a long way in 45 years since the 510 was designed.  They are 'grippier' comfortable and longer lasting

 

Ride Height (front)

can be changed by many methods. You can instal coil overs which are adjustable and you can increase the spring rate or stiffness at the same time. A bit pricy for even just good ones and you are limited by the 510s strut length. You can replace the 510 struts with the shorter struts from a '78-'83 280zx car allowing you to go even lower. Highly recommended as the zx struts also have a much larger caliper and vented rotor for a vast improvement over the tiny 510's brakes. Look into swapping in the zx 15/16" master to compliment the zx brakes. You can also trim the 510 coil spring to lower the ride and at the same time raise the spring rate. Adjustable split collars can be used to adjust the ride height. Changing the ride height can often add 'bump steer' to the steering. t is corrected by adding spacers to the bottom of the struts.

 

Ride Height (rear)

can be set again by installing coil overs on the rear shocks or by cutting the spring... but you may end up with too stiff before you get to the height you want. Dodge D-50 front coil springs can be swapped in to replace the 510 rear springs. A problem with lowering the rear of an IRS car is unwanted camber  which destroys the handling the tires and looks retarded. The rear cross member can be 'slotted' to adjust for this.

 

Shocks

Front struts include an internal shock or damper. If they have never been replaced you can simply and cheaply replace the thin hydraulic fluid with 20w or higher motorcycle fork oil to firm them up. About $15 of two. You can also replace the internal valving with shock cartridges but cost is much higher.

 

Rear shocks are simply replaceable car shocks.

 

Tires are what ever you want. If going to zx struts you may need a larger 14" rim so dovetail that with your rim choice.

 

 

All this is in the search function at top of page. Research, research, research. Know everything you can about this.

[jimmy billy]

'Handling' is usually improved by lowering the center of gravity making the car more stable.

Yes and you need to change out parts to do this properly. Im not going to cut coils and take it on the track. I tryed googling shocks for it and only came up with kyb struts thats it. I want to know everything i can about what i can do. And google dont help. It seems that Z cars got better parts so if that is what i need to get then ill go that way. I just need to know what people have done and what works.

[Kirden]

Short list?

 

280zx struts, new strut inserts, coil overs (datzenmike did a killer write up on modifying the struts). Depending on how low you'll need camber plates and RCAs. Replace all of the suspension bushings. Stiffer sway bars. Stronger srings in the rear.

 

That's a decent street setup with some light trackability. If you want cheaper, don't worry about the sway bars and use generic (ie. civic) universal coilovers.

[ggzilla]

Yes and you need to change out parts to do this properly.

Not true.

 

Im not going to cut coils and take it on the track.

Why not, are you a "new parts" snob?

 

And you are looking for advice from a place called Ratsun?

 

I just need to know what people have done and what works.

So listen up.

[datzenmike]

All this is in the search function at top of page. Research, research, research. Know everything you can about this.

My post is not the be all and end all of information posts, just a very rough idea of the things that have and can be done. You will have to 'flesh out' the actual details.

 

This is where you do your research, looking for 'bump steer' what causes it, will I have it, how will I cure it? D-50 front springs? is this an option for me? Things like that. You know what you want.

 

 

Go through the project threads and read them. Look through the suspension forum. Have paper and pen ready and jot things and ideas down. List pros and cons, specs whatever. Draw diagrams. Facts.

 

Your question seems like you want someone to do all the thinking but really there are way too many options here. You will have to decide what you want to do then come back and ask specific questions about your build.

[jimmy billy]

Ok sorry datzenmike i didnt see all the other stuff you wrote just the begining. That makes alot of sence for what im looking to do. And no ggzilla im not a new parts bumb i cant afford them. Ive done more builds using pick n pull parts then buying new stuff. But i have never done this with datsuns. I know this is ratsuns but you guys should know how to pimp your cars with junkyard parts and not buy new ones.

See i like what datzenmike and kirden wrote. That helps me.

[jimmy billy]

So if i found a zx in the recking yard what parts should i grab for my 510?? I heard i can put rear disc's on my car.....

[datzenmike]

You could, but another day. Grab them and the rotors and save for the winter project times.

 

* would be things I would definitely get

 

* I would get the 15/16" master cylinder for if you do the zx brake up grade.

 

Starter (the L28 starter will fit and may be gear reduction and makes distinctive chirp chirp sound) again not totally needed but a good spare.

 

* Both struts with calipers and rotors if in good shape. New rotors are best.

 

If it has factory mags look at them. They will fit the 510 and clear the larger caliper.

 

Alternator. Its internal regulated 50 amp so you will have to convert your wiring system... very easily done and this rids you of the external regulator.

 

R-180 IRS diff if in the 3.90 ratio or higher range. Nice upgrade for your R-160. Again, not totally necessary but get if cheap. You can always use for trading later.

 

* If a '77 and up may have the optional 71-B 5 speed. Definitely get. And the flywheel/clutch/PP if you can for trading later.

 

If a zx turbo automatic it will have an external oil cooler.

[jimmy billy]

Nice ok thanks man. Ya if i got the parts id sit on them for a bit. I wanna get the body work done and the repair to the frame rail by the strut.

[KlassicMotion]

Mike covered just about everything to grab on the ZX. But just to clarify a little more; Grab the front struts, with all the brake hardware and hubs (two bolts under the spindle, three up top, and take the rubber brake line if it's good). Also grab the rear brakes and backing plates. If your doing this at pick n pull, it may just be easier to drop the entire rear control arms and take them for now. Also, you can grab the e-brake, and cables for that conversion. Like Mike also said, grab the 5spd and driveshaft (with slave cylinder and hose if good), as long as it's not from a turbo car. Wheels and tires from the ZX are a cheap upgrade. The headlight relay from the ZX is will swap over in a jiff if yours craps out and you can't "rebuild" it. Pick N Pull is also good to find seats. I'd bypass on the rear differential for your car, but it might be good for trading later. The R160 is a very stout differential and a lot less weight than the r180 and r200. If you plan to do an engine swap, then maybe consider the r180, but keep in mind the Subaru WRX still uses the r160, and it puts out 250 hp from the factory.

 

If you can find a B210, then you should grab the power brake booster and master cylinder. If not for your car, I'm looking for one!! B) Other people are as well.

 

That's about all you need aside from anti-sway bars. Those can be found new or used for the 510. You could probably use the 280zx anti-sway bars with a little manipulation of shape.

 

I learned most of what I know from using the search bar here on the Ratsun page. Also read all the Dime Quarterly articles. I downloaded all the PDF's so I can read them in my own time. They are the best place to start when looking for mods. They will give you ideas for what to type into the search bar.

 

https://docs.google.com/folderview?id=0ByCvxnHNk90SYzc4N2E1MWEtMzg0MC00YTE4LTkxZGQtM2RjODA5ODA1YjU1&tid=0ByCvxnHNk90SMzIxZWIwYWYtYzljNy00ZGU2LWI3ODctYzRjMmE0MGY3NTA1

[jimmy billy]

Sweet! Those parts would be a good upgrade one day. I went to napa and they couldnt get any parts for the 510. Not without ordering from japan or something.

[datzenmike]

..and stock is ok, but upgrades are sexy.

 

Here's my 710 with '84 Maxima goon calipers and struts...

 

 

[jimmy billy]

Nice!

[KlassicMotion]

What parts did you ask for at Napa?  I haven't had any problems getting what I need from the parts stores.  I would never have recommended Autozone down in the lower 48 states, but up here, Autozone has been able to get my 510 parts next day, whenever I need something...  Also, try Nissan.  A lot of the engine parts for L16 are compatible with the L20B from a 1980 720 truck.  If your Nissan dealer doesn't have part numbers for the 510 engine, have them look up the 720 truck.  Or, another Pick N Pull item is to find a 1980 720 truck with the L20B and pull the engine, and especially the distributor, and coil.  The distributor and coil are a nice upgrade for any L series engine (L16, L18, L20B).  More Pick N Pull items would be a "day/night" mirror from other Nissans.  I can say for sure, the Nissan Pathfinder rear view mirror has the same mounting holes as the 510.  240, 260, and 280Z cars use the same window crank handles and door lock buttons and grommets, and a couple other items too...  The Z Connection, Black Dragon, and other suppliers carry a lot of new parts for the Z cars.

 

But otherwise, if you post some WTB ads here in the classifieds, and "subscribe" to the classifieds, I'm pretty sure you can find just about everything you need for the 510 new, used, or nos, without too many trips to Pick N Pull.

Also start a build thread of the car.  If you post in your build thread what your progress is, what you need, what your looking for, you will find a lot of sources for your parts will turn up there.  Sadly, I didn't have the time to start one when I got my 510, and now it seems too daunting of a task to go back and re-tell history.  I did do one for my 620, and guys have helped me out like crazing getting parts up here to me! 

 

How about some Picture Porn of your car?

 

You can post them here too:

 

http://community.ratsun.net/topic/3-pic-of-your-dime/page-139

[jimmy billy]

The parts i asked about were everything for the brakes. Ill be starting a build thread soon. I just wish i could post pics with my phone. I dont use my laptop much just my phone. Something like facebook would be sweet. I wouldnt even have to use photobucket. Lol

[datzenmike]

Complete ready to run 280zx struts in Langly... http://www.the510realm.com/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=26307&sid=608cd7033f63c38891a2603867fd8d7b

 

If these are in good shape, converted to 510 springs, with good calipers and rotors this isn't a bad price. If just pulled off a 280zx then this is way too much. I wouldn't pay over $100 each as you need to replace the calipers and rotors and convert them. The 510 spring will likely fit your 210. If interested ask for pictures so you know what you get.

 

 

Ah... found picture of them. Just slip your 210 coils and top hats on them on

 

 

 

Second pair is from Oregon so the struts are also minty and were painted with a tough satin black chassis paint. I had these on my project for a couple years until plans changed. These struts have Datsun 510 spring perches welded on and lowering springs with 510 top hats. They have tired Tokico inserts which I will also include. This pair also has good ready to run calipers/carriers/good rotors/pads/bearings/hubs and good rubber flex lines to suit a 510. This is a drop in and go setup for a 510.

[KlassicMotion]

Typically, I see a good used set of struts fresh off a 280zx for $200. I found a '82 280zx 2+2 on CL. It was running, driving, complete and rust free, but it didn't have a title. I paid $600 for it. I kept one set of wheels and tires, the trans/driveshaft, struts and brakes front and rear, and parted the rest out for a little over $750. I see now, that I should have kept the starter too, but anyways, if you can find a deal like that, you'll be money ahead. Just remember, a turbo car doesn't have the preferred trans.

[jimmy billy]

Damn! Wish i had the money for those. Doesnt look like the car lowered at all from them but i guess diferent springs help.

[KlassicMotion]

That's the drop you get when the 280zx struts are original, with about an 8 inch spring.  That's why most of us end up shortening the housing and running shorter inserts.  Two ways to do this: One, cut and remove a section of material and weld the top threads back on, and run coilovers. Or two, send them to Byron Meston (Byron510) and he will cut them to your desired length and re-thread them to whatever thread pitch you want. 

 

This may interest you:

 

http://community.ratsun.net/topic/59607-how-low-does-a-510-go-with-lowering-springs/

[jimmy billy]

Hmm very interesting. Id be wanting to go lower but not stupid low. But more of a race stance.

[datzenmike]

280zx struts are way over an inch shorter to begin with. You can adjust your ride probably 2" more maybe 3" as long as you increase the spring rate to avoid bottoming out the strut. You would want to run stiffer springs anyway as the factory ones are always 'soft'.

[jimmy billy]

Ok. And looking at the stock springs on the front they look to be 1" to a 1 1/2" smaller then the s13 ones i have. (Going by memory) i only wish theyed work. She felt great with those.

[KlassicMotion]

DQ Vol 11 issue 4 "Strut Swap Info"  states the 280zx strut housing is .8", 1.25" and 1.8" shorter depending on the year of the 510.  The top hats from the 280zx are .50"-.75" shorter than the top hats on the 510, but the circumference needs to be cut down to fit up into the strut tower of the 510.  So to go any lower than lets say 2", you have to either severely cut the springs down, or go to coilovers, because otherwise you will be limited by how low you can drop the lower spring perch before it comes into contact with the tire.  You can put the coilovers on the stock 510 struts and start there, without buying the 280zx struts, but you lose out on the bigger, better brakes and larger wheel bearings, and the extra drop from the shorter struts.

 

If you go coilovers, I'm happy with T3.  But don't order online, call and talk to Gabe over the phone.  Chances are he will give you a discount if you order the whole set.  You don't have to buy the camber plates when using the coilovers, but they allow you to correct the camber alignment after lowering the front suspension.  And, like the 280zx top hats, the camber plate system from T3 is the same thickness, so it will give you the .50"-.75" drop over the 510 top hats.  But you can only use the camber plates with the coilovers, not the stock spring setup.  I've gone the whole route;  I started with the stock 510 setup, moved to 280zx with 510 lowering springs, and 280zx top hats, And now I wish I had just gone with the 280zx struts and coilovers to begin with.  It would have saved lots of time and money.

 

https://technotoytuning.com/nissan/510/front-weld-coilover-kit-datsun-510

https://technotoytuning.com/nissan/510/camber-plate-upper-hat-system-datsun-510

https://technotoytuning.com/nissan/510/camber-plates-datsun-510

 

Also, you will need the RCA's (or bump steer spacers):

 

https://technotoytuning.com/nissan/510/roll-center-adjusters-datsun-510

 

Ratsun member  EricJB  makes some RCA's too.  A lot of us are running his sets.  If I remember I right, they are less expensive.  

[KlassicMotion]

I'm guessing, Next, you will be asking how you can make the most power for the least amount of money, and you will find that that will add $$ up too!

Even the simple swap to L20B and 280zx 5spd will add up quickly, but not as much as other swaps.