1972 Datsun 510 1600 Engine 4 speed, where to go from here?

[pikachu]

Hello, newbie here,

I recently came up on a 72 Datsun 510 with the original rebuilt engine. I want to keep it budget friendly with a few more horses under the hood. I plan on upgrading the carburetor and exhaust  a little with a Weber and some headers.  Any suggestions? I don’t want to get too crazy with the engine modifications just yet. Thanks 

[datzenmike]

 

You would have to do thousands of $ worth of engine modes to get to the point where the stock cast iron 'header' is restrictive enough that you would have any need for a header. Headers wear (rust) out, very expensive for a good one that is ceramic coated, don't fit well the first try, they are loud, they heat up the engine compartment and floor. The only advantage on a near stock engine is that they are lighter. You already have an excellent exhaust manifold with 4 onto 2 pipes just like a header and yours is already installed and paid for. I bought one from an L16 and put it on my later L20B. If you do buy a header make sure you save the old manifold for when you want to switch back. Save the money and put towards that Weber 32/36, or tires, maybe a mild cam, new clutch????

[banzai510(hainz)]

just do the weber when the stock carb wears out

do a electronic ignition first.

 

FORGET the header!!!!!!!!!Trust us its not needed on a under 150 motor. these manifold are more than able to handle anymower increase plus they are rock solid!!!!!!!!!

[DanielC]

Do we really need a third voice saying use the stock L-16 manifold? 

DO NOT waste money on a header!

[pikachu]

Thank you for the good advice. I’m going to stick with the Weber and electronic ignition first. 🙏

[yenpit]

DO NOT BOTHER WITH A HEADER!! (4th time) 😆  Just have a muffler shop cut the old headpipe (like in datzenmike's pic) & bend a 2 maybe 2-1/4 inch pipe (NO NEED TO GO ANY BIGGER!!) all the way out the back.  If you like loud, just install a muffler of choice out back.  If you prefer raspy but generally quiet, have the muffler shop install a cherry bomb style glasspack under the floor, & a muffler of choice out back.  No need for expensive mandrel bent pipe on a stock L16!

 

Yes on Weber 32/36 & yes on electronic ignition!

[datzenmike]

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[edekalil]

On 5/18/2020 at 4:23 PM, pikachu said:

Thank you for the good advice. I’m going to stick with the Weber and electronic ignition first. 🙏

Smart man.