Datsun 510 swap

[Brian_510]

Hi I’m trying to see what’s a good/ cheap engin swap for my 510 what good to swap in an easy swap.

[datzenmike]

Easy, cheap and good.

 

Well a 25% larger displacement L20B is pretty much a drop in swap with almost no modifications. It's physically the same engine but 3/4" taller than your L16 that came in it. About 20 more horse power and bolts up to your transmission and exhaust. There are lots of cams and intakes/carburetors to choose from. There were many more L20B produced than L16s but finding a good runner is hard to do. Best cheapest bet is simply look for one that is in rebuildable shape and complete. I would forget all about a quick ring and hone job and a gasket set and get replacement over size pistons and rings, over bore the block, new main and rod bearings. Have the head rebuilt. This will give you a brand new engine capable of well over 100K miles of use for under $2,000 if you do all the assembly.   

[MikeRL411]

"Good" and "Cheap" are often mutually exclusive .  You usually get [almost] what you pay for.

[Icehouse]

48 minutes ago, MikeRL411 said:

"Good" and "Cheap" are often mutually exclusive .  You usually get [almost] what you pay for.

 So true!  

 

 

 

[Icehouse]

Back in the day I loved single cam KA swaps.  Super cheap way more power and not that hard to swap in.  Those days are long gone.  Much harder to source good condition any 90's motor.  

[datzenmike]

This is why rebuilding a good used one is ideal. Easy for Jeff to get one in there but for everyone else less skilled or set up, getting a KA in there requires a different transmission and the mounts and drive shaft have to be modified, new engine mounts, new rad, custom oil pan, exhaust down pipe connected to the stock one and convert the throttle linkage to cable. If keeping the EFI there's a wiring harness to connect and a high pressure in line fuel pump and return line to add. 

 

The L20B is the same as the L16 just 3/4" taller. No other changes necessary if it comes with a flywheel and clutch on it. A KA swap is over $5K Jeff?

[Ranman72]

good cheap and easy never go hand in hand 

all in all an L20b is the least expensive motor upgrade 

sr20

ka24de

ca18

VG30

VQ3.5

add turbo to any of them great swaps but not cheap or easy for most people 

[Jesse C.]

So, where is this One Post Wonder? 

 

[datzenmike]

Last visit was Wednesday early PM.