Building a dream road going 120y coupe - Suggestions please! (Read 210 times)

[dave45]

My 120y coupe is a keeper for a long time I reckon. I'm looking to upgrade the car modestly but in a way that will make it easier for everyday use on todays roads. So... firstly I hope to fit an A14 or A15 engine for a bit more pep. Any other suggestions please tell me as I may be wrong. I'm new to Datsuns and still learning! 

So what suspension mods could I do (B310 front suspension poss?) Possibly lower the back end a little (it's a bit twitchy!)

5 speed box and diff set ups

Electronic ignition systems?

Sportier steering wheel options?

Sound deadening

etc

Basically if you were making subtle mods to a 120y coupe, what would you recommend. Educate me!

Cheers all in advance!!

Dave

[spottedlaurel]

I'm not sure if the thread would be on this forum or the old one, but there was a red coupe fitted with an MX5 engine which should give you lots of ideas. It was used on trackdays so the handling was certainly addressed as part of the upgrading...

[dave45]

I like it! Wow that certainly would give it more poke! Yes the chassis would need beefing first to avoid ditches!

Cheers!

[Al Ramone]

A14 or A15 engine. Don't bother with a 5 speed, they cost far more than they are worth IMHO.

Can try and get a higher ratio back axle from a 1500 B310 which would up the gearing if you really wanted.

Brakes and suspension, depends on your budget and how far you wanna go with it.....

Standard brakes should be ok, but if you want up upgrade I'd suggest front struts from a C210 or C230.

Most people will tell you to go fro S130 (280ZX) front sturts, but I think they're overkill and unbalance the car.

They're also shorter then B210 legs so will assist with lowering.

Rear end, you'll either need lowering blocks made or source them from another country, maybe Madat in Oz have something?

Some people will tell you you can use lowering blocks meant for a Flawed Escort but they don't fit correctly and could potentially dislodge....

[dave45]

Apologies Al. Only just read this post!

I've rebuilt an a14 with reground crank, shells, rings, skimmed and gas flowed head etc. Stuck with the standard box as yes I've seen the price of a 5 speed! Ouch! I like the axle idea but I doubt I'll do too much motorway miles. 4 cogs will have to do!

I'm going to strip down the rear suspension and familiarize myself with it. Hopefully then fabricate something. Either that or retemper my leaf springs.

Brakes, in happy with. New pads and recon calipers, new flexi hoses custom made with polished kunifer! :-D New cables, shoes and cylinders. Should be fine.

Lowering is my main issue. Don't want it too low. Just an inch or so. King springs haven't got front coils so in toying with cutting the originals. Something I've never done and don't really agree with. The coils aren't progressive though or side balanced, so should be ok to cut.... Jury is still out on that though.

Thanks for your help! Given me something to mull over!

[datman]

ACtually Datsun workshop manuals do list a different coil for the left and the right on most models. Not entirely sure why.
I put a Silvia 1.8 turbo engine and box in a B210 about 15 years ago (OMG it was 17 years ago!) but they were easier to find back then, and do require tunnel mods. Broke a couple of differentials as well so not ideal.
I ran 280zx struts and brakes (the brakes are fairly modern being floating caliper and vented disc) and decambered rear springs. Ideally it could have done with stiffer rear springs as it used to lift the inside front wheel on hard cornering on the track.

[dave45]

Wow! Doubt I'll get enough power to lift a corner, but I like the idea!!
I've stripped the front legs but can't see any difference between springs. Im going to powdercoat springs and legs to keep originality and cut half a coil off. Hopefully should drop it an inch. Will, have you any springs for spares? Just in case i go too far!