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 Post subject: Datsun 1600
PostPosted: Mon Aug 17, 2015 9:12 am 
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Joined: Tue May 20, 2008 8:03 am
Posts: 174
A friend of mine found a 1967 1600 for sale and he's considering picking it up. Can anyone share any links to info to help him make an informed purchase decision? Thanks!

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 Post subject: Re: Datsun 1600
PostPosted: Mon Aug 17, 2015 12:57 pm 
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Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2008 5:53 pm
Posts: 14779
Location: CT
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datsun_Sp ... 1.2FSPL311

https://youtu.be/Wf9uE5n077A

https://youtu.be/DFg_PH9gpGQ

https://youtu.be/x2w_OO-AheQ

https://youtu.be/82zrDgXjaVI

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datsun_Sports

http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1 ... sp311.html

It will be difficult to find an all-original 1600 which hasn't been modified. The 1600 gave 75hp with one carb or 85hp with two. The later 2Liter engine gave 135hp and just bolted right in. Weber or Solex carbs were popular swaps for all the engines. There's plenty of under hood room for other engine swaps as well, and I've seen V8s with headers nestled right in there with plenty of room left to change the sparkplugs without burning yourself. The 5-spd gearbox was a very popular swap into every size Roadster.

The new (1967) 2000 windscreen was about 2" taller and was a popular item, but it required a different convertible top or hardtop, of course. Rust was always an issue.
Many drivers began their careers in Datsun Roadsters, including John Morton and Paul Newman. The cars were slightly heavier than they needed to be, which effected handling and braking unless they were "lightened and tightened" for performance. They were dirt-reliable and were considered a "Japanese MG-B", altho they out-performed the MG by a slight margin in every category, and didn't use Lucas electronics. The 1600cc Datsun made the same hp the 1800 MG-B made, and they had identical curb weights. The Fairlady claimed about 6mph faster topend than the MG claimed, and was almost a full second faster 0-60 and 1/4mile ET. The MG cost slightly more and it leaked; the Datsun was not completely water-tight but it was more drivable in heavy weather and roadspray than the low-slung "B".

The Fairlady wasn't available with spokes, which was a deal-breaker for many people in the 1960s/70s. The MGB simply looked better with its knockoff wire wheels, than the SPL311 did with its lug nuts and wheel covers. Driving room, position and seating comfort were noticeably better in the Datsun than in the MG. Over the years, the power and performance of the MG declined, while the Datsun increased. Prices today reflect the Datsun advantages over the MG, with the average "B" running about $12K and the average SPL running about $16K according to Hagerty.

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 Post subject: Re: Datsun 1600
PostPosted: Tue Aug 18, 2015 3:30 pm 
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Joined: Tue May 20, 2008 8:03 am
Posts: 174
Frank, thanks! I'll pass this along. Don't be such a good salesman next time, now I want one of these... :wink:

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 Post subject: Re: Datsun 1600
PostPosted: Tue Aug 18, 2015 4:56 pm 
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Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2008 5:53 pm
Posts: 14779
Location: CT
Everybody wants one. The trick is finding a useable one which hasn't been RestoModded beyond recognition. The last Roadster engine (4-cyl 2.0L SOHC) put out the exact same 150bhp the Z's 6cyl SOHC engine did in 1970. It was a huge temptation to swap out the pushrod engines (1500 or 1600) for the 2000 "big block" SOHC. Swapping better carbs onto any of the engines increased their power as well, and by the time the series ended, there were several houses making hot cams, hi-compression pistons and heads, and magic valve gear for the Roadster engines.
The Roadsters raced in either D or C Production, depending on their engine output. Bob Sharp pushed his Roadsters (and 510 Sedans) to many wins and East Coast championships, before the Z was released and changed his whole life.
I've been with the Club about 8 years now, and have personally seen TWO local Roadsters for sale during that time. One seller had owned his Roadster since he was in college. He'd dated his wife in it, taken his kids to school in it, and now his youngest kid was married and moved and his wife couldn't ride with him anymore. He hated letting it go, but he was the original owner for more than 55yrs. His eyesight wouldn't allow him to drive anymore so he was letting it go. THAT's how devoted these Roadster owners are.
Several of our members own them, and they could tell you a whole lot more about them than I can.

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