Datsun 510

[Scott Calabro]

Hi all,

Does anyone know the weight of a COMPLETELY stripped 70's vintage 510 unibody ? I ask because in a recent issue of "Grassroots Motorsports", there is a wicked 510, and it looks to me like a SBF/UN1 would fit behind the front seat !!!

Any thoughts ?

Regards,
Scott

 

[Gary Kadrmas]

Putting a small block ford in a 510 will definately improve the dynamics and performance in a forward direction over the stock powertrain.....if you can get the improvements to hook up with the blacktop.

But then you have to address stopping the thing and being able to round the bend. Just off the top of my head, suspension in the rear (and for the most part in the front too) would be a real challenge, unless you are an advanced engineer with alot of time and $$$.

Anything is possible. If you get further past the thinking stage of this project, I am sure everyone on the site would be interested in your progress. Go for it!

Gary Kadrmas

 

[Sandy]

My friend has a BRE replica with a 4 valve Nissan (SR20DET???) engine and it runs great. The car looks pretty light in stock trim, but that is just a guess. Not sure I would want to cram a v8 in it. I have seen a V6 at in a 510 at a local show and that didn't look to bad, but very full in the engine bay. I saw a fellow at the last track event that had a Lotus Cortina that was ruined with a V8 (My sentiment). Poke around on the web some crazy options for engine conversion including a rotary I saw on the web. The 510 is a hot car, 4 banger with a turbo would be a fun package...

Poke around on the web, look for Datsun Iron bottom you might find a lot of info.

Sandy

 

[roaldin]

I'm with you Sandy.
I've owned two 510s - great car, a classic!
A friend is currently developing one (for racing) with a turbo' FJ20 in it (one of my favourite engines).
Personally I think a V8 ruins them - a friend had a Chev' in one.
Rear end design means that "hook up" can be a problem with big power (if you still want the car to handle that is).
I'll see if I can find a record of weight for you. From memory my first race car (complete) was around 800k.
I guess if you're into drags you don't care about handling etc so much but IMO drags is not where a 510s strengths are best utilised.

Here's some video of my mate (in his 510) and I doing camera-car duty for some local rally drivers - www.dairally.net/deane/Tim/CameraCarBv291006HiResDivx.avi (50MB) and he and another mate (Cosworth Escort) at a hillclimb - www.dairally.net/deane/Tim//Deane & Damien for Steve.mpg (18.4MB) .

Tim.

 

[Scott Calabro]

Dude's
I must clarify something. I want to put the engine behind the front seat ! I know the car has a semi trailing arm rear suspention, like a Porsche 914 and since the SBF/UN1 combo results in such a short package, I thought it might work. I figure I need three feet between the drivers seat back and the axle centerline. Although I havent measured an actual 510.
Regards,
Scott

 

[Scott Calabro]

Re: Mid Eng 510

Any other thoughts anybody ?
S

 

[David Briggs]

I have to ask the question, the 510 can be a very cool car, but it would be a very poor candidate for this type of conversion, you will need to completely back half the car and what will you have?
I have an idea but am curious as to what the Forum thinks.

 

[Scott Calabro]

Thanks for the reply Dave ! Here's how I see it as a good candidate;

1. It would already have a title and could be registered just like any other car where I live in Massachusetts.
2. Inspection would be no problem as the car is pre 1985, and would only be a "safety inspection".
3. "Back Halfing" the car would be small potatoes for me.
4. I would put a fuel tank in the foward portion of the drivshaft tunnel. This combined with the mid eng position would move the CG very close to the center of the car ( read low polar moment of inertia).
5. The entire front suspention of a C4 Corvette unbolts from its frame, and could be easily narrowed to fit the 510's track width. (Or I'm sure the stock 510 setup modified like a "BRE" car would suffice)
6. I bet the car would come in around 2000 lbs.
7. They are stiff, light, and cheap.
8. The whole thing could be done for less than 15k.

Only one MAJOR stumbling block, will the SBF/UN1 fit ?

Regards,
Scott

PS

Any constructive thoughts would be great especially if anyone has knowledge/experiance with the 510. I'm not afraid of any ideas good or bad. This idea for a project is just something I'm toying with as an alternative mid eng car.

 

[Scott Calabro]

Check out this Wicked Dime !

Bryan Feldman's Website

 

[Rich A]

The weight of a 510 in race form is between 1750-1947lbs depending if the 1.6L or 1.8L engine is used.

 

[Scott Calabro]

Thanks Rich,
This looks like it could be one cool ride if done right.
I have also found out that the distance between the aft portion of the door jamb and axle center is 31.5 inches. Maybe someone else knows the measurement from the bellhousing to the front of the vibration damper on a SBF ?

S

 

[Jac Mac]

625mm give or take a few.

Jac Mac

 

[Scott Calabro]

24.6 Inches, Cool ! Now when I get my bellhousing (Wicked +.030 289 shortblock is done) from Andy @ Tornado Sports Cars, (hopefully this week Andy !!), I can do the rest of the math.

Now I need a car !

rockonsmile

 

[Rich A]

29" from bellhousing to the front of the waterpump for 221,232,260,289,292,302,312,351C,351W.

 

[Scott Calabro]

Its gonna' be tight !
Thanks Rich and Jac mac,
S

 

[Fran Hall RCR]

From your dreams of a sleek looking T70 to a car with the aero of a wall....nows there's a polar opposite........still a cool little car though.

 

[Scott Calabro]

Hi Fran,
I was wondering when I was going to hear from you ! I must be honest and say in front of the entire forum that I don't think any replica car is within my budget at this time. I know I've said different right here at GT40's.com, alas that was when I sold my 70 Pro-Touring Camaro and had 32 large in my pocket. But I've since purchased several UN1's and built a long rod 289. I'm a car nut and have to build something, so I'm trying to do it on a budget. Maybe I should wait and save my pennies.

S

PS
Maybe you could open up the First National Bank of RCR and give me a home equity loan?

 

[Fran Hall RCR]

Hey ...no sweat.
I enjoyed chatting with you when you called....

Budgets are a great thing to have ...but we all blow them eventually...wink wink.

I am excited to see what you come up with as you are obviously a talented fabricator......good on ya.

 

[Scott Calabro]

Well thanks Fran,

If I can find a clean 510, and if it still looks like it will work, I'll post pictures of the build.

Otherwise I'll just drool over all the other fantastic cars being built here, and mope around the cruise nights this summer...boo hoo

S

 

[Rich A]

Don't know where you live, but the hot spot to find a 510 is CA.
You might have a better chance picking up a Z car in good condition than a 510.