The Datsun 1200 -- being very light -- is an ideal vehicle for drag racing. V8s of all types have been fitted. V8s can be swapped into Datsun 1200s with increasing amounts of crafting and modification required. Your 1200 won't handle curvy roads too well with all that weight up front, but that's not the point of this, eh?
Overview
Also see: Chevrolet V8 Engine Swap
Nissan VG30 V6 in Datsun 1200 engine bay
The VG-series is also available as VG20, VG33, etc.
Featured V8 1200s