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Nissan chassis model B210 was the third-generation Sunny. They were sold during Model years 1974-1978 and marketed in various countries as the Datsun B-210 or Datsun Sunny. In some countries it was designated Datsun 120Y or Datsun 140Y, depending on the engine fitted. The B210 was designed to be more luxurious than the spartan B110, so it has a 40mm longer Wheelbase, and is considerably heavier than the original Datsun 1200.

It is common to confuse the "Datsun B-210" (B210) with the "Datsun 210" (B310), but they are different generations altogether, sold during different years. For more details and how the Sunny family was developed, see History of Datsun 1200.

Variations

Model Prefix

HB210 - High grade engine (A14)
PB210 - Excellent 1400, separate model line for 1974-1975 with L-series engine
GB210 - Excellent 1600 (L16) from 1976 February

Chassis Identification under-hood plate:

Models

B210 4-dr sedan
B210R 2-dr sedan
KB210 Coupe (in hatchback form, unlike KB110 fastback which had no hatch)
VB210 2-dr Wagon (van)

VB210 4-dr Wagon (van)

Truck: the 120Y Truck is actually a B120, not a B210-based model
VB210 Panel Wagon (some countries) -- not a JDM factory offering?
http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photos/thumbs/7520.8[1]

Series

B210 could be divided into two series:

1974-1975 models
- small suspension & brakes
- non-chrome (black or gray) bumpers (USA)
- Sedan Grille:
1976-1978 models
- larger suspension & brakes
- blackout tail panel
- chrome bumpers (USA)
- New Sedan Grille:

Trim

Standard - least expensive model
Semi-Deluxe - for Vans
Deluxe - upgraded model
Super-Deluxe - for Vans
GL (Grand Luxe) - luxury model
GX (Grand Luxe special), available as 4-dr or Coupe
- JDM: GX models had the A12T or A14T twin-carb engine
- USA: GX models had a standard A14S (single-carb engine)

Common rectangular-gauge dash:

High-line round-gauge dash (JDM GL Coupe and GX Coupe):

Design

The B210 was the third-generation Sunny, replacing the B110. The theme for the B210 re-design included:

improvement "to be more likeable and satisfactory to a greater number of people".
Exterior design: style of "Streamline and a Cut" with "Young and Dynamic" image -- instead of the "rational" styling of the B110. "Sharp and Soft" atmosphere, "Long-nosed proportion" (long wheelbase?), and "Streamed and Dynamic" style.
Interior design: "Oval Scoop Cockpit"
- Increased driver roominess. Front compartment larger, rear compartment smaller
Quieter operation (reduced NVH)

The side panel is finished by plum faces and sharp folds all over, and the stream of the fold and roof drip like an ebbing wave keeps sharpness in the free and easy touch.

reference: Service Bulletin Vol. 188 "Introduction of New Datsun B210 Series", Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, 1973.

Others have simply called it "coke-bottle" styling -- dynamic with a pinched waist.

One oddity about the B210 is that the bonnet latch release was moved from inside the car to outside. In this feature it was inferior to the B110. By 1976 it was moved back inside.

Powertrain

Engine

Most B210s outside of North American were fitted with the redesigned A12 engine, hence the 120 in "120Y". North American models were fitted *only* with the high-line engines, namely the A13 for 1974, and the A14 for 1975-1978.

JDM GX models used the twin-carb engines (A12T or A14T). USA GX models use the single-carb engine (A14S).

Transmission

A12 and A13 models were fitted with the 56-Series transmission, a four speed. A14 models, having extra torque, required a heavier-duty transmission so the the 60-Series transmission 4-speed was fitted.

A12T Five-speed models (GFK, 1973-1974) used the 56-series 5-speed.

A14 Five-speed models (GFK, 1976-1978) used the large 63-Series transmission.

Differential

1974-1975 models with A12 and A13 models used the Hitachi H145 differential.

A14 models used the H150 differential, which was rated to cope with the extra torque.

1976-1978 models all used the H150, including A12 models.

Brakes and Suspension

All North American B210s used the large disk brakes from the PB210 series, along with heavy-duty steering linkage from the Datsun 610.

Early A12 models used front drum brakes and lightweight steering linkage. 76-78 A12 models used a lightweight disc brake with heavy duty steering linkage.

Spring rates are nearly identical to Datsun 1200, even though the B210 was 20-25% heavier. This resulted in a noticeably smoother ride.

B210 SSS

Datsun-Nissan New Zealand sold a special model, the SSS.

Honey Bee

The Datsun B-210 Honey Bee was a special low-cost model offered in the United States. It was the low-spec Standard model with no carpeting, but could be had with a special stripe and Bee decal. Its goal was to sell to a young, first time buyer who could not afford a regular B210. Honey Bee was only offered as a 2-dr sedan.

See main article: B210 Honey Bee

Fuel Economy Champions

41 mpg: 1974 USA model with A13 engine:

48 mpg with A14

50 miles per gallon with A14 engine and 5-speed:

This was the peak of Nissan fuel economy, at least in a regular size (over 660 cc) car.

Badges

JDM

B210 - the original design

from 1973 to late 1975

B211 - the redesign (minor facelift)

Sedan, Coupe from December 1975
Van continues as B210, but upgraded in October 1975

USA

In the United States, the B210 was marketed as the "B-210" (with a hyphen). NOTE: It was not the 210, that is a newer Datsun.

Serial Numbers

1974 Model years

HLB210-000001 to ~070000
HLB210-400000 to ~510000

1975 Model Year

HLB210-070001 to ~140000
HLB210-510001 to ~710000

1975 Standard Model

starting with HLB210-578528 and mixed among deluxe models

1976 Model Year

HBL210-140001 to ~184390?
HLB210-710001 to ~793936?

1977 Model Year

HBL210-184391 to ~233661?
HBL210-793937 to ~830000
HBL210-870216 to ~900000
HBL210-922771 to ~999999

1978 Model Year

HBL210-233662 to ~310000
HBL210-353322 to ~400000

1974

For the 1974 Model Year the goals were:

conforming to anti-pollution regulations
- EGR added
- Air Compensator now standard
requirements of FMVSS
- notably large heavy bumpers
- starter interlock

One of the most obvious changes from the B110 -- other than the all-new sheet metal -- is the large 5-mph "park bench" safety bumpers of the type fitted to all 1974 USA autos.

Since both affected performance, only the high-grade A13 engine was offered (model HLB210) to keep performance on par with the lighter Datsun 1200.

A13 Engine for USA market: see wikipedia:Nissan A engine.

New 1974 A Engine Redesign common to all A-engines
Tall-block engine (like A14) 30 mm higher than previous A12
77 mm stroke, up from 70 in A12 engine. Bore same as before

Also causing some consternation was an incredibly complicated starter interlock. A seven-input (!) transistor "brain box" prevented the engine from being started if the driver's seat was occupied but the belt unfastened.

Seat belts for 1974 were 3-point, but unlike B110 the shoulder belt is semi-permanently fastened to the seat buckle (no need for a zip tie). Also the inboard belts have a round flexible-wire design so they don't fall down around the seats when not in use. This is a good swap for the B110 belts.

1975

For 1975, the main design points were:

Introduction of the California-destined model (Chassis Code suffix 'N')
Introduction of factory Air conditioning. Previously, only dealer-installed Aircon was available
As usual, emission and safety requirement changes

Because of the performance-robbing emission and weight-gain changes in the USA market, the larger A14 Engine was adopted to keep performance on par with last year's model. This triggered a cascade of parts changes, including:

Intro of A14 Engine
- stronger 4-speed 60-Series Transmission instead of the 56-series fitted to A12 engines. It has a higher first gear
- Heavier clutch to handle increased engine torque output (now 794 lbs, up from 694 lbs for A13 engine)
- stronger H150 Differential
  - New axle housing
  - shorter Propeller Shaft
- 140 mm (5.55") wider Radiator core
  - Fan Shroud now standard equipment
- Longer front coil springs
- stiffer rubber Engine Mounts
- Automatic Transmission changed from air-cooling to water cooling

Emission Controls

Intro of Air Pump to Sunny family
- Cylinder head recast with air passage to each exhaust port
- Port for anti-backfire valve added to Intake manifold
Evaporative changes from crankcase-storage to charcoal cannister
Intro of spark delay valve
Leaner carb settings:
- Improved heating duct
- PTC Automatic Choke
- Larger exhaust stove from 610 adopted
Remove engine compartment heat from engine
- Intro of fresh-air ducted air cleaner
- Two-stage idle compensator
- Heat Shielding:
  - plate around carb
  - insulator between throttle body and center body
  - shield between intake and exhaust manifolds
  - stainless bolts in carb (to lessen heat transfer)
  - stainless bolts for manifold mounting

California Model: In 1975, California had a population of 20+ million. This size made it a very important market to international companies, so when California legislated the strictest emission limits in the world, the automakers said "Yes, Sir!"

Intro of catalytic converter, which made the following needed:
- Modified fuel filler and hose
- Modified floor pan
  - Modified driver's seat (thinner, and cutaway on inside). Driver's inner seat belt also redesigned slightly
- Converter Floor temperature warning lamp
- Floor insulation (full jute padding)
- Routing of fuel, brake and EVAPO tubes rerouted under car: Along outside stiffener instead of in tunnel
- Exhaust piping insulators
- Intro of fully-transistorized ignition, adapted from 240Z. See B-210 Electronic Distributor Swap
- Altitude compensator (for high-altitude markets within California)

Safety:

bumper overriders add (rubber bumperettes, a la B110) to meet the Cost Saving Act. 1974 models had 'smooth' bumpers
Illuminated light switch introduction
Brake Hose Marking (FMVSS No. 106)
Bumper height requirements (FMVSS No. 215), raised ~ 2 inches

Misc:

50A Alternator (LT150-19) now fitted instead of 35A
Adoption of 610 Voltage Regulator (TL1Z-82)
Engine crossmember clearnanced slightly for aircon compressor

Cool Changes for 1975:

Wood-grain shift knob (Canada only)
Three-spoke steering wheel (Canada only)
Speedometer with trip meter now standard!
Door Mirror mounted 100 mm forward relative to 1974 model
Intro of ingition relay switch (California only), no more burned switches?

1975 Standard Model

In the height of the Fuel Crisis and economic problems, Nissan introduced for the first time to the american market a Standard (base) model Sunny. It was a low-cost 2-dr sedan.

Standard models have an 'S' suffix in the model number

This also marked the introduction of the B-210 Deluxe name (fitted to all existing sedans), to differentiate it from the new standard model sedan.

This is the difference, among other deletions, this equipment is not fitted:

Wheel covers (no hubcaps!)
Spare tire cover
Trunk mat
Cigarette lighter (blind plug fitted)
Speedometer trip meter
Rear window defogger switch (blind plug fitted)
Carpet (only Mat). California still gets carpet :-)
Arm rest (pull handle is fitted)
Door trim moulding
Rear side moulding
Rear seat ashtray
Wiper blade high-speed fin (uses basic type from 620 truck)
Door lamp switch for assitant side
Console box
Non-glare glass (optional on Deluxe)
Chrome moulding for windshield
Chrome moulding for rear window

Changed Equipment:

Blackwall tires now fitted (optional on Deluxe models)
Trunk finisher: hardboard instead of laminated
Front seat is folding only, instead of reclining + forward-folding
Interior Trim: Black or Beige only (Deluxe has Black, Blue or Brown)
Floor trim: Black only (Black or Brown in California)

And the good part:

10 pounds lighter than Deluxe model 2-dr sedan

Donor Parts

Many 510 and 610 steering, suspension and brake parts fit B210
Many parts from B210 will fit B110 (and vice-versa). See article: B210 Parts Donor
See General parts for a list of many parts like headlights, battery, etc from most cars that fit will B210.

Steering parts
- Steering gear is same as 610, size 45 mm gear spacing. 15.0 ratio, 3.14 turns lock/lock @ 38 degrees
- Steering column is separate from gear (B110 has integral gear/column)
- Side rod is size of 610, but different length
- Cross rod, differs from 610 in bend and size
- Idler: same as 610
- Gear arm: same as 610
Front suspension and brakes: Many Datsun 610 parts fit B210 (USA models). These differ from B110
- Tranverse link: 510/610 part
- Ball joint: 610 part
- Wheel bearing: 510/610
- Hub: 510/610
- Rotor 232 mm same as 510/610. B110 uses 212.5 mm
- Caliper and pads: Annete 14/15A same as 610 (B110 uses 12/14A)
- Strut interior parts (or insert). Larger diameter than B110
Brakes
- M45 Master Vac (booster) same size, but differs from 510/610
- Brake master cylinder 5/8 bore, part is same as 610. Same bore as B110, but different mounting.
- NP proportioning valve same as 610 (B110 has no valve)
Engine crossmember (wider than B110)
Diff U-bolts and mounting pads (wider)
Rear Wheel bearings (larger)
Lug nuts. B210 uses larger 13/16 size. B110 uses 3/4 size