I don't think so, because the A-series has the mounting bolts off center of the shaft, while the L-series appears to be more or less centered:

A-series:

thanks dd,
other than tech wiki suggestions,does anyone know if there are other known straight fits from other cars/engines that could be swapped and work?

why do u want another starter to fit an A series??

i got an l18 starter which looked similar other than mounting bolts position.so just curious which other starters could be used instead.have read on wikipedia of other car model swaps i.e brakes/trans/struts etc
cheers

give me a L series starter and alternator... i could use them

Generally, no. Not with Datsun, and not with Ford, and not with others. Each engine family generally has its own starter housing.

You might be able to remove the housing (end casting) from the old A-series starter and fit it to the L-series starter. If they are both Hitachis that might work. But if one is a Mitsubishi and the other a Hitachi I doubt it would interchange.

my original a10 starters where huge compared to later a15 vanette ones so I quickly changed them and saved a fair bit of weight right there.

D very smart ideas of saving weight.

Unfamilia u can have the L18 starter.ive got it at home.The alternator is on the engine in vehicle in storage.

dd,i know its abit extreme but glad to know atleast one can get a custom very light housing to house the a12 starter.

cheers