I reccon it would work OK, with 170 hp in a light car, you would end up with a very healty power to weight ratio. The weight of a 1200 ute is what ---- about 8- 900kg? or so
and could probably be lightened a bit.

A 5 or 6 kg per hp ratio is similar to WRX etc. The 6 speed sequential box (which is on the engine), and the clutch, may object to the extra weight it would have to push. The Aussie Racers weigh about 450 kg
and seem reliable in the drive train. Anyway,
I'm just considering the possibility, and it would be interesting to see if anyone has tried it.

Numerous web sites deal with this idea, but they are all based on open type sports cars. A Datsun 1200 would be a much more versatile base car,and should have good performance,even with the extra weight.

BillK

Hey,
anyone ever heard of engine swap using say a Hayabusa 1300 bike engine in a Datsun 1200 ute? Probably not unlike an Aussie Racing car. Possibly for racing only ,consider 170 hp @ 9800 rpm from an 80 kg engine.
6 speed sequential box. Not sure if it would
be possible or practical.

Can see problems with:
* no reverse gear
* wrong output speed from bike engine.

would make an entertaining package if problems can be ironed out.

Any thoughts/information on this subject?
BillK