In 2006, I started an engine swap project. I was in the process of putting a Datsun 1200 engine and a 5-speed from a 210 into a '59 Bugeye Sprite. In 2007 life bitch-slapped me, hard, and the project was stalled. Hell, I could no longer get in and out of the car. Last year a friend of mine re-started the project for me. We fabricated new motor mounts and a new front cross-member, used an install kit for the tranny, got the engine and tranny in, re-did the front suspension, and finally turned it into a roller. The engine was apparently a rebuilt JDM short block, bored 40 over. I found the ancillaries on eBay, and got a head from ddgonzal years ago (thank you number one.) I also got TONS of helpful information from this forum (thank you number two.) Anyway, the car is now on its way to a new home for final assembly and a lot of TLC.

Sounds great! Put some pictures up.

Glad to hear!

Unfortunately, I did not get enough pics of the process. First, we've got a pic of Nick the Tuner in action and then some pics of Mike the Welder's fabrication. There aren't any pics of the saddle-based motor mounts he made up but there are some good shots of the new cross-members that were needed for engine clearance.

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  Nick the Tuner.JPG (155.32 KB)


  Rust Pile.JPG (160.07 KB)


  X-member Install.JPG (126.77 KB)

We also failed to get pics of the matching paint job on the fiberglass top or the kit for the transmission install, but here are some shots of the finished cross-members, the engine (almost) in place and the car on the trailer.

The front suspension was changed out to accommodate front disc brakes from a later Sprite and hubs that had been re-drilled to the 4x4.5 Datsun lug pattern. Years ago I had scrounged up a set of 14" two-piece Empi wheels; you can see them on the front of the car. I had also acquired a rear axle from a 210. It has a 3.9 diff. There are future plans to get it cut down about 4 inches on each side so it will fit the Bugeye. There's a lot yet to be done, but the car is going to someone who can easily do the necessary work. I can no longer do that kind of work, so this is a good thing.

Next up? Getting the recently-acquired brake booster from a B210 fitted to my MG Magnette sedan and getting the rebuilt Datsun 5-speed installed in my Morris Minor sedan.

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  New X-members.JPG (165.37 KB)


  Test Fit.JPG (193.00 KB)


  Bye Bye Bugeye.jpg (129.71 KB)

Forgot to mention. We put in a rebuilt 620 / 720 alternator. In order to make it clear the space available it had to go up high on the left side of the engine. It took some serious fabbing to come up with a bracket that would work.

Yes, I fitted a 720 alternator to my 1200. The same size one as a 1200. There is also a larger version on some 720s.

Work looks good. So it is going to a new owner?

Yup. It's going to a friend of mine. I can work while sitting down and for a little while when standing up. No way I can get under a car anymore ... and would have to use a hoist or something to get in and out of that car. It was a lot of fun seeing all those pieces I had on hand finally get put together.

I also have an '59 MG Magnette 4-door sedan. When the Lucas alternator crapped out I put a 720 alternator in it. Works real well.

Nissan manufactured Austin A40 & A50 cars for sale in Japan.

Looked similar to the MG Magnette i understand

The car you pictured is similar in appearance to the later Italian-styled Mk III and Mk IV Magnettes ... I think Pininfarina did the styling. Mine is an earlier ZB Varitone model, the second in the model series.

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  MG ZB Varitone.jpg (147.20 KB)