Gday all ...Ive got a 77 Datsun 120y coup that I use for a charity Bash car. It is stock and I am trying to get extra 10 to 20 kph out of her. As it is probable it may get trashed during the event and sent to the wrecker I don't want to spend lots $$$$ on the engine ie. webbers et. Will putting a sports pipes or just extractors ( $200 on Ebay) do the trick. what your ideas. cheers Baz

Hi baz. The A12 engine starts with 68 HP, so its difficult to pick up 10 kph . A 120Y should do 150 kph. To do that, use 4th gear, put your foot down and let it rev to 6000 rpm. If it has 13" tires it will go slower, it needs the revs to do 150. Make sure the engine is adjusted correctly and timed for 32 degrees total spark advance.

cheapest way would have to be taller wheel/tyre combination on the rear, or change diff ratio, or put more psi in the tyres

other things that would help would be an electric fan instead of mechanical or electronic ignition as they improve high rpm performance

or try to make the car more aerodynamic

there is 3 things at play - your engine power versus rolling resistance + wind resistance

thanks guys I will put your ideas into practice. cheers baz

I'd make sure the engine was as good as possible, by getting the head serviced, the valve seats checked, new single valve springs ($20 for a set of 1600 VW springs), plus the best carby you can find. The new repro carby's aren't much good, but there are plenty of cheap 32/36 DGV's on Ebay. 1200's & 120Y's aren't that slow with a good stock engine, it's just they're all worn out. As for the bottom end, if it's got even compression, I'd leave it be. It's all pretty tonka down there, but a new water pump, oil pump & a new electronic distributor would help it stay healthy. A new rocker cover gasket so it doesn't cover everything with oil would be good, too. The 'bomb' car bashes always seem to have things breaking down, but that's probably how they edit the show. Always need a bit of drama, & comedy, too. A 120Y is light enough to fly over most surfaces, also. Use a Japanese rear end, a H145 because the Borg Warner alternative has a reputation of being weak. Get the 13 inch wheels with larger tyres, make sure the brakes work (can't go without stopping), then get ready for Hero status as the guy in the 120Y.