Hi i'm new to the datto game (rotor head at heart) but am interested in putting a z18t engine into my recently aquired '82 datsun sunny (b310). Whats involved with mounts, box, tunnel etc. I've read articles saying you need 120y front end, but is that necissary? Are there any articles on this site?
I'm guessing ca or sr conversions are a lot more involved!
Thanks in advance...

Really the cost of the conversion should be relatively the same for either z18, CA18 or SR20, its just the price of the actual engine package that differs.'

in a nutshell...

cut off the original engine mounts from the crossmember and weld in ones that sit the motor where you want it. lower and closer to the firewall is best for handling

i'm not sure on the sunny's tunnel, but if its similar to a 1200 - split, cut out, bash or whatever untill the gearbox fits.

you'll need to wire the ECU into your datsun loom and run some relays for the ECU.

you'll need to renew the fuel system to be able to cope with you new fuel demands. high pressure pump and return line as a minimum, surge tank and pre pump are recommended.

plumb up your turbo to your inlet, intercooled is your choice

put in a radiator that will cope with the new motor.

upgrade your brakes

upgrade your diff.

shouldn't take more than a weekend

Quote:
Not quite right there Leigh...
All you have to do to get the Z18 into the Sunny, is remove the Sunny engine X-member, & fit a Stanza one.
They are a direct bolt in - the only difference is in the mount 'pearchs'.
Then to fit the Z18 in simply swap the engine mounts from side to side.
As for the gearbox, if your going to use a Z18 g/box you will have to cut a gearstick leaver hole further back & fabricate up a custom g/box mount.
You'll most likely have to 'massage' the tunnel to fit the bigger box in.
When I did my L16 into Sunny, I used Stanza SSS 5-speed. It required no tunnel mods what so ever (though it is a tight fit...)

Cheers,
Lurch.

but using an L seies box behind the Z18 will see the shifter pointing towards the passenger quite dramatically due to the different angles the engines sit at. I'd use the Z18 gearbox.

Thanks for your replies guys, much appreciated. I'm watching an auction on a z18t wth box at the moment...hope i can win!!! Anyone know what the NZ equivilant of a STANZA is??? I'll keep posting on my progess. Thanks again guys.

this is why you should fill in your location details in your profile... NZ did not get the Stanza (PA10). You will have to modify the x-member.

In NZ use a 160J cross member.
Also an MR30 gearbox with a Z bell housing is the same length as a PA10 Box and makes the lever sit correctly.
If the car is a manual the tunnel will need to be severly pounded where the speedo drive comes out of the box.

For cooling use an Audi 5 cylinder 1985 ? model crossflow rad (cheap and easy to fit).

The Z18 will cost less than half that of fitting either a CA or SR.

Max rear wheel Hp with a good engine/turbo/ecu combination would around
300 reliably.