Hey guys, i was just reading up about engine conversion cost and etc on this forum and i couldn't help to see most of the people that have the ca18det's/a14/a15 have all done most the conversion themselves. How did all you ppl learn to do the conversion ?

There is no easy answer to this one
Some are lucky enough to work and learn from experts, others have access to cluey mates and family, and others just jump in and learn the expensive way I have been lucky enough to have access to the first two and have chosen non exotic swaps so have so far escaped the third one Being a welder and having my own workshop also helps
Cheers

A lot of measuring, research and many many mistakes.

Understanding how an engine works, forces it creates on mountings and how and why things are wired the way they are, are essentials to doing a successful transplant.

To do it properly the first time is impossible for someone who hasn't spent years around cars, and/or completed a mechanics trade.

Having a cluey, car modification addicted dad as an influence, allowed me to do it.

Chris

I spose when you used to work on 747's, working on Dattos is a little easier

I learnt all I know about working on cars by being young and poor and having no alternative but to do it myself.

I have made a few expensive mistakes but they were when I rushed or didnt take the time to think it out properly, after all its not life and death,you can afford to take your time and get it right.

I'd say start slow. Learn what you need along the way, don't be afraid to ask for help or send parts out to have specialty work done. You'll feel more confident as you make progress.

Besides... once you've modded a car, forget having a general mechanic look at it.

I learned because I was poor and couldn't afford to pay someone to bolt on new parts. Now I do better work that the people I pay ( i'm just lazy and don't need to be bothered with swapping trannies and such ;) ... )

Having a trade, or general experience with cars is just about mandatory.

I have both these things & still needed advice.

datsun1200.com is a good starting point & an excellent resource, but the best way is to try and find someone local who's done the conversion & see if they'll let you look at their car.

Good luck.

I, and all my "car mates" learnt from doing it ourselves. i learnt slowly as stuff went wrong... first the starter motor, then the altenator, then an engine swap etc. it also helps having people you can ask for help.

get in and give it a go i say!

I learnt with my brothers money/ute and dads 25years of machanical knowledge. my brother and i have done most of the work ourselves on his ute (SR) but got a painter and fabricator to do the trans tunnel etc. Its not that hard when you have guru's like Kev Rowley and Dad to guide us and prevent costly mistakes. If you ignore there advice you pay for it too, but in saying that then you get advice from guys with no idea and you have to rely on the guru's advice. but in no way do i know everything about a conversion we all learn all the time and get new idea's, Even Kev changes things now and then. beauty of it is im learning and taking in as much as i can without spending a cent, so when i get round to doing mine i will try spend my dollars wisley. anyway back to work to fund the datsun's i suppose...........

Yep it's all learn by doing in my case, and by asking questions on this site.

I'm getting through my A14 rebuild & conversion without any prior experience with mechanical engine work.

I guess if you think through each step, and ask on this site to start with if anything is unsure...slowly your knowledge will build - and without hopefully sounding like too much of a nerd "Learning is fun!"