it's not going to help my gas milage is it?
if i get that engine, i'll need a bigger fuel tank... and a stronger rear axle and LSD...

at least I already have the brakes and suspension done.

if i can put A/C on it maybe she'd be ok with it since that's the one thing my car lacks that makes it not as enjoyable as it could be.

Ok listen and learn kiddies: I have a garage full of toys and here's how.

A. Wheel and deal on parts.........when stuff comes up buy the lot , keep what you need and sell the rest.........hand the Mrs the profit.

B. want more datto parts....take on side work , then hand the Mrs her cut.

C. She won't know it's a deal if you don't educate her. " hey honey can you belive it some guy wanted $1600 for a stock A-series , he's on crack" over the course of time tell about every sale you see and laugh about how outragous the price is, THEN we you find a deal she'll be so conditioned to hearing much higher prices she'll be happy your spending less.

D. Bribes shameless bribes..........make sure to buy her a little something from time to time..........this way you'll throw away money on her as well as your Datsun.

E. Suck up , compliments and more sucking up.........it's like oil changes the more you do this the longer it lasts. Oh and remember you can't suck up 3 minutes before you annonce the CA conversion.

F. Finally diversionary tatics...............if you want an A12 to A15 upgrade announce you want to do a CA conversion , then back pedal and say it isn't practical. If you want a CA conversion bring home ads for used Porsches....you get the idea.

Tom "my wife is my pimp" Grossmann

great advice!
or...
Build her a car ;) then she can't complain as much about the costs.

You must be a professional marriage counsellor Rallytwit

stay single.........

I'm currently doing a front 5 stud conversion, commo borg warner diff, mini tubs, 4 bar setup, cutting out old tray and putting sheet metal tray in, set of WELD pro star etc etc...........nobody has bitched about it at all

Just buy her a datto too and do it up better than yours

Rallycar had me charmed till he spent our house deposit on a 180sx...

Im only 16 but I reckon you need to set the precedent early before you get married... or even have a friend! If you have lots of toys like motorbikes, 4x4 and dattos before you get marriend then there is not excuse on her behalf for not knowing what you are like!

I just have a mum to worry about

Converted no counsuler here (although it has been suggested).......I have a good sense of humor so the gal who is now my wife asked me out......I was road racing bikes then , she used to do lap times and make dinner at the track......the other riders asked how I got her to make gourmet meals at the track....I told them I didn't know , at that moment I resolved not to screw the deal up. (basicly I hit the wife lotto).
Conversly I see so many guys take a confrontational attitude towards the Mrs on car stuff...............if she does nice things for you or wears something nice ..........say so , if your a pleasant bloke the Mrs will let you buy all sorts of stuff. Vintage Motocross bikes , Karts , model trains etc. Oh sure she thinks I'm caring and a good Father but it's all been 20 year scheme so I can buy Datto parts!!!!!

OK on serious note I like the idea of buying the Mrs a nice Datsun..............although in my case my wife likes big American luxo barges.

Tom

it's hard to not say "look there's a nice datsun for sale," maybe i know i'm not going to buy it, but i guess pointing one out is viewed as intent to buy. I only have 1 car now, that's a record.

She doesn't even know of my lusting after the l20b ( again... ) this time.

I guess I'll continue "finishing" my car for now. Since finishing can include a turbo, and a engine swap looks like staring anew.

how bad would the l20b throw the handling off? anyone ever tried those things that use water for putting more weight over the drive wheels, could that fix the weight issues, or is it just going to handle like a 2800lb car and be less maneuverable inherently?

Come on, do it!

Its only like 15-20kg difference, just move things around in the car to balance it out.