i have a datsun 1200 ute with a standard a12 engine. i am looking at puting about $5000-$6000 into the engine i was wondering that is the best thing to do to get good performance out of it. but i also want to keep it as round ports on the head.

For 5k, you can work the tits off an a series and make good power OR do an engine conversion make the same or more power for the same kind of money

I would say that a big piece of your $$$ budget would be spent on improving the cylinder head. If you intend on retaining the round port head. I reckon you can build a great performer on approx 1/4 to a 1/3 of your budget. I guess it all comes down to what you intend on using the engine for. Max RPM, Max power, Max torque or best reliablity.

1. give engine and 5000 to Jeff Taylor
2.?????
3. Profit, oh wait you just spent 5000
4. Press right foot to the floor
5. ears profit

seriously though he is one of the best in the business for your A series needs

TopGear turbo setup
$200 ihi vf13 or 14
$400 turbo manifold
$650 ported head with cut down L series valves
$350 inlet manifold
$200 megajolt jnr dis ignition
$100 megajolt wiring/install
$50 stromberg
$200 tuning
total 2100aud for 100kw atw
1200 for t50 5 speed
1700 left for finessing.
eg. Durapro graphlex headgasket $35,
ceramic coatings througout, water injection,
freshen up/rebuild?

Jeff Taylor is in my eyes, THE a-series guru, he will build your engine in whichever way you specify and very very well, he lives and breathes these engines

agree with D, turbo it

turbo it all the way :)
im making up some manifolds if yuor interested mate?
heres the link
http://datsun1200.com/modules/newbb/v ... hp?topic_id=44398&forum=1
cheers
Dam

I'm fairly new here so others will perhaps have more specific answers regarding your prospects with A-series engines.

In my opinion you have two options:

1. Make a conscious decision to keep the car on a low budget, you can either persist with your existing A12 or source a later model, larger capacity A-series engine as a better starting point. A capacity increase of 15-or-so percent is your best modification on a budget but some people are touchy about changing engines so that's up to you. From there & regardless of which engine you choose to run with, put a basic rebuild kit through it, and give it a few very mild upgrades while it's open (minor touchup on the head, bump up the comp a touch, maybe a very mild cam upgrade) and then have something that goes a bit better, has a fresh motor, and still drives great.
2. Will an L-series fit into a 1200 without major issues? There's a 2.4lt stroker (suit rebuild) for sale on Boostcruising. This with twin webers would be by far the coolest thing in the world.
3. If you believe this is going to be a long-term car for you, start the process of converting to a CA or SR (whichever your preference) now and accept the inevitable! You can do this one of two ways... spend your money on supporting mods (r31 lsd, coilovers, brakes) in advance or if you prefer (or already have this stuff) then get straight onto the conversion trail... if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!

In my opinion spending money/effort on bombing an atmo A-series, or turbo-ing one, is a road potentially filled with joy and potentially filled with headaches.

Actually thats a good reminder!
If I had a 1200 I would only think of 2 things to keep it nostalgic and for
embarrassing modern rides and that is 100kw A12 or as just mentioned and even
better a full works L series. Pigdog who has replied a few posts ago might still
have his beast for sale. Itll cost the price of your budget to build but was
selling it for halve of that price. Then boxes are 50 bucks a pop.
No pollution gear just raw power from clean retro technology.