hey guys, i own a 76 model datsun 1200 ute and im currently in the motion of restoring it. i have removed all the panels, engine and interior. im looking for someone who can engineer a ca18 conversion. i live in NSW around wagga wagga- the closer the better. all panels, including bonnet and tail-gate are being replaced. what are the chances of still purchasing them new?

You should be able to get those parts new from Melbourne or maybe through the place at condell park in Sydney. Look at the links section on this site. As for the engineering for the CA. Youd be better to read on here for your shopping list, and do as much of the mods as you can yourself, then get someone else to do the rest. It won't come cheap, I'd estimate about $15,000 minimum for the panels/paint and engine. It might be better for you to buy someone elses finished project if you aren't technical.

Chris

Quote:Hey, you're no fun ... such a wetblanket!

sounds really expensive. maybe i would be better off putting a different engine in. the original engine has only done 80, 000 kms and it was lacking ( in a major way) in the horsepower area. it was also using alot of fuel (25 ltrs/100kms) when travelling long distances. what mods can i do to the old engine to increase power and also efficiency in full economy?

I think that too many people think it's an easy conversion. The commoditisation of the CA18DET/1200 transplant annoys me. "Cheque Book Tuners" comes to mind. If they are "fair dinkum", they'd be doing the work themselves.

I'm not 100% sure that this fella meant by "engineered" that he meant "get someone to do all of the work". If he just meant get a cerificate, than I'm sure we can dig up a name suitable for him. I know there's an engineer who travels all over NSW approving Conversion jobs.

If people wish to learn the hard (but can be fun) way, or wish to do things properly, then they need to do most of the work themselves.

Chris

25L/100kms..man man man!!!

It should be doing closer to 6 to 8/100kms.

Get it tuned You might need a carburetor overhaul. That will make you happier

i am going to do most of the work myself. i just thought that to do an engine conversion you had to get an engineer to do it for you. i have friends that are mechanics, but the only worry i have is the engine mounts. is ther a place where you can send the 1200 cross member to have the mounts attached or what? brake, suspension and all that #### is no worries i can do it all my self.

Yeah, but if forced to sit down and see what they were gettin themselves into with such a project, many guys (not you, of course) probably wouldn't even start. Happens all the time over here with youngsters buyin 240sx's to do the sr20det conversion and surprised when the costs start multiplyin and the pizza delivery money runs dry then it's time to hit up your mum.

Engine Mounts are the easiest part.
I don't know why people worry about them.

I'd be worried about these things:
1. Getting the tailshaft made
2. Getting a bigger diff and integrating the brakes
3. Getting bigger front brakes, means bigger wheels and tires.
4. Figure out how to fit a hydraulic clutch master cylinder that matches to slave cylinder.
5. Figure out how you will bend and fabricate the petrol lines, and surge tanks.
6. Figuring out how to fit a large enough radiator and still fit thermofans in.
7. Stiffening the rear springs, or re-engineering the rear supsension to cope with the increased power. My mates CA18/Ute has so far bent his springs and bent a ute axle in less than a couple of months.
8. Figure out how to connect up the factory heater/demister, which is required for registration.
9. Get new front carpet to cover up the tunnel mods.
10. Figure out where your battery will go.
11. Determine where to put your intercooler.
12. When that's all done, you need to wire it up. Most places will insist on an aftermarket computer which will cost you at least $2000 to buy, install and dynotune.

I think that's all I'd be worried about. I'm not being a smarta$$, just justifying my previous posts, so that you understand the "real work" required.

Chris

ok ok.... maybe i will stick with the standard 1200 engine. maybe in the future i will do the conversion. what should i do to the engine besides the tune up that will give me more power? exhaust, carby? i love my datto ute, its my first car and i cant wait to get it back on the road. thanks for all the advice, it has helped me heaps