Hi guys, I'm new to datsuns... I've been driving and fixing a 1964 mini cooper for the past 4 yrs.

I recently got married and was given an old datsun 1200 (1972) as a present. It wasnt in that good shape-body needs some work, i wana change the color, engine needs a service and interior needs to be re-done.

I wanted to hot up the engine just a little and jazz up the look, can any one point me in the right direction or give me any pointers?

I was told to get a high-lift cam and get the head gas-flowed and maybe change the carb.

I'll have a baby in september and this will be my daily driver and family car as well, so i want reliability, fuel economy and some power....

I live in Zimbabwe, so most of the parts i'll get are second hand, but us zimbo's are known to make a plan!

I also wana change the dash to a more modern look-i was told the nissan champ ute dash will fit, can it?

Quote:

Usually one is sacrificed fot the other. An A14 should do the trick for the family sedan. Noticeable power increase and fuel economy. Any modifications usually end up with a touch of unreliability.

so you reckon i change the entire engine? that'l be quite an expense! what unreliability would come with a carb swap? what gains would be had from gas flowing the head or fitting a high-lift cam?

I know, a sacrifice has to be made-one for the other, but if i have a problem once in a blue moon with a slightly modified engine, i dont mind.

I also wanted to change the gear box to a 5 speed... will this add to unreliability?

thanks for your response by the way...

uhh 5 speed your lookin atleat 1000 for one
put an a14/a15 in with extractors then get the 32/36 webber with adaptor and electronic dizzy and the should be fairly reliable with enough power

As you in southern Africa a larger capaity A series engine shouldnt be too hard or expensive to get, A14 or A15 this will give you more gains than modifying the 1200, the 5 speed will be good also.

Ok, let me look around... i may be able to swap my engine with someone... will update you when i've got figures.

South Africa is still manufacturing the nissan champ, would an engine from one of those fit straight into the 1200?

What 5 speed would i get-from what car exactly?

I couldn't think of a better present, well done!

The nissan champ motor will fit in as long as you use the champ engine crossmember as well. I think you might find the champ 5spd will fit but I am not sure if the gearbox tunnel is the same as your datsun 1200, you might need to use a different gearbox crossmember.

Hi Ethan, welcome to the club. We would love to see a pic of a Zim 1200, even if unrestored.

For power and relibility, yes indeed swap the A14 from a 1400 bakkie. It'll fit right in there. You will be amazed at the power difference, and it has factory reliability.

The 5-speed will only make a difference at highway speeds -- it will increase fuel economy at 100 km/h. It won't increase your power, in fact it will reduce your power since the gears are higher.

hmm i thought you where in aus im not sure how much a 5 speedwould go for in zim

My car originally came from Zim, and it was a GX to boot...

They don't make the 1400's in ZA anymore, they stopped end of last year. Anything on the floors now are simply stock...