Hey guys

I'm considering restoring an A10 or A12-engined car.

I basically intend to rebuild to standard spec but maybe with a carb and/or a very small cam. I want it to start, drive & run like new though so I'm not interested in anything that will make it cranky, in any way unreliable, temperamental or annoying, or make it suck the juice.

Also is there any issue getting parts for either of these, or any basic upgrades that should be made for performance or long-term reliability?

Currently looking at a '71 1200 sedan or a 69 Datsun 1000 ute. Both run and drive but I am looking to do a bit of resto work.

Particularly with reference to the A10, is the standard 4>2 manifold the only difference between the early and late ones?

Best to restore it to dead stock if you are after reliability and low fuel consumption.Not sure but i think some utes came with lpg from factory so thats worth researching.Can't beat factory reliability assuming car didn't have any defects when on production but thats just my opinion.
Just use NOS items where applicable i.e radiator and rebuild the whole engine.

Hi mate

Thanks for your input. I would hazard a guess that an A12 is never going to be a particularly thirsty thing?

Interested to know what kind of economy guys are getting with carb, cam, extractors vs 100% standard setups.

I checked out the 1200 last night. It needs a bit more work than I'd hoped but it's certainly a good little car.It's also pre-emissions so I'm free on carb, cam, etc if I like.

I hope you get the 1000, but can you explain this sentence a bit better?

Quote:

What is the 4>2 reference to?

I think one of the most basic upgrades that is a true cost effective upgrade is an electronic ignition- that's probably about it, and maybe a small diet on the flywheel. Following that a nice livelier cam would be a good addition but that might be the extent of what you'd want to upgrade.

As far as I know, there are two types of factory headers on the A10.

I would like the 1000 but it appears to be a lot more work, in the short term, and I'm mor interested in something I can get in and drive for a bit, even if it IS a bit rough in places. The 1000 is a 'basket case' ie. lots of parts in the tray whereas the 1200 is complete, driving & registered.

Hello, I'm rebuilding an A12 motor to go into an Austin A40. I'm at the stage of reassembly but the workshop manual is very vague on the main bearings and which ones go where. I Pulled the motor apart 3 years ago and can't remember. Where do the bearings with collars go (2 of them)? I've tried a coupl of times but the crankshaft just locks up. thanks, Alan

To all members' I can help with engine info & I do rebuild kits for A10/12/14/15 engines & other bits ( extractors,cams, machine wok,build for you, whatever you choose). If your interested .just PM or call. cheers ernie

I think Shifty might be referring to the KB10 exhaust twin outlet manifold VS the std B10 single outlet manifold.

BigE is the guy to talk to about anything to do with the datsun A series engine ,he is a guru with these motors and is realy helpful

Cheers

1000 ute with 9.5:1 comp using milled flat top mitsu lancer pistons 4g55 at 75mm diameter in an A12 with a10 flywheel, electronic ignition, hybrid a10/a12 carb and 3.9 diff would be economical, powerful and reliable all in one.

A10 flywheel is lighter
high comp with good ignition self explanatory
Mitsu pistons are much lighter & stronger
75mm bores more capacity and less valve shrouding
for later Oval port sized valves
A10 carb is the best carb to start with its simple.
3.9 C&P will be better than 4.4 ute one in all areas.

Above combo will be crisp with fat and healthy torque.