Hi,
My name is Daniel and I am temporarily based in India. I have recently bought a Lada Riva mainly because it had a nissan engine. I think its the A12 engine as the engine size is 1171 cc. Anyways have done all the body work necessary and had taken the car out for a ride and to be frank its comfortable but a tad underpowered.
What realistic options do i have to make the car a bit more peppy. Knowing the local mechanics and their know how i think i will have to do everything by myself.
Some suggestions from the old salts and gurus will be invaluable.
thank you

The simplest method of adding strength to the performance is to substitute an A14 or A15 engine. If even more performance is required after this, then these are a better base to start adding go-fast bits to.

Is this a rear drive car?

Sirs,
I really dont have an option to go higher spec engine wise as there are no A14s or 15s around here. Whatever work has to be done will be on the A12.
Yes it is a rear wheel drive car.
Are the A12s difficult to strengthen performance? The company specs say about 50bhp or so and 100bhp is my target if possible.
However your advice and suggestions will be given more importance than mine
Humbly yours
Daniel

Daniel A series Datsuns have been raced for 35 years, there is a lot you can do. I'll assume you want it to be streetable. Start with Header , 32/36 weber , A-14 Valves , GX dual or race Valve springs , clean up the cylinder head ports (don't hog them out just smooth the casting marks) and use a 2" (50MM) exhaust. If you're willing, take the whole engine out then get the cam reground. If you just do the head you can get an extra head install the valves clean it up etc. then bolt on the goodies. Less the cam figure 80-85 HP with a hotter cam 90-95 range.
I run a set up similar to what I've recommended in my race 1200 coupe it only puts out about 85 HP but it's streetable which is a plus for me as I organize a local Rally.The motor revs to 7800 RPM's all day long.

Tom

Yep Im with Tom on his comments. Shame you couldnt get a 1200 body to go around it.
Did the Ladas have A12's here in Australia?