G'day, I recently bought a 1979 Datsun 1200 ute that has been really looked after and restored, the engine is standard but I was surprised how well she went, it was once owned by a panelbeater/Spraypainter so it is very straight with no rust, and has a nice bright blue paint job. The entire tray lining has been redone with checkered plating. Unfortunately the bonnet has 4 small screw holes where there was once a scoop. Interior has either been restored or really looked after. Overall it is a great little ute that I have nicknamed the Matchbox, and I am very proud to be the owner and driver of my Datto 1200 ute. If anyone can tell me what's the best engine, gearbox etc to get the best performance out of the Matchbox, CHEERS!!!!!

I would like to say a alfa motor but I am bussy bulding one into a 1200 and I think it was the dummest idea. A 13b rotory turbo and a supra box I would say.But my ideas are some times not to practical.

Hey mate,

welcome to the club! she sounds really nice. If you look over to the left there is a tech section which has all of that kind of info.

A bigger a series (the standard 1200) like an a14 or a15 is easy to do and gives a pretty good performance lift. Then comes the L series conversion from 1600's 180b's, etc. Then ca18's, sr20's and whatever you can dream up. Some people put rotaries or 427 chevs in them.

Good luck

G'day bud,

Welcome 2 the site... sounds like u got ur self a nice little car...
Basically i echo what Ianey has said, but have this piece of advice:
b4 you decide on what engine 2 use i would say to speak to an engineer, different states have different laws as 2 the size n type of engine you can use in a 1200...
I

You wont be a Virgin for long MATCHBOX1200, Once the Pimpin starts on your Datto it will be to late for you.
read up, ask questions and look foward to some great times and heaps of fun to come with the MatchBox1200.

Dat7oDav3 is right on the mark. Speak to an engineer and your states motor registry before doing anything. You would hate to spend thousands only to realise you can't get matchbox rego'd.

Anything is possible it seems with these cars. You can upgrade to an A14 or A15 and have a nice tame car with a little extra poke or go all out and have it tubbed running a CA18 with 450 horsepower, just all depends on what you want out of it!!

The search button on the left << of the screen is useful to for looking up questions you have that might already be answered!!

If you like looking at photos ad naeseum about other peoples projects I have pics of an A14 upgrade and a CA18DET upgrade to 1200 Coupe on the my webpages.

http://mildman.datsunprojects.org/