Hi I own a 1979 Datsun 1200 ute, It has 1200 motor in it, but I need more power! I have been looking up on some different conversions available but am not sure which way to go as I am not mechanically minded and I will need a mechanic to do all the work. I would appreciate any input about engines,conversions, costs and good mechanics. Cheers!

well, a14, a15, but they dont have much more power than the a12 which im guessing you have
ca18de,or det are both legal here in qld, but dont no about over there, that means, new x-member new gearbox new tailshaft new diff new brakes too im guessing that you would want them anyway. and it needs to be engineered so yeah alot of money there would be looking at about 3500-4000 around there, then fitted and tuned and engineered so there is alot of money in it.
also, if its legal, go an sr20det motor same idea but you can get more power out of one of these abit easyer

If your paying someone to do it you may as well buy something with more power already... I don't think you could pay for a conversion and get change from 5k. Otherwise you go L-series that way there is no real wiring to do you just need to make the thing fit in there, you can buy a mig welder engine/box and all the parts for under $500, probably pick up a nice worked l-series with carbs everything for under $1500.

Or just stick a A14/15 in there, you have a late model ute so it will bolt in.

sell yours n buy one already done thats the cheapest option if your not gonna do the work your self

or if you want theres a few places in perth that do drive in drive out convershions $15000+ then you'll need paint and trim and a set of wheels and next thing you have spent 30000 on a car thats worth 18000

or maybe you just want a lil bit more power and a a15 with twin webbers would suit you ( 1000 - 2000 ) for this convershion including motor

yeah, i would go a15, cheaper out right, and less fuel too and its not as bad if you crash it either, not taking a stab at your driving ability at all, i will be doing an a15 conversion hopefully next year

what gearbox do you use when you put a ca18det into a 1200 coupe

the standard ca18det box :) or a stumpy skyline box

do u have to cut the tunnel or the center console or dose the gear stick come out the same hole

No, not if you use the stumpy gearbox.