I see from reading some of the forum topics that a lot of builders are combining some interesting cranks with their blocks...any input out there on putting some form of a performance crank in an L18 block? =)

It's good in a l16 block with l18 rods

The L18 crank is a performance crank.

I've seen an L20B crank in an L18, but you have to wonder why they didn't just use the entire L20B, it would have a better rod-to-stroke ratio.

Im going straight to L20b crank, extra bolt for rear of crank and with 85mm stock ca20e pistons milled 1.75mm and L14 conrods.
Piston comp height will be down to 28.25 from 30mm plenty of meat left and gives good rod stroke ratio and 1952cc.
Much lighter pistons than 38mm original heavy L slugs so will rev awesome and extra economy.

Well...I have noticed that there are quite a few performance parts out there for Datsun's and it got me curious. I would love to make a peppy little engine for my 1200 I just am no machinist so I am not sure what engine, crank, cam combos would be ideal for my goal. I felt the L20b was going to be way too drastic of a squeeze to get it to fit in my 1200 so I opted for the L18...

So your basically saying the stock L18 can take the extra HP & 5-speed I want to subject it to???

Try Ozdat.com and search for L18 performance endless info there

Quote:

fixed that for ya.

For a hot street engine, that's a good combo for the L18. Get some L16 or L24 rods (they're longer which improves rod-stroke ratio and bumps the Compression Ratio way up), mill the pistons down a bit to get the deck height and CR where you want it, a pair of 40s and a 76 cam is a great street engine. Give the head a bit of a tickle if budget allows. That combo gave me 116bhp at the wheels and was very torquey. Good street/track motor.

You don't need to worry about the strength of the L18 crank!

Pretty sure I'm running l18 crank and rods with L24 pistons. Might be wrong but pretty sure that's the combo