Hi, thought I'd join your forum as it seems like the place to go for A series information. I haven't got a Datsun but I'm using an A12 in my new project, a late 40s/early 50s Ford Anglia. It seems like the perfect engine for what I want to do as it'll fit in the chassis without cutting which is important for registration purposes.

I'll mainly be looking for tips on tuning the engine for more power, though finding uprated bits over here will be nigh on impossible as most cars that used the A series succumbed to rust a long time ago. However I have hopefully got hold of an engine and 4 speed gearbox so the basics are there. I've attached a pic of the car as I found it, been under plastic sheeting for an unknown amount of time (10-15 years at least I'd imagine). However all the bolt on panels are new old stock and are in amazing condition.

[IMG]http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq133/stealthstylz/IMAG0697.jpg[/IMG]

Matt

Cheers, posting from my phone as I've snapped the laptop charger. Panels look rough but its all surface rust, not a bit of rot in it.

Welcome, looks like a great project. What engine was it running originally?

They had a 1172cc sidevalve 4 pot with about 30bhp, and a 3 speed gearbox

Welcome

There are several members here with Austin vans. Which body style is your Anglia?

It's a saloon, wish it was a van but they're stupendously rare over here.

Allo govna, welcome to the club. Get an a15 if you can.. Pip pip tally ho

A15s are expensive over here, most of the Vanettes they'd beo found in have been exported to Africa and demand strong money when they do come up for sale. The A12 should be fine, the car has beam axles with leaf springs front and rear and drum brakes all round, aslong as it has maybe 75-80bhp it'll be spritely enough. The other good thing is that the A12 at 1171cc is only 1cc smaller than the original engine, so I don't have to send the logbook away once its registered to notify change of engine.

Welcome !! Great project... if you are looking at around 100hp, it may be cheaper to stroke it with either A14 or A15 crank than to build a 100hp A12 engine. I dont know how big your budget is or how readily available and expensive the parts are over there. So make a budget and work out the best bang for your buck and stick to it. The cheapest would probably be to turbo it, if your into that. If not, your looking at atleast twin carbs, decent pistons and compression and a fair amount of head work.