Ahhaaa,
another convert to the dark side The more conversions we do the easier it gets - not easy mind - but easier! Go for the L series, still a little different but still datsun. One piece of advice though - do it properly and avoid cutting corners. There is no easy pull out and replace option for the clutch etc. Mine would entail lifting the body off the engine to remove the gearbox ..... so do it once, do it properly and you'll be sweet Hmmmm the torque
Cheers

Fair enough.. so be on the look out for a sss stanza.. ill ring around.. maby start a new thread

Well i would just buy a whole SSS stanza complete with everything you will need for the conversion. I'd look for one with a defect for rust or one that has had a rear end etc.

Costs arent worth mentioning as they vary so much depending on whats in demand. Just start looking.

I got my stanza for free and my 1200 for $200 so cant really compare those prices!!

sounds very convincing... how much is a well running L16 motor and 5 speed gear box going for in todays market?.. what would be a bargin and what would be getting ripped off assuming the engine is in decent nick??

Why would you use L18? This requires re-drilling of dipstick hole same as a early L16.

You can register a L16 without engineering cert. Also L16 can be made L18 by using L18 crank rods and pistons and boring to suit.

L18 shouldnt be any heavier but L20 is marginally as the block is 3/4 inch higher.

As for breaking diffs, shouldnt be a problem if you know how to drive smoothly. Also stock auto tailshaft fits up without modification if your using stock diff as i am.

Oh ok. well its a 1200 ute 1980, disc brakes if that helps. im open to all ideas, how much heavier are the L18 an L20 to the L16... will the power to wieght ratio work out roughly the same??

What car do you plan to install it into?
There seems to be more support for the L18 & even the L20B engines & these are not overly hard to fit if you have a halfway decent workshop & some reasonable fabricating & engineering skills. Some good mates can be a big help too.

The brake ststem is supposed to be at least as good as the brake system from the engine's donor car, & in a Datsun, this is not too hard to achieve, but does invlove more work, time & money.
You would also be well advised to use a rear axle assembly that will cope with the greater torque that these engines can produce, & again, this involves more work, time & money.

Plan 'B' could include an A14/15 engine with a Dellow bellhousing & a well known brand X five speed gearbox. This would be less work & maybe less expensive, but just as much fun to drive.

Have a search through my posts, PIGDOGS, L18_B110's, Heathbruce, Roddat and a few others have done this conversion, you need to modify or fab engine and gearbox crossmember, make hydraulic clutch setup, also consider radiator and many many other things.

I have done this without any firewall or rad support mods, others have cut the radiator support out. Do lots of research, i was researching for months before i started mine.

Hey mate,

There was a thread on this not long ago if you use the search button.

Also have a look at the tech section

Cheers, Ian

I was in the market for an a12 5speed for a while but because of the price of theese gearboxes being $800+ if you can find one, i thought ehy not upgrade to an L16 with 5 speed, being more avalable... what is involved in this process?? do i need to uprage brakes ect?