The perfect Datsun 1200 race car. Sounds like my kinda topic. Now, there's quite a lot you can do with a standard Datsun 1200. Obviously. It's a simplistic design with a huge amount of potential.

Ok. So we have a stock standard 1200 coupe. Definitely the best decision for a race car. With its fastback shape, greater aerodynamics are achieved. Great choice, now lets get down to buisness.

Lets look at the big picture. We want a race car. Not a road car. So, the first thing we do is strip everything off the car back to bare metal and place it onto some jack stands. A decent size well-equiped workshop is ideal for this sort of procedure, but the backyard always works.

Ok, now what do we need? A plan. We need a Roll cage, Engine, Gearbox, Diff, Brakes, Suspension mods, Wheels, Tyres, Shockies, Gauges, Seat, harness, steering wheel and a fuel tank.

Pretty simple huh? No airconditioning I'm afraid!

I would start by seam welding the entire shell, fitting a role cage and painting it white and choose an engine. You've chosen an SR20det and has been sent to the engine guy for rebuilding.

First things first. Lets get it rolling again. Youve made your decision on the suspension. Were going to use all new bushes, ball joints, koni shock inserts, adjustable spring cup front struts with top camber adjustment, adjustable lower control arms, adjustable castor rods, adjustable sway bar, 10" rotors with four spot calipers. This is pretty standard on most race cars. Cool. Lets bolt those new 14" hotwires with racing slicks on the front!

OK. Now we need a diff. We want a race car so disc brakes are essential. Strength to cop a hammering on upchanges and down changes round corners must be taken into account. Also the engine itself will determine the diff size. As we've chosen an SR20det, we are expecting a figure of at least 200-250kw with mods, so a decent strength diff will be needed. If we want Nissan, an H190 works diff is the go. If not, Hilux cut, 10 bolt cut or some sort of solid diff with LSD and disc brakes will suit the purpose.

Before we can install the diff, we need suspension. Get the leaf springs reversed and lowered 1-5"- 2". Install with all new bushs. A modified rear spring link for ride height adjustment is also useful here.

Bolt in diff. Use standard shocky plates from the 1200 and modify to suit the size D-bolts you are using. Bolt in those brand new Koni adjustable shocks, chuck some wheels on and lower to ground.

Woohoo!! We have a rolling car!!!

That SR20det should be back from the engine guy now. Nice and clean with a little headwork, a new GT25 turbo, larger throttle body, new Motec computer, 3" dump, lightfly, new clutch wiring blah blah. Now lets fit the engine.

Modify the stock crossmember mounts to sit the SR20 as far back as possible. Some bashing or cutting might be needed to fit the 5 speed box and 3" dump pipe. Modify gearbox x member, sit engine into place for last time and fit tailshaft.

Sit back get a case of beer, look at car for at least 1-5 hours, get pissed and go over all your mods and check for imperfections. Or just check out what a awesome car the Datsun1200 is.

After a few days rest, wire up engine to computer, modify front to fit intercooler, pipework and radiator. Modify firewall for clutch cylinder. Hook up brake lines and fuel lines. Fit dry cell in boot. Fit any other part required to start engine. Now fit the interior.

Bolt in the Saas bucket seat, and harness. Fit all new gauges into a stock gutted dash and wire into harness. Bolt on steering wheel. Fit gear knob. Turn key. Hope.

With a bit of luck, the SR20 should be purring away.

Now we need all fibreglass panels, paint them all white and bolt on any flare kits or spoilers you decide to buy.

Hey now its looking like a race car!

Open door, get in, start engine and go for a drive. No burnouts! It needs running in! Drive for at least 600ks change oil then take to track and flog!! Whatever class this little beast is eligble for, it will kick ass.

What were we after again?

The perfect Datsun 1200 race car.

Scotty