Hi all, I'm back from Europe..only just, and my 1200/CA18DET build is coming along well. I've got my engine back from the engine builder and put it in my engine bay. I've returned home to find
my dad making engine mount designs for CA18DET into 1200 engine transplants. So I'll be using the new neater designs on my install. (Requires 1200 cross member) It uses the standard CA18
engine side mounts and Datsun 510 (1600) engine rubber mounts and custom fabricated mounts mig-welded to the cross-member. It looks neat and the engine sits in a good position. So anyway, my
engine and larger standard DET gearbox are sitting in my car. I've modified the pedal box to accept the AE86 clutch master cylinder (which sits flush on the firewall next to the brake
booster). It also will work very well. So now I have to complete the shifter/trans-tunnel mods to fit the larger gearbox, by using a box section welded to the original tunnel, and then the car
can be off to the body strippers then the painters/panelbeaters.
I'm thinking of using the Daihatsu Sirion green/mint metallic as the colour. What do you guys think of that colour?

I'm not a happy camper that I'm missing the Adelaide Datsun event this year...Hopefully next year.

Chris.

Hey Dattodude,
I know that this is a Datsun forum but it is still OK for you to tell us about
your trip to Europe.

Mareo

Dattodude on the weekend I contributed to the DLF by purchasing a 2 owner 1200 Auto Sedan. Even though I own a modified 1200 ute I couldn't resist going to look at this one and had to
convince my wife in bying it because she couldn't understand why I want it. I already drove it to work today listening to the original am radio. I couldn't believe how well it drives and
the auto is a treat. Price $800 with 6mths reg. My question is will a ca18det with Auto go in for future prospects. Why Auto? Something to cruise in and boot at 60kmh and watch the
12inch tyres light up.

Congratulations Chris - you now own a DLF sanctioned car and will shortly receive a commendation for bravery in the face of economic hardship
and spousal derision.

Europe was good, lots of beer, the Swissair collapse meant I needed new tickets, pro-taliban demonstrations brewed around me in Malaysia, I wanted to be at home, and 5 days later
I'm still suffering from jetlag.
I only saw a N13 Pulsar (abandoned) and a 910 Bluebird, whilst in Poland. I think the winters have killed almost all the Datsuns in Poland.
So I didn't bother with looking in scrap yards for parts.
However I did see a 4 dr version of the N16 Pulsar Hatch(Almera), we don't get that in Australia, we only get the 2 dr hatch and a strange looking 4dr sedan. Thanks for the forum
to detail my holidays. I've made it Datsun related :) But isn't everything in life??

Chris

Price is a bargain.

I think an Auto would be a good idea.
The Silvia's Auto is HUGE though. There may be a better auto gearbox solution..I'll ask around.

I too like the auto's as I have outlined in previous posts, good for cruising and long drives.

As for the 12inch wheels, you might want bigger brakes to stop the beast. This will force you to move up to 13 or 14 inch wheels.

Again, I'll look into the auto options.

Also you might be interested that, the big disc conversions for 1200s have gotten cheaper with the undrilled Mitsubishi Verada discs being available on the reproduction market for
AUS$85 (used to be $170) each. It helps if you already have the stanza lower arms etc.

There are pictures of this conversion on my website.

Chris.

AUTO'S ARE GREAT BUT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHAT YOU WANT PERFOMANCE WISE. IF YOU WANT PERFOMANCE AND AN AUTO YOU ARE BETTER OFF SUPERCHARGING THAN TURBOCHARGING. TURBO'S WORK
MUCH BETTER WITH MANUAL CARS.
THIS ONLY APPLIES TO STREET CARS GENERALLY AS THERE ARE WAYS AROUND THE PROBLEMS.

SORRY ABOUT THE USE OF CAPITALS BUT MY 2 YEAR OLD SON IS NOW FOND OF THE COMPUTER. GOT TO START THEM YOUNG I SUPPOSE.

Gday Chris,
That sirion colour isn't bad as I know you want the original or close to granny green.Can you send those pics of my 1200 to me again(if you still have them)as my
computer crashed.Talking about holidays,I just cancelled my honeymoon to Thailand cause of all the shit going on.Keep us updated with some more pics of the car soon.

See ya
Adam

I have to differ about the turbo being better with a manual trans. My friend put in a turbo to his 73' 240Z and later put in an automatic with it. The auto was much faster
through the quarter and top speed was the same. Road racing may be different but for the street, the boost builds faster with the automatic. Gas milage is lower with the auto.

Mareo

Thanks for the European holiday report.