Iv just bought a 1200 ute 1980 model firstly can I just say how fun are they to drive. But to my point do they come factory with disc on the front? As mine has disc. And has any one had there brakes sticking on? Iv changed master to a disc/ drum one change front pads aparantly coupe brakes. N rear shoes brakes don't stick all the time n more ideas will help.
Now to my real issue my m8 has a bog stock 1600 AUTO and it beats me :( how much power can you get out of a a12? Cheaply or is it just easier to put a ca18det in it I no it's a bit of a stuff around with tunnel n fuel n etc but yer a12 or ca?

if you want power id definitely say go the CA, they are getting pretty cheap now plus EFI reliability.

or you could turbo your A series they respond well to boost and T25G's are cheap, Gylezy on here makes manifolds.

if going CA then dont overlook the often neglected brake/suspension/driveline upgrades! It can all add up very very quick!

Getting good power out of an A12 is no where near the expense of a ca conversion. Im sure some of the folks on here that have done them, dont want to admit what all the reciepts add up to.

If you just want something to beat your mates 1600 auto, and is fun to drive, i would reccommend a carb/turbo setup. Cheapish and if your not aiming for HP hero, then design isnt too much of a concern.

Else a cam, ported head and carbs will give the girl some poke.

I do like tge ca but yer new diff brakes susp. I do like the turbo idea but yer need manifold how much dose that guy charge for them? I have a t28 off a r32 or a t3/to4 off a Vl. Has any one on here turboed a a12? Blow thro or suck thro?

check the wiki on the left it may have some good turbo info otherwise heaps of guys have messed with turboed A series on here

If you do turbo try to get a turbo of an JDM Subaru Liberty 2.0L wagon (E82T motor) - sorry I dont know the specific turbo model number but this turbo will push 22psi into a 2.0L motor (so mathematically that will work out to 36psi into a 1.2L - about the same flow). Not that any one would want to put 36psi into a A12 (could try though lol).

However I'm running 20psi and the turbo will hit that at 2500 - 2800 rpm and will hold that all the way to 7000rpm (doesnt drop of like too small turbos do).

If you do turbo, an A12 with 20psi, 30 Degrees timing in a B310 will leave you with a better power to weight ratio than a brand new V6 SIDI Commodore, so In a 1200 ute u might also have commie V8's and Ford turbos!

EDIT: I crunched some numbers and a 1200 Ute with and A15 could beat a XR6 turbo/Commie V8 if you turboed it with 20psi (and 30 degrees timing). Well, you could beat them if you can stop the wheels from spinning! My poor B310 will smoke them in 1st (possibly second with a non slipping clutch) when trying to accelerate even if Im already rolling along at 20 km/h.

Just fit a stocker L-series engine. L16 1600 with auto in a 1200 will beat his 1600 with same powertrain -- the 1200 is 25% ligher than the 1600.

And it's practically a bolt-in with an auto driveshaft. The hard part is fabbing up the front motor mounts.

Who makes the a12 turbo manifolds I'm very keen