I plan on using the Datsun A12a enginefor a lotus 7a replica. the 7a used the 948 BMC A engine, and I feel the datsun will look right at home (and be more dependable) I have located a "new" engine for a USA 210 in a salvage yard 1200 miles away. I therefore need to id the engine as a A12a or A12 from a distance. I can't use an A14 or A15 since it would be too high. What are the serial number identifiers of an A12 or A12a?
Thanks
dog

just that...............
A12-xxxxxxx
A12A-xxxxxx
the most noticeable difference is that the A12 has the distributor by cyl. #1 and the A12A has the distributor located further back between cyls. 3 and 4
also if it came out of a USA 210, it will be an A12A

Caution! - not all A12's had the dizzy under #1 some (the later ones) had them under #3 too! (but aren't A12A's)

The A14/A15 are only an inch/ 2.5cm taller than the A12, is space that tight in a Lotus?

An inch probably won't matter too much, but I want it to look like a Lotus 7A. I've heard that the Datsun A12 was fashioned after the BMC A engine, and that infact the Hitachi carbs were made under license from SU. If I wanted a lot of power people are going Mazda 13b / 12a or Toyota 1600cc twin cam. I'll be happy with a little over 100hp, plenty for a car weighing 1300 lbs.

Thanks for the great info.

dog

a-14 and a-15 are heaps beter than a-12, it will take a fair bit of work/money to get 100hp out of an a-12 (i have an a-12 with around 100hp at flywheel in my rally car) and it will not drive so well at lower revs, the a-14 or 15 (which i have an a-15 which i guess has around 100hp at fly) will achieve 100hp comparitevely easily and be a lot more torquey, a lot nicer for road driving, or are you racing?

I'll probably do autocross and an occasional track day here in the states. With under 1300ccc I won't be going against the US$ 50,000 Caterhams with their 200+hp.

The A12a is used in our SCCA gt5 racing and I spoke with a guy in Mossouri (sp?) who said tha he gets 180 hp out of his A12a. He recommended an A14 head and he does a mean lightened crank.

Are you using four SUs on you engine? are they 1 1/4 or did you go 1 1/2?

There is someone here in the states who is using Keiths(again spelling?) from a big Honda Motorcycle. They are reported to be better than any Weber with the durability of a Japanese carb! any thoughts?
dog

dog

In the USA, all A12s are the 1971-1973 variety with distributor under #1 plug. We didn't get the newer A12. And we don't import used cars from other countries. Possibly some came through to the USA from used-engine importers, but I doubt it.

The USA 79-82 210 came with 1200 engines, and I'v seen that they should have been A12a.

Are you saying they didn't come with 1200 engines?

i have the GX head and SU's, from memory they are 1.5" and there are two of them, the head is also a fair bit better than the standard a-12,

i have no doubt about 180hp, i was pressuming this was for a street car on low budget, but being a race car and hopefully with a good budget yeah you should get good power from an a-12

is that the round or oval port 1400 head?

i cant see how they are of benefit as they would lower compression, unless shaved down

i would suggest the a-12GX head as it is higher comp and has the larger oval ports like the oval port a-14 head, plus double valve springs