crazydiablo6669 Posted July 28, 2014 Report Share Posted July 28, 2014 Hey everybody. I just picked up a Nissan l28 turbo out of I believe an 81 280zx fuel injected and looking to drop it into my 71 Datsun 521. It does come with 5 spd attached but no computer so anyone have and advice or opinion as to what else I can try let alone will it fit? maybe some pointers and or any help would be greatly appreciated. I can post pics of motor if needed. Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted July 28, 2014 Report Share Posted July 28, 2014 Well here's a pointer... it won't fit. Take a tape measure and hold it to the front of your L16 engine's fan blades and add 7 1/2" to it. Now where's the rad going to go? The front pulley will also be in that front cross member. This is how much longer 2 extra cylinders are. While you're at it how will the turbo and exhaust fit with the steering column and torsion bars in the way? Move the engine back 7 1/2" ? Well you will have to cut the firewall out and the trans tunnel and sheet metal this back in, move the gas pedal, remove the heater, make a custom oil pan to clear the strut brace and front steering linkage, shorten the driveshaft. Larger rad, high pressure fuel pump.... and we haven't even got t how are you going to stop this thing??? This is a lot of weight to add over the front end for only 160-180 hp even if you do manage. There are four cylinder engines that will come very close to this and much more power if turbo'd. ... and they fit! Have you experience engine swapping? Money? Tools, space, fabricating experience, money, metal working tools, welder, money. Mor money? Please re-think this or that poor 521 will end up scrapped. BTW that engine will also need to be smogged now. Or when you are caught. Quote Link to comment
crazydiablo6669 Posted July 28, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2014 Well I come from a rat rod hot rod back round so time shop and engine swap experience are all there. This is the first import of sorts I have owned and never had a smog issue as I added a ls6 into a 47 GMC pick up no fabrication needed. I'm grateful for the advice so then my next question is can I upgrade or tune up my 1600 to get more out of it and any trick on the four speed? I also picked up that engine for 500 so was toying with the idea since everybody does an sr20 s 13 swap want to be a little different but stay Nissan. Please any other ideas would be greatly liked. King rat your very helpful thanks Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted July 28, 2014 Report Share Posted July 28, 2014 I'm only concerned that an inline six won't get completed and the truck scrapped. A four cylinder and 10x the chance of success. Any 4 cylinder and maybe a V6. I commend your wanting to keep it all Nissan. There's not much you can do to an L16 but a later L20B is exactly the same but 3/4" taller and 20 hp more. That's about a 30% increase in power. KA24Es and DEs are plentiful from D-21 Hardbodys and make at least double what your L16 makes and they come only with 5 speeds. It's a truck engine so fits anther truck easier. Only a hundred pounds heavier. Did I mention that this has been done before and is well documented? and it fits? Quote Link to comment
crazydiablo6669 Posted July 28, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2014 No you didn't and this is a project that would be completed from start to finish since I love my little truck and it will be my own rat rod but not lowered bagged chopped lifted. If this is a real possibility then I would do it but if not then I will leave it be and sell the motor and trans. I want to keep the light weight keep an easy to find for parts motor as I work for napa auto parts and don't want to be the exact same as everybody else. I want to Know in your honest opinion will that inline six or any other work if done right and wont need to hack up the truck? this is my baby and she needs power and begs to go faster. Quote Link to comment
crazydiablo6669 Posted July 28, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2014 I have come to this forum to pick yours and everybody else's brains since a very good friend of mine has a 240sx and told me questions and help is best from you all. your being very helpful and honestly anything I Start will be finished. Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted July 28, 2014 Report Share Posted July 28, 2014 Anything can be done with enough money and a welder. So yes, it (L28) can be done, but should it be done?. I just think you would be much happier with the results if you went with a better fitting more powerful 4 cylinder engine. I'm sure a KA has been put into a 521, can't think of one at the moment, but it sure has in the 620 and 720s, so you can use those builds for inspiration. Quote Link to comment
q-tip Posted July 28, 2014 Report Share Posted July 28, 2014 The l28 will but fit with out extensive modifications to the truck. Yes it COULD be done but is it really worth the effort when you get almost the same power out if a KA with less weight. Quote Link to comment
DISLEXICDIME Posted July 28, 2014 Report Share Posted July 28, 2014 where do you want your radiator in the front or the back? Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted July 29, 2014 Report Share Posted July 29, 2014 Well there is that. At least on a truck you could mount the rad and an electric fan in the back, but not much of a truck then. Cut the firewall and move the engine indoors but when you are done with i,t the truck is useless for anyone else. Quote Link to comment
banzai510(hainz) Posted July 29, 2014 Report Share Posted July 29, 2014 Im thinking just drive your 521 the way it is and enjoy it. Dont cost to much to just keep it the way it is. I get lots of comments on my 521 just because its still running. Tats being different already. Lots of L28 510s in back yards . Ran when parked then for sale for 1K. be honest most 1st time import owners will have less attachment ot Jap cars Thus the fear on hear of the truck getting scapped. They made it 40 years then only to get cut in half and dump cause of a momintary dream Quote Link to comment
crazydiablo6669 Posted July 29, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 29, 2014 Is there anybody in Sacramento that's a good machine shop to breathe new life into it then? Can I add a 5spd instead of the 4? Maybe a full engine kit crank the whole 9. Quote Link to comment
housew Posted July 29, 2014 Report Share Posted July 29, 2014 i would never do it just to be different. There's a reason sr and ka motors get swapped in, cause they fit and make power. I have a sr in my 510 (very common swap) yet i have never laid eyes on another one (helps that im on the east coast). No matter what you do it will still be different that the american stuff you've been playing with. if it runs i'd leave it, the swapped vs stock ratio goes up everyday. Soon enough it will be "different" to have the stock motor dunno about shops in your area either. Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted July 29, 2014 Report Share Posted July 29, 2014 There's not much you can do to an L16 but a later L20B is exactly the same but 3/4" taller and 20 hp more. That's about a 30% increase in power. KA24Es and DEs are plentiful from D-21 Hardbodys and make at least double what your L16 makes and they come only with 5 speeds. It's a truck engine so fits anther truck easier. Only a hundred pounds heavier. Did I mention that this has been done before and is well documented? and it fits? It will cost the same to re-build an L20B as an L16 and you automatically have about 20 more HP. If going to a 5 speed this is the time to do it as they also were fitted to the L20Bs in the 620 trucks. Quote Link to comment
DISLEXICDIME Posted July 30, 2014 Report Share Posted July 30, 2014 Ka swap 150 at the wheels is fun in a truck Quote Link to comment
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