Datsun interchangeable parts - B210

[tboe0]

Hey there, all you lovely Datsun family :D

 

I'm sitting here wondering... What parts from other Datsun, fit our B210? 

I own a 74' B210/120Y, and with a lot of parts needing to be replaced, it got me wondering what could be used of other Datsun, as some parts might be easier to locate for other Sun's that would fit?

 

The tension rods from T3, that's made for the 510 should fit, https://technotoytuning.com/nissan/510/tension-control-rods-datsun-510 

 

What else fit? 

 

As the 280ZX strut swap is a well regarded swap, I'm considering it.
Would get the Willwood brakes along with it :P

But will it fit? 

 

And what about control arms? swaybar? rear coils? tie rods?

 

I't would be great to have a comprehensive Wiki like the 1200!

 

Best regards, Toby

[flatcat19]

Lots of threads about this. The 1200 wiki has tons of info too.

 

 

PL510 crossmember bolts in; L20B anyone?

 

 

280zx struts already offer a huge upgrade in the braking department. No need for Wilwoods unless going super crazy with the motor.

[datzenmike]

Willwoods are over rated but handy on some custom applications. Nothing wrong with the zx calipers and rotors. They work even better on a car weighing up to 800 pounds lighter!!!! You will likely need 14" rims to clear them... but makes no sense to run 3" wide 13" tires and rims on a zx strut swapped car anyway.

 

 

 

And what about control arms? swaybar? rear coils? tie rods?

 

 

Maybe add a sway bar but only if really needed. A B210 is light and stiffer springs and lowering will probably be more than enough for a street car.

 

 

Control arms don't wear out just the replaceable ball joint. Tie rods?... just get new B-210 ones.

 

Rear coils? The B-210 has rear leaf springs.

 

Replace all suspension bushings with new rubber ones.

[tboe0]

280zx struts already offer a huge upgrade in the braking department. No need for Wilwoods unless going super crazy with the motor.

 

Yeah but I can't get my hands on 280ZX struts around here, so would buy a set from T3... And when I was at it I would get brakes too. Simply because if I buy struts from T3 i havn't got any other break-hardware.

 

 

Maybe add a sway bar but only if really needed. A B210 is light and stiffer springs and lowering will probably be more than enough for a street car.

 

Control arms don't wear out just the replaceable ball joint. Tie rods?... just get new B-210 ones.

 

Rear coils? The B-210 has rear leaf springs.

 

Replace all suspension bushings with new rubber ones.

 

I'm not lowering it, as a old and wise Datsun mechanic told me not to. It ruins the car's street handling according to him...

 

You don't understand what I'm asking datzenmike.

 

I'm not asking what to do, but ask what is interchangeable. 

 

Control arms might not wear out but they rust, and I might want to replace them. As for tie rods. 

Rear coils - I might do a 4 link, so knowing if the T3 rear coil would do the trick would be great! 

[Lockleaf]

If all you do is lower it 4 inches, then your mechanic friend is correct.

 

However, if you understand what is changing, and how drastically it changes the further you drop, other modifications can be made in tandem with lowering to correct issues created. And you end up with a better handling car, that still rides nice.

[Dguy210]

Please be aware the North American B210 and world 120Y have different front suspensions and cross members (B210 midsump, 120y front sump) so double check your cross compatibility.

[datzenmike]

Reasonable lowering of the center of gravity (couple of inches) only improves the handling. Stock springs are limited to not offending the most drivers who might want to by the B-210 when new. It's a family car that may see bumpy dirt roads so ride/handling is a compromise.  If you want to improve the ride and handling then changes are in order to move the car away from these compromises. Again, a slightly firmer spring reduces body roll and steering is much more predictable.

 

Again, rear coils? Your B-210 has coil springs?

[tboe0]

Reasonable lowering of the center of gravity (couple of inches) only improves the handling. Stock springs are limited to not offending the most drivers who might want to by the B-210 when new. It's a family car that may see bumpy dirt roads so ride/handling is a compromise.  If you want to improve the ride and handling then changes are in order to move the car away from these compromises. Again, a slightly firmer spring reduces body roll and steering is much more predictable.

 

Again, rear coils? Your B-210 has coil springs?

 

True, and I might do it down the road, but want to experience the org. ride height first.

 

No it has gas-dampers, as yours I would think. But if I were to do a 4-link, it would need coil's in the rear. :-)

[flatcat19]

Why do you want to do so many extreme mods just to keep it at stock height?

 

 

280zx struts will automatically lower the front end.

 

You need more project planning.

[B210ratsun]

Lowering the car does not mess up the handling. Lowering it too much will. Your mechanic is mistaken or confused. If you cannot get 280zx hardware ask TTT if they can locate some for you. The main issue will be the rotor backing plates and hardware to hold them on. If no backing plate 'because race car' then you should be able to get whatever hardware you need at a hardware store. Unlike us your stores carry metric hardware which is what you'll need. Measure to get the correct size hardware, like I did, there is no manual that shows the dimensions of the hardware required. And I highly doubt anyone on Ratsun has this info jotted down and readily available.

 

Search other posts in B210 on here, all the info you seek is here or on 1200wiki as suggested by others. Most of the 510 front suspension will swap over but not everything.

[chris hancock]

Does anyone know if all the Datsun B210 hoods are the same as in Hatchback to the one with a trunk ?

 

[Dguy210]

7 hours ago, chris hancock said:

Does anyone know if all the Datsun B210 hoods are the same as in Hatchback to the one with a trunk ?

 

 

Hoods are all the same for B210s sold in North America.

 

Only difference was on the PB210 found in Japan and South Africa which came with an L series engine and had longer hood, peaked grill and other changes. Occasionally, you will see one on Ebay for sale so something to be aware of.

[chris hancock]

Thank you for the info I appreciate it .

 

[pdp8]

Most of the drivetrain parts are the same between the B210 and the later B310/210, so those cars are a good source of parts for suspension and drivetrain in terms of a like-for-like swap.

Of course all the sheetmetal is different, so it's no help for body or interior parts apart from things like perhaps seatbelts and strrering wheel.

[Dguy210]

19 hours ago, pdp8 said:

Most of the drivetrain parts are the same between the B210 and the later B310/210, so those cars are a good source of parts for suspension and drivetrain in terms of a like-for-like swap.

Of course all the sheetmetal is different, so it's no help for body or interior parts apart from things like perhaps seatbelts and strrering wheel.

 

I'm going to caveat that statement a bit. Most of the drivetrain parts are "interchangeable" not the same. The suspension is hit or miss or usable with modifications. Still a good source of parts but some due diligence is needed.