Datfabio

Reviving an old thread in case someone is looking around for options on their vg swaps... I havn't really touched her in months, but I did modify the 300zx intake manifold to shorten it out and push back the motor. I never came across a 200sx intake or exhaust manifolds, still looking for those. Also sort of mounted the radiator along with electric fans, surge tank and fuel pumps plumbed up and wired. Ecu harness ready and wired. Cranks and has spark but no start yet.

I havent messed with it long enough to find out how to work the tailgate handles, im still figuring out the shaved door locks.

just picked this puppy up for just $900!!

Maybe an old maxima intake? What about the pathfinder intake? Its ugly but if it works, it works. Im definetly going to look after a pathfinder starter, if it clears I think I can leave the engine were its at. Im not going to be racing or anything like that, just cruise around on the weekends. I beleive its still mounted further back than the original motor. For the oil pan I dont think theyre still sold to the public, I simply bought a cheap harbor freight mig welder for about 100 bucks and made my pan. Just cut it short about an inch, add more volume on the sides and notch it for the steering to clear. I still have to shave my pan to clear the steering, my eyeballing wasnt good enough haha. I dont know how to copy the link for a picture from my phone but just google "vg30 510 oil pan" and you will see some oil pans that were sold by experimental enginering, I dont think he still sells them anymore.

Thanks for the input guys, I'm also worried about the engine hitting the firewall, its not very clear on my pictures but the terminals on the starter selenoid are literally less than 1/4 of an inch away from the crossmember mount. They say the vg is a very smooth engine but I don't think its smooth enough to allow such small clearances. Moving the engine 2" back would at least prevent them from shorting out. I think I'm gonna have to go with the idea of cutting the mount off and moving it, because Ive been looking for a 200sx intake on junkyards, craigslist, ebay and no one has it. For radiator, Im going with everyones advise of using the radiator from a vr6 jetta, and just attach some universal fans to it. Seems pretty straight forward.

Hey guys, I've been working a little on my 510 and finally pulled the stock 4 banger out and started the swap. I'm using the motor and tranny out of a 300zx but I'm having clearance issues mainly with the starter. I can't really push the motor any further back without messing with the firewall, some people are using 200sx intakes to gain a couple more inches but they're are near impossible to find. I actually really like how it sits right now because the left mount was pretty easy to make, and the original (auto) tranny crossmember also lines up perfectly. I was wondering if anyone has this setup and how they worked around the starter :confused: Any ideas? what about exhaust manifolds? I picked up some pathfinder manifolds but they still hit the steering box. here are some pics:

Oh man, I remember being your age, no license, no money and dreaming of a 2 door 510 with an rb26dett in it. Now im 19, have a 510 and a donor 300zx with a vg30e sitting in my backyard but reality is hitting me...its not gonna happen anytime soon, there is just too much involved in performing a swap. My advice is...just enjoy the car as much as you can with the stock drive train and learn from it, carbs are awesome! Im learning a lot and being the only kid in the block that knows what a choke is feels pretty good. I know its hard to believe but slow is actually fun in the right car and the 510 is just perfect. After being able to drive it properly and if you have another form of transportation then start sourcing parts for an engine swap, and nope is not as easy as it seems. Best of luck getting the 510, I say go for it!

This thread is awesome! Its really good to know there are some non z Datsuns here in the metroplex... I would LOVE to see the 510 at the 24hrs of lemmons!

Definitely interested in the kit! I will try to lift her to see whats been done underneath (and take pics of course for comparison purposes) it does seem unsafe. Im not sure if its a goon chasis because I remember seeing one of these 510s converted to usdm irs in the website where I found mine. Also did I mention she is a DEAD MACHINE? No seat belts, front seats only have 2 bolts and no where to add more might need to fab a mount, currently worn drum brakes and headlights dont work at all. she needs some love! But with full time college classes and part time job I barely have time to touch her :( Some paperwork still needs to be done in order to register and get texas plates, im not sure if im even allowed to drive her around with the current plates... :confused: will try to post progress on that.

Thanks for all the input guys, I'm actually liking the live axle, its not bad at all I dont even think about it while cruising. Im more worried about the people getting mad at me for my slow speed :rofl: I couldnt decide which engine I wanted ka or vg...until I spotted this beauty for $500! I picked it up today, there goes my paycheck... I guess vg it is! We towed it with a strap and good thing I only bumped into my friends truck once :rofl:

First of all my name is Fabian, and I've had 510-fever since I was about 14 yrs old. I catched the Datsun virus after I went to see a vintage race. I remember a 510 winning the race with a whole leading lap, 2nd place was a 65 stang, 3rd was a 240z and I cant remember the rest other than a karman ghia coming up last. Well here I am 6 years later and finally got the chance to buy a 4door 510, they are almost impossible to find here in Texas for anything less than 10k. They are somewhat easy to find and cheaper in Mexico so I couldnt resist on getting one over there. However there are some differences between the american 510 and the one made for the south american market... I paid the equivalent of 4,000 Dls. Including paperwork in my name, plates (the "sss" part is actually a coincidence lol) , taxes and transportation expenses. Here she is..(please excuse my messy garage lol) The main difference is the engine, options in mexico were 1500cc, 1600cc and a 1800cc instead of the L16. Mine has the 1500, I believe the code is J15. The engine is mated to the original (I beleive) 3 speed auto, this combo achieves a mind-blowing 50mph tops lol The rear end is completely different, this is the part that hurts me the most... Thats right, live axle and leaf springs!! Also the spare tire and gas tank are located under the trunk, that means more space insde... Now some cons, most parts like body panels and such are not available or cheap in the Mexican market so many things are "fixed" in a rather improvised maner... ( that orange cable is the horn, you ground it somewhere and it honks lol) The interior is cheap to have re-done over there so... this thing on the roof is functional lol these custom speakers are LOUD! Another difference is the license plate light is mounted on the bumper... More pics... These 17" wheels have to go! Well, here you go guys. Additional info and coments are always appreciated :)