datsun-roadsters
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RE: engine options

To: <datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net>
Subject: RE: engine options
From: "Gordon Glasgow" <glasgow@serv.net>
Date: Tue, 6 Feb 2001 22:01:01 -0800
The 4-cylinder L-series engines are comparable in weight, probably even a
little less. But an L-series 6 is a whole bunch heavier (almost 50%).

Even though the stock roadster motor sits behind the centerline of the front
wheels, the car is still nose-heavy at about 56/44 distribution, so any
weight you add to the front only makes things worse.

Gordon Glasgow
Renton, WA

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net
[mailto:owner-datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of Adam Bradley
Sent: Tuesday, February 06, 2001 1:01 PM
To: datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: engine options


Now I'm confused.  I've seen numerous Roadsters with L-series engines,
and pictures of one with an L28 (required removing the body to remove
the engine, moved the battery to the trunk, and was set further back,
with radiator fan in front of radiator (and possibly the radiator in
front of its current location; can't recall)).  I also knew of someone
with an L20b in his Roadster here in my area.

Were these all poor handling cars?  Or are you saying it requires
modifications to the suspension and/or frame to properly account for
the weight?

How much heavier is an L16 or L20 than an R16 or U20?  I recall that
the 2000 roadster weighs approximately 12 pounds more than the 1600 in
period reviews.

Adam Bradley
Back on the list after a few years
1970 1600
1967 1600 (for sale - hopefully next week!)


--- datsunmike <datsunmike@nyc.rr.com> wrote:
> Mick,
>
> What's a 510 gotta do with a Roadster? I don't understand your logic.
> The
> 510 is very different than a Roadster and so is the engine bay. A
> straight 6
> is just too long for a Roadster as much of the weight will be in the
> very
> front and over the front axle. Plus where ya gonna put the rad and
> fan. The
> L series is just too heavy also, as much as a small block Chevy if
> not more.
> The 510 was designed to use an L series motor the roadster was not.
>
> You'll kill the handling of the car with severe understeer.
>
> IMHO a very poor choice.
>
> Mike
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Mick T" <mickth@hotmail.com>
> To: <datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net>
> Sent: Tuesday, February 06, 2001 8:06 PM
> Subject: RE: engine options
>
>
> > Yup, that's the one. I've seen the 3rd gen straight 6 in a 510
> before, so
> I
> > know it would fit in a roadster bay. Actually my vote for an engine
> swap
> > would be the VG30De, but if money were no object, I'd figure out a
> way to
> > get the Supra engine in there. Just my .02 worth.
> >
> > -Mick-
> >
> > >
> > >sacrilege - and uhm, isn't it a giant straight 6 that would hang
> about a
> > >foot out the front of a roadster?
> > >
> > >I'll take a Rolls V-12 in that case
> >
> > _________________________________________________________________
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