[Roadsters] Might as well... Smart upgrades while the engine and trans are out?

[Gary and Cindy Ault]

Keith,

I think I will agitate the List by responding to your note having read the 
several responses you received so far.  I have a '66 1600 which I bought 
from the original owner in July, 1971.  I put a 1969 U20 motor into it in 
1972.  The motor is basically stock.

1.  Lightening the flywheel will improve acceleration slightly.  Do you need 
that for the way you drive?

2.  I cannot for the life of me figure out why anyone driving a stock, 
street U20 would spend the money to put a gear reduction starter into the 
car.  I have a stock U20 starter in mine, and it has started my car reliably 
in temperatures ranging from -15F (overnight soak) to 100F for many years. 
A racer in Ohio said the gear reduction starter is needed to crank their 
high-compression race-prepared 1600.  OK, I'll buy that, but for a stock 
motor....???  (Oh, yeah.  I now also have a '67-1/2 2000, into which the PO 
put a new gear reduction starter.  I have pulled that out and replaced it 
with a stock unit, because a stock starter spins the motor faster, and I 
don't need the increased torque produced by a gear reduction unit..)

3.  Pulling the pan and checking the rear main is a good idea, as is 
freshening the engine compartment in areas you cannot access with the 
engine/trans in the car.  Things like alternator replacement can easily be 
done with the engine in the car, if you later decide to do so.

4.  Replace the clutch and throw-out bearing.  A lot of work if you have to 
do it for no other reason.  Also replace hoses which cannot be easily 
accessed with the engine/trans in the car.  (On the low-windshield cars, 
there is a two-inch hose between the heater control valve and the heater 
core which is %%$#@$ impossible to replace with the engine in the car.)

Others have expressed their opinions.  There's mine.

Gary

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Keith Downing" <keithddowning at yahoo.com>
To: "Datsun E-Mail List" <datsun-roadsters at autox.team.net>
Sent: Thursday, March 18, 2010 7:07 PM
Subject: [Roadsters] Might as well... Smart upgrades while the engine and 
trans are out?


> '68 U-20
>
> I just pulled my engine and trans in order to have the 5th gear
> neutral issue addressed.  What are some smart upgrades to make while they 
> are
> out of the car?
>
> I'll be gettng the EI Dizzy from East Coast Roadsters
> (doesn't require the engine out). I'm going to address the "death rattle"
> (upper timing chain tensioner).  The motor mounts look to be in decent
> condition, but I may change those anyway. I've already put in an Aluminum 
> 3
> core radiator with a 14" electric fan.
>
> I don't have a ton of money and I'm
> not thinking of an engine swap right now.
>
> Thanks for the input.
>
> Keith
> Downing
> ________________________________________
> Datsun-roadsters at autox.team.net
> Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html
> Suggested annual donation  $16.00
> Archive: http://www.team.net/archive
> Forums: http://www.team.net/forums
> Unsubscribe/Manage: 
> http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/datsun-roadsters/aultgc@att.net