Datsun 210 questions

I found this on CL the other day and the more I look at it, the more I want it. I had an '81 210 station wagon when I was alot younger and poorer. My only grips were the engine( 60-ish hp ) and lack of rust protection.

Having said all of that, how easy is rust repair on door sills and bottoms? I don't have any body experience and an unfinished project car in the yard already. Don't want another "yard car". And how realistic is say 100hp out of these cars? And are there engine swaps that don't require welding?

Oh, and I'm gonna need someone to talk me out of buying this, too.

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/1201244400.html

I wonder what engine it has? Could be 1200 to 1500cc. I would like that car just for the transplant potential. That should be the tranny MG owners use for midgets.

I wouldn't personally buy this to fix the rust and drive. 225k miles is a lot of miles.

I'm assuming that its the 1.2 and hoping for the 1.5. But being a southern boy, rust is almost a deal-breaker for me. I've even got a set of NOS kyb that will fit this car. Maybe I just need to chalk old datsuns up as a BTDT, and focus on what I have.

I had the B110 with the 1200cc engine and it was a blast. I'd buy another in a heart beat.

I did have to cut out and fiberglass in a new passenger floorboard tho.

The 1200cc in the 210 was def. peppy but needed to be wound out to be usable. It was alot of fun, but can wear you out keeping it in the power band. Not having driven english cars, thats not something I'm used to doing. But again, I think the rust may be a deal-breaker. If its only door rust, is that a big job for a rookie?

Would an L-20 drop in there? Or a 13b if you're more adventurous. Remember where you are, the worlds largest open-air insane asylum. Somebody will certainly say "LS-! for the win!!"

cwh wrote: Would an L-20 drop in there? Or a 13b if you're more adventurous. Remember where you are, the worlds largest open-air insane asylum. Somebody will certainly say "LS-! for the win!!"

I've read that an L20B will go in a 210 if you use the late 70's 510 crossmember. I've got a complete 79 510 that is a total POS. If I could find a nice 210 I'd swap it.

I've been sorta kinda on the lookout for an early 70's B110 sedan, my sister had one when I was a kid. Cool little cars, the rears can't stand more than the 1.2 though.

If I were you, I would opt for the '81 Celica that is also in Raleigh and here on the classifieds.

JFX001 wrote: I've been sorta kinda on the lookout for an early 70's B110 sedan, my sister had one when I was a kid. Cool little cars, the rears can't stand more than the 1.2 though. If I were you, I would opt for the '81 Celica that is also in Raleigh and here on the classifieds.

I actually posted the celica. They're cool and all, but they never really grabbed me. How would someone crack a piston in that block? Running lean and detonation or something? And would that require machine work to the block? How are the '80's celicas for dailys? Do you know any pros and cons of this model?

spitfirebill wrote: I wonder what engine it has? Could be 1200 to 1500cc. I would like that car just for the transplant potential. That should be the tranny MG owners use for midgets. I wouldn't personally buy this to fix the rust and drive. 225k miles is a lot of miles.

It should have the A14 1400cc engine in it. My Dad had a 1979 and the 4-speed shifted like a hot knife in butter........