I have acquired a 1980 Datsun Stanza from my Grandfather who has recently purchased a new car.

I've been thinking about a engine swap to produce abit more ponies under the bonnet.

It currently has a L16 which is completely STOCK!
What do u advise me to do?

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Datsun Stanza - 2nd Generation 1600.
Still living in the squares.

what to do would really depend on your budget. maybe to get the ball rolling you might be able to pick up a set of twin Hitachis (SU clones) to suit, check the classifieds, there always seems to be a set or two for sale.

I have to assume that since it belonged to your grandfather, the L16 wouldnt have suffered a real hard life, if the budget is tight, stick with it for a while, the Hitachis and electronic ignition are but few things you can do, and transfer later to either an L18 or L20B.

Maybe devote a few of your hard earned dollars and lash out on some suspension mods, no point only going fast in a straight line .

Just my opinion, rgds Eddie

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'80 810 wagon, EFI L20B, 5spd, Verada front discs, VL Turbo calipers, Bluey rear discs, H190, Gold TRX wheels.

Never argue with an idiot, they'll drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.

Well at the moment i dont really want to get a engineer's certificate for it.
So that limits the things i can do to it.
Was there a L20 stanza? That i could take the motor out of and put it in mine

This car has a GREAT body im glad

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Datsun Stanza - 2nd Generation 1600.
Still living in the squares.

I've got a great body too, but no one seems to notice
Check with you local Rego. Authorities.
An L20B with twin SUs may not be a big problem
If it is as good as you say, it may be worth keeping relatively stock.
A nice set of alloys, modern rubber, maybe upgraded brakes and suspension and a grunty engine

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Regards, Graeme
Just trying to help...
http://nissanman.shutterfly.com/
graemes@internode.on.net

Im in sydney NSW!!...

Would i need a engineers certificate for a worked L20 with twin hitchi's for my stanza?

Would i need to upgrade the brakes?

I was thinking in the not too far future to mayb buy a z18 or z20 (What engines did these cars come from?) With a 5 speed gearbox. Did they come with 5 speed standard and is it a straight forward conversion (Bolts straight in)?

And then when i get tired of that power im thinking of a Sr20det,Ca18det or a Rb20det....Depends whats more apealling at the time....At the moment im shying towards the Sr20det....
What u think?
One last question... Ive seen conversion kits for datsun 1600 to suit the sr20....would this fit in the stanza?

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Datsun Stanza - 2nd Generation 1600.
Still living in the squares.

All L series stuff is pretty much always interchangeable (except internals). Is it a manual or auto? You can get a sss stanza gearbox, which is a 5 speed manual. L20 bolts straight in, so too does the gearbox and any other off an L series.

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1981 SSS Stanza
L20 w/ L16 head
Twin 40's

its a 4 speed manual!
how much is a worked L20 engine plus gearbox worth these days?

Would i need to do anything to brakes?

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Datsun Stanza - 2nd Generation 1600.
Still living in the squares.

i own a sss stanza with an l20b, it has a mild cam and a 32/36 weber
for a budget engine the downdraught is much cheaper than twins
l20b goes straight in, no bonnet clearances or engine mount probs.
brakes would be ok if u gave it a good bleed and some expensive pads.
what i am saying its possible to stick with stock parts with the l20 bolt in
i firmly recomend making sure the suspension is upgraded a little. anyone can put their foot down, but its gotta go round corners also. it all depends on budget. l20 gives more torque than a l16, the bigger the engine u start with the better.

jack h