For light panel work you'll need a MIG. I've heard these things have great bang for buck:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ROSSI-250-MIG-MA ... 2561bd4e0f

I'm going to get a TIG/arc version, so should be able to do aluminium pipework soon

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'...to 180B or not to 180B, that is the question...'

The Datto...
'74 610 180B
SR20DET on 18psi and E85. 220kW.

I was also thinking about this but I think to be able to do aluminium you need the ac/dc tig/arc setup which runs at about the $1200 mark.
Correct me if I'm wrong.

Tyrie, Left this for a while expecting someone else to ask the question that I am about to.
Why do you want to run 13's? Cheaper tyres?
Don't formula ford run 14's for example?
I think Brad's idea of BMW Four potters is a pretty good one. Perhaps investigate that?

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1972 Datsun 1600, S14 SR20DET Engineered (204rwkW @ 17psi.)
viewtopic.php?t=6579
#SR20Datsun @SR20Datsun

generally for cheaper tyres yes, want to be able to run 205/60R13 semi slicks. Formula Fords run 13s and Aussie Racing cars run 13s, however I think future racers might be replacing aussie racers and appear to run 18?" kumho tyres...
It will also open up a greater range of wheels that the ae86 guys dont want and as such are better priced.

I will have to search for the bmw 4pot idea, hadn't come across it from memory...

Speak to Brad. May be good for you and wanting to run 13's? Not sure what the minimum wheel size was.
http://ozdat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=16542

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1972 Datsun 1600, S14 SR20DET Engineered (204rwkW @ 17psi.)
viewtopic.php?t=6579
#SR20Datsun @SR20Datsun

I purchased this one. Great welder. I only use Gas.

They are locally supported in Croydon VIC and all parts readily available. I think I ended up paying around the $600~$700 would need to check. Very easy to use and great control over wire speed.

http://www.ausmig.com.au/P132_gif_400x455.gif

Cheers,

Trent

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1600 Build: http://ozdat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=22694

I've used Trent's welder and have been fairly impressed by the weld quality. It is quite a nice unit. Plus it's a local company.

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1972 Datsun 1600, S14 SR20DET Engineered (204rwkW @ 17psi.)
viewtopic.php?t=6579
#SR20Datsun @SR20Datsun

interesting... i have a friend who has z32 four pots under 13's on a 1200 coupe. lots of custom stuff tho and they only just fit!

it may be that with all the money you spend on new brakes, the price of the wheels wont really make up for it? 15s are a good size for a 220kw 1600, im definately going to downsize from my 16s.

on a side note, what rear spring rate do you run? do you have much power oversteer? in all pics mine sinks on the outside rear tyre but does seem to hook up and put the power down well. ive either got to go stiffer in spring or wind the shocks up a bit

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LAGWAGON gracefully retired... LAG 510 - the next generation

Rear spring a shock combo seems to be the flavour of interest, I too want to lessen the squat and corner sinking in my 16. Matching a shock to a harder spring seems to be the difficult part of the dilemma.

I'm hoping that I can partially offset the cost of smaller brakes by selling what I have now. Also I have no 15s and buying a decent set would cost heaps more than good 13s. Also I reckon 13x7s on low 1600s look horn

I'm running datsport 1100lb rear springs with standard rubber spring seats top and bottom to give a bit more tyre clearance, with spax gas adjustable shocks (never played with the adjustment). I get as much power oversteer as I want, always a dab of the throttle away. The kumhos are really good on that limit though, they dont just snap into a spin like the r888 used to.

A set of 15s can be had for about $200 from the silvia guys. Then you can chuck tyres on them for $50 each from sportsclassic.

_________________
'...to 180B or not to 180B, that is the question...'

The Datto...
'74 610 180B
SR20DET on 18psi and E85. 220kW.

most 15s for $200 will be in the 30-40p range, 0-10p 15s are more like $600/set. good offset 13x7s can be had for under $200.

Mine also squats a bit, as seen here:

Just got back from the local hillclimb (fairbairn park), have had the micra out there a few times and did mid 55s, got the datsun down to 49.2 with lots of improvement to go. Turns out the 40psi I was running in the tyres at datnats was waaaaaaay too much, gained a second and heaps of turn-in by dropping them to 33psi.