Nice wagon you have here. There aren't too many of these left around, especially in this condition, so be cautious about dining irreversible modifications.

Which part of the L6 conversion did the engineer not like? If it was capacity you could consider and L24 or L20A? I've seen a 200B SSS mod plated with an RB30E in Queensland so I'm sure there is a way around it. You could also consider an RB20 with triple carbies. These are a bit shorter than the L6 I believe.

_________________
green200b - aka Alistair

The fleet:

Australia:
'80 200B GX - the green200b - hibernating
'81 RX-7 - 12A extend port - daily
'74 RX-2 - 13B bridgeport - cruiser

Europe:
'93 200SX - CA18DET - tourer

I agree with you but its hard to deny their performance and strength not to mention
the new ones are quite clean from the pipe compared to common diesel.

not worried about keeping it original, that's what concourse restos are for!
it seems there are a few getting about so it may have just been this engineer, but he was not happy with the extra weight forward of the front axle and the lack of clearance for the motor when it is at the extent of it's movement.

_________________
rides:
'76 180b wagon - cruiser project
'93 Skyline Gts-t sedan

'72 1600 ground up rebuild - Sold/parted
'89 VN Calais 5L - Sold
'83 VH SLE ground up rebuild - Sold (further built and featured in Street Commodores)
'01 Subaru Liberty B4, 160kW at all four - Sold

some progress pics

_________________
rides:
'76 180b wagon - cruiser project
'93 Skyline Gts-t sedan

'72 1600 ground up rebuild - Sold/parted
'89 VN Calais 5L - Sold
'83 VH SLE ground up rebuild - Sold (further built and featured in Street Commodores)
'01 Subaru Liberty B4, 160kW at all four - Sold

Nice project.

While you decide on the powerplant, enjoy your wagon, try some coilovers for the front, larger sway bar, rear sway bar and decambered springs, or even an IRS rear set up.

Driving it with good suspension will give you a better feel of the wagon and what would really take to make it feel swift.

IRS would be awesome.

^ This.

Is there a more compact in-line six around? The L-series is kinda big for its capacity I think, but that may apply to all the Jap stuff? A small V6 wouldn't be as nice but it may be a lot more feasible.

_________________
1973 H230 Wagon, 'ILL-260'
1975 911S Targa
1978 Torana Hatch
1999 GXE10

What I am conmtemplating as swap in the next future for my 180B/610 is a rotary 20B ( 3 rotors ) motor.

Plenty of power, not as bulky and heavy as a 6 in line. I like rotaries myself.

funny you should mention the IRS, as Justin Hrenko's wagon was the catalyst for me getting another datsun. i only wish i was still able to use the old mans shed so i could try the conversion or tubbing the rear.

it does seem as though that is the case Heath. at the moment i am putting together the paperwork to see if they will let me do VQ30/35 conversion.

a 20B datto is definitely something i would like, perhaps i need to have a look around for one and see what would be involved???

_________________
rides:
'76 180b wagon - cruiser project
'93 Skyline Gts-t sedan

'72 1600 ground up rebuild - Sold/parted
'89 VN Calais 5L - Sold
'83 VH SLE ground up rebuild - Sold (further built and featured in Street Commodores)
'01 Subaru Liberty B4, 160kW at all four - Sold

The IRS conversion is a great thing to do, not only makes the wagon unique, but makes it better performance wise. Also more suspension accesories available to the IRS.

The 20B is as simple as the 13B/12A 2 rotor swap. The additional rotor does not make the motor much longer.

I will share the info I am gathering with you. Since my hardtop 180B and your wagon share the engine bay/ frontal area, it should all be applicable.

I am going to ride my 610 with the L20B for a time while I gather all the info, and a 20B motor for the project.

20B would be pretty expensive to build but man it would hammer! Although since you're in Victoria, you could always sfit the L6 if you're still keen and club reg it? Considering some of the cars I have seen on club rego you shouldn't have any dramas.

_________________
green200b - aka Alistair

The fleet:

Australia:
'80 200B GX - the green200b - hibernating
'81 RX-7 - 12A extend port - daily
'74 RX-2 - 13B bridgeport - cruiser

Europe:
'93 200SX - CA18DET - tourer

Howzit.

I do not know about prices in Oz, but over here the RB 6 cyl motors are not cheap. It is a great engine, roven power, but compared to the 20B, the rotary is lighter and smaller.

Over here it would cost about same to purchase these motors. The kissue I see with the RB is that it takes a lot of space, and it is heavy. With the 20B, there is more space available in the engine bay for the rest of the gadgets and parts.

At the last Mazda expo over here there was a 1600/510 Datto with a 20B in it ( got a photo, will bring it in.). Looks so good, like factory installed, clean and plenty of space. The 1600/510 being smaller motor bay wise than the 180B/610, it begs to wonder.

Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to all !

Hi. Here a photo of a naked 20B.

20B in a 1600 Datto.

20B has awesome power potential and is compact but isn't light. An LS1 weighs about the same or less and would fit fine... but you won't get it registered in Victoria any more. (The rules have changed) You're doing the clever thing running it all by your engineer before you do anything.

yeah, i thought it better to know what i won't be hassled about before instead of constantly removing yellow stickers.
also, you wouldn't be able to get an LS1 passed anywhere, maximum motor size (N/A) you can do is 4000cc.