Hey there,

I'm looking at different options to get my Datsun Stanza GL running.

A bit of background:

I fell in love with and bought her a couple of years ago from a mate with the understanding that she was mechanically sound, and aside from dealing with a sh*t ton of rust, have been battling to get her going ever since.


Car Details:

1979 Datsun Stanza GL

L1600 engine

4 Cyl

Manual Transmission

Vin / Chassis PA10A47279




Initially I changed the following parts in a bid to find the fault:

-Battery

-Spark plugs

-Oil+Air filters

-Points and condenser

-Alternator

-Starter motor (reconditioned)


When this failed, I took it to the mechanics who found there was no compression in 2 cylinders. This lead to the discovery that the head was stuffed, had been reworked too many times and on top of that, a valve had split, with the loose part having chewed up the face of 2 pistons.

So. I've found a new mechanic (more experienced in older cars), who says he'd like to try and rebuild it, rather than fit another L1600. On the other hand, I was told about the possibility of modern engine conversions- more efficient, easier to source parts for etc...

I'm nearly done on the body, and really want to get her going.. Just not too sure what to do.. Also limited to a $3000 ish budget. I'm not open to the idea of parting with her either at this stage.

I'd really appreciate any thoughts on the matter.

Thanks,
Gabs

$3000 should do a decent rebuild of the motor. Which is what I'd be doing.
If you want to pay someone to do a conversion costs can very quickly skyrocket. There certainly is lots of options though.
Are you happy with the L16 performance or need a bit more power?

_________________
Callan
fleet:
78 200B
78 ZH Fairlane 500 Bluesmobile
86 ZL Fairlane ZLane
78 ZH Fairlane 500 Barn find
85 Troopy 2H Turbo

Where are you based? There is a Datsun workshop called Datsport in Adelaide. According to them installing an SR20, which is a newer Nissan four-cylinder engine, into a Stanza is very easy. Although rebuilding the original engine is probably the easiest option.

_________________
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

Buying another l16 to get it going should cost a lot less, then rebuild the original later to a bit more go.

Hey folks,

Thanks for the swift replies. I'm in WA unfortunately so Datsport is a little far for me. I actually stumbled across their site last night while looking for engines, its a damn shame they don't have a branch over here.

I'm a little wary of getting a rebuild on my existing L16, in the sense that it could be a bit of a bottomless pit cost wise, where as a conversion might be a bit more of a definable price? I noticed Datsport sell conversion kits.. I've looked around for other L16s but its tough to find one close enough to check out, or one the owner can guarantee is functional and problem free.

Ive heard the SR20 is quite a popular conversion, gives a bit more power as well hey? I wouldn't be against that! I'm not looking to make a rally beast, but a bit more grunt would be nice.

A conversion isn't really a definable price. There is options within options within options hahah. Finding another L16 or rebuilding yours will be cheaper. Because in theory after it's done its bolts back in and you should be set. A conversion many things have to change.

An SR conversion might not be hard. But that doesn't make it simple.

_________________
Callan
fleet:
78 200B
78 ZH Fairlane 500 Bluesmobile
86 ZL Fairlane ZLane
78 ZH Fairlane 500 Barn find
85 Troopy 2H Turbo

It all depends on how much you can do yourself. For an SR conversion, you will need at least, but not limited to, the following:
- an SR20 with matching gearbox and ECU
- a custom tailshaft, and potentially engine and gearbox mounts
- an EFI fuel pump, as well as EFI-spec rubber fuel line
- exhaust
- maybe a front brake upgrade
- engineer's certificate
All of this stuff is relatively simple if you are a bit car savvy and have somewhere to work on it.

Another option to consider, if you want to do the SR conversion but want to save up a little more, is to slap the head back on the L16 and drive it until it stops! Just buying another L16 is probably a bad idea unless you can view it running. I had a plethora of problems doing that when I was 17-19 with L20Bs.

_________________
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

Surely after you buy a good or preferably rebuilt SR20 build a custom exhaust and get an engineers your getting towards $3000 gone. Especially if your not doing it yourself. Really you can't rock up at Kmart tyre and Auto and say one SR20 please.
I think for $3000 get a very good build on your L16.

_________________
Callan
fleet:
78 200B
78 ZH Fairlane 500 Bluesmobile
86 ZL Fairlane ZLane
78 ZH Fairlane 500 Barn find
85 Troopy 2H Turbo

Surprised nobody has entertained the idea of installing an L18 or L20b and getting the originally rebuilt when you're more financially able to.
The only reason to stay L16 would be to keep the engine number matching to the ID plate.
Not sure what your laws are in WA but you can run an L18 legally without engineering or anything, i believe L20b in vic you may need to get it engineered.
I ran an L18 with twin webers in my first stanza and loved it

_________________
1979 Datsun Stanza Coupe
1979 Datsun Stanza Coupe Project
1979 Datsun Stanza GX
1982 Datsun Stanza GX
1966 Nissan Cedric Custom Six
1972 Volkswagen Beetle
1974 Toyota Landcruiser Stallion (SWB)
EziAutoParts

Certainly was my thoughts. But everyone just goes SR20 it straight away hahaha.

_________________
Callan
fleet:
78 200B
78 ZH Fairlane 500 Bluesmobile
86 ZL Fairlane ZLane
78 ZH Fairlane 500 Barn find
85 Troopy 2H Turbo

L18 is always an option and a good one. More likely fund a half decent l18 than l16 too. Being wa. You may need to freight one in.

Haha yeh, spoke to baz from datsport last night, he put me on to the L18. He reckons get my L16 converted to L18 instead of a straight rebuild.. Sounds like a good approach. Just wish he had a branch in Wa.. And yeh, pretty wary of shippin over an engine I can't see runnin. Any of you guys know of an ace, Datto-lovin mechanic over here?