Fergus-
The engine they are most likely referring too is the Buick 231 (3.8L). It
is basically a GM V-8 minus the front two cylinders. Buick pepped things up
with the turbo 3.8L installed in the Buick Grand Nationals and other
T-types. If you haven't driven or ridden in one, it can be summarized in
two words-HOLD ON!. I can't imagine what it would do in the lightweight
roadster! Lots of aftermarket speed parts available and cheap but not a
drop-in swap. Weight isn't too bad at 375 pounds (T-type weighs more I'm
sure) but I don't know if that is a "dressed" weight.
This site give more info.
http://www.gnttype.org/general/v6hist.html
If you like the 2L, definitely keep it! If you want unfettered power and
torque, swap <g>. Factor in that the cost and headache of a conversion is
always MUCH more than expected.
Enjoy,
Nathan
----- Original Message -----
From: Ofarrell, Fergus <Ofarrell.Fergus@hitco.com>
To: 'roadster.netlist' <datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net>
Sent: Thursday, February 15, 2001 1:21 PM
Subject: engine swap option
> It struck me that there was much discussion about the Buick 215 V8, and I
> remembered and former co-worker who had a Jensen Healey, and he had said
> that many of that crowd install a Buick v-6. So I went searching Jensen
> sites and lists and didn't find squat. Anyone got info on this engine?
> Personally, I love the U-20 performance, and would love to try auto-x, but
> my 2nd gear synchro is in "milk the miles before rebuild" mode, so that is
> out. When it comes time for high-$ timing chain job, I am currently
tending
> toward a cast-off L20B or the later model truck engine (KA24?), as 5500
RPM
> is great but my grins are just as big at 3500. (although I was on an
> industrial website the other day and noticed the forklift said Datsun on
the
> back and that caused me to reconsider)
> mindless rambling again,
> Fergus O
> note: lots of SoCal rain have brought out several roadster ads on the
> recycler.com site.
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