Hi Michael,
Alright, I'm glad you're on the list to defend yourself. :P Seriously
though, you're a welcome asset and I'm sure you'll be getting lots of
questions about powerplant swap tips. Don't let my comments mislead you. I
was really excited when I saw your article and enjoyed reading it. I think
it is especially cool that it is in a modern import tuner mag.
Boy, I wish you had subscribed to this list a week earlier! I guess my
reaction and comment can be better understood when seen in the context of a
recent thread about Miatas. The ensuing discussion of roadster owner
snobbery (a phenomenon that used to only happen to Ferrari and Porsche
owners) has befallen many Datsun roadster owners on this very list. In
addition, many here go to great lengths to restore, account for (register),
and promote these vehicles. So it was quite a contrast to read about the
humble little roach which you certainly love dearly.
I wanted to let folks know about the article, as it is great to see a
roadster get attention, but I also wanted to forewarn the presentation so
people wouldn't expect a promotional writeup like other article we've seen.
If I have a criticism, it's this: Many people will be seeing a roadster for
the first in that article. They'll see the pic and think "cool, what IS
that?...never seen one..." or something like that. Then once they read
about it they might get the impression is that it is not so special or rare.
Good job on the car. I'm glad it's getting driven, has a new lease on life,
and is kicking Miata butt! Please stay on this list, and keep up the
articles as well.
Chris
ps- the Bluebird sounds great!
>From: Michael Spreadbury <MichaelSpreadbury@attbi.com>
>Reply-To: Michael Spreadbury <MichaelSpreadbury@attbi.com>
>To: datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net
>Subject: RE: SR20 -- Intro Michael Spreadbury
>Date: Tue, 11 Dec 2001 16:19:26 -0800
>
>Chris, List,
>
>I re-subscribed to the Roadster list this morning after a several year
>hiatus, and much to my chagrin, one of the first messages in my in-box was
>your interesting comments, and I thought that I would take this opportunity
>to introduce myself again, and post my reply.
>
>I am have had an overdeveloped interest in old Datsuns' for nearly
>20-years, but most of my experience has been with the 510 sedans and
>wagons. I have owned all sorts of 510s from an immaculate 32,000 mile
>original two-door, to a 300hp turbo rocket ship, with everything in
>between. My current 510 is a RHD, Bluebird SSS Coupe which I imported from
>Japan via my business a few years ago.
>
>While I still crazy about 510s, a certain decrepit Datsun 1600 Roadster
>caught my eye a few years ago, and I felt compelled to save it. This is the
>roadster that I describe in my article in this month's "Turbo Magazine",
>which somehow has offended you.
>
>When I purchased my roadster four years ago, it literally was "just a
>roadster", there was nothing special about it. The engine smoked, the
>exhaust rattled, the gearbox crunched. It was a very tired car looking for
>a place to rust away and die. But for all it's faults, it still managed to
>charm me, and knowing that with a new heart, this car could happily live
>again.
>
>At that time, I had way too many cars, and I had to make the tough decision
>to sell some of the babies. Somehow, this $500 roach made the cut. I would
>find a way to save her, warts and all.
>
>The venerable SR20DE was the answer for me. With this new engine, I got the
>EFI, fuel economy, and reliability that this particular car so desperately
>needed. So, instead of sending the car to the scrap yard, it lives on with
>a new power plant, transforming the ordinary into something very unique
>which suits my family's needs, and satisfies my performance desires.
>
>How you got the impression that I am not a huge fan of the roadster from
>that article I will never understand-- perhaps you should read it again?
>
>Anyway, I am excited to be here, and am looking forward to sharing my
>engine swap experience with any of you who might be interesting in pursuing
>the same swap. We will be doing another SR20DE engine swap this weekend,
>and will be documenting all the modifications for those who may be
>interested in trying something like this in the future. Until then, if you
>would like to see some detail shots of my swap, a photo display has been
>listed here: http://www.zparts.com/showcase/msSR20swap1/intro.html
>
>Michael Spreadbury
>1970 Datsun Bluebird SSS Coupe (SR20DET/6-speed project)
>1966 Datsun 1600 Roadster (SR20DE power!)
>
>
>
>
>At 03:57 PM 12/11/01 -0600, Chris Robertson wrote:
>
> >In the latest issue of "Turbo" magazine, the last page is about a 1600
>with
> >a sr20 nonturbo, or NA (normally aspirated) for you FI (forced induction)
> >type folks :P . I didn't recognize the owner from the usual posters, so
>I
> >guess he's not on the list. I hope not, as he referred to the car as
>"just
> >a Datsun Roadster" and really had nothing nice to say about the stock
>car.
> >He mentioned being at the Shasta meet. Not sure why it was in Turbo
> >magazine to begin with, but happy to see the recognition nonetheless.
> >
> >Chris
> >2 NA '69 2000s
> >1 Miata turbo (275hp, but not as cool as a roadster)
>
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