Since we've discussed putting Ford brakes and Volvo brake servos on MG's
today, maybe I should core dump all I know about Datsuns that have parts
that fit on MG's.
Donald Healey in his now infamous speech to the San Diego MG Club said
that he couldn't really _say_ that the Datsun 240Z was a copy of the
Austin Healey 3000, but he said with repressed anger that the only two
3000's outside of the U.S. and Europe belonged to Nissan Corporation.
Under the hood of a 240Z, are two imitation S.U.'s that you wouldn't want
to put on your car because the jets are pressed in. The choke mechanism
is in the intake manifold. These cars also have an air injection system
that looks very similar to the system on an MGB. I'm told that the gulp
valve can be used on a B and the car will pass smog even though the valve
isn't exactly right. Maybe this is also true of the air pump.
The drivetrain in a Datsun 1300 pickup is a complete ripoff of the MGB
drivetrain down to the dipstick in the transmission. Donald Healey can't
say it, but I can. I know that the head will bolt right onto a B engine,
but the valves are smaller. The distributor fits on a B, too. Maybe this
is the solution to the unavailability of breaker plates. I don't know,
but I'm sure other parts will fit as well.
While I'm on the subject, I was once told a story about the Japanese
setting up to manufacture wringer washing machines after WWII. They
ordered one from the Sears Catalog (where America shops) and it got dented
on the boat going over. Every wringer washing machine they manufactured
had that same dent.
Denise Thorpe, spewing trivia wherever I go
thorpe@kegs.saic.com
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