Dear John and Listers,
Well since I have been accused of regularily defiling the breed by
suggesting engine conversions, it will be funny coming from me that this is
probably not such a good idea. I mean, putting in a 3.5 Rover/Buick V8 for
more poop is a commendable exercise and I've driven a Mazda rotisery
powered B that would suck the grille slats off of a V8 powered car but that
is a different story.
The engine your friend is refering to is the 1966 - 1970 Datsun 1600 OHV, 5
main mill that came in roadsters and a few 1600SSS saloons in 1967. This
engine features an aluminiun head and twin Hitatchi/SU carbs and will bolt
into a B. It was built under license to BMC.
Why would anyone want to replace a common 1800cc UK built engine with a
rare Japanese version? In fact, years ago a friend and I put am MGB engine
in an early Datsun pickup that came with the downtuned 1300cc, 3-main
version of the Datsun/BMC B series block. It bolted right to the Datsun
gearbox. Just my thoughts on the subject. See you on the Funway!
Rick Feibusch
Automotive Journalist/Appraiser
Venice Beach, California
310-393-6605
Fax:396-1933
1959 Morris Minor Convertible
1960 Morris Minor Saloon
1961 Morris Minor Pickup
1969 Chevy Malibu Sport Coupe
1969 Chevy Malibu Convertible
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