Mazda Engine Swap into Datsun 610.
 

Hi.

Nice to find a cool place like this. I am a rotary engine fan. I have a Mazda RX7 95. Also an 07 RX8.

Love my rotary cars. Not an expert mechanic, but do all I can do on my cars.

I am also a fan of classic cars, atb this time I have a couple Datsun cars I plan on rotarizing. These Datsuns I like because these are not the most known Datsuns, the ones that come to mind when thinkiong about Datsuns ( 510 and "Z"). My Datsuns are a 710 and a 610.

Used to have years ago an 808, which was the piston version of the RX3. I crashed it before being able to swap in a rotary. Nowadays finding an RX3, or other classic RX is close to imposible.

The 710 looks like an RX3, so that is the plan.

The one closest to completion ( the 710 is a driver right now, wioth it's stock motor. a future rotary project.)... is the 610 which I got painted and improved with suspension, brakes, and it is ready for a swap. The stock L20B motor from that car we4nt in the 710 to replace the 710's tired engine. That will keep the 710 on a life line untill 710's time for surgery.

So now the issue is this. Ready and decided on a swap for the 610. Stock engine is out so there is no way back. Seen used japanese FD 94-94 13B TT ( clip cars or motors with all needed, tranny & all.) Tempted at a 20B.

About the 13B RX7 94/95 engine. Those go for around 2K - 3K. ( + or - ). My question for those who did this, will I have or should I get the engine rebuilt before swapping it in? Or are those rotary engines ok at least for a good thousands of miles/ couple years? I would like to factor in all those costs.

About the 20B ( man, who does not daydream about it ), my concern is the same. I would go straight at the 20B and put all my chips on it if I could somehow know the engine will last at least a couple years. Because the used engine ( which would need a tranny. 20Bs come affixed to automatic trannies ) is not cheap, and if adding a 3 rotor rebuild, that would get things a little beyond planned. Like a 5 y/o kid trying to get dad's stash of candy up in the attic.

Also, another option I would go after would be a 20B n/a. Be it carb or FI. That would bring costs down. A 20B should have ample power in FI or Carb set ups.

But probably the best option now is the 94/95 RX7 powerplant. Anyone swapped in those japanese used motors? Need a rebuild?

Advise is very well appreciated and sought .

Cid.

The 20B, you know those are more

Re: Mazda Engine Swap into Datsun 610.
 

Was up Cid, great to see a old school swap,any pics of your 610 so far,i'm currently building a 87 t2,semi pp,streetported,ps1000,gt45ed streetbeast,its my first turbo car although not my first rotary,owned 3 first gens & a 12a bridgeported starlet back in the day,miss the hell out of my starlet,one of them young & dumb stories we all go thru,but anyways about the rebuild before putting motor in thing,i've heard mixed stories on water damage (power washing) on some of them engines from over sea's its a gamble so I personally would figure in a rebuild just in case,are you leaving motor stock,if not its gotta be opened up anyway's so it dont matter. Whats your plan with your 610,street or strip?

Re: Mazda Engine Swap into Datsun 610.
 

Hi Repoman. Are you the guy on TV ? ( TV program, Repo Operation...:naughty:

Just kidding. I will try post some pics. Gotr to get fresh ones. I was about to install an SR20 Nissan last Dec ( a year ago) but my buddy messed up with the pruchase of the motor and it did not go through. I'm glad, because I like rotaries better.

Car is ready and no more delays. I will go overseas pretty bsoon for 2 mos so I will leave engine and all ready so a friend of mine will install it while I am gone. ( Jan/Feb) Reason why I am sorting things out. Any good sources for engines? Seen some "clips" ( RX7) that appear good. A clip would provide all cable parts. The rest I can save for my RX7 which is overseas. I spend 2 mos a year at my parents overseas and go sporadically during the year so I have an RX7 over there to terrorize the denizens.

About the Datsun. if rebuilding the motor ( which I also think would be better, unless I were to get a good very good source.) then I got to cut corners. Water galleries blew on my RX7 ( 95) last year and had to get that motor rebuilt ( reason why the Datsun had to wait frozen one year ) with an Atkins Rebuild Kit "C" ( about $1700.00) . That was a 94/95 engine so it was about time. So I hear you about that concern. I am leery about swapping a motor only to see it puke upon maiden drive !

So perhaps I will have to get the used japanese motor/tranny. Send in the motor for rebuild, and then leave it all at my bud's shop by late Dec when I will be gone.

Where do you get rebuilt motors? Any info is needed.

Let's try upload pics. While under work. Dusty but otherwise solid.

https://www.nopistons.com/attachment...ine=1352668511

This is the car before painting. New color is same, stock Race Orange with black chrome, like racing style.

https://www.nopistons.com/attachment...ine=1352668511

This is a photo of a factory racing 610.

https://www.nopistons.com/attachment...ine=1352668511

Re: Mazda Engine Swap into Datsun 610.
 

Was good Cid,thats a good lookin lil project u got there,almost extinct, gotta keep me posted on this build.Dont know your whereabouts, but there's a couple spots in my area,ADVANCED ROTARY PERFORMANCE, GOOPY PERFORMANCE. But i suggest u do some homework and find someone REPUTABLE near by if u dont wanna tackle it (rebuild) your self,get stuck shipping motor back and forth. A clip would appear to be in your best intest, just be sure and do a comp check as soon as you get motor,dont become a statistic,good clip, low or no comp engine,thats why anything i come across (engine wise)always fig a rebuild. I purchased RAGE with motor disassembled but it didnt matter cause she had to be opened up anyhow. If i hear of any deals i'll surely let ya know!

Re: Mazda Engine Swap into Datsun 610.
 

Thanks for your reply Repoman. Perhaps people in this forum do not like non Mazda cars.

Your replies are well appreciated and motivating. Will keep in touch.

Cid.

Re: Mazda Engine Swap into Datsun 610.
 

HEY Cid was going on ,hows the project coming, any progress, give a shout!