Test Drive of Datsun Roadster with Miata 1.8L Engine Swap

I filmed an uneventful drive in my newly-completed engine transplant. The point of this transplant was to make an reliable daily-driver out of the car, so uneventful drives are the point. But, it's got a lot more power than it used to, as well. Unfortunately, the camera turned itself off just as I was jetting onto the freeway to try some speed. It was fun, though. Trust me.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• datsun
• roadster
• sport
• 1600
• 2000
• mazda
• miata
• BP
• 1.8L
• engine
• swap
• transplant
• mx5
• mx-5
• auto
• automotive
• automobile
• car
• cars
• conversion
• sports
• convertible
• vintage
• old

[charlieflint]

I happened to find your website while trying to find a small / slim alternator for my own project, and now I know where to look, many thanks!

Your car is a beautiful little classic with a superb modern power plant and drivetrain, could not get any better than that! I bet it can surprise a few people off the line too!

Thanks for the upload!

[jfbrink]

@charlieflint - Thanks for the kind words. Glad the alternator tip is helping you. I am still enjoying the reliability and smooth power that this swap provides. I drive like a little old lady, but in the right hands the car is quite quick off the line.

[c0c0asauce]

woulda kept it nissan, still respect

[jfbrink]

@c0c0asauce - I hear you. I wanted a no-weld swap, which excluded all the Nissan engines I knew of. Thanks.

[tomakze]

so, how fast is it with the new powerplant? big difference?

[jfbrink]

@tomakze - After all this time, I still haven't hooked up the speedometer, so I don't know how fast it is. But, it is much faster "by the seat of the pants". More importantly to me, it is smoother, quieter and no longer smokey and smelly.

[tomakze]

@jfbrink No worries! I really need to start working on my swap, but everything else keeps breaking on the car and consequently it is always being put off. Oh well, I now have a new suspension system, steering system, 300zxtt brakes, etc! Kinda silly considering the wimpy worn out powerplant! I am very jealous of yours!

How are you planning on hooking up the speedo? are you somehow keeping the original one?