Nissan / datsun engine conversion. rb30 into an 85 bluebird?

[fTruck69]

I know its very simple to drop a new nissan engine into an old datsun im just wondering if its the same setup from nissan to nissan, specifically my 85 bluebird wagon im thinking of hooking up an rb30 or 25.

Anyone information much appreciated

Thanks
JOhn

[j-top paj]

what engine was/is in the bluebird?
2L 4cyl twin spark thing?


would you have the length to fit an inline 6into it?


also whats the reason for the conversion?

[coxy321]

Depends what model Bluebird it is. I'd say the motor in yours would be a CA18.

A few years back i came across a 180B sedan with an RB30 in it, but it was not engineered or anything. It might be an idea to ask on Datnet.org, but do yourself a favour and search plenty before asking any questions.

From my experiences, there's not a whole lot of engine/gearbox compatibility between the old school Datsun stuff (1600,180B,200B,240/260/280) and the newer school Nissan stuff, however, most stuff is compatible between Datsun/Datsun and Nissan/Nissan.

If your looking to do the job legitimately to actually use on the road (not to just scare the sh!t out of people at the drags), you might want to consider either a CA18DET or SR20/SR20DET conversion. These are great motors, loads of aftermarket stuff for them, and deliver good power. Obviously if your Bluebird has a CA18 in it (not the series 1 L20 Datsun motor), you can chase up a second hand or half cut CA18DET motor and just bolt it straight in - EASY!!!

Coxy

[fTruck69]

i reckon the engine bay could fit it, the engine is yeah the 4cyl twin spark weird motor! performance design but lacks any performance! haha.

it has the ca20 in it, same as pintaras.

i used to have a ca18de with a supercharged toyota clutchy. good fast engine.

What are the strong performing datsun engines i could look out for that would fit more easily and probably be cheap as chips... also what is the best of hte datsun engines?

Cheers mate.

[ELF_83]

SR20 easy as conv many done cheap parts for up grade, CA18 is even better though less prone to block failure under big performance applications and last longer

[fTruck69]

yeah but the money, i mean whats it gonna cost to buy one of those engines?

my mate can put them in.

i want something cheap and strong like $250-500 and ive seen rb's go from $50-500... so yeah duno

[coxy321]

Intirely depends on your budget. You can get a stock L16/L18/L20, throw a BIG cam in it, twin webbers and you'll have a real sceamer BUT, to get a "proper" Datsun motor you're looking at around $2000 plus. For those sort of dollars you're better off going for a later model motor, where you'll still get the same power but have a much easier car to drive - and a lot more fuel efficient.

Maddat do bolt in conversion kits for all sorts of Nissan/Datsun cars, but like i said before - jump on Datnet.org and have a browse. There's truckloads of info on there, plenty of people who have done it on the cheap etc.

Coxy

PS. Go Datto!

[Patroler]

the engine is yeah the 4cyl twin spark weird motor!

its a CA20
most people use a sr20det or fj20t maybe a ca18det (theyre all around the 150kw mark standard)
Wouldnt think an rb would fit but who knows!!!
I had a 83 bluebird L20 witth t4 turbo pushing 23psi and ended up going through heaps of diffs and pushing the lower rear control arms through the floor (put holes just in front of the back seat on the floor) gbox is pretty strong but if i were to do it again id get another diff hilux, short ford 9", toyota stout etc whatever is strong and fits also strengthen the mounting points on the floor.

[fTruck69]

yeah ill have a look for an L series, be a bit of fun.

and good info about the diff ill be sure to get something suitable.

[badger]

there used to be one in brisbane engineered with an rb25det in it, a guy named gus owned it
it was an absolute hassle to make it fit drove like shit and was sold to some guy in sydney.

chops off of here has one with a sr20det in it and it goes rather hard
its a bolt in swap, so is the rb but you will have radiator support issues
and it will handle like a nose heavy pig

[coxy321]

http://www.maddat.com.au/engine-fitting-kits.php

Coxy

[shakes]

being a ca20 you wont get anything less certified, ca18/sr20 or even vq30det you should find a ca18det pretty cheap $1k ish, your existing box should bolt up strength wise I got no idea. shouldn't be a huge effort to wire up either.

fj20 is probably out unless you run straight gas.

honestly. save your money.

[badger]

you can engineer an fj20 as thats what a 910 bluebird ran in japan


any of the rb, ca, sr, fj and vg series motors will bolt to that box with the correct bellhousing but if it were me id be using a box from a silvia turbo
as they are bolt in and stronger

[coxy321]

I'd try and get a engine/gearbox package (or half cut is even better), that way you wont have to root around finding a gearbox/loom/ECU. But, as we said earlier, if you're after cheap, get an L20 in good nick, bang on some twin webbers, BIG cam, exhaust ($500/$500/$250new/$250) and you'll be happy. Under $1500 that is. It might not be faster than a late spec motor, but shit - it will feel like your hammering. Nothing beats an old school N/A 4cly screaming at 7500RPM.....

Coxy