New Zealand Datsun Club

I guess it depends on what level of performance you want from it, and whether you're doing it solely for the end product, or also for the experience of modifying/working on it yourself.

When I decided to upgrade the A12 in my wagon, I was faced with the same decision: oldskool (A15), or modern injected (CA or SR). I went with the A15 for a few reasons: it was my daily driver so I didn't want it off the road while doing a conversion, I wanted to keep it oldskool, and I figured a CA or SR conversion was too easy and predictable, and not enough of a challenge for me (hence my other wagon with the RB20DET).

yeah bro respect for the rb20 convers! i love your wagon!

everyone says that puttin a ca or sr in is too predictable or boring. when i would have thought putting the a15 in was boring. There isnt much option for four cylinder rwd nissan/datsun motors that would really suit what i want to do.

Nothing boring about driving a datsun with a CA or SR mind you!

YEH! Not that i know but im sure once im driving my CA18DET 1200 wagon it will be far from boring. I tell ya what the stock a12 w 4spd suck tho

As has been said the end product needs to determine the path taken. What club stuff do you want to do, what results are you looking for and how is the club run. If you throw a CA or SR in it you may find yourself playing with the big boys in an over 1600 cc class, this could include all 2wd with 1600+, read Silvia, Altessa, MX5, Clubsport or GTP. On the other hand if you fancy overall placings, an A series is probably going to be well out classed if it is still driveable around town.
Worked A12 worked for me, class winner, no cert, didn't eat tires, diffs, or fuel, and it always felt good beating the big horse power guys in a 1300. What's gonna work for you? A series can have alot of $$ spent on them to get big horse power, but equally can be built strong and perform well with fairly Std parts, bought second hand or off the shelf. And the sound!!! Love it.

I vote a series.
Collect bits up while you drive the car. Eg 5 speed and motor, get the motor built or build it yourself up slowly as you can afford it and once its already its a simple swap over job that can be done in a weekend.
If i've learnt one thing from my project its you can never spend as much money on your car as you would like, so if you can still drive the car while time and money allows you to build the motor all the better.
Plus Like chris said I think you'll be surprised how quickly and a15 can move

yeah nah i had thoughts and final descision is ca. went for a ride in kitchs a15 1200 (impresscive!) and a ride in Brockys Ca18de 120y ( LOVED IT)
I know i'll have to upgrade all the brakes and shit but if your going to do it anyway so what? also even if im playing with big boys bugger it im not Seb Loeb...im never going to be compeditive just wanna be a fun car. wanna do targas..

but i thought i can slam a ca in with more hassle and maybe a lil more money than an a15 but a standard ca can do what a pepped up a15 can do. and then i can add to it and get more power to it with better drivability than A15.

happy with all of your coments guys! gave me good insight. but nothing helps more than experiencing the ride for yourself.

brocky41 wrote:My CA conversion cost me $2500 from motor out to motor in and running including cert and buying the engine, gearbox, loom and comp for $500 (thanks mike wasowski).

No problem mate You'll have to take me for a ride in it so I can experience the finished product.


On Topic: I think my Z18ET conversion cost less than $3000 including cert so it is definitly doable without spending ridiculous coin. And that was including getting the radiator re-cored for $550
Now I've got an engine that easily keeps up with most cars, has cold start, and makes an awesomely funny compressor surge noise which makes me laugh