iamtall77
20+ Year Contributor
- 185
- 1
- Oct 9, 2002
-
Las Vegas,
Nevada
It has occurred to me that I have not posted any progress on my 1972 Datsun 510 project here on DSMTuners. This site has been such a great help to me, that now I think I can pass along some info that others may find useful.
So, to begin, I bought a 1972 Datsun 510 4 door in late 2005 and it has been a very slow project since then. The car has never run, and I purchased it as a rolling chassis. I only paid $800 for a complete shell and my total budget is under $10K. I have used mostly used or salvaged parts so far.
Recently, the second phase of the project has taken over, and I have purchased several new parts. It all seems so easy looking back on the parts I've gathered, but in reality, it has been the biggest PITA searching for swap info on these parts. I have no less than 10 different car model parts on my car. Everything from a 2G block with 1G head and 90 EPROM to S12 struts with Z31 hubs and Q45 brakes. This is probably one of the most difficult projects that someone could undertake if upgrades are in mind.
However, the swap itself is pretty straight forward. The basic idea is to put a turbo 4G63 motor in a RWD car. Lots of people have done this, it isn't new. The keys to my swap are the Toyota R154 transmission, custom bellhousing by Bill Hincher, and the stock Mighty Max engine mounts with stock 510 mounts.
I've taken some pics along the way that will help, but I need to take more. Soon I'm shipping my car across town for some work, and I'll be sure to snap some pics when it's there. Until then, enjoy.

The day I bought it. No idea how long it was sitting there, but I rescued the little guy.

Original engine. That didn't stay to long in here.

First attempt with a JMF intake. I didn't have enough room with the brake master cylinder, so I stayed stock. Kinda.

I had my friend Jack at jackstransmissions.com take a stock 1G intake manifold and cut it at the flange. Flip it 180 degrees and put it all back together. I hope it works, cause it looks awesome.

I also undertook the effort to swap in Z31 5-lug hubs and CV axles for the rear. It will eventually pay off, but the work involved was pretty extensive. Good thing my stepdad is a good welder. I couldn't have pulled this off without him.

R154 transmission with a Billhousing. Yes, Billhousing. This swap would not be possible without this part. It's pretty straightforward, and all the parts between this and the 4G63 are off-the-shelf. Bill Hincher is responsible for this great thing. He's also got these for Toyota W series and GM Auto transmissions.

These are 2 piston Q45 units. These are the 4th set of brakes on this car and the only set with pads and lines attached since the stock set came off. These are bolted to S12 V6 front struts with Z31 spindles and slotted rotors.
More can be found here:
510 Rebuild pictures by jeffball610 - Photobucket
I'll update as often as possible, but I've had this car for 4 years, and this is as far as it's gotten. It's no easy task, but I'll be proud to drive it when it's done.
So, to begin, I bought a 1972 Datsun 510 4 door in late 2005 and it has been a very slow project since then. The car has never run, and I purchased it as a rolling chassis. I only paid $800 for a complete shell and my total budget is under $10K. I have used mostly used or salvaged parts so far.
Recently, the second phase of the project has taken over, and I have purchased several new parts. It all seems so easy looking back on the parts I've gathered, but in reality, it has been the biggest PITA searching for swap info on these parts. I have no less than 10 different car model parts on my car. Everything from a 2G block with 1G head and 90 EPROM to S12 struts with Z31 hubs and Q45 brakes. This is probably one of the most difficult projects that someone could undertake if upgrades are in mind.
However, the swap itself is pretty straight forward. The basic idea is to put a turbo 4G63 motor in a RWD car. Lots of people have done this, it isn't new. The keys to my swap are the Toyota R154 transmission, custom bellhousing by Bill Hincher, and the stock Mighty Max engine mounts with stock 510 mounts.
I've taken some pics along the way that will help, but I need to take more. Soon I'm shipping my car across town for some work, and I'll be sure to snap some pics when it's there. Until then, enjoy.

The day I bought it. No idea how long it was sitting there, but I rescued the little guy.

Original engine. That didn't stay to long in here.

First attempt with a JMF intake. I didn't have enough room with the brake master cylinder, so I stayed stock. Kinda.

I had my friend Jack at jackstransmissions.com take a stock 1G intake manifold and cut it at the flange. Flip it 180 degrees and put it all back together. I hope it works, cause it looks awesome.

I also undertook the effort to swap in Z31 5-lug hubs and CV axles for the rear. It will eventually pay off, but the work involved was pretty extensive. Good thing my stepdad is a good welder. I couldn't have pulled this off without him.

R154 transmission with a Billhousing. Yes, Billhousing. This swap would not be possible without this part. It's pretty straightforward, and all the parts between this and the 4G63 are off-the-shelf. Bill Hincher is responsible for this great thing. He's also got these for Toyota W series and GM Auto transmissions.

These are 2 piston Q45 units. These are the 4th set of brakes on this car and the only set with pads and lines attached since the stock set came off. These are bolted to S12 V6 front struts with Z31 spindles and slotted rotors.
More can be found here:
510 Rebuild pictures by jeffball610 - Photobucket
I'll update as often as possible, but I've had this car for 4 years, and this is as far as it's gotten. It's no easy task, but I'll be proud to drive it when it's done.
