Money is always an issue. You're not just dealing with engine build costs, and 510 modification gets exponentially expensive the faster you want to go. This gets quadrupled when you're not doing all the work. You indicate prior ownership of Mitsu and Sube products - those cars had/have 100x the aftermarket support the 510 has today. Yes, you can buy the SR fit kit from Datsport, and that helps, but there's no catalog that you can order everything you need. And everyone does things differently, so there's no one build thread you'll follow - especially if you're not doing everything yourself (since most here do).CVDatsun510 wrote:Well money isn't really an issue.
Yes, you can have family that have the tools and knowledge you need, but how often is your project going to be the priority build? If they have tools and knowledge, chances are they have their own projects. You suggest the car can sit (drivable) while you save, but how about it sitting inoperable in the middle of a long-term upgrade?
If that's your goal and you have little mechanical knowledge that would enable you to build your own KA/T (as indicated above, the cheaper and just as effective route), then I'd suggest looking at the SR20DET. Factory stock at 200chp (or higher, in later versions), easy enough to get 250whp from it.CVDatsun510 wrote:Realistically though, I'm looking to get 200-250 hp out of the engine.
But, as indicated above, that's just the start. What you need to do to upgrade the rest of the car to handle 3x+ the HP is left the factory with is substantial. And while you didn't have major traction issues with the WRX, if you had any with the GS-T then imagine what it'll be like through a 45-year-old rear suspension design, even if it's driving the right wheels in comparison.CVDatsun510 wrote:I just like to go fast and I thought I would try something "older" this time.
It would help to flesh out the rest of your goals and feasibility, but what you want isn't impossible. It's actually a fairly standard SR-type build, so there are plenty of project threads to read through. Check out Goichi's Coupe thread, for starters.
