Hey all,
 
Can't believe that I haven't posted my little project up here yet. Bare with me, I'm going to doing a quick intro and then update you all with where I am up to...
 
Here is my little project car. Its a 1969 Datsun 1000 ute that I picked up for a great price.

Well its the second ute I've owned, the first was a 1200 and I kicked myself getting rid of it. Its pretty tidy, but does need a bit of work still.

Now it has been lowered front and rear, has the A12 engine and thats about it. I plan to do something a little different with this one -> along the lines of a Yamaha bike engine...

Found a set of rims I liked...
 
They are 2x (14 x 7 +0) and 2 x (14x7.5 -6). They are apparently Magsports but I can't find any info on them.

Now... I've been on holidays for a week and have been busy with the engine. For those that don't know, I've gone for a Suzuki Swift GTi G13B, with a Vitara 1.6ltr SOHC head. Reason being I am going to turbo the little beast and the SOHC should flow better. I didn't like the look of the rocker cover or the intake manifold, so I got some VHT wrinkle plus paint. Came out OK, was hoping it would give it a "factory" look.
 
I've been playing around with engine bay positions and have finally come up with the best compromise. The G16B head is quite tall (compared to the G13B) and clearance is an issue. The front of the head sits up about an inch above the bonnet line! To cure this, I will be looking at giving the bonnet a "bulge" hopefully using the same lines the ute already has, just cutting and raising the centre. I've also cut the top out of the transmission tunnel and will need to be replaced too. Here are some progress pics:
 

 

 

 
I do like the gear stick position though! (I'm not using the red gear knob either, I used it to help see it in the photo.
 

so you still using the frp bonnet trav?
 
is it metallic? i like the gtr blue its nice, as long as its not hot pink i think your pretty safe haha. im being boring and sticking with white then contemplating wrapping it with matte white vinyl

Hey Leigh,
 
Yeah, still have the FRP bonnet, now just looking to modify it too! I seem to be modifying everthing at the moment. I like the old school skyline grey and stumbled across the "Millenium Jade" colour by accident. Instantly loved the fact it was different, plus it goes well with the black trimming. White matte vinyl would be awesome! I considered doing red matte vinyl with gloss black flares, but then I saw an old school skyline.
 
Yeah, the sump is the issue (love the LUX by the way, awesome job!). I've got the smallest of clearances due to the hight of the head. The advantage of the Vitara head is that it already comes with a right angled dizzy to clear the firewall, just. The disadvantage is the extra height it adds. I'll work around it, was considering a BA XR8 bulge or there is a bonnet scoop I've seen for the VE commodore that has the "V" kind of shape at the front. Or I can cut along the ridges of the current bonnet and lift it making a custom "bulge". I'll play with it during the week.

My friend Al has done the G16B conversion with a modified sump and clears the bonnet with ease.
The G13B block is 25mm shorter so with a modded sump should have tons of room.
The g16b sohc 16v head has better valve angles and tri-flow factory camshaft (look up tri-flow colt cams)
Al has the engine tilted to the passenger side a tad but the sump is what makes the difference.
This setups should easily make 230-250 with stock conrods and vitara pistons.
 
On the looks note, the wheels are awesome!! with thoseflares going to look insanely tough, Its not bad
the red it actually looks quite good with the right chrome grille, guard mirrors and pin stripping.
The rocker cover is available in 3 different designs, I suggest you look at the post 96 baleno ones
they are smooth, clean and simple. For the inlet manifold Id go custom to save weight when you can.
 
here is another manifold and second link rocker cover without the 16 valve writing just finning
 
http://img393.imageshack.us/img393/1201/vercamgear01kp9.jpg
 
http://www.rushhourtechnology.co.uk/bryan/supercarry/techspecs.htm 

Ill have to wait for my brother-in-law to fix my engine crane/ buy me a new one first. He dropped it and stuffed the hydraulic pump. I've got a Sierra sump that I thought was going to fit, but the collector was at the back. If it was on the front it might be a different story for clearance. I'll have a look once I can get the engine back out and see if I can mount it back-to-front.
 
Leigh its a Sierra gearbox, bolts straight up to the engine no worries. I've got a Sierra flywheel and clutch to go with it. I've got to get the flywheel lightened as its bloody heavy. I'm going to keep the flares black at this stage, I think the colour needs to be offset a bit with some black trimmings. I'll keep the window frames black too. Fender mirrors are a must too.

yea its gonna be bloody quick and will look sweet to can't wait to see that huffer hangin of the side. looks like its coming together nicely i was considering this conversion but was afraid the car would never see the road again cos of me being a lazy ass haha
 
you first link doesn't work d. i love that red ute, not a fan of painted bumpers tho

New change of direction, only a minor one, but significant enough.
 
I've been selling all of the stuff (engine/gearbox) I've accumulated over 2 years and have now started to acquire a more positive combination. I've looked into the engine from newer model Suzuki Jimnys, which are still a 1.3ltr EFI engine and rear wheel drive. A few other positives include being able to run the standard ECU on the setup, while still keeping the turbo option available.
 
Also, I found this blueprint on my old computer. I've uploaded it so I don't lose it again.

Wow, thanks for the insight