Project Time Machine: "Going back to 1965 with my Fairlady!"
I'm proud to say that the first car I really owned is a Datsun Fairlady. This car is exhilarating to drive...a very involving machine. Its simplicity makes it even more nostalgic...toggle switches, 4-speed tranny, an assortment of gauges, three spoke steering wheel, and that beautifully balanced unrestricted exhaust note definitely fills one's senses that only the driving experience can fully explain. Indeed this is a timeless classic on the road and hopefully it'll be that way for a very very long time.
It still has the original R16 (3 main bearing) engine that matches the VIN. Still running strong!
The engine has just been overhauled a month ago with a lot of new goodies:
1. New Old Stock Main Engine Bearings - Federal Mogul
2. New Conrod Bearings - Taiho (Japan)
3. New Camshaft Bearings - Taiho (Japan)
4. New Piston Rings - NPR (Japan)
5. New Cylinder Liners - HTK (Japan)
6. New Piston Pin Bushings - Taiho (Japan)
7. New Intake and Exhaust Valves - Japan Engine Valve Mfg. Co.
8. New Valve Seals
9. New Timing Chain - OCM (Japan)
10. New Old Stock Mechanical Fuel Pump - Kyosan Denki (Japan)
11. All New Gaskets - Riken (Japan)
12. New Old Stock Transparent Distributor Cap
13. New Contact Points - Mitsubishi
14. New BP6ES NGK Spark Plugs
15. New Hitachi Ignition Coil with Resistor
16. New Spark Plug Wires - Seiwa (Japan)
17. New Engine Mounts - Proudly Made in the Philippines
18. Engine Block Test (Machine Shop)
19. Head Test (Machine Shop)
20. Reground Crankshaft (0.25)
Installed a set of Mikuni Solex twin side draught carburetors (PHH40 Type T) with custom stainless steel intake manifold and stainless steel 4-1 headers. The induction noise really makes the drive so much more exhilarating!
Custom made linkages and return springs.
Jetting: Main Jet=140, Main Air Jet=140, Pilot Jet=63.8, Pilot Air Jet=120, Outer Venturi=32, Throttle Plate=#165, Fuel Needle & Seat=1.5, Pump Jet=35, Idle Mixture/Pilot Screw=1.0 turn
I also installed a set of "Jamex" Air Socks from Holland.
Cockpit Shot - I do love the gauges and toggle switches. It does feel like I'm in a WWII Spitfire airplane when I drive the roadster. It really is an experience...very nostalgic indeed!
Comfortable sitting for two...surprisingly.
Also replaced the old sealed beams with Gen beams (Made in Japan) with their patented clear center lenses, which provides up to 50% more light than conventional sealed beams. I did notice a performance improvement...the beam is much brighter and has a longer range.
Recently installed a 13.4 kg chemical fire extinguisher on the passenger side to replace the old and heavy 19.4 kg extinguisher I placed behind the passenger seat.
Speedometer still works, but I don't know if it's accurate at speed.
Been revving the engine up to 5500 rpm while on the road to break it in well. Just finished the engine overhaul a month ago. So far the engine is running strong...although there's no fuel economy at all.
Trunk space isn't that bad at all...well, when I removed the spare tire that is! At least, I can store a few bags for overnight trips or a few golf clubs when I need to go to the driving range.
I also just bought a set of newly refurbished Almex YSA alloy wheels. Good score!
It's made by Yokohama Rubber Co. in Japan (14"x5.5" PCD114). Must be circa 1970's.
The steering effort definitely lightened up compared to the original steel wheels previously installed on the roadster. The ride and handling also improved.
The "Iron Cross" theme of the Almex YSA's give the roadster a much aggressive look IMHO.
I just recently had the Mikuni twin carburetors overhauled, balanced, and tuned. I also had exhaust wrap installed over the headers to keep the radiant heat from reaching the intake manifold and carburetors.
I also removed the air socks, since it was constricting the air flow into the trumpets and installed a new Sam (Japan) clutch master to replace the old leaking one.
Thank you for visiting my page! Happy motoring!
PAGE 2 - Stainless Steel Exhaust System Upgrade
