Thread: 1959 Thames

After spending and evening searching for parts, sadly the original engine is not viable. Looking at over $2k just for new con rods, pistons and small bearings.

With all the other bits and machining I’ll be into this for $5k and it will still only do 60km/h.

So, plan is to find a 1600 Kent cross flow and in a perfect world, 3 speed auto. Something from a cortina or escort.

Enough power to be drivable but not so much as to give me a headache with brake and suspension upgrades.

Parts are cheap and there’s plenty of performance upgrades of the shelf.

Now…. Where to find one. (Found a 1300cc local, but think the 1600 better…. Or a twin cam )

Another thought, dunno how find-able they are these days: Datsun 1200, or the Datsun OHC 1600/1800/2000? There were autos, 5 speeds, heaps of tuning parts...

Originally Posted by skidrov

Another thought, dunno how find-able they are these days: Datsun 1200, or the Datsun OHC 1600/1800/2000? There were autos, 5 speeds, heaps of tuning parts...

Odd you should say that, I was looking at an 1800 Datsun engine and gearbox on gumtree. Only thing putting me off was the owner making a lot of comment about 14:1 compressions, seemed a bit ‘tuned’

Hmm possibly a little high compression-wise...

But a 2000 with a mild tune & a 45 Weber on a cross-over manifold in front of an auto would work well. And possibly comparatively low cost?

(Yes I am showing my age & past... )

Son is doing up a Datsun Stanza at the moment.

Has rebuilt & installed a Nissan 2 litre with turbo - putting out huge numbers.

Hi motor has tripled in price since he first bought it

Car has probably doubled as well.

Electric? Nice small motor unit and a heap of room for batteries on or under the floor?

That really would be an Ideal vehicle for an EV Conversion.

It’s something we did look at, but the costs really don’t make sense. I can’t see a way to achieve it for less than $25k.

Unless anyone has suggestions