Hi List,

I was hoping that you may point me in the right direction about a motor for my
Datsun/Nissan 720 Kingcab, what can I put into it with out to much fuss. I know
I could use a L20 but was hoping for someone else opinion on what I could use.

I live in Queensland and have just started doing up my 720 and was hoping to
finish my project with a great motor.

Regards
Datty Dave.

Hi Dave, welcome to the forums, is your 720 a 4wd or 2wd?

Welcome 720's are fun The easiest conversion from a l18 is to go to a l20b. Most swaps in 720's are governed by the position of the crossmember which is a bitch resulting in the weird sump you have fitted. You can fit Vg20 /vg30 6es [nonturbo as turbo requires firewall surgery] but be prepared to spend time and money converting sump and oil pick up. A economic performance upgrade is L20b motor/5 speed sedan gearbox [not super low first gearbox fitted to 720's] and replace you H195 diff centre with a 3.7/3.9 from a Gazelle or series 111 Bluebird this will give you a higher top speed and better ecconomy. You can then sell your old diff centre which is in demand from the Rally boys. Hope this helps Oldman Datto

Here are a few options that you could consider depending on what you want to use it for, and I'm guessing that it's a 2wd;


Z18ET - Can re-use your sump off the L series and pretty much bolts in.
Z24E - Can re-use your sump off the L series - as above.
CA18DE
CA18DET
SR20DE
SR20DET - seen a few done with this engine choice now
FJ20ET - Would be one of the easiest as the gearbox mount would be identical.
FJ20E - As above

A modified sump isn't a great deal of work in the whole scheme of things. What do you plan on using it for?

Thanks to Ratsun & OldmanDatto for your information.

OldmanDatto I have contacted a wrecker and they can sell me a reconditioned
L20 for about $650, and they said I would need to use my old oil sump. My 720
is a 2wd - rear drive? and I am just looking to do it up my Ute to look great, not
total show car but something that turns heads.

Ratsun I will also look into the engines you talk about and see what price I can
buy one for. So the Z18 or Z20 may be the way to go, any ideas about were I
can buy one at a fair price?

Cheers
Dave

Hi again,

Ratsun you talk about the SR20ET, would this motor be an easy fit or a lot of work?

Cheers

Dave
DattyDave

$650 for a L20b seems a bit steep, you can almost build one for that price these days (pistons are cheap and gasket sets arent to pricey either).

With regards to the sr20det install, I'd heard of it being done on 2 720's now, so it musn't be to difficult, but as mentioned, custom sump is likely.

I'd stick to the L20b upgrade for now, then you can always change it later on.

A nice L20b with twin webbers sound awesome and are good fun.

Thanks mate, will keep my eyes open for a L20b with twin webbers, will see if I
can find a cheaper price on the L20 that was quoted to me.

Again thanks for that information, it has been a great help. I now look forward in
the re-build of the 720.

Cheers
Dave

No problem at all Dave, remember you can always upgrade later on if you want, but if you are starting out then a L20b is always a good thing.

Later on you could always turbo it like this one;

Dunniss, What a great photo, thanks for the look. The ute came with a L20 in it, but didn't work
maybe I should take a look at it, and fix it myself?

DattyDave

Hi Dattydave Keep with the L series as this will keep costs down . Dont ignore a diff ratio change go to a 3.7 or 3.9 and you automatically get a higher top speed with better economy . A diff centre change is an easy job [which means allow a day]. But a good L20 and diff combo will keep you going . The other thing to consider is with sr20/ca18/turbo you need to UPGRADE YOUR BRAKES . Cheers OMD