Original Market:
The Datsun 1600 Saloon (also known as the Bluebird 510) was a compact, rear-wheel-drive sedan and coupe that was highly regarded for its sporty handling and reliability, making it a popular choice in the late 1960s and early 1970s for both everyday driving and motorsport.
Competitors:
Competed against vehicles like the Toyota Corolla, Mazda Familia, and American compacts of the era, often praised for its European-inspired styling and driving dynamics.
Manual Value Proposition:
This official factory service manual provides professional-level repair and maintenance information, enabling owners to perform complex tasks, diagnose issues accurately, and maintain their vehicle to factory standards, saving on labor costs.
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Differential/Drive, Axle
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Chassis/Body
Electrical:
Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams, Engine Control System
Comfort And Convenience:
Heater/Air Conditioner, Interior, Restraint System
Performance And Emissions:
Cooling System, Fuel Injection/Fuel System, Emission System
Maintenance:
General Maintenance, Periodic Lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Troubleshooting, Advanced Troubleshooting Guide
Repair:
Engine Service/Repair, Transmission Service/Repair, Brake System Repair, Electrical System Repair, Suspension Repair, Steering Repair, Cooling System Repair, Fuel System Repair, Emission System Repair, HVAC Repair, Chassis/Body Repair, Interior Repair, Differential/Drive Repair, Axle Repair
Depth:
Complete Factory Diagnosic and Repair Procedures, Rebuild and Refurbishment Guides
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Displacement:
1595 cc (1.6 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
82.0 mm x 74.0 mm (typical for L16)
Horsepower Net:
Approx. 96 hp @ 5600 rpm (SAE Net - U.S. spec, may vary)
Torque Net:
Approx. 103 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (SAE Net - U.S. spec, may vary)
Fuel Delivery:
Typically twin SU carburetors (e.g., H.A.L. or similar) or Hitachi downdraft carburetors, depending on market. Fuel injection was optional on some later models but not standard on the 1971 1600 Saloon.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (or leaded, depending on original market specifications).
Ignition System:
Distributor-based, breaker points ignition system.
Cooling Method:
Pressurized liquid cooling system with a fan and radiator.
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter change (check manual for exact specification).
Engine Block Material:
Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Type:
4-speed manual transmission
Type:
3-speed automatic transmission (likely JATCO or similar)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, diaphragm spring type (manual transmission)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 gear oil, SAE 80W or 90 (check manual for specific viscosity and capacity).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent (check manual for specific type and capacity).
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2530 mm (99.6 inches)
Length:
Approx. 4115 mm (162.0 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1625 mm (64.0 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1370 mm (53.9 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 950-1050 kg (2094-2315 lbs) depending on body style and equipment.
Crash Test Information:
Specific official crash test ratings for this era of vehicle are not readily available in modern databases. Safety features were typical for the time.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Parking brake operates on rear wheels.
Steering Type:
Recirculating ball steering system.
Seat Belts:
Front seat belts (lap belts standard, shoulder belts optional or market dependent).
Body Construction:
Unitized body construction.
Oil Change Interval:
Recommended every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3-6 months, whichever comes first (typical for the era).
Tune Up Interval:
Recommended annually or every 10,000-15,000 miles (16,000-24,000 km), including spark plugs, points, condenser, and filter checks.
Lubrication Intervals:
Periodic greasing of suspension and steering components at chassis lubrication points, typically every 6 months or 5,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
API SF or SG classification, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for general use. Consult manual for specific viscosity based on temperature range.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio). Capacity: Approx. 7.0 liters.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check master cylinder cap or manual for exact specification).
Common Wear Items:
Carburetor adjustment/rebuilding, ignition system components (points, condenser, coil), fuel pump, front wheel bearings, universal joints in driveshaft, exhaust system components.
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, rocker panels, floor pans, door bottoms, trunk floor, and inner fenders are susceptible to corrosion.
Oil Filter:
Commonly interchangeable with Nissan part numbers or aftermarket equivalents such as Fram PH8A, Purolator L30001, Wix 51085.
Air Filter:
Specific to carburetor type; consult manual for exact part number or aftermarket equivalents for Hitachi or SU carburetors.
Datsun Legacy:
Datsun, a precursor to Nissan, established a reputation for building reliable, economical, and increasingly sporty vehicles, culminating in iconic models like the Z-cars and the 510.
510 Development:
The Datsun 510 (1600 in many export markets) was designed by Pininfarina and released in 1968. It was celebrated for its advanced independent rear suspension (IRS) and engaging driving dynamics, often dubbed the 'poor man's BMW'.
Production Period:
The 510 series was produced from 1968 to 1973.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Japan (various Nissan plants), but also assembled in other countries for specific markets.
Motorsport Success:
The Datsun 510 achieved significant success in various forms of motorsport, including SCCA Trans-Am series, cementing its reputation as a capable and competitive vehicle.
Critical Reception:
Widely praised by automotive journalists for its handling, affordability, and build quality, often considered a benchmark for compact sedans of its era.
