Positioning:
Popular compact sports sedan and wagon, often referred to as the 'poor man's BMW 2002', known for its reliability and sporty handling
Competitors 1970:
Toyota Corolla, Datsun 1200, Mazda RX-2, Ford Pinto, Chevrolet Vega
Design:
Sleek, 'S'-shaped bodylines, modern (for the era) independent rear suspension on sedan/coupe models
Performance Legacy:
Excellent chassis tuning and a robust engine made it a favorite in amateur motorsports (e.g., Trans-Am series)
Engine:
L20B (and L16 variants), including disassembly, assembly, tuning, and diagnostics
Fuel System:
Carburetor systems (e.g., Hitachi SU, Mikuni) troubleshooting and adjustment, fuel pump, fuel lines
Ignition System:
Distributor, coil, spark plugs, timing adjustments, troubleshooting
Cooling System:
Radiator, thermostat, water pump, hoses, coolant specifications
Lubrication System:
Oil pump, oil filter, oil specifications, oil change procedures
Transmission:
4-speed and 5-speed manual transmissions, clutch service, fluid types
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, differential, axle shafts, universal joints
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (MacPherson struts), rear leaf springs, shock absorbers, bushings
Steering:
Steering gearbox, tie rods, steering column, adjustments
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, master cylinder, brake lines, bleeding procedures
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting, gauges, wiring diagrams
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, rust prevention, interior trim, glass replacement
Heating And Ventilation:
Heater core, blower motor, ducting
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks, lubrication
Repair:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component renewal
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for engine performance, electrical issues, and mechanical failures
Refurbishment:
Detailed steps for component overhauls and cosmetic improvements
Restoration:
Guidance for bringing the vehicle back to its original factory condition
Depth:
Comprehensive; suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on interpreting symptoms and using basic diagnostic tools
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for critical fasteners
Tolerances:
Engine bearing clearances, ring gap specifications, etc.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive and detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical systems
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV) or Overhead Cam (OHC) depending on specific L-series variant, typically OHC for L20B
Displacement Cc:
1998 cc (for L20B)
Displacement Ci:
122 cu. in. (for L20B)
Horsepower Gross:
Approximately 110-113 hp (for L20B, actual figures may vary by market and tuning)
Torque Gross:
Approximately 124-127 lb-ft (for L20B)
Carburetion:
Typically twin Hitachi SU carburetors or a single downdraft carburetor (e.g., Hitachi/Nissan)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (though leaded gasoline was common at the time of manufacture)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (recommendation based on typical use for its era)
Tune Up Interval:
Every 10,000 - 12,000 miles (includes spark plugs, points, condenser, and adjustments)
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 20,000 - 30,000 miles
Engine Oil Type:
API SE/CD classification, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (depending on climate)
Engine Oil Capacity Quarts:
Approximately 4.2 quarts (4.0 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze mixed 50/50 with water
Rust:
Prone to rust, especially in rocker panels, wheel wells, and floor pans. Body panel replacement or repair is a common restoration task.
Carburetor Tuning:
Hitachi SU carburetors require periodic adjustment and rebuild due to wear and seal degradation.
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring harnesses and connectors can lead to intermittent electrical faults.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings in the suspension and steering components can degrade, leading to looseness and poor handling.
Brand Origin:
Datsun (predecessor to Nissan) established in 1931, known for reliable and affordable vehicles
Model Introduction:
The Datsun 510 was introduced in Japan in 1968 and globally shortly after, becoming a cornerstone for Datsun in export markets.
Key Innovations:
For its class and era, the 510 featured advanced engineering such as its independent rear suspension (IRS) on sedan/coupe models, often compared favorably to European sports sedans.
Production Period:
1968–1973
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan (primarily, by Prince Jidosha Kogyo and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.)