Model:
Datsun Roadster (Fairlady)
Model Variants:
SP310, SP311, SRL311 (1500 and 1600/2000)
Production Years Covered:
Approximately 1962-1970 roadster generations
Document Type:
Factory competition preparation manual
Availability:
Digital PDF download from emanual.com
Target Audience:
Rally and club racers preparing Datsun Roadsters for competition, plus serious restorers seeking factory preparation standards
Manufacturer Intent:
Datsun issued this manual to support privateers and works-backed entries in rallying and road racing
Modern Use:
Reference for vintage racing eligibility and period-correct competition builds
Advantage:
Rare factory-source material, not aftermarket guesswork — shows exactly how Datsun itself prepared the Fairlady for motorsport
Competition Pedigree:
The Roadster earned class wins in rallies and SCCA racing, and this manual documents the basis of that success
Content:
Step-by-step competition preparation procedures for engine, suspension, and chassis
Format:
Downloadable PDF, searchable and printable
Subject:
Competition preparation of the Datsun/Fairlady Roadster (SP310/SP311/SRL311 series)
Scope:
Engine, drivetrain, suspension, brakes, body, and safety equipment preparation for racing and rallying
Manual Type:
Factory competition preparation manual (vintage factory publication, reproduced digitally)
Page Count:
N/A - not specified for this reproduction
Delivery Method:
Instant digital download after purchase
Binding:
Digital (no physical shipment)
Engine:
Disassembly, blueprinting, and race preparation of the inline-four (series-specific 1500/1600/2000 engines)
Cooling System:
Radiator, hoses, and cooling upgrades for sustained competition use
Fuel System:
Carburetion and fuel delivery preparation, including twin-carb setups
Ignition System:
Distributor, points, and timing preparation for racing conditions
Lubrication:
Oil system modifications and lubrication points for endurance use
Clutch & Transmission:
Inspection, strengthening, and gear selection guidance
Rear Axle & Driveline:
Differential ratios, half-shafts, and U-joint preparation
Front Suspension:
Independent front suspension alignment, springs, and shocks for racing
Rear Suspension:
Live-axle leaf-spring setup and handling tuning
Steering:
Steering box adjustment and free-play elimination
Brakes:
Brake upgrade, bedding, and adjustment procedures for competition
Wheels & Tires:
Wheel selection, tire choice, and mounting guidance
Body & Chassis:
Weight reduction, stiffening, and preparation of the steel body
Electrical System:
Wiring checks and competition electrical preparation
Disassembly & Reassembly:
Step-by-step teardown and rebuild sequences for major assemblies
Inspection:
Wear limits and component inspection criteria
Adjustment:
Valve clearances, timing, carburetor tuning, and alignment specifications
Safety Equipment:
Roll bar, harness, and fire suppression preparation guidance typical of period competition rules
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, and settings where published in the original factory document
Illustrations:
Line drawings and diagrams reproduced from the original manual
Depth Level:
Written for mechanics and race preparers — assumes mechanical competence
Parts Lists:
Part references where included in the original factory publication
Service Parts:
Guidance on factory part usage for competition builds
Modern Sourcing:
N/A - original publication era; no current vendor cross-references
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Primary Engine:
1.6L inline-four (R-series) in later Roadsters
Engine Options Range:
1488cc (SP310/early 1500), 1595cc (SP311 1600), and 1982cc (SRL311 2000) inline-fours
Valvetrain:
Pushrod OHV, inline-four
Block / Head:
Cast iron block, aluminum head
Power (1500):
Approximately 71-77 hp depending on year and market
Power (1600):
Approximately 96 hp SAE gross
Power (2000):
Approximately 135 hp SAE gross (U20 with twin Mikuni-Solex carbs)
Redline Character:
High-revving four with strong mid-range for period competition
Carburetors:
Twin carburetors (Hitachi or Mikuni-Solex depending on model)
Fuel Type:
Leaded gasoline of the era (premium recommended for high-compression engines)
Standard Transmission:
4-speed manual floor-shift gearbox
Optional Transmission:
5-speed manual introduced with later Roadster models (1600/2000 era)
Drive Layout:
Front engine, rear-wheel drive
Clutch:
Single dry-plate clutch
Synchromesh:
Synchromesh on upper gears, non-synchro first gear typical of the era
Competition Notes:
Manual covers gear inspection, strengthening, and ratio selection for racing
Differential:
Live rear axle with interchangeable final drive ratios for different events
Wheelbase:
Approximately 89.0 in (2260 mm)
Length:
Approximately 155.5 in (3950 mm) for the 1600
Layout:
Two-seat roadster, steel unit-body construction
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2000-2150 lbs (900-975 kg) depending on model year and equipment
Competition Relevance:
Light weight was a core advantage in its class; manual covers further weight reduction
Crash Test Information:
N/A - not specified for this model; modern crash testing did not exist for 1960s vehicles
Brakes:
Front disc brakes (1600 and later); competition preparation includes upgrade and bedding procedures
Steering & Handling:
Responsive independent front suspension; manual covers race alignment settings
Period Equipment:
Lap belts; no airbags or modern restraints
Competition Safety:
Manual addresses roll protection, harnesses, and fire suppression per period competition practice
Structural:
Steel unitized body; manual covers stiffening measures for racing
Audio System:
N/A - not specified for this model; competition builds omit audio equipment
Instrumentation:
Speedometer, tachometer, and gauges; manual covers gauge checks for competition use
Driver Assistance:
N/A - not applicable to a 1960s sports car
Mechanical Aids:
Period competition technology covered instead: twin-carb induction tuning, brake biasing, and suspension setup
Period Guidance:
Oil and filter changes at short intervals, valve clearance checks, and ignition service per the factory schedule
Competition Intervals:
Manual emphasizes pre-event and post-event inspection routines for racing use
Engine Oil:
Period-correct multi-grade engine oil of appropriate viscosity for ambient conditions
Gearbox & Differential:
Hypoid gear oil (GL-4/GL-5 type) per original specifications
Coolant:
Water with corrosion inhibitor; pressurized radiator
Known Issues / Common Wear Items
Points & Timing:
Ignition points require frequent service under racing conditions
Carburetors:
Twin-carb synchronization is critical to performance and drivability
Chassis:
Rust in floors and frame rails is a common issue on surviving Roadsters
Suspension Bushings & Kingpins:
Front suspension wear items need regular inspection
Manufacturer:
Datsun, the export brand of Nissan Motor Co., Japan
Heritage:
Datsun built its export reputation on affordable, competition-proven sports cars in the 1960s
Origins:
Based on the SPL212/SPL310 Fairlady, first exported around 1962
1500 (SP310/311):
Refined 1.5L roadster that established the model in export markets
1600 (SP311):
Larger 1.6L engine and front disc brakes; strong SCCA and rally competitor
2000 (SRL311):
Top variant with 2.0L U20 engine and 5-speed gearbox, 1967-1970
Country of Manufacture:
Japan
Plant:
Nissan production facilities in Japan
Competition Record:
Datsun Roadsters achieved class wins in SCCA production racing and international rallying, building Datsun's motorsport reputation
Collector Status:
Now a recognized collectible vintage sports car with active classic racing and club support
Manual Rarity:
Original competition preparation manuals are scarce, making this reproduction a valued reference