Vehicle Segment:
Compact Sports Car / Roadster
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, Classic Car Owners, Mechanics, Restoration Shops
Key Competitors Era:
MG MGB, Triumph TR4/TR250, Fiat 124 Spider, Alfa Romeo Spider, Sunbeam Alpine
Vehicle Appeal:
Stylish Japanese interpretation of the British roadster, renowned for its reliability and performance relative to competitors.
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for preserving and maintaining a classic Datsun Sports, enabling DIY repairs and maximizing the vehicle's longevity and drivability.
Model Years Covered:
1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970
Vehicle Variants Covered:
SP311 (Coupe), SPL311 (Roadster/Convertible)
Estimated Page Count:
Comprehensive (Exact page count not specified, but factory service manuals for this era typically range from 300-600 pages)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Additional Types Indicated:
Troubleshooting Manual Guide, Shop Repair Manual, Workshop Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (Gearing, Lubrication, Cooling, Fuel, Ignition), Transmission (Manual and potentially Automatic if offered), Drivetrain (Rear Axle, Driveshaft)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front and Rear), Steering, Brakes (Hydraulic System, Components), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Charging System (Alternator, Regulator), Starting System (Starter Motor), Ignition System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Wiper System, Horn, Audio System (if applicable)
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Seals, Interior Trim, Seat Adjustment Mechanisms, Convertible Top Mechanism (for SPL311)
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes (Oil, Coolant, Brake Fluid, Transmission Fluid), Filter Replacements, Lubrication Points
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Bodywork Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Charts, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides, Common Problems and Solutions
Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Clearances, Adjustments, Component Dimensions
Depth:
Comprehensive Factory Level - Covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV) or Overhead Cam (OHC) depending on specific tune/year, naturally aspirated
Displacement:
1.6 Liters (1592 cc)
Horsepower Estimated:
Approx. 96-104 hp @ 6000 rpm (Varies slightly by carburetor setup and tune)
Torque Estimated:
Approx. 95-100 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (Varies)
Carburetion:
Typically twin SU (Skinner's Union) carburetors or Hitachi carburetors.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (though leaded gasoline was common during its production, modern fuel may require additives or adjustments).
Bore X Stroke:
78.4 mm x 82.0 mm
Type:
4-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
3-speed Automatic Transmission (Less common, often found in later models or specific markets)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated clutch
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 Hypoid Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent
Length Sp311:
Approx. 3,955 mm (155.7 in)
Length Spl311:
Approx. 3,960 mm (155.9 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,575 mm (62.0 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,290 mm (50.8 in) (Coupe), Approx. 1,260 mm (49.6 in) (Roadster)
Wheelbase:
2,170 mm (85.4 in)
Curb Weight Approx:
Approx. 900-950 kg (1984-2094 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Not typically published in a way that is easily comparable to modern vehicles; refer to specific vehicle plate.
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (No standardized crash testing procedures existed in this form during the 1960s)
Braking System:
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes
Steering Type:
Recirculating Ball Steering
Seat Belts:
Often optional or lap belts only, depending on market and production date. Manual will detail any factory-fitted systems.
Body Structure:
Unitary body construction with integral chassis components.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (typical for the era).
Tune Up Interval:
Every 10,000-15,000 miles (includes spark plugs, points, condenser, carburetor adjustment).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 Quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter (refer to manual for exact capacity).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SF classification, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 is generally suitable. For classic cars, a high-zinc oil might be beneficial. Consult manual for precise specification.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 Quarts (6.2 Liters) (refer to manual).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (e.g., 50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Wear Items:
Carburetor (SU/Hitachi) tuning and diaphragm wear, clutch master/slave cylinders, brake hoses, suspension bushings, ignition points and condenser, cooling system hoses.
Rust Prone Areas:
Floor pans, rocker panels, rear fender arches, battery tray area, sills.
Parts Status:
Many common wear items are available from specialist suppliers. More obscure or body-specific parts may require searching specialist forums or fabrication.
Datsun Predecessors:
Datsun's early success was built on robust, affordable cars like the Bluebird and Sunny. The Sports series represented a move into more performance-oriented and stylish vehicles.
Predecessor Model:
Datsun Fairlady SP210 (predecessor to the Sports line).
Sports Series Development:
The SP311/SPL311 series evolved from the earlier SPL210 (Fairlady) and SPL211, offering a more sophisticated design and improved performance. The '1600' designation reflects the engine displacement.
Production Period:
1965-1970
Manufacturing Plant:
Japan (Specific plant details usually found in factory records).
Total Production Units:
Estimated ~10,000-15,000 units across all variants, making it a relatively rare classic.
Class Awards:
Often a popular choice in 'Best Classic Japanese Car' categories at car shows and concourse events.
Reliability Perception:
Considered more reliable and easier to maintain than many contemporary European rivals, a hallmark of Datsun engineering.
Historical Significance:
Represents a key step in Datsun's (and by extension, Nissan's) growth as a global automotive manufacturer and its early success in the sports car market.
