Vehicle Segment:
Compact Sports Car / Convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, classic car owners, DIY mechanics, professional restoration shops
Key Competitors:
MG Midget, Triumph Spitfire, Alfa Romeo Spider, Fiat 850 Spider, Sunbeam Alpine
Vehicle Appeal:
Lightweight, agile, stylish Italianate design (by Yamaha designer), affordable performance
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs and preserving vehicle value
Geographic Coverage:
Global (primarily North America, Japan, Europe)
Trim Levels Covered:
All trim levels of the Datsun Sports 1600 SPL311
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of pages (exact count not specified, typical for workshop manuals of this era)
Manual Classification:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Manual Designation:
Factory Authorized / Original Workshop Manual Equivalent
Delivery Method:
Instant Download
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, internal components, lubrication, cooling system
Fuel System:
Carburetor (SU-HS Series) service, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank
Ignition System:
Distributor, ignition coil, spark plugs, wiring
Transmission Manual:
Manual gearbox overhaul, clutch assembly, shift linkage
Drivetrain:
Rear axle assembly, driveshaft, universal joints
Suspension Front:
Independent front suspension, control arms, ball joints, kingpins, springs, shock absorbers
Suspension Rear:
Live rear axle, leaf springs, shock absorbers
Steering System:
Steering box, steering linkage, steering column
Brake System Front:
Front disc brake assembly (calipers, pads, rotors)
Brake System Rear:
Rear drum brake assembly (wheel cylinders, shoes, drums)
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, charging system (generator/alternator), starting system, instrumentation
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, frame specifications, doors, windows, convertible top mechanism
Interior:
Seat removal, dashboard, trim panels
Heating Cooling System:
Radiator, heater core, fan, hoses
Maintenance:
Periodic maintenance charts, lubrication, fluid changes, filter replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults
Repair Engine:
Step-by-step engine overhaul and component repair
Repair Transmission:
Transmission disassembly, inspection, and reassembly
Repair Brakes:
Brake system component replacement and adjustment
Repair Suspension:
Suspension component replacement and alignment specifications
Repair Electrical:
Component testing and repair, wiring harness troubleshooting
Bodywork Repair:
Body panel repair and adjustment procedures
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams included
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed overhaul and rebuild procedures for major components
Diagnostic Information:
In-depth diagnostic trees and troubleshooting guides
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Engine Code:
R16 (often referred to as the 1600cc engine)
Displacement:
1595 cc (97.3 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
83.0 mm x 73.7 mm (3.27 in x 2.90 in)
Horsepower Gross:
96 hp @ 6000 rpm (typical for early models)
Torque Gross:
102 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (typical for early models)
Carburetor Type:
Twin SU HS2 (or HS4 in later variants) semi-downdraft carburetors
Fuel Grade Recommendation:
Unleaded gasoline (higher octane recommended if available/required)
Ignition Timing:
Specific timing marks and procedures detailed in manual
Compression Ratio:
8.5:1 (typical)
Valve Train:
Overhead Valve (OHV), Pushrod Actuated
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (typical for the era)
Tune Up Interval:
Every 6,000 - 12,000 miles (includes spark plugs, points, condenser, filter check)
Grease Points:
Regular greasing of suspension and steering joints (as per manual)
Engine Oil Type:
API SF or SG rated multi-viscosity oil, e.g., 20W-50
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (glycol-based)
Radiator Capacity:
Approximately 6.0 US quarts (5.7 liters)
Common Issues:
Rust (especially in floor pans, sills, and rocker panels), carburetor tuning difficulties, potential oil leaks, worn suspension bushings, electrical gremlins
Performance Issues:
Carburetor synchronization, ignition timing drift, fuel delivery problems
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
e.g., Wix 51515, Fram PH8A (cross-reference needed for exact fitment)
Datsun Heritage:
Datsun (Nissan's export brand) was known for producing reliable and affordable vehicles. The Datsun Sports line built upon this reputation with sporty offerings.
Spl310 To Spl311 Evolution:
The SPL311 evolved from the earlier SPL310 Fairlady, receiving engine upgrades and styling refinements.
Fairlady Lineage:
The SPL311 is part of the Fairlady/Datsun Sports lineage that began in the late 1950s.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (Nissan Motor Corporation)
Production Volume:
Moderate for its niche, contributing to Datsun's growing global presence in the 1960s.
