1960s Nissan/Datsun U20 Engine

We heard about Mitchell Wilson's recent rebuild of a '60s Nissan/Datsun U20 engine at his shop, Engineered Performance in Alvarado, TX, and we had to know the full story! Engine of the Week is sponsored by PennGrade & Elring.
Engine Builder: www.enginebuildermag.com
PennGrade: www.penngrade1.com
Elring - Das Original: www.elring.com/en/

[@gregburrows9819]

Nissan Comp offered a number of performance parts for the U20 including intake/carbs, 7quart oil pan, a few cams, rods, pistons, flywheels etc. Not as much as for later L-series engines but still useful. The original engine was well built to begin with. I run a modified (to reduce compression but more than stock) set of Arias forged pistons, ported head, crank fired ignition (by Megajolt via Ford EDIS), a custom Isky cam (256 duration at 50housands, 531 total lift) and Dellorto 45DHLA carbs with 37mm chokes. Unfortunately it was running stupid rich on the dyno (10.5 to 1) but still produced 140hp and 135lbft torque to the wheels. It's a very streetable engine though compression is a bit high. I'm in the process of converting to EFI via Jenvey Heritage 40mm Weber DCOE look alikes. I expect better overall throttle response, wider torque band and likely a few more horses with better fuel control. The engine featured has solved a few problems the U20 has, namely the rear main seal, and I expect it makes very nice and use able power. It's nice to see that someone took interest in building this engine and featuring it... thanks.

[@donziperk]

Well here we are 3 years plus later waiting to see this so called great build run. So far just silence.

[@matthewadams2979]

Look at these grown men fighting over a Datsun!! You sound like the guys from NW DROPS.

[@Zippy67roadster]

Clearly you didnt do much searching online as all of the engine parts and gaskets ect. are available at Datsunparts.com. ISKY still does custom or race grinds for these cars. Also the 2L motor was not originally made for a forklift it was the R16 that was a modified H20 forklift. The hp was 135 stock for the 2L unless it had the optional solex setup.

[@prolificgrower7557]

Man. You sound like you know your stuff. I just picked up a 1600. Do you think I should keep the stock carb or go weber? Thanks in advance. Do it in a Datsun!

[@Nissanmachining]

Sin City, youd be incorrect but that's ok. You aren't familiar with the details on this build nor understand the severity on how in-depth the build is.

[@Zippy67roadster]

@@Nissanmachining well I can only go off of what was stated on the video very clearly. So my statement is not incorrect based off of the information that was given on the video.

[@Nissanmachining]

@@Zippy67roadster would behoove you to then maybe email or call to get information rather than try and be condescending. R16 to the U20 are both derived from the forklift assembly. Bearings are from the forklift platform for all those platform assemblies in the roadsters. This particular build is extremely one off due to the fact no REAL aftermarket parts are available for it. There's never been an 8qt pan, billet oil pickup, Asymmetrical camshaft, tri beam rods, high compression piston with different cam design, ATI damper and new vbelt drive, etc. The video only covers a few highlights not all and most attack merely on that info. Quite unfortunate because we did more than we've ever seen regarding this engine platform.

[@Zippy67roadster]

@@Nissanmachining I am not trying to be condescending just making a point to put correct information out. The U20 was nothing like the H20 forklift motor and never came from it! The H20 and subsequent R16 were both pushrod motors and have many interchangeable parts. The U20 is an overhead cam motor that has 1 interchangeable part with either the H20 or R16, the lower timing chain. It would behoove you to know what you were talking about before you try and correct someone just trying to be helpful!

[@rdeh1678]

There is a ton of parts for the roadster there is a company in surrey bc that rebuilds them to better then new

[@HapEDaddy]

I have a 1967 Datsun that my grandma and grandpa dated in while he was in the service, now that i took over the project i need the motor rebuilt and trans so i can take them on a date night in her. If you can help please its the original motor and trans

[@EngineBuilder]

Definitely reach out to Mitchell at Engineered Performance: facebook.com/NissanRaceEngineMachining

[@rdeh1678]

The solex carbs are a better choice for the u20

[@donwest5387]

the U20 head didn't need any porting

[@ChristopherWorelds]

#Nissan for the win!

[@donwest5387]

not without a turbo

[@roadsterdat1]

So if you finnished it where is the proof? Or did you not finish it. Like Sin city said parts are available .No proof of run sheets . A lots of hype no results to speak of

[@rollyae82]

knee san NO Niss an say it with me freaks lol...