Datsun A15 1500cc with Automatic Trans

[864 BYX]

Sorry to much bickering here on this site by so called Morris Minor Owners, had enough Bye Bye

[badobsession]

Hi the Dustan engine and box was a favourite choice in Australia .
i did have a Dustan box on my 1275 at one time .....
good wee box ....
can't help with the fitting of an auto box think the reason they are not as easy to fit is they
tend to be a bit larger than a manual box
if you are stuck PM me and i will pass you on to a few willing to help >>>

[don58van]

Hi 864 BYX

I am an Aussie, and I can confirm that the Datsun conversion is very popular here. I think that there must be almost as many Minors with Datsun engines as those with the original lump. Corolla engines gearboxes are also very popular.

Both of these drivetrains are absolutely bulletproof. They are both extremely reliable and durable.

The Datsun engine has a vague link with the original lump too. Datsun manufactured Austin motors under licence and so they influenced the design of the Datsun A series. They are far superior in design and quality of manufacture.

As conversions go, fitting the A15 is pretty easy and it can be done with minimal modification to the bodywork. I don't know much about how the auto gearbox fits but there are plenty of autos running around here in in Oz.

I suggest that you get yourself onto OzMorris and/or Morrisdownunder. There are lots of Minor owners on those sites who have done the conversions.

Cheers
Don

[twincamman]

There's someone on Retro Rides that may have an A15 for sale (not sure if it's an auto though)
See here:-
http://retrorides.proboards.com/thread/ ... 7fYGepwYhk

[864 BYX]

Bye Bye

[charlie_morris_minor]

Yes I know be careful but come on im 53 years old and drive all over the world, so know what I am doing here.

its not your self you have to worry about it is the other prats on the road, i only just missed a VW golf who pulled out on my on a roundabout on the way home from the national thank god my daughter was wearing her seat belt or she could have been seriously hurt rather than woken up very abruptly.

good luck with the engine and box change..

[don58van]

Right lets see what I need to fabricate engine mounts anyone, suggestions to what to start with (original Datsun/morris?)

In Oz, some use cut down Minor engine mounts, others use Escort mounts. In either case, engine-side mounts need to be two of those that come on the driver's side of the Datsun engine (you need two that come from the one side). There are a couple of Minor specialists in Oz that will sell you sell you an installation kit.

The mounts need to go closer to the bulkhead/firewall than the standard position.

You will have to relieve a bit of metal from the front crossmember for the crank pulley.

It is desirable to take a bit of depth out of the sump, as it is susceptible to damage from speed humps etc

With the manual gearbox you have to cut a slot in the bellhousing to clear the steering rack. I assume you would have to do the same for the auto.

On the Morris Downunder site, there is a step by step explanation of how to fit an A12/A13/A14/A15. It only covers the manual box though.

Good luck with it.

Don

[864 BYX]

Bye Bye

[864 BYX]

Bye Bye

[bmcecosse]

The final drive will be fine - and the auto trans will cushion the half shafts from any nasty shocks.

[864 BYX]

Bye Bye

[don58van]

Hi again

Many who fit a Datsun engine fit a Datsun Sunny (B310) rear axle. It is the right width for the Minor and like the engine is very tough and has a suitable ratio. It will need new Minor mounting perches fitted to it. Obviously, a custom-modified tailshaft will be required.

Don

[864 BYX]

Bye Bye