AoA,
I want to preface this by saying, my knowledge of car internals (or externals, for that matter) is basically none. I would say around layman level, but since I've never daily driven a car, my knowledge would probably be even less than average, so I would appreciate if you treat me as such. Your input is valuable to me nonetheless.
I have read a few threads about this topic (Nissan Sunny restoration / engine swaps) so I do have some basic level knowledge but I would like further clarification.
As I have mentioned I have never daily driven a car, but I am at a point where I may need a car to drive daily (job) in a couple of months. This is where this 37 year-old Nissan B12 car with E10 carby engine comes into play. My brother advised me to get this car repaired before then, since I'm still mostly free right now. This car has been left untouched for about 1.5 years now. Last time I checked a few months ago, there were 2 HUGE rats in the engine bay having dinner. I would assume they've probably chewed through everything in there by now. Though the exterior was relatively in a better condition than I expected it to be.
The E10 carby, felt fairly underpowered when the engine was in good condition (before timing belt broke while driving and it damaged many other parts as well) and now, even more so. I want to turn it into a somewhat tension free daily driver that I can use regularly. I am relatively conscious of fuel economy so I do tend to drive with a light foot. The only problem is E10 doesn't really allow light foot driving due to which fuel economy goes to shit. I could never get more than 10-11 km/litre without A/C in city driving. I was in favor of having engine swapped but my brother (who is relatively much more knowledgeable than me) advised against it, and said to go for overhaul instead. This engine has clocked ~90,000 km in these 37 years which is true since we were the first owners of this car.
My current plan is to have its engine checked through a "compression test"? to see if engine has any life left. I would appreciate if someone can explain the specifics of this compression test and what kind of results should I expect. If the compression test comes out positive, then we may go for engine overhaul otherwise the plan will be to have its engine changed along with all the necessary upgrades required for a higher powered engine (1300cc or above) and new tyres. Power steering + windows and central locking for convenience. After that, interior + minimal body work (as needed) and finally A/C, and if possible, a proper audio system with a multimedia unit.
Engine change generally don't have a very good image in the eyes of people who aren't car enthusiasts. Most people I've talked to believe that a project car will always remain a project car and it will be standing at the mechanic workshop every month, and engine change is only done by car enthusiasts and that its better to just overhaul current engine if you want a tension free car. Can anyone confirm if this is true?
From what I've read, the general consensus on Nissan engine swaps among reputable people on Pakwheels forums seems to be against the idea of fitting cross-brand engines, (e.g. fitting Toyota engine in Nissan). I haven't read a convincing argument as to why that is the case. Is this a general consensus among cars or specific to Nissan Sunny?
My brother recommended Toyota 1NZFE / 2NZFE engine as a possible option since it's probably cheaper and more commonly available than the Nissan QG engines. Mechanics here are also much more familiar with that engine. Mounts would only need to be made once to fit the engine and resale value is of no importance to me since I won't be selling it. Is this a viable option in my situation?
I don't want to mention budget because it may limit possibilities but budget would be within the bounds of reason. Spending 20 lakh on a car that hardly even cost 4 does not seem very reasonable.
Can someone share the specifics of an overhaul and the specifics of carby to EFI engine swap that I need to keep in mind. Please include the smallest details you can think of. Assume no knowledge on my part. Also what should be the sequence of executing this whole plan and the overall duration it would take?
I am based in Karachi so please suggest good workshops in Karachi with experienced and skilled labour for this whole project. I don't mind if the workshops slightly overcharge their services IF they can deliver quality results. I just don't want substandard work going into this car that may become a source of headache for me later down the line.
Finally, if possible, if there's any experienced/reputable Karachi-based pakwheeler who may be interested and able to help me physically or otherwise, with their presence in this project, please tag/inform them in this thread. I will take all the help I can get.
I've tagged the people whose username I could remember. Please tag others whose insights may be useful in this case.
TIA
Regards,
Faraz
@Xulfiqar @capsat @dani_kk @syncview @hassan1991 @ser_gtr @consigliori @brownrose78
