Novice class tech?

[Datsun]

I signed up for the novice school this year for the first time. For the last three years, my car had some sort of issue that prevented me from attempting to make it. I am curious if any of my mods would be a problem for autox. Being that my car is old, leaky, full of dents the parts for it somewhat rare and pricy, I have gone with the upgrade as necessary approach to keeping it running. "Rolling Restorodsteration" is a bit of a stretch, but along those lines.

Car: 69 Datsun 2000
I have changed the points to EI.
Changed the brake calipers as old Volvo calipers fit, and cost a bit less than rebuilding the originals.
I will be switching to a GM alternator before the class. (My springtime bugs have struck again!)
I have collapsed one coil on my front suspension.

The car runs, turns and stops very well, but not any better than when it was new.

If any of these will DQ me from the class, or from future autox events, I guess I would like to know now so I can cancel with some time to spare. I am not looking to win races, I just want to be able wring this thing out a bit in a controled stiuation and have some fun.

Thanks
Erik

[73GT]

Erik
The collapsed front sring is the issue. What do you mean sagging, broken, perch rusted thru?

73GT
Chief of Tech

[914 Dave]

I'm not the chief of tech, but will offer some thoughts as Jr tech guy...

Novice school is not a "stock" class- its a "run whatcha brung" kinda thing. Mods you make/have made may change your classing for events during the season, but as far as the novice school, its no biggie.

That being said, the mods need to be safe. We don't to a top to bottom nuts and bolts inspection, but rather more of a safety inspection, to be as sure as we can be that your car won't hurt you or us.

-The points change shouldn't be a problem, so long as they spark reliably.
-The calipers are probably not a problem as long as they stop you and don't "go away" while on course, but lets hope the brake pedal is solid, not soft and to the floor. The swap on its own should not be a problem, soft pedal would be.
-As long as the alternator alternates and does not set your car on fire, thats all good. Tidy wireing can't hurt, as opposed to the "ball of black tape" work that sometimes is done.

-The collapsed coil could be a problem, and I defer to the tech king, Lee F. on that one. If that coil is really flat, handling to the left/right, as in a quick slalom might be a bit weird, and unsafe.

We'll see what the boss has to say, and he does check the boards often.

Lastly, even if there are issues with your car right now, go rent a neon or other small fun-ish car and do the school anyway- ITS A BLAST!!!


edit- Lee, you did it again, while I was thinking out a good answer you beat me to the post!!!

[Datsun]

To clarify the front coils, I heated and shortened them by one coil to lower the ride height a bit. I also shortened the bumpstops a bit and had an alignment done afterwards. This was actually straight from the competition manual for Datsun roadsters that I think Bob Sharp wrote back in the late 60's.

Sounds like I should be allowed in without any problems. The car hasn't yet burst into flames, and the brakes and steering do work well. (I may need to buy some more black electrical tape though...)

[MNbiker]

Sounds like you should be OK. A couple common problems you should check, as they can be tough to correct at the last second: Make sure you don't have any excessive play in the wheel bearings and ensure your battery is FIRMLY tied down.

The instructors will inspect your car after the classroom session on Saturday, so you'll have some time to correct any minor issues, prior to the Sunday driving school.

-Steve

p.s. I owned a Datsun 2000 in the early 80's. Fun car! Wish I still had it, as it was one of the few originals I've seen with little/no rust.

[73GT]

Also change your brake fluid if you haven't changed it in the last 2yrs or ever.
The sagging of the springs from heat isn't the correct way to lower your car as it takes the temper out but it should be Ok. Your original post said one side?


73GT
Chief of Tech

[Datsun]

One coil of each spring.
I do bleed the brakes each spring, but I may not have time before this event.