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[Datsun 1200 encyclopedia]

Rotary engine

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Categories: Nissan Engines | Documentation

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-Nissan Rotary Power! Whether a factory Nissan rotary engine, or a Mazda rota stuff into a Datsun 1200, excitement is sure to result.+Nissan Rotary Power! Whether a factory Nissan rotary engine, or a Mazda rota stuffed into a Datsun 1200, excitement is sure to result. The {{wikiEx|Wankel_engine|Wankel rotary engine}} is light and powerful.
-== Nissan's Own Rotary Engine ==+= Engine Swaps =
-At the Tokyo Motor Show, October 19, 1972, Nissan exhibited a Datsun Sunny [[PB110]] with a prototype Nissan twin-rotor [[wikipedia:Wankel engine|wankel-type rotary engine]].+{{Main|Mazda rotary engine swap}}
 +{{AlbumLinkH|Mazda_rotary_engine_swap|15230|Mazda swap|height=300}}
 + 
 += Nissan's Own Rotary Engine =
 +The modern rotary engine was developed by NSU-Wankel and they started selling licenses to other companies. Nissan was the second automaker to license the Wankel engine, after Mazda. Nissan president Kawamata signed the agreement at the NSU head office in Neckarsulm, West Germany in October 1970. GM signed a similar agreement a month later.
 + 
 +At the Tokyo Motor Show, October 19, 1972, Nissan exhibited a Sunny [[PB110]] with a prototype Nissan twin-rotor {{wikiEx|Wankel_engine|wankel-type rotary engine}}. [http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=25290 Reportedly] it was supplied by Toyo Kogyo.
-[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=4949 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/photos/4949.jpg]+{{AlbumH|26760|jpg|233}} {{Album|4949}}
This was during the height of the rotary-power frenzy. Wankel had the patent, and every one licensed it, from GM to Mercedes to Mazda, and also Nissan. Nissan's interest started in [http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BF%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%82%A8%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B8%E3%83%B3 mid-1965] This was during the height of the rotary-power frenzy. Wankel had the patent, and every one licensed it, from GM to Mercedes to Mazda, and also Nissan. Nissan's interest started in [http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%82%BF%E3%83%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%82%A8%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B8%E3%83%B3 mid-1965]
[http://www.conceptnissan.com/1970.shtml conceptnissan.com] [http://www.conceptnissan.com/1970.shtml conceptnissan.com]
-<br><img size=400>http://www.conceptnissan.com/1970/1973_1200-rotary-2.jpg</img>+<br>{{UploadPostH|174_6143ccf96a1cc.jpg|495864|302|was=Photo\1973_1200-rotary-2.jpg\Datsun%201200/wiki}} {{UploadPost|174_6143ccd9eb2e1.jpg|495864|was=Photo\1973_1200-rotary-3.jpg}}
-[http://www.conceptnissan.com/1970.shtmlhtml conceptnissan.com]+22 Jan 1972 - Nissan Plans Rotary Engine - Tucson Daily Citizen
-<br><img size=400>http://www.conceptnissan.com/1970/1973_1200-rotary-3.jpg</img>+<blockquote>TOKYO (AP) — Nissan Motor Co., the second largest Japanese auto maker, said today it plans to market its first rotary engine passenger car in late 1973. Nissan officials said the company has developed rotary engines to be used for its vehicles under a license obtained from Audi NSU Auto Union Ag., of West Germany, in 1970.
 +<br>
 +<br>They said the new rotary engine autos, "Sunny"-type passenger cars, will be shown at the Tokyo motor show this fall and put on sale by fall 1973. The officials declined to disclose how many rotary engine cars Nissan plans to manufacture.
 +<br>{{PhotoTh|Nissan_Plans_Rotary_Engine.jpg|Datsun%201200/newspaper}}</blockquote>
-=== Datsun Sunny Rotary Prototype ===+= Datsun Sunny Rotary Prototype =
-[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=383 Here is a picture] of the prototype being tested in a Datsun Sunny 1200 (B110) coupe:+Here is a picture of the prototype being tested in a Datsun Sunny 1200 (B110) coupe:
-<br><img size=400>http://datsun1200.com/uploads/photos/383.jpg</img>+<br>{{Album|383}}
1972 October: 19th Tokyo Motor Show, Sunny Excellents were fitted with the Nissan rotary. 1972 October: 19th Tokyo Motor Show, Sunny Excellents were fitted with the Nissan rotary.
-=== Datsun S10 Sylvia LS Type X ===+1973 Motor Show brochure shows a photo of the Rotary
-Reportedly Nissan even sold some rotary-powered Sylvias (S10/S11 models) to the public circa 1978, however, this is not confirmed. [http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=4949 reference]+<br>{{AlbumLinkH|Nissan_Brochures#1973_Tokyo_Motor_Show|26403|brochure}} {{PhotoH|1973.jpg|Datsun%201200/wiki|234}}
-http://pds.exblog.jp/pds/1/200512/13/35/b0032035_22424989.jpg+1973 Motor Show
 +<br>{{UploadPostH|7952_4d61e782bcdee.jpg|357624|300}} {{Photo|rotary.jpg|Datsun%201200/Brochures}}
 + {{Album|10933}}
-=== High Performance—120 Horsepower ===+1973 Brochure Closeups
 +<br>{{UploadPost|174_6147bbf8e2796.jpg|495880}} {{UploadPost|174_6147bc165681c.jpg|495880|was=Photo\nissan_wankle.jpg}}
 + 
 +Nissan 2-rotor (museum display photos)
 +<br>{{AlbumH|26402|jpg|250}} {{AlbumH|26401|jpg|250}}
 + 
 +{{YouTube|TUatEp32NaA|Datsun History (14:03)}}
 +<br>{{UploadPost|174_5a5328d5793d9.jpg|487170}}
 + 
 +{{AlbumLinkH|Nissan_%2772/3|27980|72/3 brochure}}
 + 
 +Big rotor version
 +<br>{{Photo!|curtiss_wright_rc_19_1920cui_wankel_1.jpg}}
 + 
 += Nissan S10 Sylvia LS Type X =
 +Rumours have it that Nissan sold some rotary-powered Silvias (S10/S11 models) to the public circa 1978 ([http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=4949 reference]), however, this seems entirely impossible since in 1974 they stopped working on the rotary.
 + 
 +{{Album|28001|was=Photo\b0032035_22424989.jpg\Datsun%201200/wiki}}
 + 
 +What is documented is that the B210-based "New Silvia" was designed with the intention of having Rotary Power. However the Nissan Rotary project was cancelled before it was finished.
 + 
 += High Performance—120 Horsepower =
The rotary efforts definitely did *not* stop because the rotary was a poor design. Au contraire, it was amazing! The rotary efforts definitely did *not* stop because the rotary was a poor design. Au contraire, it was amazing!
<blockquote>[http://%20http://fastfoursvip.com/articles_article.aspx?view=241 quote:]<hr>Using peripheral ports, two plugs per rotor and a four-barrel carby its 120hp raised the top speed of the Datsun 1200 to 175km/h or 40 more than the original 1200cc four-cylinder. Nissan was setting up production facilities with the (announced) intention of producing 3000 rotary vehicles per month with either five-speed manual or three-speed auto.<hr></blockquote> <blockquote>[http://%20http://fastfoursvip.com/articles_article.aspx?view=241 quote:]<hr>Using peripheral ports, two plugs per rotor and a four-barrel carby its 120hp raised the top speed of the Datsun 1200 to 175km/h or 40 more than the original 1200cc four-cylinder. Nissan was setting up production facilities with the (announced) intention of producing 3000 rotary vehicles per month with either five-speed manual or three-speed auto.<hr></blockquote>
-[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=8051 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/8051.jpg]+{{Main|Driving the Datsun Rotary}}
-<br>''Driving report: 112mph and still pulling hard ...''+
-[http://datsun1200.com/uploads/newbb/7952_4d61e782bcdee.jpg 1973 Motor Show]+''Driving report: 112mph and still pulling hard ...'' Read the entire [[Driving_the_Datsun_Rotary|report]].
-<br><img size=400>http://datsun1200.com/uploads/newbb/7952_4d61e782bcdee.jpg</img>+<br>{{Album|8051}} {{AlbumH|27482|jpg|252}}
-=== Fuel Economy ===+Driver 1977.11 magazine article
 +<br>{{Album|26400}}
 + 
 += Fuel Economy =
Note that Rotaries are not more fuel-wasting than other engines of the same power output. But a 120hp rotary does use more fuel than a 69hp A12 engine, as would seem obvious once we think about it. Initially, there were problems with fuel economy, but that problem was solved by 1976. Note that Rotaries are not more fuel-wasting than other engines of the same power output. But a 120hp rotary does use more fuel than a 69hp A12 engine, as would seem obvious once we think about it. Initially, there were problems with fuel economy, but that problem was solved by 1976.
-[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=8320 info]+{{AlbumTranslate|8320|jpg|'''&#12525;&#12479;&#12522;&#12540;&#12456;&#12531;&#12472;&#12531;&#35430;&#20316;&#36554;'''|'''Rotary Engine Prototype Car'''<br>Under the bonnet of this Excellent is the rotary engine used to advance the development of NISSAN's new rotary, which is based on technology from the NSU Wankel corporation. The swept volume displacement is 2 rotors of 500cc each.}}
-<br><img size=400>http://datsun1200.com/uploads/photos/8320.jpg</img>+
-<br>+
-Under the bonnet of this Excellent is the rotary engine used to advance the development of NISSAN's new rotary, which is based on technology from the NSU Wankel corporation. The swept volume displacement is 2 rotors of 500cc each.+
-=== End Of the Rotary Era ===+= End Of the Rotary Era =
The wankel design has the benefit of small size, low weight, high power for the size, and smoothness of operation (they routinely rev to 9k rpm). So why did everyone except Mazda and some non-automakers stop making wankel-style rotaries? It appears to be because of a combination of factors (these are my opinions, not necessarily hard facts): The wankel design has the benefit of small size, low weight, high power for the size, and smoothness of operation (they routinely rev to 9k rpm). So why did everyone except Mazda and some non-automakers stop making wankel-style rotaries? It appears to be because of a combination of factors (these are my opinions, not necessarily hard facts):
-* Perceived value: at first it seemed that the public would <i>demand</i> these engines, so every automaker figured they better get busy and offer one. The president of Mazda commented something like the following: after Mazda and NSU put these high-power engines into hundreds of thousands of subcompact cars, the economy-minded public—which expected smallcar=econobox—eventually realized that the subcompact car they bought had a high-power engine, not the economy engine they expected. Just like sticking a V8 into a small car, it was enough to give the product a bad rep. Then when the 73-74 oil crisis hit, the manufacturers realized the public was no longer demanding 'rotary' engines. Unfair? Yes, but sometimes the bottom drops out of a market. Unless people start demanding rotaries again, which seems improbably given past history, we'll never seem mass-market rotaries again.+* Perceived value: at first it seemed that the public would <i>demand</i> these engines, so every automaker figured they better get busy and offer one. The president of Mazda commented something like the following: after Mazda and NSU put these high-power engines into hundreds of thousands of subcompact cars, the economy-minded public—which expected smallcar=econobox—eventually realized that the subcompact car they bought had a high-power engine, not the economy engine they expected. Just like sticking a V8 into a small car, it was enough to give the product a bad rep. Then when the 73-74 oil crisis hit, the manufacturers realized the public was no longer demanding 'rotary' engines. Unfair? Yes, but sometimes the bottom drops out of a market. Unless people start demanding rotaries again, which seems improbably given past history, we'll never see mass-market rotaries again.
* During the economic recession caused by the oil crises, manufacturers tightened their belts. One way to save money was to stop developing new engines and new car models associated with it. During such times of financial crisis, most companies cut back in their R & D. * During the economic recession caused by the oil crises, manufacturers tightened their belts. One way to save money was to stop developing new engines and new car models associated with it. During such times of financial crisis, most companies cut back in their R & D.
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1973 New York Auto Show 1973 New York Auto Show
-<br>[http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/ddgonzal/Datsun%201200/newspaper/NissanRotary.jpg http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/ddgonzal/Datsun%201200/newspaper/th_NissanRotary.jpg] [http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/ddgonzal/Datsun%201200/newspaper/NissanRotary133226034.jpg http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/ddgonzal/Datsun%201200/newspaper/th_NissanRotary133226034.jpg]+<br>{{PhotoTh|NissanRotary.jpg|Datsun%201200/newspaper}} {{PhotoTh|NissanRotary133226034.jpg|Datsun%201200/newspaper}}
Oakland Tribune, 16 Nov 1972, page 29 Oakland Tribune, 16 Nov 1972, page 29
-<br>[http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/ddgonzal/Datsun%201200/newspaper/120019721116rotary31623212.jpg http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/ddgonzal/Datsun%201200/newspaper/th_120019721116rotary31623212.jpg]+<br>{{PhotoTh|120019721116rotary31623212.jpg|Datsun%201200/newspaper}}
-The Sunday Sun, 27 May 1973, page D8+The Lowell Sun, 27 May 1973, page D8
-<br>[http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/ddgonzal/Datsun%201200/newspaper/120019730527rotary55609527.jpg http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/ddgonzal/Datsun%201200/newspaper/th_120019730527rotary55609527.jpg]+{{Thumb|25290}}<blockquote>IN A COUPLE of Tokyo auto shows two new rotary engines were introduced -- one for a car and another for a motorcycle. Both should be on the market soon.
 +<br>
 +<br>Nissan Motor Co. which makes Datsun will be the next auto maker to put the rotary into production. Although there are some differences the Datsun rotary is essentially the same as the Mazda using two rotor, a four-barrel carburetor, twin ignition and water colling. Where the two engines differ is that the Datsun has a peripheral port type while the Mazda is a side-intake port type. Each of the Datsun rotor housing is 500cc, slightly smaller than Mazda but Nissan is planning on surpassing Mazda's 130 horsepower rating (before the smog goodies go on).
 +<br>
 +<br>The engine is being supplied by Toyo Kogyo (Mazda) for the Datsun.
 +<br>
 +<br>Mazda has helped the problem of low-end torque by taking advantage of the car's wide range of r.p.m. The automatic is set to shift at 6,000 r.p.m. when the gas pedal is on the floor.
 +<br>
 +<br>BUT DATSUN HAS a head start on Mazda. The company already has a well-organized distribution system in the United States with dealerships well-established. Mazda on the other hand had to start from scratch. [http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=25290 see more]</blockquote>
-= Engine Swaps =+But only a year later, the Rotary was not seen at the Show:
- See main article: [[Mazda rotary engine swap]]+<br>{{Thumb|25291}}
 +<blockquote>December 6, 1973
 +<br>
 +<br>Where was Nissan's rotary powered Sunny featured in last year's show as a production car potential? Rumor is Nissan will put an all new rotary powered coupe on sale by the first of the year and didn't want to blow their impact by revealing it at the show.</blockquote>
 + 
 + 
 +31 May 1974: Nissan Junking Rotary Engines<br>{{Thumb|25292}}<blockquote>Datsun "reportedly has decided to give up its plan to start production of a rotary-engine vehicle scheduled for this autumn...Nissan planned on building 3,000 rotary-powered cars a month, but is now putting off its plans because of fuel economy problems."</blockquote>
 + 
 +6 June 1974
 +{{Thumb|25293}}<blockquote>Nissan's apparent withdrawal from rotary production leaves Toyo Kogyo, the Japanese firm which makes the rotary powered Mazda, and General Motors as the only major auto companies remaining in the rotary engine field.</blockquote>
-= Rotary-Powered Datsun 1200 photo index =+18 Sep 1974
-Here are some pictures from our club photo album. Click a pic for larger photos, details, and discussion:+<br>{{Thumb|25294}}<blockquote>Nissan, which markets the Japanese Datsun, had been expected to introduce a rotary car sometime next spring. It delivered its Wankel-powered auto to the Japanese Government for certification last March but now has withdrawn it from the certification program. Its future seems to be In some doubt.</blockquote>
-<table border=1><tr><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=93 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/93.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=93 rota 1200]</font></td><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=158 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/158.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=158 project 1200]</font></td><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=383 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/383.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=383 1200 rotary prototype.]</font></td>+
-<td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=581 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/581.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=581 rotor ute]</font></td></tr><tr><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=657 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/657.JPG]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=657 my 2nd datsun]</font></td><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=912 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/912.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=912 my !st 1200]</font></td><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=959 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/959.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=959 supercharged 13b 1000]</font></td><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1078 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/1078.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1078 oh yes ....]</font></td></tr><tr><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1384 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/1384.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1384 datsun 1200 from guate]</font></td><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1539 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/1539.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1539 black drag 1]</font></td><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1540 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/1540.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1540 black drag 2]</font></td><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1545 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/1545.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1545 13b 2dr blue drag 1a]</font></td></tr><tr><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1546 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/1546.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1546 13b 2dr blue drag 1b]</font></td><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1547 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/1547.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1547 13b 2dr blue drag 1c]</font></td><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1548 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/1548.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1548 13b 2dr blue drag 1d]</font></td><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1549 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/1549.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1549 13b 2dr blue drag 1e]</font></td></tr><tr><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1756 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/1756.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1756 1972 1200 datsun w/rot]</font></td><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1757 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/1757.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1757 1972 1200 datsun w/rot]</font></td><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1787 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/1787.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1787 13b1000ute bay]</font></td><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1788 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/1788.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1788 100013b interior tunne]</font></td></tr><tr><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1789 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/1789.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1789 project 2 13bturbo 100]</font></td><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1820 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/1820.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1820 rotary coupe w/15&quot]</font></td><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=2049 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/2049.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=2049 rotary 1200 ute]</font></td><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=2050 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/2050.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=2050 rotary 1200 ute]</font></td></tr><tr><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=2418 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/2418.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=2418 my 1000 ute]</font></td><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=2558 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/2558.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=2558 1000 dragsedan]</font></td><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=2616 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/2616.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=2616 13b mounts]</font></td><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=2681 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/2681.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=2681 pic for d]</font></td></tr><tr><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=2848 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/2848.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=2848 some of the puertorica]</font></td><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=2914 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/2914.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=2914 supercharged 13b 1000]</font></td><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=2915 http://datsun1200.com/uploads/thumbs/2915.jpg]<br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=2915 supercharged 13b 1000 ]</font></td><td valign=top><font size='-1'><br>[http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=3008 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-[[Category:General Information]] 
[[Category:Nissan Engines]] [[Category:Nissan Engines]]
-[[Category:Historical]]+[[Category:Documentation]]{{End}}

Revision as of 21:08, 27 April 2022

Nissan Rotary Power! Whether a factory Nissan rotary engine, or a Mazda rota stuffed into a Datsun 1200, excitement is sure to result. The Wankel rotary engine is light and powerful.

Contents

Engine Swaps

15230.jpgMazda swap

Nissan's Own Rotary Engine

The modern rotary engine was developed by NSU-Wankel and they started selling licenses to other companies. Nissan was the second automaker to license the Wankel engine, after Mazda. Nissan president Kawamata signed the agreement at the NSU head office in Neckarsulm, West Germany in October 1970. GM signed a similar agreement a month later.

At the Tokyo Motor Show, October 19, 1972, Nissan exhibited a Sunny PB110 with a prototype Nissan twin-rotor wankel-type rotary engine. Reportedly it was supplied by Toyo Kogyo.

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This was during the height of the rotary-power frenzy. Wankel had the patent, and every one licensed it, from GM to Mercedes to Mazda, and also Nissan. Nissan's interest started in mid-1965

conceptnissan.com
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22 Jan 1972 - Nissan Plans Rotary Engine - Tucson Daily Citizen

TOKYO (AP) — Nissan Motor Co., the second largest Japanese auto maker, said today it plans to market its first rotary engine passenger car in late 1973. Nissan officials said the company has developed rotary engines to be used for its vehicles under a license obtained from Audi NSU Auto Union Ag., of West Germany, in 1970.

They said the new rotary engine autos, "Sunny"-type passenger cars, will be shown at the Tokyo motor show this fall and put on sale by fall 1973. The officials declined to disclose how many rotary engine cars Nissan plans to manufacture.
Nissan_Plans_Rotary_Engine.jpg

Datsun Sunny Rotary Prototype

Here is a picture of the prototype being tested in a Datsun Sunny 1200 (B110) coupe:
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1972 October: 19th Tokyo Motor Show, Sunny Excellents were fitted with the Nissan rotary.

1973 Motor Show brochure shows a photo of the Rotary
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1973 Motor Show
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1973 Brochure Closeups
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Nissan 2-rotor (museum display photos)
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 V I D E O  Datsun History (14:03) (click to view)
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Big rotor version
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Nissan S10 Sylvia LS Type X

Rumours have it that Nissan sold some rotary-powered Silvias (S10/S11 models) to the public circa 1978 (reference), however, this seems entirely impossible since in 1974 they stopped working on the rotary.

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What is documented is that the B210-based "New Silvia" was designed with the intention of having Rotary Power. However the Nissan Rotary project was cancelled before it was finished.

High Performance—120 Horsepower

The rotary efforts definitely did *not* stop because the rotary was a poor design. Au contraire, it was amazing!

quote:
Using peripheral ports, two plugs per rotor and a four-barrel carby its 120hp raised the top speed of the Datsun 1200 to 175km/h or 40 more than the original 1200cc four-cylinder. Nissan was setting up production facilities with the (announced) intention of producing 3000 rotary vehicles per month with either five-speed manual or three-speed auto.

Driving report: 112mph and still pulling hard ... Read the entire report.
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Driver 1977.11 magazine article
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Fuel Economy

Note that Rotaries are not more fuel-wasting than other engines of the same power output. But a 120hp rotary does use more fuel than a 69hp A12 engine, as would seem obvious once we think about it. Initially, there were problems with fuel economy, but that problem was solved by 1976.

8320.jpgロタリーエンジン試作車? Using Japanese fonts. If instead you only see squares, see Japanese for how to view itRotary Engine Prototype Car
Under the bonnet of this Excellent is the rotary engine used to advance the development of NISSAN's new rotary, which is based on technology from the NSU Wankel corporation. The swept volume displacement is 2 rotors of 500cc each.

End Of the Rotary Era

The wankel design has the benefit of small size, low weight, high power for the size, and smoothness of operation (they routinely rev to 9k rpm). So why did everyone except Mazda and some non-automakers stop making wankel-style rotaries? It appears to be because of a combination of factors (these are my opinions, not necessarily hard facts):

  • Perceived value: at first it seemed that the public would demand these engines, so every automaker figured they better get busy and offer one. The president of Mazda commented something like the following: after Mazda and NSU put these high-power engines into hundreds of thousands of subcompact cars, the economy-minded public—which expected smallcar=econobox—eventually realized that the subcompact car they bought had a high-power engine, not the economy engine they expected. Just like sticking a V8 into a small car, it was enough to give the product a bad rep. Then when the 73-74 oil crisis hit, the manufacturers realized the public was no longer demanding 'rotary' engines. Unfair? Yes, but sometimes the bottom drops out of a market. Unless people start demanding rotaries again, which seems improbably given past history, we'll never see mass-market rotaries again.
  • During the economic recession caused by the oil crises, manufacturers tightened their belts. One way to save money was to stop developing new engines and new car models associated with it. During such times of financial crisis, most companies cut back in their R & D.
  • The piston engine worked fine (though still not as smooth as a rotary). The wankel only really offers two advantages: low weight and smoothness. For nearly all applications, bean counters can choose a piston engine instead.
  • All the auto makers were in fear of the Piston-Engine emissions control problem. Or should I say they were in fear of too-quickly acquiesing to government regulation and demands. Publicly they stated that they feared that developing slightly different controls for rotary engines would be more than they could handle. This didn't really turn out to be a problem, as the Wankel patent-pool shared the technology which solved the problem in 1972. It seems that US automakers were hesitant to admit to government regulatory agencies that any progess could be made in meeting the anti-pollution demands for piston engines. Yet Mazda met those requirements three years ahead of time, and published the fact to the world. Even so that didn't stop other manufacturers from insisting there were unsolvable problems (even though all wankel licensees had access to the solutions).

Since then, Datsun 1200 enthusiasts in every land have fitted the ubiquitous Mazda rotary engine into the lightweight 1200 body. Result: One fast little car.

1973 New York Auto Show
NissanRotary.jpg NissanRotary133226034.jpg

Oakland Tribune, 16 Nov 1972, page 29
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The Lowell Sun, 27 May 1973, page D8

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IN A COUPLE of Tokyo auto shows two new rotary engines were introduced -- one for a car and another for a motorcycle. Both should be on the market soon.

Nissan Motor Co. which makes Datsun will be the next auto maker to put the rotary into production. Although there are some differences the Datsun rotary is essentially the same as the Mazda using two rotor, a four-barrel carburetor, twin ignition and water colling. Where the two engines differ is that the Datsun has a peripheral port type while the Mazda is a side-intake port type. Each of the Datsun rotor housing is 500cc, slightly smaller than Mazda but Nissan is planning on surpassing Mazda's 130 horsepower rating (before the smog goodies go on).

The engine is being supplied by Toyo Kogyo (Mazda) for the Datsun.

Mazda has helped the problem of low-end torque by taking advantage of the car's wide range of r.p.m. The automatic is set to shift at 6,000 r.p.m. when the gas pedal is on the floor.

BUT DATSUN HAS a head start on Mazda. The company already has a well-organized distribution system in the United States with dealerships well-established. Mazda on the other hand had to start from scratch. see more

But only a year later, the Rotary was not seen at the Show:
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December 6, 1973

Where was Nissan's rotary powered Sunny featured in last year's show as a production car potential? Rumor is Nissan will put an all new rotary powered coupe on sale by the first of the year and didn't want to blow their impact by revealing it at the show.


31 May 1974: Nissan Junking Rotary Engines
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Datsun "reportedly has decided to give up its plan to start production of a rotary-engine vehicle scheduled for this autumn...Nissan planned on building 3,000 rotary-powered cars a month, but is now putting off its plans because of fuel economy problems."

6 June 1974

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Nissan's apparent withdrawal from rotary production leaves Toyo Kogyo, the Japanese firm which makes the rotary powered Mazda, and General Motors as the only major auto companies remaining in the rotary engine field.

18 Sep 1974


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Nissan, which markets the Japanese Datsun, had been expected to introduce a rotary car sometime next spring. It delivered its Wankel-powered auto to the Japanese Government for certification last March but now has withdrawn it from the certification program. Its future seems to be In some doubt.
 
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