COPDAT: Emma Mullins' Award-Winning Datsun 1600
The Datsun 1600, affectionately known as COPDAT, stands out with its unique Subaru EJ flat-four engine swap, a feature that has garnered recognition in prominent automotive publications. Current owner Emma Mullins has overseen extensive modifications and a comprehensive rebuild of the vehicle, transforming it into a celebrated custom build.
A New Skin: Bodywork and Paint
Originally painted Breeze BR, Mullins chose a distinct path for the Datsun's exterior. She opted for a custom darker shade named Mirage Lake, giving the car a fresh and modern identity.
The decision for a full rebuild stemmed from significant rust issues found on the rear quarters. This necessitated the replacement of numerous body components, including the bonnet, sills, driver's door, rear beaver tail, rear quarters, and a portion of the driver's-side floorpan, ensuring a solid foundation for the rejuvenated Datsun.
Heart of the Beast: The EJ25 Powerplant
During the two-year bodywork period, a substantial upgrade was underway for the Datsun's heart. A potent 2.5-liter Subaru EJ25 engine was meticulously built by Deshele Performance, replacing the car's original 2.0-liter unit. This transition aimed to deliver enhanced torque for street driving while staying true to the car's original Subaru-powered concept.
The EJ25 engine boasts a high-performance internal setup, featuring an STi nitrided crank, Deshele I-beam conrods, forged pistons, and beefed-up heads secured with 14mm head studs. Deshele Stage 2 278 camshafts are also installed to optimize valve timing.
Pushing over 30psi, a GCG-spec Garrett G35-900 turbocharger helps the EJ25 deliver an impressive 585rwhp when running on ethanol, all precisely controlled by a Haltech Elite 1500 ECU.
Chassis, Drivetrain, and Stance
The Datsun's aesthetics were further enhanced with new Simmons FR18 wheels, complemented by a TBS disc-brake kit for improved stopping power. Notably, the independent rear suspension and differential setup from the original 1600 were retained, maintaining a link to its heritage.
To handle the newfound power, the engine conversion mandated the fitment of a Toyota R154 five-speed gearbox. This required a custom bellhousing from Bill Hincher in the US and a 10mm forward adjustment of the engine within a modified transmission tunnel to achieve correct tailshaft angles.
Refined Cabin
Following the extensive bodywork and paint, the Datsun's interior received a significant overhaul. Ben O’Brien from Southside Stitching masterfully retrimmed Recaro seats and other interior components in elegant tan leather, accented with distinctive tri-tone tartan stitching, creating a cabin that is both luxurious and sporty.
Awards and Future Plans
The completed Datsun made its highly anticipated debut at Street Machine Summernats 37.
The completed Datsun, COPDAT, debuted at Street Machine Summernats 37, where it proudly received the Top Retro-Tech award in the Street judging category.
Emma Mullins highlighted this experience as a significant milestone for her. Post-event, further refinements have been implemented, including the smoothing and painting of the engine bay by Jason Pollock, and the tidying of intercooler piping with a new Plazmaman intercooler by SDR Motorsport, all in meticulous preparation for future events.
Vehicle Specifications
- Vehicle: 1970 Datsun 1600
- Paint: Mirage Lake
- Engine: Subaru EJ25 flat-four
- Induction: Process West manifold
- ECU: Haltech Elite 1500
- Turbo: GCG G35-900
- Heads: Standard, 14mm head studs
- Camshafts: Deshele Stage 2 278
- Conrods: Deshele I-beam
- Pistons: Forged 2168
- Crank: STi nitrided
- Oil pump: High-volume
- Fuel system: Injector Dynamics ID1700-XDS injectors
- Cooling: South Coast Radiators radiator
- Exhaust: 3in stainless
- Ignition: Subaru grey coils
- Transmission: Toyota R154 five-speed manual
- Clutch: Direct Clutch Services twin-plate
- Diff: Datsun IRS
- Front Suspension: MCA coil-overs
- Rear Suspension: Standard IRS, lowered
- Brakes: TBS discs (front & rear)
- Master cylinder: Skyline
- Rims: Simmons FR18 (front & rear)
- Tires: Nitto 205/40R18 (front & rear)