1980 Datsun 310 GX review from North America

The engine that came stock in the 1981 Model year of the 310 GX was actually a 1.5L. However, when my dad bought the car, the engine had been overheated so bad it seized up. So it was replaced with a 1.4L from a 1980 model year 310. After my dad drove it to and from work (about 40 miles a day) and on the occasional trip to my grandparents house, he finally drove the piston rings out of it. I got the car from him when I turned 15 as it sat in the backyard.

-Rebuilt the motor (1.4L)

-Replaced shift linkage (4spd. manual)

-Interior plastics are deteriorating.

-Parts are really hard to find seeing as how it was only manufactured for approx. 3 years.

-Replaced Speedo Cable.

-Replaced passenger side door handle.

-Various fuses.

-Front seats are more or less shot.

I just flat out love this car. My dad had it for the longest time before he finally gave it to me. He gave it to me in much less that street legal condition. We had a lot of fun watching him drive down the street, turn around, and then floor it, only to see how much blue smoke would roll out.

The car still has work that needs to be done, but I am perfectly willing and capable of doing it.

I can wait till I get it on the road. It is metallic brown in color... which isn't a very common color at all, let alone the fact that I have only seen 2 other 310GXs on the road in Salem Oregon. Both of which are silver.

It runs like a top and starts every time and handles like a beauty. Even with the 13" rims. Which I will most likely end up replacing for some good looking ones.