The Datsun A-series engines are probably one of the most under rated engines in the small car world. They were designed back in the early 1960’s and were a derivative of the E engine which still made use of a cast iron cylinder head and which in turn also integrated the design improvements to the BMC A-Series engine. In the right hands, these A12 engines are able to produce as much as 170 – 180 horsepower from a normally aspirated push rod engine. Below is a modified A12 engine and able to rev to 9000RPM.
Meanwhile back in Japan they are able to take it to a whole different level of modification. TOMEI have played a huge role in their development and have been involved in Datsun racing since 1968. During this time many specials parts which are able to withstand the extreme stresses endured under race conditions have been designed and improved upon. Today TOMEI is still involved with the now famous Hirota Datsun Sunny and which still competes in the JCCA racing series in Japan. Here is a video of the very car being dyno tested in Japan. It is cable of reaching 10 000RPM.
A full race prepared and built TOMEI A12 engine would cost approximately ¥1 600 000. In ZAR currency you would be looking at R228571.00
