The Mazda rotary engine is a good match for Datsun 1200 -- it is light and compact. It makes more power than a piston engine of the same size and weight. The engine weight is down low so it doesn't interfere with good handling.

Performance

Also See: Mazda Wankel engineᵂ

Typical engine power in stock form:

12A: 100-130 HP, 100-115 lb. ft. torque

13B EFI: 135 hp, 133 lb. ft. torque

13B-Turbo (1987-1991 "Turbo II"): 185-200 HP

13B-REW (twin turbo) 255-280 hp

13B-MSP (RX-8) 237 hp USA, 191-250 hp world

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Quarter Mile acceleration performance ranges from quick to insanely quick. With a totally stock rotary engine you won't be wanting for power.

19.8 secs at 65 mph: Stock Datsun 1200 piston engine (baseline)

16.1 at 90mph: bone stock 12A rotary engine tuned by ear

Ange's 13.7 second 12A bridgeport

JVML's 8.1 second 13B twin turbo

Rotor Power

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Overview

Search Club!: rotary¹²⁰⁰ 10A¹²⁰⁰ 12A¹²⁰⁰ 13B¹²⁰⁰ Image search: Rotary Datsun 1200ᴵ Video search: Rotary Datsun 1200^V ᴳ

#Differential suitable for torque of engine

Radiator Upgrade suitable for the HP of the engine

Mazda engine & transmission

- Modify crossmember & fabricate new mounts

- Custom gearbox mount

- Oil pan to suit 1200

- Bigger tunnel to fit the Mazda transmission

- Custom exhaust

- Custom turbo manifolds (for 13BT)

- Shifter relocation forward

Tailshaft, custom

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13BT in Sunny B310

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Engine

The Mazda rotary comes in two common sizes: 12A and 13B. In Australia, choose a 10A for street legal swaps. Everyone else, choose the 13B. There are less common versions, the old 10A and the ultra-rare and expensive 20B triple rotor.

Custom Single Rotor rotary engine (pictured in Datsun 1000)

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12A (1146 cc, equivalent to 2.4 liter piston engine)

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Mazda 13B (1308 cc, equivalent to 2.6 liter piston engine) carbureted

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13B Fuel Injected

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Mazda 13B Turbo rotary engine

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Mazda 13B Turbo Factory EFI

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13B Turbo with factory intercooler

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20B triple rotor

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13B carbureted

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Discussions

Rotary conversion advice

Project: SUNNY COUPE GX (13B COSMO TURBO)

Rota 1200

Rotary 1200 Coupe, 6 Speed

Datsun 1000 Rotary

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Builds

Datrotor's DATYLD

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Stu's rxute

Swap Notes

Oil Pan

Use the Moroso oil pan for Datsun 1200.

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Engine Mounts

Cut out about 10mm out of the standard 1200 crossmember and brace it. This allows the engine to sit low enough.

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Front Mount

Most swappers use the front-mount engine case.

Fit at front of engine bay (two styles shown)

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Mount circled in green. Original engine mounts are removed (circled in red)

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Topic - Weld or bolt new custom-made brackets to the front of the chassis rails (bolt to bumper support bolts)

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If your rotary doesn't have a front-mount case, you can retro-fit it using a 12A timing cover (which fits on 13B).

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Engine Setback

If you want to get the rotary farther back, the tunnel is cut larger. Consequently the pedals will need to be moved.

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Side Mount

Mad Dat 13BT Fitting Kit allows the newer-type rotary engine side mount, their crossmember curves down so the top of the cross member is lower.

Datrotor fabricated these for a 13B:

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Mad Dat

13BT into 1200 Engine Fitting Kit Product No - FK13B1200 ($1200 in 2012)

https://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/ddgonzal/wiki/FK13B1200.jpg

Includes custom engine crossmember, custom 13B engine brackets, rubber mounts, gearbox cross member (2 part) and gearbox rubber mount. Adjustable 22mm sway bar includes mounting bushes & saddles and link ends. Suits RX-7 S4 (1985 - 1988) and RX-7 S5 (1989 - 1991) as is. Engine cross member comes with engineers report.

Motor Plate

For racing a hard-mounted motor plate can be used. Not recommended for a street car as it transmit vibration directly to the body.

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Transmission

Use the transmission that comes with the rotary engine (the Mazda transmission).

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Fabricate gearbox mounts.

Driveshaft

A custom driveshaft to mate the Mazda transmission with your differential will have to be fabricated. Any driveshaft shop can make this for you.

Shifter

A new shifter mount hole may need to cut? Look into doing the shifter extension mod otherwise your shifter will be a little bit to far back for comfort (it will sit in between the front seats right in front of the handbrake).

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Tunnel

Some fabricate a large tunnel. Is it necessary, or just used with beefy racing transmissions?

In any cause, you'll have to make the tunnel higher through the middle and make space for the clutch fork, or cut a hole for the clutch fork.

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Alternatively you can fit an aftermarket hydraulic throwout bearing to replace the clutch fork.

Differential

Diff Strength: differential suitable for torque of engine

The least 12A engine outputs 100 lb. ft. of torque. The stock Datsun 1200 H145 diff can handle that.

Many 12A put out 115 lb. ft. of torque, which calls for a stronger diff. The H150 from a B210 or B310 can handle this. See Rear_Axle_Swaps#B210_Japan_.28Hitachi.29_axle

Stock 13B engine calls for an H165. See Rear_Axle_Swaps#1200_Ute

Any modified rotary (especially if the turbo boost is raised) will need a stronger differential, such as a Nissan H190 swap. Serious drag racing versions may need the ultra-strong Ford 9".

Main: Rear_Axle_Swaps#Strength_of_Differential_--_Torque_Rating