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Ted Lo is a Los Angeles-based automotive enthusiast who loves all things Datsun. The Dime, Quarterly recently had a chance to sit down with Ted and talk about his beautiful 1971 Bluebird Coupe.
The Dime, Quarterly: Before we get to the car, can you tell us a little bit about yourself? How did you get into 510s?
Ted Lo: I'm an ex-Nissan employee of 16 years experience. Many years ago I started looking at a variety of classic cars, like Camaros, 'Cudas and Porsche 356s. Unfortunately, all those cars were financially out of reach for me. Given the money situation, plus the fact that I worked at Nissan, it made sense to look into something in the Datsun/Nissan family. The Z was too common for me, but I loved the boxy look of the 510. The Bluebird Coupe really caught my eye with its sloped C-pillar. The style is reminiscent of all those great looking American muscle cars of the late 1960s. I'm also the webmaster for www.datsunbluebird.com, where I'm trying to bring Bluebird owners together.
DQ: How long have you owned the car?
TL: I have owned the Bluebird for one and a half years now. It's an 1800SSS Coupe, which were made by Datsun only in 1971.
DQ : What were your objectives when you bought the car?
TL: When I first saw an SR20 swap done into a 510, I knew that it was the logical step for my Bluebird. I wanted something with more power than the stock L-series engine. But with power I also wanted to make the car more drivable. With this in mind I had Han at AutoHan Performance install a modern stereo system and navigation. Then RRated installed a custom rack & pinion steering system. I also put in Recaro seats, which really helped in the comfort department. All these helped to achieve my objective of a classic looking car with modern performance and technology.
DQ: The SR20DET engine is certainly the focal point under the hood. Can you give us a quick run down on the specs?
TL: The engine is an S15 SR20DET with a custom valve cover color (anti-freeze), Greddy intake manifold and Tial blow off valve. The engine has a stainless steel tubular exhaust manifold, a TSR custom down pipe, and a TSR custom radiator. TSR also supplied the intercooler and fuel lines. I've also got a GReddy oil pan and pulley kit, a Walbro fuel pump, TSR custom fuel lines, and a Power Enterprise V belt
DQ: What about the suspension?
TL: I have a Tein front strut tower bar, Cusco camber plates, coilovers front and rear, sway bars front and rear, and TSR adjustable T/C rods. I also run a big R200 limited slip differential out back.
DQ: The wheels are beautiful. You did the 5-lug conversion?
TL: Yes, they're 5-lug Volks, with the fronts at 17x7 and the rears at 17x8. I currently have Falken FK452 tires mounted. The brakes are based on a TSR Brembo kit, with 13-inch Stop Tech rotors.
DQ: The exterior is also beautiful. It looks old school, but the interior is not. Tell us about that.
TL: The exterior is pretty much stock, except for the 1973 JDM front grill and the BMW special order projector headlights. Inside, though, things are much more high-tech, with modern electronics. I've got an Alpine DVD, IPod, and MP3 head unit, a Sanyo DVD navigation system, and various other equipment, like an electronic fan controller and Autometer gauges. The seats are Recaro "Speed" units. And then I have all the speakers, front and rear, with a 12-inch Alpine subwoofer and big amp in the trunk.
DQ: That's quite a mix. What tuning style would you describe this car as?
TL: I don't really know what style the car falls into. I tried very hard to preserve the exterior of the original car without altering the body with spoilers or decals, but at the same time I tried to modernize it with today's technology in the motor, brakes and electrical components.
DQ: What do you think makes your car really stand out?
TL: The overall rarity of the Coupe and the color, and of course the combination of performance modifications, including the engine. It's a one of a kind car.
DQ: Do you have a favorite feature?
TL: The side profile of the Coupe body is my favorite part of the car.
DQ: Who or what inspired the direction of modifications?
TL: I guess seeing what the 510 guys were doing with the SR20DET engine and also the 240SX guys cranking out some crazy horsepower influenced me to take the route of the SR20 motor. Another push for me was when I was getting passed up by some minivans when it had the L-series motor (laughs). I do however miss the cool sounds of the carburetors.
DQ: What don't you like about the car?
TL: I love the looks and the performance of the Coupe, but what I don't care for is the 37+ year old noises and creaks when it's on the road. At the same time, though, I understand this is a 37+ year old vehicle, plus it gives some character to the car.
DQ: What would you change if you could?
TL: Nothing. I love the car the way it is. Well, I guess I would repaint it with new fresh glossy paint. Same color, though.
DQ: Tell us about the driving experience? Do you have a favorite place to drive it?
TL: I enjoy the car most on the freeway, where the potential of the engine is really felt. What is nice is the lightness of the car, coupled with the SR motor. The combination makes it a blast to drive.
DQ: Who helped you build the car?
TL: The car originally came from Japan in a restored condition. The only areas that I had worked on here were drivetrain, brakes, wheels and interior. Almost all the SR engine component fabrication was done by Mario at TSR. He also did the brakes. The engine wiring and interior (including stereo) were completely done by Han at AutoHan Performance. A lot of credit also goes to Obed Rivera, who helped me install the SR20DET motor and assemble/install the majority of supporting parts. RRated Motorsports gets credit for the rack & pinion fabrication and exhaust. And Edwin of ET Motorsports helped with the strut tower bar and custom fabricated e-brake.
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