Nissan Sunny 1980 is not just a car, but a symbol of the era. In the early 80s, this compact sedan became a real bestseller due to its reliability, efficiency and unpretentiousness. Model B110 (second generation Sunny) was produced from 1977 to 1981 and managed to win the love of car enthusiasts around the world - from Japan to the USSR, where it was known as Datsun 160J.

Today Nissan Sunny The 1980 model is a rare piece for collectors and connoisseurs of retro cars. But before you buy or restore this car, it’s worth understanding its features. In this article we will take a detailed look at the technical characteristics, typical problems, operating nuances and even tuning secrets that will help return Sunny to life or make it even better.

Technical characteristics of Nissan Sunny B110 (1980)

The 1980 model belongs to the generation B110, which was offered in several body styles: sedan (4-door), hatchback (3/5-door) and station wagon. In Russia, sedans with engines are most often found A12 or A14. Here are the key parameters:

  • 🔧 Engine: petrol, in-line 4-cylinder, OHV (8 valves)
  • 🔋 Volume: 1.2 l (A12) or 1.4 l (A14)
  • ⚡ Power: 55–68 hp (depending on market and modification)
  • ⛽ Fuel: AI-92 (octane number not lower than 91)
  • 🔄 Gearbox: 4-speed manual transmission or 3-speed automatic (rare)
  • 🚗 Drive: rear (FR)
  • 📏 Dimensions (sedan): 4135×1540×1390 mm, wheelbase - 2300 mm

Feature Sunny B110 - simple and reliable design. Series engines A Known for being “indestructible” when properly maintained. For example, motor A12 with regular oil changes it may go away 300,000+ km without major repairs. However, there are also weak points: the cooling system requires attention (radiators often leak), and the carburetor Hitachi needs periodic cleaning.

Parameter Nissan Sunny 1.2 (A12) Nissan Sunny 1.4 (A14)
Max. speed 140 km/h 150 km/h
Acceleration 0–100 km/h 18–20 sec 15–17 sec
Fuel consumption (combined) 7.5–9 l/100 km 8–10 l/100 km
Tank capacity 40 l 40 l
Weight (curb weight) 820 kg 850 kg

Important nuance: all engines Sunny B110 were equipped with a timing chain drive rather than a belt. This is a plus from the point of view of reliability (the chain lasts longer), but a minus - if the valve breaks, it does not bend, but repairs are more expensive.

Weaknesses and typical problems

Despite the legendary reliability, Nissan Sunny 1980 there are “diseases” that you should know about in advance. Many of them are related to the age of the car and the quality of service.

  • 🔥 Corrosion: everyone's main problem Sunny - rust. Particularly vulnerable are the sills, wheel arches, underbody and pillars. In the USSR, cars were often not treated with anticorrosive, so today many vehicles require welding.
  • 🛢️ Maslozhor: engines A12/A14 after 200,000 km they begin to “eat” oil (up to 1 liter per 1000 km). The reason is wear of the valve stem seals and rings. The solution is a capital investment or replacement with a contract motor.
  • ⚙️ Gearbox: the weak point is the 2nd and 3rd gear synchronizers. If you shift incorrectly, they wear out, which leads to crunching. The input shaft oil seal also often leaks.
  • 🔌 Electrical: oxidation of contacts, problems with the generator (especially on cars with an automatic transmission) and blown fuses are standard problems. The charging relay often fails.
⚠️ Attention: if upon purchase Sunny B110 If you find traces of fresh paint on the sills or the bottom - this is a sure sign of hidden corrosion. Check the metal with a magnet or endoscope!

Another common problem is engine overheating. This is due to a small radiator and an inefficient fan (in earlier versions it was turned on only through a relay, without a temperature sensor). Many owners install an additional electric fan or upgrade the cooling system.

📊 What engine does your Nissan Sunny 1980 have?
  • A12 (1.2 l)
  • A14 (1.4 l)
  • Other
  • I don't know

Operation and Maintenance: What You Need to Know

Serve Nissan Sunny B110 simpler than modern cars, but there are nuances. For example, engine oil need to be changed every 5,000 km (even if you don’t travel much). The fact is that old engines are sensitive to the quality of lubricant, and synthetics are contraindicated for them - only semi-synthetics or mineral water with a viscosity 15W-40.

Transmission oil in the gearbox and rear axle gearbox also requires attention. Filled in manual transmission GL-4 80W-90, into the gearbox - GL-5 85W-90. Many people forget about changing the oil in the axles, and this leads to noise and wear on the gears.

Changing the engine oil (5,000 km)|Checking the brake fluid level|Cleaning and adjusting the carburetor (10,000 km)|Lubricating the wheel bearings (20,000 km)|Checking the timing chain (every 100,000 km)|Replacing spark plugs (20,000 km)-->

Brake system Sunny — drum at the back and disc at the front (on some versions all drums). The brake master cylinder and pads require inspection every 15,000 km. If the brake pedal has become “soft,” most likely it’s time to bleed the system or change the cuffs in the cylinders.

⚠️ Attention: never use modern brake fluids DOT 5 - they are incompatible with rubber seals of older systems. Only DOT 3 or DOT 4!

Tuning and modernization: how to improve Nissan Sunny

Many owners Sunny B110 They strive not only to preserve, but also to improve their car. Here are some popular tuning areas:

  • 🔥 Engine: The simplest upgrade is replacing the carburetor with Weber 32/36 DGEV or installation of electronic ignition (for example, from Nissan B12). This adds 5-10 hp. and improves dynamics.
  • 🎛️ Suspension: replacing shock absorbers with gas-oil ones (for example, KYB) and installing polyurethane bushings makes the car more manageable. Some people install springs from Toyota Corolla KE70 for understatement.
  • 🔊 Salon: modern radio with Bluetooth, seat upholstery in leather or Alcantara, as well as installation of air conditioning (from Mazda 323) - popular improvements.
  • 🛡️ Body: anti-corrosion treatment, replacing chrome parts with new ones or polishing old ones returns the car to its original appearance.

For those who want to seriously increase power, there is an option engine swap. For example, instead of A14 can be supplied GA16DE (1.6 l, 105 hp) from Nissan Sentra or even SR20DE (2.0 l, 150 hp). However, this requires modifications to the mounts, exhaust system and electronics.

How to swap the engine on a Nissan Sunny B110?

For the swap you will need:

1. Donor motor (for example, GA16DE) with gearbox and wiring.

2. Reworking the engine mount mounts (welding is often used).

3. Replacing the rear axle with a more durable one (from Nissan Silvia S12).

4. Installation of a new radiator and electric fan.

5. Setting up the electronic control unit (if you are installing an injector).

The cost of such tuning is from 150,000 rubles, but the result is worth it: the car becomes much more dynamic, while maintaining a retro appearance.

How to choose a Nissan Sunny 1980 when buying

Upon purchase Nissan Sunny B110 you need to be extremely careful. Here's what to look for:

  1. Documents: check the title and ownership history. Many cars were imported from Japan in the 90s, so there may be inconsistencies in the documents.
  2. Body: inspect the car on a lift. If the seller refuses, this is a reason to be wary. Especially check the sills, side members and suspension mounting points.
  3. Engine: start "cold". Smoke from the exhaust (blue - oil, white - antifreeze) and knocking sounds indicate problems. Check the compression (the norm is 10–12 kg/cm² in all cylinders).
  4. Chassis: rock the car - if it rocks for a long time, it’s time to change the shock absorbers. Listen for knocking noises when driving (ball joints, steering rods).

Cost Sunny 1980 in good condition today ranges from 150,000 to 400,000 rubles. The price depends on the condition of the body, the availability of original parts and service history. Cars with automatic transmission or rare options (for example, air conditioning) are more expensive.

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Before purchasing, check the car in the traffic police database for any restrictions. Many retro cars are reported stolen or have problems with customs.

Where to find spare parts and how to choose them

One of the main problems of owners Nissan Sunny B110 — search for spare parts. Many original parts are no longer produced, but there are several ways:

  • 🛒 Used markets: showrooms in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Vladivostok often offer parts from Japanese cars. Engine prices A12/A14 - from 20,000 rubles, checkpoint - from 10,000 rubles.
  • 🌍 Foreign sites: on eBay, Yahoo Auctions Japan or Rakuten You can find new or contract spare parts. Delivery takes 2-4 weeks.
  • 🔧 Analogues: some parts are interchangeable with other models Nissan (For example, Datsun 120Y or Cherry E10). Spare parts from Toyota Corolla KE30/KE55 (bearings, brake cylinders).
  • 🏭 Made to order: some parts (for example, rubber seals or chrome moldings) can be made to order in specialized workshops.

When purchasing used spare parts, pay attention to their condition. For example, carburetor Hitachi Often sold in non-working condition - it needs to be disassembled and cleaned. The same applies to generators and starters: check them at the stand before purchasing.

Spare part Average price (used) Average price (new/analogue)
Engine A12 (contract) 20 000–35 000 ₽ —
Transmission (4-speed) 8 000–15 000 ₽ —
Cooling radiator 3 000–5 000 ₽ 6,000–8,000 ₽ (analogue)
Master brake cylinder 2 000–4 000 ₽ 5,000–7,000 ₽ (new)
Hitachi carburetor 4 000–7 000 ₽ 10,000–12,000 ₽ (refurbished)

Legal nuances: registration and operation of a retro car

exploit Nissan Sunny 1980 It’s not easy in Russia today due to tougher requirements. Here are the key points:

1. Registration with the traffic police. If a car was deregistered more than 10 years ago, it will have to be restored through the courts. Documents confirming ownership (purchase and sale agreement, PTS) will be required. If there are no documents, you can try to register the car through a notary under the “dacha amnesty” (until 2021 this was easier).

2. Technical inspection. From 2022, no maintenance is required for cars older than 4 years, but Sunny B110 must comply with environmental standards Euro 2. If the engine smokes heavily, problems may arise.

3. Insurance. It is difficult to issue compulsory motor liability insurance for a vintage car: many insurance companies refuse or inflate rates. An alternative is CASCO with a limited package.

⚠️ Attention: if you plan to participate in retro exhibitions or rallies, please register temporary transit number. This will save you from problems with the traffic police when moving the car.
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Before purchasing Nissan Sunny 1980 check whether the car is listed in the register of cultural property. Some retro cars cannot be exported outside of Russia without special permission.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to install a diesel engine on the Nissan Sunny B110?

Theoretically yes, but it is extremely difficult. Under the hood Sunny diesel can be entered LD20 (2.0 l) from Nissan Bluebird, but you will need:

  • Strengthening engine mounts;
  • Replacement of gearbox and clutch;
  • Modernization of the fuel system;
  • Reworking the exhaust system.

The cost of such a project often exceeds the market price of the car itself, so swapping for diesel is not practical.

How to distinguish Nissan Sunny from Datsun 160J?

In the USSR Nissan Sunny B110 sold under the brand Datsun how Datsun 160J. Externally, this is the same car, but there are nuances:

  • Datsun 160J had a simplified interior trim (no chrome parts, plastic was cheaper).
  • On some Datsun there were engines A13 (1.3 l), which were not available in European Sunny.
  • Emblems: on Datsun — “Datsun” inscription on Nissan — brand logo.
What kind of oil should I put in the A12 engine?

For motor A12 suitable:

  • Mineral: 15W-40 (For example, Lukoil Standard);
  • Semi-synthetic: 10W-40 (For example, Mobil Super 2000);

Use synthetics it's impossible — it corrodes old seals. You need to change the oil every 5,000 km or once a season (if the car is parked in winter).

How much does a complete restoration cost?

The cost depends on the condition of the car:

  • Body repair (welding, painting): 100 000–300 000 ₽;
  • Engine overhaul: 50 000–100 000 ₽;
  • Interior restoration: 30 000–80 000 ₽;
  • Tuning (optional): from 50,000 ₽.

Total: 250 000–600 000 ₽ for a complete restoration. Partial repairs “for yourself” (without perfect painting and interior) are cheaper.

Is it possible to drive a Nissan Sunny 1980 in winter?

Yes, but with reservations:

  • Rear-wheel drive requires caution in the snow (it is better to install winter tires 155/80 R13).
  • Weak stove - in severe frosts the interior does not warm up well. Many people install an additional heater.
  • The battery must be new (with a capacity of at least 55 Ah), since in winter the engine starts worse.

If the car is parked outside, treat all rubber seals with silicone grease before winter - this will prevent them from cracking.