MA10 vs MA12 Performance... why the big difference?

[pietro]

First why do the does the GSX have more power than the LS?

1982 Nissan Micra 1.0 GSX:

Max. output 55.8 PS (55.0 bhp) (41 kW)
@5600 rpm
Max. torque 75.0 Nm (55 lbft) (7.6 kgm)
@3600 rpm

1982 Nissan Micra 1.0 LS:

Max. output 50.7 PS (50.0 bhp) (37.3 kW)
@6000 rpm
Max. torque 72.0 Nm (53 lbft) (7.3 kgm)
@3600 rpm

1989 Nissan Micra 1.2 GSX:

Max. output 60.8 PS (60.0 bhp) (44.7 kW)
@5600 rpm
Max. torque 94.0 Nm (69 lbft) (9.6 kgm)
@3200 rpm

Second does the extra 200cc make the diference in power between the MA10 and MA12?

Just for the lucky turbo owners:

1982 Nissan Micra 1.0 Turbo:

Max. output 86.2 PS (85.0 bhp) (63.4 kW)
@6000 rpm
Max. torque 118.0 Nm (87 lbft) (12 kgm)
@4400 rpm

 

[sonic]

I can only assume that the GSX has a higher compression ratio or a different carb to the LS, but I'm not sure.

 

[Ian]

I can only assume that the GSX has a higher compression ratio

correct!

 

[sonic]

whoohooo got it right....:laugh:

 

[Ed]

from memory
MA10 10:1
MA10S 10.5:1
MA12 9.5:1

 

[bobsp16]

not had lot to do with the ma10 engine but havin seen the inlet ports on the ma10,ie carnt see the valva's cus there around a corner,i would of thought that the skimmed ma12 head would be better flowing head on the ma10 botton end..

 

[James]

I thought the MA10 turbo was 75bhp... fwn

From Wikipedia:

The MA10ET powered the Figaro and the March Turbo.

• Displacement: 987 cc (60.2 cubic inch)
• Bore: 68 mm
• Stroke: 68 mm
• Maximum power: 75 hp (SAE)
• Maximum torque: 78 lb/ft at 4400 rpm
• Compression ratio: 8.0:1

 

[Ed]

The MA10 has inlet tracts designed to make the air swirl and promote better and more complete combustion. ST and the MA12 dont have these, personally I fell without them does ultimately allow for more power.

 

[Slim]

ideally what you want is a nice rebuilt and balanced MA12 bottom end, whith a flowed and ported MA10S head.

 

[pietro]

So is it a waste of time trying to tune a MA10?

What would the BHP gain be with a performance carb and 4-2-1 manifold on an MA10?

I found this number on my engine: K10 844872A
The blue plate inside the engine bay read: K10SQRN

How do I know if it is an MA10 or MA10S?

 

[Slim]

right. I personally think its a waste of time tuning a MA10, becuase you can take the same steps on a MA12, but you have 25% more displacement to start off with, so you're bound to be better off (although i'm sure Ed will dis-agree.)

No K10 engine will say K10 on it, it will say MA10, MA10S or MA12 followed by numbers. The MA10S is the high compression one, and will say so on the block. However, despite references by the Haynes manual, the MA12S doesnt exist.

And personally, i'd leave it alone, except perhaps fit a MA10S head, and MA10 carburetor, and a long ratio 5 speed box, or even a 4 speed for that matter. The 5 speed close ratio is a waste of space, and although feeling zesty, the car is ultimatly slower.

 

[James]

According to the Nissan engine naming convention, "S" stands for Electronic Controlled Carburettor, which means technically that all MA12 engines are MA12S and all facelift MA10 engines are MA10S (pre-facelifts using points [or whatever they're called lol])

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Nissan_engines

Edit: Just realised how irrelevant and trivial that post was, apologies :blush:

 

[pietro]

I am sure this is my engine number it wason the block: K10 844872A - where should I look for the engine number?

 

[Slim]

haynes says teh S denoted high compression

i think

On the block under the thermostat the engine number will be there.