What happens when you combine flame-bent titanium, 3D scanning, and a 1969 Datsun Roadster? You get one of our favourite builds, and a happy missus.
Connor McElvain from Butter Welding showcases his custom Nissan/Datsun Roadster project, where old-school cool meets new-school tools. Starting with a complete 3D scan of the body, Connor designed and built a full custom chassis using CAD, ditching the original outdated geometry for a purpose-built cantilever suspension system that was prototyped with 3D printing and finalised via CNC machining.
Every part has been carefully modelled and refined from the Nissan SR20 VVL head to a pair of Weber carbs mounted on a one-off manifold for both form and function. A Haltech Elite 550 ECU runs the ignition and variable valve timing, blending modern control with vintage charm.
The real showpiece is the titanium exhaust header, flame bent by hand and slip-fit for flexibility. This material isn't often used in this way and might not be ideal for long-term durability, but time will tell and in the meantime it looks incredible and sounds even better. This build is proof that with the right tech and dedication, you can create something pretty epic.
Probably not surprising, but Connor and his roadster took the SEMA Battle of the Builders 'Young Guns' 1st place award 🥇
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TIME STAMPS:
0:00 - Why a Datsun Roadster?
0:45 - 3D Scanning for Chassis Design
1:10 - Building a Custom Chassis from Scratch
2:00 - Suspension Geometry and Rocker Arms
2:48 - CAD and Motion Simulation
3:20 - Progressive Rocker Arm Design
4:17 - CNC Machined Suspension Parts
5:00 - Prototyping with 3D Printing
6:00 - Custom Weber Manifold Design
6:42 - 3D Scanning Cylinder Head for Flange Fit
7:25 - Flame-Bent Titanium Exhaust Header
8:17 - Flame Bending Process Explained
9:19 - Slip Fit Collector for Heat Expansion
9:40 - Ignition System and ECU
10:08 - Thanks Connor!
10:20 - BUILD.TUNE.DRIVE
