A very simplified CFM equation (that does not take air density or temperature into account) :
((RPM x Cubic inch Engine Displacement) / 3456) * VE (volumetric efficiency*) = CFM (air flow) that the engine will pull at that particular RPM
So, for the Patrol: 4.0 liter = 244 cubic inches, and so the formula becomes:
(4000 max RPM x 244 cubic inches) / 3456 = 282 MAXIMUM CFM that the Patrol engine could pull when it is running at 4000 RPM
* Now, more about that VE adjustment - the result above demonstrates what the Patrol engine
could achieve if the VE = 100%. But, no internal combustion engine can generate 100% VE - high RPM Formula One race cars can actaully EXCEED 100%, but since the Nissan P engine is a low compression, low RPM "undersquare" engine (meaning the stroke is much larger than the bore), my guess is that itprobably generates about 75% VE at best.
so, we take the max theoretical CFM calculated above (282) x .75 VE =
212 CFM as a real world example of what the Patrol engine can pull when it is screaming at its 4000 RPM redline
So, a carb that flows at least 212CFM is mandatory- anything smaller would hurt performance.
Going with a carb that is bigger than 200CFM would not hurt, but it also won't help - if you put a 700CFM carb on an engine that can only pull 250 CFM, then the carb is only a 250CFM carb by default




L-R:
White 65 Hardtop L60-3-00617 (undergoing restoration)
Red 65 hardtop 4L60-002565 (scrapped for parts)
66 Hardtop "El-Bondo Patrol", L60-00511 (Restored, then sold June2020)
Blue 67 Hardtop (sold March1997)
Green 62 Softtop L60-2-00504 (undergoing restoration)