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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ก.ย. 2020
- Someone had asked for a walkaround of my 1973 Datsun 240z, so here it is!
I have owned by 240z for almost 30 years. It was a California and Texas car and has never been winter driven. I stored my 240z every winter and have continually modified and upgraded it.
In the video, I explain some of the changes I have made. As this is a car I will never sell, I have modified it as I saw fit, to enhance its appearance and the driving experience.
If you have any questions, post them in the comments.
drove a '73. last year of 240. mine was silver gray with fog lights & original hub caps. it had problem that comes with northern cars - rust. was in slow process of restoring when flat bed truck pulled out in front of me. this was before seat belt law. would have gone after idiot if my broken hand & jaw hadn't slowed me down. wonderful cars. thanks for memory...
In 1983 my first car at age 16 was a 1973 white with red interior 240Z. It was completely stock, all original and super clean. I eventually sold it to buy another car I wanted and the lady I sold it to totaled it I within the first month. I went and visited it at the wrecking yard, so sad.
🙂
It's the same colour as my first 240Z, which impressed me so much after having had a Ford Capri 3.0 V6 which was a nice car but suffered with a broken intake valve spring (wired it up and continued on 5 to get home). Then subsequently suffered a broken piston (part of the dished piston's crown broke off) and I never over revved that car. I've always had mechanical sympathy.
The reliability of the 240Z was a revelation, it was my first Japanese car and I liked it so much I bought a friend's 260Z which had a totally rust free body and when I drove it back to where I was staying in Germany I was immediately disappointed with the engine, it wasn't as smooth and responsive as the 2.4. I decided to find a 2.4 and discovered 240K engine in a salvage yard with really low miles (< 20k kms) and converted what parts on the block were needed to fit in the Z (sump and dipstick re-location) and then removed the 260's engine and strapped it down on a wooden plank in the back of the original 240Z along with the 240K cylinder head (smaller ports and valves) and drove to the U.K., exchanging the 2.6 engine and 240K head for a modified 2.4 cylinder head and better road cam along with the original SU-type carbs and intake from a guy in Kent who did hill-climbing with 240Z's and had an Aladdin's cave of Zed parts.
Returned to Germany and put the 2.4 block and head together and fitted it into the 260Z which I'd previously stripped to bare bones (as it was white) and had it re-sprayed Ford cobalt blue metallic all over, inside and out. Fitted a much better quality carpet, Recaro seats, Bilstein suspension (a bit too stiff, I should have fitted Koni adjustables and Eibach std ride height springs; a recommended and brilliant combination) and put it all together with a six-branch manifold, better exhaust system, re-jetted the carbs to suit the better breathing. A set of nice wheels, good quality tyres and enjoyed that car for another 3 years. It used to spit flames out of the tail pipe on the over-run which pleased my buddies no end. I miss those 240Z's, the Zeds then got worse as they were ''Federalised''. I had tried a 280Z and it was soft, slow and more of a cruiser. It didn't have the response or the rev-happy nature and nimbleness of the 240.
Nissan have finally given us what looks to be a worthy successor; though I've always had a love affair with straight-sixes; but you can't have everything. 🙂 ✌
A very cool story! Thank you for sharing
Great Z, I had 4 of those from 72 to 77 models, still so beautiful
What a beautiful car you have, you must treasure it very much. high schools are something special. I owned a 280zx in HS and not a day goes by I don't think about it.
Thank you!
The Z is looking great Sean, just as I remember it!
What a beaut! I’ve got a early 74’ running project over here with upgrades in the same vein. Just wanted to mention the Z therapy video on tuning these carbs he mentions never running filters like those due to loss of HP. Made me source a 240 airbox as they have velocity stacks built in. Something to think about.. big ups on the whip tho! Super fly!
Interesting info on the airbox. Not something I'd heard before...and thanks for the kind words!
WOW, just WOW! Very sympathetic and tasteful upgrades and mods; excellent taste. Engine bay is gorgeous, as well as the tweaked colour. You must be so happy with the results. One of a kind, but without compromising the car's essence. Cheers mate, and thanks for sharing it with us.
Thank you for your kind comments!
Dear Santa...
Been on a 240z deep-dive recently and I have to say, yours is one of the cleanest "stock"-looking 240's I've seen.
Thank you!
my dream car
It's funny, saying Zed without a British accent just sounds wrong. BTW nice car.
I owned one of the last 280Zs manufactured before the release of the ZX.
Absolute beauty.
Thanks!
TH-cam's algorithm brought me here. I used to have an 81 280ZX some years ago. Not as agile as these cars, but still a lot of fun to drive. Beautiful car, Sean. You've done a great job caring for it, and I bet it's really reliable. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you!!
I had a 72 back in about 84 when I was 20. Mine was a broken body rail mess but just the same I wished I had of hung onto it as now there are all sorts of aftermarket parts I could have fixed it with. I've always loved the look of these cars and your is stunning bud!
Thank you!
Great ride! Absooutely pristine! I have a 04 350z in Ontario, also graduated high school in 1991, but couldn't afford a car then. Great find! Its good to hear them called Zeds, the correct pronunciation!
Thanks!
"There fun to drive."... hi end cars always smile... cuz they know.😁
Thanks for sharing your beautiful car. That color is choice and that paint job must be too the way it's held up! It really does look stock at first glance and it's surprising how many things you change once you start listing them all. ETA: That engine sounds like butter. So responsive man wow. Congratulations. Don't take it any further away from stock or race it anymore and I think it's still a fine investment. Million dollar 240Z's are going to be driving around in the years ahead.
(Great number plate as well)
rere kum kum, pretty nice car man
What a treat this car is!! Good for you, Sean
Awesome mate, brings back so many memories, I had a 72, 240z from the 80s to 90s , regret ever selling it 🤙
Your interior is almost the same as mine was, except I had a manual choke Ana hand control throttle lever, won’t find those features ever again
Lookin’ good there, Sean! Beautiful ride.
oh man, that is nice... just love the 240's
Thanks for sharing your car 👍
Wonderful, amazing car with so sweet engine sound. Bravo man !!!
Thanks!!!
Those seat are perfect
I really like the s2000 seats
That's a beautiful legend. Awesome 👍
My dream car 😭❤️❤️
STUNNING!!! 💚💚💚
Thank you!!!
WOW
That is a beautiful car mate. I was into 70's 80's fords back in the UK so I missed all this Japanese goodness.
Thank you!
Very nice car I love them engine....! I just got my this week a lot of work ahead for me...! Thx for the video it’s very I inspired me....!
"I have 2005 350z"... I'm bringing mine to put louvers on. I saw yours. 5 an half years of fun. Being the 5th generation is Cool not everyone has these.. .
Nice!
What a beauty ❤️
Beautiful concourse condition Sean, and a very well tuned engine as well.
I wouldn't say concourse condition, but thank you! It was painted in 1996 and if you look closely there are flaws (dings, a couple of spots of rust, etc). At least I can drive it hard, and autocross it, without too much concern :)
Beautiful Car thanks for sharing it, I personally own a 1973 and I love it mine is not as clean as yours but eventually I will get there.
Thank you!
Super! Engine sounds really good. ^^/
love it!
Nice Z !
Very nice car, I would love to find one now
There always seems to be a few for sale on Bringatrailer.com
@@sean240z thanks Sean, good to know
Sweet! 😎👍
Great looking Z, Sean! I am the original owner of a 1973 240Z! You might want to consider adding a fan shroud on the back of the radiator. The cooling system will recover faster after a hot engine start and the engine will run a bit cooler as well. It looks like you are running a 280Z radiator. The 280Z radiator came with a 2-piece plastic fan shroud that bolts to the tabs on the sides of the radiator frame. The 2-piece shroud allows for changing the waterpump without having to remove the whole shroud. It is also easier to install than the 1-piece metal fan shroud that I had on my OEM 240Z radiator.
Rich - Thanks! Actually I had the rad that was in the car when I bought it in1991, re-cored about 20yrs ago with a three core unit and I have never had a problem with overheating. But thank you for the suggestion!
@@sean240z I'm glad that the 3-core radiator cured the overheating problems for you! Before I installed the 280Z radiator last month, I also installed a '77-'78 vented 280Z hood, louvered inspection lids, Z432 grille and mounted the license plate on the airdam. I also installed a 160-degree thermostat.
What an amazing car! I was wondering what are those side mirrors? I really love the look!
Thanks! Wrt the mirrors, they are metal and were on my 240z when I bought it in 1991. Not sure what brand they are. Sorry
Beautifull❤🔥
REAL NICE
Thank you!
love the color.
The stance looks good. Did you change over to Coiler Overs, or on the OEM struts?
Thanks! OEM strus wih Suspension Techniques sport lowering springs (installed in 1999).
Hello, love the car! (and the colour). I saw your autocross video and recognized the arena... I happen to live in Ottawa and have '74 with similar upgrades. In fact I've recently been considering replacing my steering wheel with the same one you bought. I wanted to get the wheel closer to the dash. How do you like it? Ever take your car to Calabogie? If you ever see a blue Z it's probably me. Cheers.
Fabio - Cool! I love the wheel. It gives my legs a lot more room. Note, I did have to bend the indicator stalk slightly towards the dash as my fingers rubbing on it. Never been to Calabogie. I prefer the lower speeds (and risk) of autcross. You ever autocross or take your Z to Calabogie?
@@sean240z Thanks for comments about the steering wheel. I've narrowed it down to either the one you have or a Momo Retro (MSA is out of stock on both at the moment). I was leaning towards the Momo because it has a slightly larger diameter 360mm, my current after market wheel is 350mm and obscures the high end of the tach. I do take the car to Calabogie for some open track sessions. Nothing too serious but it is fun. BTW I installed the T3 rear control arms and coil overs a couple of years ago. I like them a lot but I wish the coilovers had helper springs. When this COVID thing is done I'd love to have a closer look at your car. Cheers.
@@fabiodewitt7391 I would definitely like to check out your Z too! Good point about the wheel obscuring the top of the tach, I have that issue with my wheel, I'm also quite tall so that does not help.
very nice! can you tell me more about the dash cap? where to buy etc.
Ken - I think I bought the dash cap from Motorsport Auto in California. My 240z is a late 1973 and there are subtle differences in the dash, so I had to do some massaging to make it fit. It looks pretty good (1000x better than the dash underneath), but not perfect.
Hey Sean, that's an awesome looking Zed! Where do you autocross your Zed? Member of a local club that runs its own series or what? Very interested in seeing it/you perform this summer.
I autocross with the Motorsport Club of Ottawa which runs events at the Canadian Tire Centre parking Lot #9 in Kanata. Are you in the area?
I'll be installing some Techno Toy Tuning suspension goodies before next season, so I'm really excited to see what impact they will have.
@@sean240z Too bad for me, I am in Mississauga and run with clubs in the GTA. I usually attend the Picton autoslalom weekend event run by St.Lac in late May though. I’ve met some of the MCO guys there. Maybe catch you there sometime. I run a 1981 burgundy 280ZX.
HI Sean what is the wheel size OFFSET and do you have stock calipers in the front? Nice Z man!
Thanks! That was my old wheel and tire setup 16x7 Konig Rewinds zero offset. 205 50r16's. Stock calipers.
What a beautiful z is it lowered at all how can I get mine to sit like that do you have coilovers or is it just your tire size
Thank you! No coilovers, sitting on Suspension Techniques Sport Springs.
Did you ever think of running a triple Weber setup? I had a 260 I was thinking of doing it to years ago but couldn’t afford it.
Not really. The Hitachi / SU carbs work well for my L28 with cam.
Hey where did you get those floor mats. I need them!!!
www.thezstore.com/product/938/classic-z-logo-floor-mats-black-70-8-74-240z-260z
zed . . . are you bri ish bruv?
Canadian. Like the Brits, we say zed not zee :)
@@sean240z @2:13
Ahhh you caught me :) I lived in the US off and on for 8yrs and occasionally slip up :)
@@sean240z I'm just pulling your leg, man. lol Cool car
Sadly from 2030 on all combustion cars including classics will be banned
from public streets in entire EU and Scandinavia :-( In Germany the
Green Peoples Party gave order to shorten fuel supply from 2025
on by reducing all conventional fuel stations to only one state operated central gas
station per city or county. Now they want to slow down all the gas station fuel pumps from 20 litre per minute to 2 litre per minute...From 2027 on in the EU certain car spare parts will be banned too....as exhaust systems, turbo chargers and even some engine and gearbox oils...California and New York will do the same from 2027 on.... So no investments should be done in oil burning cars any longer....They even created a new kind of crime here, called emissions- and smoke crime :-(