I grew up a muscle car guy. I bought a 74 Datsun 260Z while I was in the military. I'm 6'2" and thought I wouldn't fit the car. Got in and put the seat all the way back and couldn't depress the clutch petal all the way down. This car showed me it was just as much fun going around curves as going fast in a straight line. Out of all the cars I've owned over the years. This is the one I wish I could have back.
126hp at the wheels is pretty spot on for a stock 280Z. They were rated at 149hp SAE net. I'd say getting it to around 190-200 rear wheel horsepower would make it super fun, super usable and very reliable while maintaining it's original appearance(keeping it's value factor high IMO). The more reversible mods performed, the less it permanently hurts it's overall collectability.
I still have my 77 (same color) that I bought brand new. It now has a 3.2 stroker (same original block and head) dynoed at 245 hp and 273 ft/lbs torque. And yes, it is an absolute hoot to drive.
I think you mean deceptively slow. lol At the time they would have been pretty competitive, and the barebones construction makes it feel a lot more involved, but you hop in a hyundai accent and the new car is going to win off the line. I am not bashing on it, but let's be realistic here people look at it and see 'Jaguar like', or 'fast car', but it's performance is only (or less than) that of a commuter car these days.
The Z car is so cool! Fell asleep at 16:00! You should of made two separate videos, first one for automotive enthusiasts, the second one for insomniacs.
I miss my old 280z. I reworked the head, put on a custom set of headers and exhaust, and added a small turbo. The car was fun, handled great, and was extremely reliable. Wish I had another one but gotta finish my 69 Chevy C20 first
Just went out to the car to smoke a bowl, and this lil jem popped up. My first car was a 78 280z 2 seater. L28 with fuel injection, and a 5 speed. Loved that car so much, I bought another 280, then a 240, then a 510, then a roadster,and so on. So, to say the least, I'm a Datsun fan. I cant wait to see this thing transform. Definitely a fan of ditching the bumpers. One thing to consider. The 68 and 69 Datsun 510 had a small rear marker light that is about an inch or so in diameter, and a front arrowhead shaped marker light that I always thought would look good on a z. Would take some metal work, but doable. Just a thought. Thanks for the video
As a car guy that likes foreign and domestic, it is nice to see some import love. I have Mustangs and Celicas. I enjoy them all. Also, mad props to the editing. The bird grabbing the caterpillar in the end of the drive, that was nice.
It seemed to always be considered more of a muscle car than an import tuner. But go to either group (as little as they still exist seperately these days) and everyone appreciates them.
Back when I was a sprout, I laid out and timed a winter rally course using my trusty Volvo 122S. The weather delivered a bunch of freezing rain the night before the rally. The lady that won had a then-new Datsun 240Z - go figure!
I have had a couple of these cars and swapped in a 400SBC with a 4 speed Saginaw. She was a great sleeper and run pretty well, I should say. Great day to you all.
I was reading thru the comments and saw your name .. i was thinking. Is this my brothers youtube page?! My youngest brother's name is John. Our Last name is elliott. Thinking... wait my brother didn't put the sbc in my 280z!
Well I've had Z cars my whole life I started out with a 260 then ended up with a 1970 240 I will tell you the 79 and on 280zx's gearbox we're really good I put the five speed in my third 260Z and always go back to carburetor nothing beats it
My dad had a 72 240z with a 5 spd, triple Webber carbs and a healthy cam! It’s was a rocket ship, was so much fun to ride in. Would love to get my hands on one.
Those L28's are known for being pretty stout motors. I think it'd be really cool to see a triple dual draft carburetor setup, or maybe a custom six carburetor setup, with one carburetor per cylinder.
I don't know many people do that because it seems simpler than a FI update. FI gives you a better result, but If they go for ITBs with that you still get the cooler look.
I owned a 415th 280Z Datsun it was on a 260 body. I had another one before that they were actually the best little car way before their time fuel injected handled like a dream had a light that could stretch all the way around the car.
My sister's bf had a 240Z in high school, but he granny shifted constantly and it started running rough, so he asked me to check it out. I knew what it needed, so took it out for a "highway tune-up" keeping the rpm's up as much as possible. Cleared out the carbon and he was estatic. Told him I simply tweaked the timing a little was all 😆.
Those L28 motors are legendary, ole school fellas would strap on a set of Webers and go racing, the sound is intoxicating but with today’s modern tech you can run it with with either ITB’s or retain the stock EFI intake and run a standalone with great results, refresh the motor, port the head, a big cam, a header and boom you have a winner!
i had a 1971 240z in australia and a 1975 260 2+2 in australia and a 1978 280 here in the states . if memeorie serves me it was about 158 crank hp ! goodluck auzzie!
My grandfather had exactly this model but in red. He sold it back in 1998 because we had some financial problems related to health and needed the money. The reality is that it wasn't that serious so he could had kept the car anyway. Got info 3 years later that it was part of an accident and was totaled. Had he kept it probably I was the one now owning him and enjoying it.
I have a 260 2+2 for sale and its a good price also a Toyota 3uz v8 to swap in if you dont like the L26 it's a remanufactured engine less than 8000 miles on it
My dad had 6 of these at one point, I don't remember but I thing he had a few 240's, we use to cross the Tujuana/Mexico border with me and my sister in the back (no seats) all the time and the border patrol wouldn't even say anything, different times.
I clearly remember the introduction of the 240Z and it was a proverbial game changer. It is unfortunate that its predecessor the roadster faded into the background. Since the smog tuning in those years so strangled the engines just proper tuning for power and efficiency should pay huge dividends
Would love to send you guys pics of my 1978 sky blue metallic Z. Was a one owner, all original when I purchased it 27 years ago. It’s had mostly suspension mods and some engine bolt ons. Sounds like the direction you’re taking this one. I look forward to watching it evolve.
I bought a 1978 Datsun 280Z with a 5 Speed new in 78. It was a dark metallic blue with white interior. Red line on the tech is 6400. It would do 45 in 1st, 60 in 2nd, 115 in 3rd, 150 in 4th, and I never red lined it in 5th. I put larger tires and wheels on it and that totally messed up it's handling and steering, went back to normal size which made it steer and handle much better.
Might I suggest a "Devil Z" themed build inspired by the popular racing anime "Wangan Midnight"? Tuners in Japan can wring over 250hp (naturally aspirated) out of these L series engines, with side draft Mikuni or Weber carbs and with turbos 400 isn't unreasonable.
I'm not an ev guy but seeing an aftermarket develop is really cool. Eventually we really won't have a choice for multiple reasons. That said, piping in artificial engine sounds is just a fail for me.
Oh... Also if the horsepower guys see this. The spring in the AFM has lost tension making it run really lean. You need to cut the plastic cap off the AFM and readjust the spring tension to specifications. You will gain another 20 to 30 hp.
How about someone building an ev vehicle that will travel as far as a gas motor before having to be refueled. Especially when towing. Would love to see that.
I wonder if the designers say "well this is a great looking car". They release it and it ends up being a historically beautiful car... The Datsun Z, Porsche 911, Shelby Cobra 289 & 427, Ferrari... almost anything.
1:20 Yeah... try driving one around everyday lol. "I used to have one of these" "You don't see these around very much anymore". (Nice! ...well I have to drive through the intersection now.) You definitely get many interruptions.
Enter for a chance to win a free set of Continental tires: swee.ps/KZZxRgfNP
Hey you guys should check out Robs Z car garage. In San Jose California
I'd love to see the Engine Power guys get their hands on that engine and do a nice, mild build. Keep it N/A and make it a screamer.
Triple 45 webers, L series motors love Webers...
Knowing Frankie and being a former classmate at UNOH, he'd definitely want N/A power
N/A with ITB stacks would look and sound sweet
You can go pretty crazy with these. I think ~900hp is the most I have seen.
240Z IMO was and is the best-looking car to ever come out of Japan.
I am torn there. They have had a lot of great looking cars. I might even prefer the Celica 2000 GT. But it is a cool car.
I grew up a muscle car guy. I bought a 74 Datsun 260Z while I was in the military. I'm 6'2" and thought I wouldn't fit the car. Got in and put the seat all the way back and couldn't depress the clutch petal all the way down. This car showed me it was just as much fun going around curves as going fast in a straight line. Out of all the cars I've owned over the years. This is the one I wish I could have back.
I've got one for sale about the same condition as the one here it's a 260 2+2 same color remanufactured L26 and new tires
I got a 74 260z that had SDSU class of 1986 and a dept of defense bumper stickers on it. Maybe it's yours?
@@joecassidy6961 I'll check
126hp at the wheels is pretty spot on for a stock 280Z. They were rated at 149hp SAE net. I'd say getting it to around 190-200 rear wheel horsepower would make it super fun, super usable and very reliable while maintaining it's original appearance(keeping it's value factor high IMO). The more reversible mods performed, the less it permanently hurts it's overall collectability.
126 wheel hp is almost exactly 149 SAE net. Really impressive. (not to mention some loss in the fluid link/auto trans)
If the enghine hasn't been overhauled that means it has very little power loss (assuming it wasn't above the rated power to start with).
I still have my 77 (same color) that I bought brand new. It now has a 3.2 stroker (same original block and head) dynoed at 245 hp and 273 ft/lbs torque. And yes, it is an absolute hoot to drive.
Buddy of mine had one and he put a 350ci s,all block Chevy. Was so cool.
This will be good. I’d love to see the 6 banger fully bombed to unleash its full potential. They are a beautiful car.
One of the worst days of my life was when I sold my 78 280z. These cars are so much fun and are deceptively fast. Keep up the good work guys.
Me too!
I think you mean deceptively slow. lol
At the time they would have been pretty competitive, and the barebones construction makes it feel a lot more involved, but you hop in a hyundai accent and the new car is going to win off the line. I am not bashing on it, but let's be realistic here people look at it and see 'Jaguar like', or 'fast car', but it's performance is only (or less than) that of a commuter car these days.
5:21 Whoa that bird...perfect timing!! I can't tell what it picked up.
THANK YOU for keeping the factory power plant!!!!
The Z car is so cool! Fell asleep at 16:00! You should of made two separate videos, first one for automotive enthusiasts, the second one for insomniacs.
I am a Datsun fanatic I had a s14 and love live this platform. I can't wait until the finished product
My first car was a 78 280z.... the 240z-280z are the most amazing cars EVER!!!!!
I miss my old 280z. I reworked the head, put on a custom set of headers and exhaust, and added a small turbo. The car was fun, handled great, and was extremely reliable. Wish I had another one but gotta finish my 69 Chevy C20 first
I loved my 82 zx.
The zx got a bad rap for nothing.
It was a great car and the best car I ever owned
@5:22 A Bird gets a snack. Glad you left that in. Nice touch.
At 5:23, A Bluejay swoops down and gets what appears to be a Centipede... Mutual of Carcass Wild Kingdom!! Cool build, by the way.
Just went out to the car to smoke a bowl, and this lil jem popped up. My first car was a 78 280z 2 seater. L28 with fuel injection, and a 5 speed. Loved that car so much, I bought another 280, then a 240, then a 510, then a roadster,and so on. So, to say the least, I'm a Datsun fan. I cant wait to see this thing transform. Definitely a fan of ditching the bumpers. One thing to consider. The 68 and 69 Datsun 510 had a small rear marker light that is about an inch or so in diameter, and a front arrowhead shaped marker light that I always thought would look good on a z. Would take some metal work, but doable. Just a thought. Thanks for the video
As a car guy that likes foreign and domestic, it is nice to see some import love. I have Mustangs and Celicas. I enjoy them all. Also, mad props to the editing. The bird grabbing the caterpillar in the end of the drive, that was nice.
It seemed to always be considered more of a muscle car than an import tuner. But go to either group (as little as they still exist seperately these days) and everyone appreciates them.
Back when I was a sprout, I laid out and timed a winter rally course using my trusty Volvo 122S. The weather delivered a bunch of freezing rain the night before the rally. The lady that won had a then-new Datsun 240Z - go figure!
I have a 1972 510 wagon I’m restoring. Great build you all as always!
I have had a couple of these cars and swapped in a 400SBC with a 4 speed Saginaw. She was a great sleeper and run pretty well, I should say. Great day to you all.
I was reading thru the comments and saw your name .. i was thinking. Is this my brothers youtube page?! My youngest brother's name is John. Our Last name is elliott. Thinking... wait my brother didn't put the sbc in my 280z!
Well I've had Z cars my whole life I started out with a 260 then ended up with a 1970 240 I will tell you the 79 and on 280zx's gearbox we're really good I put the five speed in my third 260Z and always go back to carburetor nothing beats it
Saving this for Saturday morning coffee
I owned a 280z and it was a lot of fun to drive.
My dad had a 72 240z with a 5 spd, triple Webber carbs and a healthy cam! It’s was a rocket ship, was so much fun to ride in. Would love to get my hands on one.
dearly hoping you guys don't hack it up. i'm not super into these things but i respect the condition it's in.
Finally a Datsun Fare lady Z, I think you should throw Some Headers, and some Mikuni side draft carburetors, three to be exact.
Those L28's are known for being pretty stout motors. I think it'd be really cool to see a triple dual draft carburetor setup, or maybe a custom six carburetor setup, with one carburetor per cylinder.
I don't know many people do that because it seems simpler than a FI update. FI gives you a better result, but If they go for ITBs with that you still get the cooler look.
Finally they Do a Z car grew up in a 280ZX as a kid that car sparked my passion 🔥
I remember when I was a kid my next door neighbor used to have a Datsun 280z.
I owned a 72. Loved it.
I owned a 415th 280Z Datsun it was on a 260 body. I had another one before that they were actually the best little car way before their time fuel injected handled like a dream had a light that could stretch all the way around the car.
My sister's bf had a 240Z in high school, but he granny shifted constantly and it started running rough, so he asked me to check it out.
I knew what it needed, so took it out for a "highway tune-up" keeping the rpm's up as much as possible.
Cleared out the carbon and he was estatic.
Told him I simply tweaked the timing a little was all 😆.
A.K.A. The Italian Tune-Up 🙂
Those L28 motors are legendary, ole school fellas would strap on a set of Webers and go racing, the sound is intoxicating but with today’s modern tech you can run it with with either ITB’s or retain the stock EFI intake and run a standalone with great results, refresh the motor, port the head, a big cam, a header and boom you have a winner!
Finally an import!!! Very excited about this build 🤙🏼🤙🏼
My 1977 Datsun 180b was worked in many ways. Pulled 210hp on the chassis dyno.
Looking forward to seeing this 😀😀Keep up the great work 🙌🙌
Let's go Guys took 30 years to see it but I'm watching!!!
i had a 1971 240z in australia and a 1975 260 2+2 in australia and a 1978 280 here in the states . if memeorie serves me it was about 158 crank hp ! goodluck auzzie!
S30 z. Love them. Got a few 240z's
Maybe do a performance valve job and valve bowl blend. It would still be outwardly stock and make a little extra power.
Very cool show guy’s and yes loved the old truck EV.
My Dad had a white 280 super clean car. I would love to own one now.
I've got a 73 260 2+2 for sale with a tundra 3uz v8 trans and diffs for a swap if you dont like the L26 the price Is the best you are gonna find
I had a 86 280ZX my first car loved that thing.
It's cool that you have an "official escort!"
My dad still has his 1983 280zx it actually blew up and it’s been out project for a couple of years
I had 74 260 with a 400 sb and it was a blast.
We always put smallblocks in um back in the 80s and 90s
My boss let me drive his 260Z and it was a kick! It had adjustable suspension on the console.
My grandfather had exactly this model but in red. He sold it back in 1998 because we had some financial problems related to health and needed the money.
The reality is that it wasn't that serious so he could had kept the car anyway. Got info 3 years later that it was part of an accident and was totaled.
Had he kept it probably I was the one now owning him and enjoying it.
Great cars, I had a 1978, white with a tan interior but they were total rust buckets.
I was like is that a bug crawling across the road? Bird says yes. 5:17
LOVE THE EPISODE. BUT LOVE THE BIRD GETTING LUNCH
Japanese Corvette/Camaro, with the "sit on the street" feel!
I had a rusty one in highschool and would love to have another, but they are hard to find without tons of rust and they are very expensive
I have a 260 2+2 for sale and its a good price also a Toyota 3uz v8 to swap in if you dont like the L26 it's a remanufactured engine less than 8000 miles on it
2+2’s we’re ugly. We always called them submarines. Just not a real
Sportscar with a back seat.
I would love too see these guys get with Clifford performance and built so awsome in line 6s...
@inbox- I don't see any digits
JDM "Bumperet's" (front & rear Split) would look ABSOLUTELY SICK!
My dad had 6 of these at one point, I don't remember but I thing he had a few 240's, we use to cross the Tujuana/Mexico border with me and my sister in the back (no seats) all the time and the border patrol wouldn't even say anything, different times.
Had one when first married, before kids. Wish I'd kept it.
Some very clever racers in the 1980's Melbourne, Australia used to run LS7 454's in a pair of 260Z drag cars. 10 second 1/4 mile all day long.
I clearly remember the introduction of the 240Z and it was a proverbial game changer. It is unfortunate that its predecessor the roadster faded into the background.
Since the smog tuning in those years so strangled the engines just proper tuning for power and efficiency should pay huge dividends
Would love to send you guys pics of my 1978 sky blue metallic Z. Was a one owner, all original when I purchased it 27 years ago. It’s had mostly suspension mods and some engine bolt ons. Sounds like the direction you’re taking this one. I look forward to watching it evolve.
That’s a fun car to drive I had one years ago
The 240z is a blast to drive in Dirt Rally 2.0
Got a 79 280zx for sale here in Columbia Sc. Solid builder or restore candidate.
My friend Jamie Summers had one of those!
I love your contents, the video was amazing, keep it up.😉You are very good TH-camrs.❤
After you get done with it you can give it to me and I would take car of it Lol. You two build some really cool cars and trucks.
I bought a 1978 Datsun 280Z with a 5 Speed new in 78. It was a dark metallic blue with white interior. Red line on the tech is 6400. It would do 45 in 1st, 60 in 2nd, 115 in 3rd, 150 in 4th, and I never red lined it in 5th. I put larger tires and wheels on it and that totally messed up it's handling and steering, went back to normal size which made it steer and handle much better.
So how many spectators were at the Holley EV event?
I have this exact car sitting in my garage.
Might I suggest a "Devil Z" themed build inspired by the popular racing anime "Wangan Midnight"? Tuners in Japan can wring over 250hp (naturally aspirated) out of these L series engines, with side draft Mikuni or Weber carbs and with turbos 400 isn't unreasonable.
I'm not an ev guy but seeing an aftermarket develop is really cool. Eventually we really won't have a choice for multiple reasons. That said, piping in artificial engine sounds is just a fail for me.
The first time i was ever scared ishless lol in a car was a Datsun 280z on the back roads of Tn.
Oh... Also if the horsepower guys see this. The spring in the AFM has lost tension making it run really lean. You need to cut the plastic cap off the AFM and readjust the spring tension to specifications. You will gain another 20 to 30 hp.
170hp @5600; 163 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm... weight: 2630lbs
Sounds like it could stand to have the injectors cleaned or maybe replaced with a slightly higher flowing set.
I remember driving a Datsun I believe it was a 280 z but with a large v 6 with a single turbocharger and that little car ran I had it to 160.
Happily just switched to this video from the boring Artemis live stream from nasa because you guys rule
How about someone building an ev vehicle that will travel as far as a gas motor before having to be refueled. Especially when towing. Would love to see that.
the guy with the blue electric supercar has a youtube channel and build it himself with a car kit! he is a nice guy
this what the transformer's g1 datsun brother's are based on it cinda funny and cool to see this cool car
Get a 240 or 260 with the triple Webber side draft carbs.
I owned a 1978 Z car 280X before. :)
Turn it into Devil Z 😈
Google says 75-78 should be making about 148-149 hp. Honestly that thing hasn't lost too much considering it's been over 43 years
I wonder if the designers say "well this is a great looking car". They release it and it ends up being a historically beautiful car...
The Datsun Z,
Porsche 911,
Shelby Cobra 289 & 427,
Ferrari... almost anything.
5:22 bird got some lunch
135 BHP (99.36 KW) @ 5200 RPM
Torque : 144 Ft-Lbs (195 NM) @ 4400 RPM
Every car needs a turbo. You could give it more power and still be subtle.
1:20 Yeah... try driving one around everyday lol. "I used to have one of these" "You don't see these around very much anymore".
(Nice! ...well I have to drive through the intersection now.) You definitely get many interruptions.
An old family friend had a gold 280Z…. Sexy cars, just so tiny lol…
I was getting tired with muscle car. Thanks
5:21 RIP bug-kun
Thay car is older than both you???? Danm kids
Where are you guys are driving?
Give it a Ford 300 cid 6 that would give some serious horsepower, and great acceleration
That's one very clean 78 280Z guys, this Datsun nows needs a 5.6L VQ series V8 out of a wrecked Nissan Titan.