1974 Datsun Z-Series

260z Coupe

6 - Cyl.

Manual

RLS30069979

Gasoline

If you like the sporty, nostalgic looks of early Zcars but desire a more modern drivetrain then check out this listing. This is the latest in a series of hybrid vehicles I have built/driven. I originally restored this car with the original inline 6/SU carbs and after driving the car awhile I wanted something different. More power...no cold start/ warm up problems...better hot weather reliability, no cooling problems, better fuel economy, etc. etc. I thought about a v-8 conversion but opted for something which as far as I know had never been attempted before. I sourced a 3.8 series 2 engine/t5 from a 96 camaro and after several months of rebuilding/customizing I ended up with a quick, rock solid reliable car which could be driven anywhere.For those of you who are unfamiliar with the 3.8 it has been one of the most dependable engines for years for GM and was listed for several years on the Wards top ten list; It is a roller cam/ hydraulic lifter engine with good torque for its size. Mods to the car are as follows: Engine- '96 camaro 3.8 bored .040 over; block tanked, decked; new pistons; heads rebuilt, all new bearings, seals, gaskets, etc. etc.; approx. 215 horse as built/modified; this combo is lighter than the orig. inline 6 and I was able to get the engine mounted totally behind the front axle( see pics) Handling is unaffected.I customized an engine cradle which spanned the frame rails as well as tied into the stock motor mount towers.VERY stout. Custom trans bracket made for t-5. I am not sure of original miles on the car...approx. 6,000 since conversion. Trans: stock camaro t5 five speed( stock camaro hydraulic throwout bearing adapted to Tilton clutch master cylinder); short throw shifter(modified stock camaro) With the stock Datsun rear end(R200)the engine runs approx. 2200 rpm at 55 mph in fifth gear; clutch pedal effort is very light and the t-5 shifts extremely smooth Cooling- stock camaro radiator, 16" electric cooling fan; NO cooling issues whatsoever even in 100 degree bumper to bumper traffic Driveshaft: Custom built shaft with rear yoke changeout and full size replaceable GM u-joints; very stout Suspension: all new kyb struts; new poly bushings all around; new tie rods up front; new tires( 195 60/14) Exhaust- modified Pacesetter 3.8 camaro headers with y-pipe into Dynomax super turbo muffler( fairly tame while cruising but it literally wails when throttled) Body- new front windshield; Motorsports Auto front spoiler; custom rear bodywork with rear wing(with functional 3rd brake light); the wing is a one-off made from a Mitsubishi eclipse spoiler Braking- Modern Motorsports Toyota v6 s12+8 caliper conversion(84 300zx rotors); rear Modern Motorsports 240sx rear caliper conversion(84 300 zx rear rotors); the brakes are a HUGE upgrade over stock;stock Z brakes have a lot to be desired... Fuel Delivery: Rustprone original zcar gas tank ditched in favor of an RX7 aluminum tank; Nissan maxima intank fuel pump used with stock zcar FI fuel filter; NOTE: This conversion eliminated the rear spare tire well; so no spare tire in factory location Interior- Grant GT steering wheel; new carpet; Kenwood cd player (in glove compartment); very nice custom carpeted rear speaker box with 2 Pioneer 6x9 speakers; 2 smaller 4" speakers up front; The seats are original condition; passengers seat has no tears;drivers not so good; I installed a set of decent slip covers but seats would need a couple of factory type covers to update originals; My opinion on that: do yourself a favor and forego any expense to reupholster the original seats and get a pair from an S2000 or Miata. Much better ergonomics.Several types of aftermarket seats work well too. HybidZ.org is a great site for more info. on seat possibilities.(as well as a wealth of info. on hybrid Z cars in general) Electrical: I used the complete factory camaro engine wiring harness/fuse block for the conversion; I used a simple VATS bypass module to enable FI function; used stock camaro fuel pump relay; did wire in engine diagnosis plug; no check engine light however; would not be hard to add but prob. would require some computer reflashing to delete all emmission codes with conversion, etc. Battery removed from original location to provide area to mount ECM; battery relocated behind drivers seat... Gauges: all stock Datsun original gauges were ditched in favor of a complete gauge set from Marshall Electronics; includes 160 mph programmable speedo; 10,000rpm tach, water temp., oil pressure, voltmeter; fuel level; All work perfectly with lighting that is light years better than stock; Lighting is dual mode white or amber; The programmable speedo is great if you decide to change tire/wheel dimensions on the car. A/C- all a/c components have been installed inc. compressor; condensor/dryer; evaporator, cooling fan; lines need to be run to finish install; I hadnt yet located a local shop to make the lines. I used a condensor from a Nissan Pathfinder; also changed out evaporator/blower fan to a modern type from a Sentra; both R134a compatible.I had the a/c working with the inline 6 and it was very functional. Paint- Porsche Guards Red base/ integrated clearcoat; gets lots of attention but if you are looking for a show quality paint job then please dont bid; I drive all cars I build on a regular basis and a few knicks/ scratches are inevitable; are a couple of small chips on the bottom lip of the front spoiler,etc.; Of the several Z cars I have worked with this one had the least rust issues by far... I repaired some around the seats/floorboards...outer body panels in great shape... Performance/Driving Impressions: This is the 3rd early zcar I have restored and/or driven and yes it is quite a bit faster than a stock zcar; with the weight reduction from the bumper elimination etc.the hp/weight is approx. similar to a z28 with a stock Lt1;Also note from the pics how much room is available in front of the engine( a front mounted turbo anyone?) Summary: The reserve price is well below what I have in this vehicle; I can say with certainty that anyone would be very hard pressed to duplicate what I have done for the reserve price. I will be glad to answer any questions as best I can... Also, please be aware of the custom nature of this vehicle and maybe do an honest assessment of your mechanical skills/knowledge before bidding. I will require a $500 deposit via money order within 3 days of any winning bid and the balance prior to shipping. Shipping to be arranged by buyer... If your local DMV requires a title for old cars such as this please take note that the original title is not available...Bill of Sale only; please consider before bidding. NOTE: I am listing this vehicle for my twin brother. We have both performed many interesting car projects over the last 25 years and I will stand by his listing here. If you pick the car up in person and it does not meet your expectations, you will only be responsible for paying the listing fee. No negative feedback will be given. I have provided this for the cars I have listed and my brother has agreed to the same.