1971 Datsun 240Z - L28 mods and triple Webers

Description

This 240Z has been featured as the project car on the Datsunzgarage website since 1997. My reason for selling it after all these years? Well after owning it since 1996 I’ve completed everything I wanted to do on this car, seriously. And today because of a busy family life I drive it only occasionally…so it sits quietly in my garage which is a shame.
Stamped 10/70 this series 1 car came originally from Virginia. When I bought it in 1996 the title stated the mileage was unknown because the PO had replaced the speedometer. It was in garage storage from 2001-2009 and I'm estimating 135,000 miles are now on the chassis.
WHAT MODS HAVE BEEN DONE?
• Weber 40DCOE 151 triples with TWM Induction intake, electric fuel pump
• 1983 280ZX L28
• 1983 P90 turbo head w/ Webcamshafts 230° cam
• 1983 280ZX distributor- recurved full mechanical- MSD 6A ignition
• 1983 Nissan/Borg Warner T5 5-speed, custom driveshaft.
• 1986 R200 4:11 (open differential)
• Wolf Creek CV halfshafts
• 280ZX 15/16” brake master cylinder
• rear disc brake conversion
• 280ZX 60 amp alternator
• Thermostat controlled dual electric radiator fans.
• The fuse block works normally, but I installed an extra distribution block on the firewall behind the radio faceplate. This supplies the power to relays to control the headlights and ignition. A schematic will be supplied.
ENGINE DETAILS
The 1983 280ZX L28 was fully rebuilt in 2008 with 12,000 miles on it now. It was overbored .5mm and balanced ITM aluminum flattop pistons installed. The block was internally coated with Glyptol. It received new bearings, gaskets, and 280ZX turbo oil pump.
The 1983 P90 turbo head received 5-way intake and 3-way exhaust seats with Stainless SI undercut valves. The head was shaved .080” and cam towers reshimmed. This gives compression around 10:25.1 and runs fine on premium gas with no pinging. A Webcamshaft 94a (230°) cam was installed with new Nissan rocker arms. Compression is a solid 200psi all across.
A 280ZX electronic distributor was recurved and converted to full mechanical (34° max) by Advanced Distributors of Minnesota. It fires a MSD 6A.
Motorsport 6-1 header and 2 1/2” exhaust system. Header is tapped for a one-way crankcase evacuation valve. An 02 bung is welded in as well if you want to install an oxygen sensor.
BRAKE DETAILS
New Toyota 4x4 S12 calipers are installed on the front.
The rear drums were converted to discs using Maxima calipers and 280ZX rotors.
A Wilwood proportioning valve was installed in the engine compartment. The handbrake cable is new and functional. New brake lines were all custom bent.
DRIVETRAIN DETAILS
The Nissan/Borg Warner T5 5-speed was fully rebuilt in 2012 with new synchros, bearings, circlips, fork pads, seals, and rear bushing. The preload was set to factory specs. The flywheel is a new OEM steel version custom-lightened to 15 pounds. The clutch is a Zoom. Turbo 280ZX clutch slave cylinder and new master cylinder installed 2011. Wolfcreek CV axles were installed in the R200 using L24 stub axles. A front snubber mount was installed on the R200…no clunks now.
SUSPENSION
Suspensions Techniques F/R swaybars with urethane mounts.
Suspension Techniques springs. KYB shocks.
Techno Toy Tuning adjustable TC rods.
Rear spindle pins replaced in 2010.
REPAINTING DETAILS
In 2013 I sanded down the body, primered and shot with medium-gray acrylic urethane single-stage from TCP Global. This was my first paint job and I did my best. But some orange peel exists in places which will need to be color sanded out if you require a mirror-smooth finish. When spraying the hood a number of tiny fisheyes appeared. These aren’t visible from a few feet away but do exist. The windshield was replaced with a new PGW tinted version. All weatherstripping, body seals and weatherstripping were replaced at the same time.
COSMETICS
New exterior badges
Dash gauges are black Autometer versions with exception of the stock fuel gauge.
Original seatbelts
1983 280ZX Turbo 15” aluminum wheels with intact center caps.
Sun visor signed by Bob Sharp.
RUST DETAILS
The passenger floor received a small patch under the mat 15 years ago. Some mild rust exists on the outside bottom floor under the driver seat. The driver front frame rail had some pinholes that were welded shut years ago. A big plus is that during repainting I replaced the front fenders with factory NOS versions I sourced. The rocker panels and doglegs were replaced with new Tabco versions which were welded in. No rust is visible in the battery tray area.
ASSESSMENT
The car runs strong with excellent handling. It pulls very hard on acceleration and spins the rear wheels easily if that's your thing. The car is tight and creak free. Idle is smooth with a nice cam burble. I use 7,000 for the redline.
Webers are nearly zero maintenance, less even than Datsun SUs. But because of the nature of carburetion I highly recommend that the new owner learn how to balance, tune, and troubleshoot Weber DCOEs.
As mentioned above the fusebox is fully functional but I added relays and a fused, terminal block behind the radio panel. This is a switched, high current point for the ignition and headlights which reduces stress to the factory fuse block.

Here are some minor issues to be aware of:
- The interior fan and heater work but the dash vent and heater cables were removed years ago to ease access to the radio panel
- Horn switch erratic, the Grant horn collar may need replacing
- Not connected: rear defroster switch, door light switches
- The passenger side dogleg panel has developed a “line” in the paint where filler was applied.
- Radio is not functional, but I have an amp wired in to accept an Ipod or similar.
- Interior taillight plastic trim cover is loose.
IMPORTANT NOTE: While very streetable this 46 year old car was setup for club and/or track racing. Because of the triple carbs, performance camshaft and crankcase vent system, YOU are responsible for checking your local laws to make sure this is legal to drive in your area. I make no warranty as to its emissions status or ability to pass state inspection! Because of the adjustable proportioning valve you will need to determine the best setting for balanced braking. This car is sold as is.
INCLUDED WITH THE SALE
- box of assorted Weber jets and six 34mm chokes
- SFK airflow meter and carb snorkel for tuning
- set of aftermarket black “Z” wheel center caps
- USB drive with schematic, carb info, & documents explaining the mods
NOTE: CT does not issue titles for cars over 20 years old. To sell a vintage car in CT a DMV “Assignment of Ownership/Bill of Sale” form and an old registration are all that are required to transfer ownership.
$500 deposit is due from winner within 24 hours via Paypal. The balance to be in cash or cashier's check. A cashiers check will need to be verified with the issuing bank before car ownership can be transferred. WINNING BIDDER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REMOVAL/DELIVERY/SHIPPING/INSURANCE/REGISTRATION.