1973 Datsun Z-Series Description
Time to sell my 1973 Datsun (Nissan) 240z- that I brought from Southern California to Pennsylvania 15 years ago. Since that time the Z has been kept in a garage and only driven during Spring, Summer and Fall. She's a head turner of a vehicle- Looks fantastic from 6-10 feet away, but she's no showroom queen. Up close, you'll notice some chips (filled and polished) and cosmetic blemishes, but mechanically this is a rock solid car. Freshly rebuilt engine with less than 500 miles on it. The Enkei wheels really set off the elegant lines of the 240z. As they say, there's no replacement for displacement and while weighing in at just over 2,300 lbs, swapping in a 2.8L engine from a 280z gives this pocket rocket the juice to power through the gears like a whip. Originally only offered in a 4-speed, I upgraded to a 5-speed transmission to capitalize on the power and cruise effortlessly on the highway. Original style dual SU Z-Therapy carburetors masterfully reconditioned by the best in the business. Great flowing 6-1 powder coated headers matched with the revered P79 Aluminum Head and the F54 block is quite nearly the best flowing, most robust, and powerful combination of engine components. No expense was spared in making sure this Z will respond to your every whim. Every nut, every study, and every bolt has been scrutinized for maximum performance.
Needless to say, the car starts right up, pulls strong, and sounds glorious.
Outside of a concours restoration, you won't fine a cleaner engine bay. I'm an engineer by profession and I saw to only the highest quality parts were used in every facet of the restoration. Documentation available for the mechanical work on the engine.
Rust is a factor you have to evaluate on these cars. Lucky for this Z, it lived in Southern California from 1973 to 2005 and avoided the salt that ate so many of these vehicles up north. Since then, it has been in a garage and never exposed to the harsh elements. Frame rails and floor pans should be checked and in this vehicle they are sound and free from malignant rust. In other parts of the vehicle, if you look closely, you will find some benign surface rust, however, that is to be expected on a 45+ year old vehicle- anyone trying to sell you any different should be viewed with suspicion. The important element is there is no rust that would compromise structure, safety, or performance.
I'll also include the 3 tomes that guided me through the restoration: Haynes, Chilton's, and "How to Rebuild Your Nissan & Datsun OHC Engine" by Tom Monroe.
Why am I letting this cherry go? Well, my wife says I can only have one project car at a time, so after 15 years, it's time for this Z to plaster a smile on someone else's face.
Dollar for dollar, I doubt there is more bang for your buck than the speed, fun, and agile handling this classic 240z offers.
Please note that this vehicle is listed in other advertising sources, so the auction may end early if another buyer steps up. I will get back to you as quickly as possible in case you have any questions.
I've done my best to accurately represent the condition of this vehicle. You are welcome to inspect the vehicle prior to or subsequent to purchase. Sold As is, no warranty express or implied.
Details on upgrades and parts:
P79 Cylinder Head from California Datsun, See their product here (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Datsun-Z-240Z-260Z-280Z-ZX-Rebuilt-P79-Engine-Motor-Cylinder-Head-OEM-/153478322664?hash=item23bc0559e8) Work as follows:
1. Complete disassemble, Inspection and Pressure test2. Re-Surface Intake Gasket Side, Head Gasket Side3. 3 Angle Valve Job on Seats, 45 Degree on Valves4. Cleane, Inspected andPolished Rocker Arms5. Cleaned, Inspected and Installed OEM stock Springs, Retainers and Lash Pads6. Cleaned, Inspected andPolished Camshaft.7.Full Set of new Valve Seals Installed.8.All threads cleaned and repaired as needed9. New Freeze Plug, Painted and Full Reassembly with Valve Adjustment (future adjustment needed after start up)F54 Engine Block
- Hot Tank Cleaning,
- Magnaflux,
- Resurface Deck,
- Rebore and Hone
- New +0.5mm Pistons,
- Fresh Paint,
- New OEM rings
- New Water Pump
- New Oil Pump
- New Timing Chain and Guides
- Every Seal replaced
- New Freeze Plugs.
Other Upgrades and Restoration Work:
- 4 piston Front Disc Brakes (1989 Toyota 4X4)
- Wilwood Master Cylinder
- K&N Air Filter
- Fully Rebuilt Z-Therapy “Round Top” SU Carbs
- New Door Panels
- Replaced Dashboard
- Enkei Wheels
- New Centerforce Clutch
- 1979 Electronic Distributor
- 5 Speed Transmission
- New Front Seats
- 3 row aluminum radiator
- Electric Fan
- Electric Fuel Pump
- Reconditioned Fuel tank and replaced evaporative system hoses
- 6-1 Ceramic Powder Coated Headers
- Polished Intake Manifold with Euro Style Balance Tube (Polished and Painted)
- Inertial Safety Switch
- And much more!