Thread: 1971 Datsun 240Z Custom Build Project

So it has been a long time coming that I finally step back into the role of building my next project. After much consideration, I have decided on a 1971 Series I Datsun 240Z, the very first Z car! I selected this car for multiple reasons, some of which are:

• it is considered by many to be one of the very best sports cars of the 70's
• very light chassis (~2355lbs)
• has gorgeous classic lines to work with
• FR chassis configuration
• accepts a variety of very nice engine swap options (RB's, LSx, etc)

The goals of the project are:

• build a project with an initial power-to-weight ratio of ~350 (similar to current supercars like the Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale or Gallardo, etc)
• update a classic chassis to look very modern yet pay respects to the original, not destroying the characteristics the original was known for
• mechanicals that have large aftermarket support to take the project beyond the initial build and still be readily available
• design something completely unique and unlike anything seen on the road before

Coming from a motorsports background, I have done a lot of customization (mechanical+aesthetics) and one-off parts development/production. As such, I began contemplating swap choices and aesthetic modifications I would like seen done to the car. Taking everything into consideration, I arrived at the 1971 Series I Datsun 240Z with a Corvette Gen III LS1 motor swap, T56 6-speed manual, 9" rear (4.11 final gear), 18" wheels (the size represented by the renderings FYI) and a completely reworked interior/exterior among the main points. With a stock chassis weighing ~2355lbs (source: wikipedia.com) and a stock LS1 US-spec making 350HP & 350ft/lbs of torque (source: wikipedia.com) that gives me a power-to-weight ratio of ~332HP/ton, identical to a Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale... and faster than 80-90% (or more even) of whats out there on the road. And that is just the starting point! The Gen III LS1 can very easily be made to produce 500HP (and alot more depending on how extensive you get with modding). This puts it squarely in a very elite category of cars with a power-to-weight of 500+, such as Bugatti Veyron (538), Gumpert Apollo Sport (542), McLaren F1 + Ferrari P4/5 (550) and better than cars like RUF CTR2 (377), Corvette ZR1 (426), Porsche Carrera GT (439), Ferrari Enzo (478) as well as the Pagani Zonda F (490)! That is some neighborhood to be in!!

I started working on concepts of what exterior modifications I wanted to perform and eventually started sketching out the visuals. When I was done, I began modelling the car in 3D (I also have experience in developing virtual reality environments) and along the way found someone who had developed something very similar in 3D to where I was going with my design. I have not yet decided on colors/finishes as there are soo many things that need to take place prior, but I am open to suggestions (or renderings)... what was used in these renderings was arbitrary to give the model life.

I am currently in the process of searching the country for the donor vehicle and if anyone has information on locating one in reasonable condition for the basis of a project like this (read: not perfect by any means, but driveable in current state and as close to 100% complete as possible with NO accidents) please drop me a line. I am also open to collaboration/sponsorships depending on terms if there are other shops/teams that would like to be a part of this very special build and put their names on it... rest assured this will be highly publicized and covered by media once complete. There is a shit ton I am missing I am sure in this primer on the project, but this should be enough to get things started

Hope you all enjoy watching as I embark on this insane (!) journey!

Looks amazing and will be a great project!

The front end reminds me of the front end of a Fiat 124 abarth stradale

1975_fiat_abarth_124_rallye_stradale_03_m.jpg

+1 looks amazing indeed I can't wait to see the progress of this build

Thanks guys! I am very excited about this project and will be doing my very best to put together a proper build thread complete with all the photos. I figure this way the car has some provenance beyond the fact it is the first Z ever and a 40+yo classic even though it's being re-imagined from every angle! Stay tuned!

[IMG]MR120-Satin-Black-700.jpg[/IMG]

I found these wheels from Motegi Racing.. I like the style... wish they were dished, concave or both though.... thoughts on the best wheels for the body style I am creating anyone?

Such a fvcking awesome car, always been one of my favorites. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

looks great!!

did you think about a 2JZ swap....?

also rim wise HRE's new classic collection?? or dare I say....ADV?

I did consider the 2JZ swap a few times.... (I love straight 6's)... BUT, when it came down to it I shy'd away simply because the availability of parts and associated cost is less expensive for the LSx family of motors vs the 2JZ... plus it is easy to get the LS motor completely behind the front axle for weight distribution/handling... any of the straight 6's will go over and go beyond the axle which is something I was trying to avoid entirely.

Dude, my teacher has a shit load of nos parts, and a shell. Pm me, and I can try to put you two in contact

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I love the orange car!!! A buddy of mine had one of these with a straight 6 turbo!! OH MY GOODNESS!!! That thing would fly!!!