Nissan S30

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Nissan/Datsun 240Z
Manufacturer	Nissan
Also called	Datsun 260Z Datsun 280Z Nissan Fairlady Z
Production	1970–1978
Predecessor	Datsun Sports
Successor	Nissan 280ZX
Class	Sports car
Body style(s)	3-door hatchback
Layout	FR layout
Engine(s)	2.4L L24 SOHC I6
Transmission(s)	3-speed automatic 4-speed manual
Wheelbase	90.7 in (2,304 mm)
Length	162.8 in (4,135 mm)
Width	64.1 in (1,628 mm)
Curb weight	2,355 lb (1,068 kg)
Designer	Yoshihiko Matsuo

North American-spec Datsun 240Z

1974 Datsun 260Z 2+2 (European nomenclature)

The S30 Nissan/Datsun (known in Japan as the Fairlady Z and in other markets as the 240Z and later as the 260Z and 280Z) were sports cars produced by Nissan Motors, Ltd. of Japan from 1970 to 1978. HLS30 was the designation of the left-hand drive model and HS30 for the right-hand drive model. The 240Z was introduced in 1969 with a 2.4 liter straight-6 SOHC engine, rear wheel drive, and a stylish coupe body. The engine, based on the Datsun 510's 4-cylinder produced 150 hp (112 kW) and came with a 5-speed manual transmission (U.S. models received a 4-speed manual), a less common 3-speed automatic transmission was optional and had a "Nissan Full Automatic" badge. A 4-wheel independent suspension consisted of MacPherson struts in front (borrowed from the Datsun Laurel C30) and Chapman struts in back. Front disc brakes and rear drums were standard.

Production began in 1969. The 1970 240Z was introduced to the American market by Yutaka Katayama, president of Nissan Motors USA operations, widely known as 'Mr. K'. The early 1970 model 240Z had a chrome "240" badge on the B-pillar quarter panel. Two vents were included in the rear hatch below the glass molding. In mid-1971 the B-pillar side badges were restyled with the letter Z in white, and the vents were eliminated from the hatch. Design changes for the U.S. model occurred throughout production and are described Design and Manufacturing Changes to the U.S. Spec

The 240Z and 260Z used twin one-barrel side-draft SU-like carburetors. The carburetors were changed beginning with model year 1973 to comply with emissions regulations, but the earlier carburetors were far superior for performance. Fuel injection (L-Jetronic electronic fuel injection, designed by Bosch) was added for the 280Z in 1975. This was primarily in order to cope with the difficulty faced in getting enough power using carburetors while still meeting US emissions regulations.

Due to its relatively low price compared to other foreign sports cars of the time (Jaguar and Porsche), it became popular in the United States and was a major success for the Nissan Motor Corporation, which at the time sold cars in North America under the name Datsun. The 240Z also broadened the image of Japanese car-makers beyond their econobox success. The Z was very successful in racing in the 1970s (Bob Bondurant and his (Brock Racing Enterprises) BRE racing team, with John Morton driving a Datsun 510, number 46, was particularly successful). The Z is also credited as a catalyst for the import performance parts industry.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] 240Z

In 2004, Sports Car International named this car number two on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1970s.

[edit] Specifications

• Engine: 2393 cc (146 cu in) L24 I-6, cast-iron block, alloy head, seven-bearing crankshaft, single overhead cam, 9.0:1 compression; Maximum recommended engine speed 7000 rpm.
  • Bore: 83.0 mm (3.3 in)
  • Stroke: 73.7 mm (2.9 in)
• Fuel system: Mechanical fuel pump, twin Hitachi HJG 46W 1.75 in (44.4 mm) SU-type carburetors
• Power: 151 hp (113 kW) at 5600 rpm (SAE gross)
• Torque: 146 ft·lbf (198 N·m) at 4400 rpm (SAE gross)
• Transmission: Four-speed manual, five-speed manual, or three-speed automatic (after September 1970)
• Final drive ratios:
  • Four-speed manual transmission: 3.364:1 (37:11)
  • Five-speed manual transmission: 3.90:1 (39:10) (not available in US)
  • Three-speed automatic transmission: 3.545:1 (39:11).
• Brakes:
  • Front: 10.7 in (271.8 mm) discs
  • Rear: 9.0 in (228.6 mm) x 1.6 in (40.6 mm) drums
• Suspension:
  • Front: Independent with MacPherson struts, lower links, coil springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar
  • Rear: Independent with Chapman struts, lower wishbones, coil springs, telescopic dampers
• Steering: Rack and pinion, 2.7 turns lock to lock
• Wheels: 4.5J-14 steel wheels with 175 SR 14 tires
• Wheelbase: 90.7 in (2303.8 mm)
• Length: 162.8 in (4135.1 mm)
• Width: 64.1 in (1628.1 mm)
• Dry weight: 2355 lb (1068 kg)
• Top speed: 125 mph (201 km/h)
• 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h): 8.0 s
• Typical fuel consumption: 21 mpg (US) (11 L/100 km/25 mpg imp)

[edit] 240ZG

The HS30-H Nissan Fairlady 240ZG was released in Japan in October 1971 to homologate the 240Z for Group 4 racing. Differences between the 240ZG and an export market Datsun 240Z include an extended fiberglass ‘aero-dyna’ nose, wider over-fenders riveted to the body, a rear spoiler, acrylic glass headlight covers and fender mounted rear view mirrors. The 240ZG was available in three colours: Grande Prix Red, Grande Prix White and Grande Prix Maroon. The "G" in 240ZG stands for "Grande." Although the ZG was never sold outside Japan, in order for it to be eligible for competition in the U.S., Nissan sold the nose kit as a dealer's option which is known as the "G-nose".

[edit] Z432

Packaging the S20 160 hp (119 kW) engine from the GT-R created a go-fast Fairlady. The 432 referred to 4 valves per cylinder, 3 carburetors, and 2 cams. Approximately 420 were built. [1]

[edit] Z432R

A Japan only model Fairlady Z equipped with the twin cam 2.0bsp;L inline 6 cylinder "S20" engine shared with the KPGC10 Skyline GT-R. The Z432R was orange with black steel wheels and a low luster black hood. Z432R had lighter front guards, doors, and bonnet, as well as further engine enhancements compared to the Z432.

[edit] 260Z

The engine was enlarged with a longer stroke to 2.6 L for the 260Z in 1974. A 2+2 seating option added with an extra 11.9 in of wheelbase. This engine was sold in the United States for the 1974 model year only, but was available in other countries until 1979. In the US, federal emissions regulations forced a reduction in ignition timing and compression ratio, resulting in a lower power output (140 hp) despite the additional displacement, whereas in other countries the power output actually increased to 162 bhp. A 3-speed automatic transmission was an option to the standard 4-speed manual.

There were Two models of the 260Z sold in the U.S. The first half had lower power due to Emissions regulations. The full power version was available during the second half of production destined to the U.S. market. Some regard the first half of 260Z's as the least desirable of the two models, because of the reduced performance. This has resulted in lower prices on average for the early model 260Z.^{[citation needed]}

The 260Z also claimed a few improvements over the 240Z. The climate controls were more sensibly laid out and easier to work. There was additional stiffness in the chassis due to a redesign of the chassis rails which were larger and extended further back than in the 240Z. The American model also featured heavier, safer, impact-absorbing bumpers.

Cosmetic changes included a redesigned dashboard and console, seat trim, and door panels for the interior, as well as redesigned rear tail lights.

[edit] Specifications

• Engine: 2.6 L (158.7 cu in) L26 I6, cast-iron block, alloy head, seven-bearing crankshaft, single overhead camshaft
  • Bore: 83.0 mm (3.3 in)
  • Stroke: 79.0 mm (3.1 in)
  • Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
• Fuel System: Mechanical fuel pump, twin Hitachi HMB 46 W 1.75 in (44.4 mm) SU-type carburetors
• Power: 162 hp (121 kW) at 5600 rpm
• Torque: 152 ft·lbf (206 N·m) at 4400 rpm
• Transmission: Four-speed manual or three-speed automatic
• Brakes:
  • Front: 10.7 in (271.8 mm) discs front
  • Rear: 9.0 in (228.6 mm) X 1.6 in (40.6 mm) drums rear, servo assisted
• Suspension:
  • Front: Independent with MacPherson struts, lower wishbones, coil springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar
  • Rear: Independent with MacPherson struts, lower wishbones, coil springs, telescopic dampers
• Steering: Rack and Pinion, 2.7 turns lock to lock
• Wheels/ Tires: 4.5J-14 steel wheels with 175 SR 14 tyres
• Top Speed: 127 mph (204 km/h)
• 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h): 8.0 sec
• Fuel consumption: 20 mpg (US) (12 L/100 km/24 mpg imp) to 28 mpg (US) (8.4 L/100 km/34 mpg imp)

[edit] 280Z

Nissan/Datsun 280Z
Manufacturer	Nissan
Also called	Nissan Fairlady Z
Production	1975-1978
Predecessor	Datsun Sports
Successor	Nissan 280ZX
Class	Sports car
Body style(s)	3-door hatchback
Layout	FR layout
Engine(s)	2.8L L28 SOHC I6
Transmission(s)	5-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	90.7 in (2,304 mm)
Length	162.8 in (4,135 mm)
Width	64.1 in (1,628 mm)
Curb weight	2,355 lb (1,068 kg)

Engine size was up again, to 2.8 L, by increasing the bore of the L26 engine for the 280Z in late 1975 to create the L28, and a reliable Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system was added. Heavier impact absorbing bumpers were added in 1975 (U.S. markets only). A 5-speed manual transmission was added as an option for the USA in 1977.

In 1975, larger, longer and heavier bumpers also known as "park benches" were added to meet strict safety standards.

In 1977 and 1978, Datsun offered special edition models, with one being the "Black Pearl". The Black Pearl edition (produced only in 1978) came with Black Pearl paint and a "Special Appearance Package" (SAP), which consisted of dual racing mirrors, rear window louvers. and a unique red and silver stripe. It is estimated that between 750-1,500 of these cars were produced. The "Zap" was offered in 1977 as a "Special Decor Package" edition with bright yellow paint and a big black stripe down the center and full length on the sides, with yellow, red and orange chevrons at front end of the stripes. It estimated that 1,000 "Zap Z" cars were offered in 1977. The "Zap Z" model was also used as the pace car in the 1977 Long Beach Gran Prix.

Other non-USA markets continued to receive the 260Z with the L26. Also, 280Z 2+2--the two-door, four-seat model.

The 280Z, although quite heavy and smog-controlled in stock form due to government regulations, was and is easily modified, with performance equaling much newer sports cars. For instance, simply removing the heavy front bumper and adding a front spoiler corrects the otherwise jittery high-speed handling of the stock version. Further, a great variety of aftermarket parts are available to, in effect, bring the 280Z back in line with the ethic of the early Z-cars, such as free-flowing exhaust/header kits and the installation of a 280ZX turbo. The 280Z was a remarkable confluence of (1) a lightweight sports-car body and suspension relatively unchanged (sans bumpers) since 1970, and (2) a powerful and efficient engine similar in type to other great sportscars of various manufacture (approx. 3 litre, 12 Valve, straight six w/single overhead cam; e.g. Toyota Supra, BMW 3.0cs).

The S30 series Z car was replaced in 1979 by the S130 Nissan 280ZX

[edit] Engine Conversions

The most common S30 engine conversion is performed by replacing the normally aspirated engine with the turbo charged version from the later Nissan 280ZX, with no modifications to the transmission or mountings required.

The S30 has also proven to be a popular and affordable basis for V8 and other engine conversions, usually a Chevrolet Small-Block engine or Ford. Several vendors make kits and informational books to allow the conversion to be done as a nearly bolt-in process. There are message forums allowing those that have performed or are planning the conversion to share information as well as buy and sell parts and cars.

[edit] In popular media

• As one of the most popular Japanese cars of that era, the S30 has appeared in numerous media, most notably on the manga Wangan Midnight, nicknamed The Devil Z and is driven by the manga's protagonist Akio Asakura and has appeared in numerous video games as recent as Forza Motorsport 2, the earliest being Datsun 280 ZZZAP in 1976.

[edit] See also

• Toyota 2000GT
• Z-car

[edit] External links

• IMCDB listing for 240Z
• IMCDB listing for 260Z
• IMCDB listing for 280Z
• Hybrid Z message forum for engine conversions

[edit] Publications

• Datsun Z: From Fairlady to 280Z, Brian Long, Motorbooks International 1998 (ISBN 1-901295-02-8)