A 300 HP Lexus V8 in a Classic Datsun Z - Travesty..? or Genius
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- Опубликовано: 6 авг 2023
- Putting a modern Lexus 3UZ V8 engine in an 1970s Nissan Z might be controversial but there is no arguing with over double the torque and power... not to mention that V8 sound!! The question is.. will it ruin the handling the Z is famed for?
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Been there, done that! Sleepy Japanese don’t realize that in the 1970s, a company called Scarab, in San Jose, CA, 0:22 sold a kit to replace the I6 Datsun engine and transmission with a small block Chevrolet (SBC) engine and trans. The replacement engine and trans weighed LESS than the original engine and trans, and produced wildly more horsepower and torque. Too bad there aren’t more 240Zs around to be transformed.
The heavy impact bumpers (removed on this one) probably was one of the main increase over the 240z. The 280z also had longer chassis rails and chunkier 55mm diameter shocks otherwise they really aren't much different to the original. The scrap man collected my old bumpers, aircon, evap stuff, etc so hopefully dropped a few kee's!!
I loved the Z cars, I think this conversion has enhanced it.
I just started a similar build over on my channel!
Yeah that old Police show was great, what's it got to do with this though?
@@williamwilliam5066 huh?
@@LooseFab en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Z-Cars somebody is showing their age
@@ianjohnston3339 Probably Gen Z, haha
I owned a short wheelbase 260 back in the late 70s terrific car. I did read back then that the Japanese Police were equipt with limited edition V8 versions of the 240/260 for hwy use.
Totally nuts. I love it, although I’m not convinced I’d want to try driving it.
the 4.3 is absolutely fantastic. these engines simply never break down and are very fun to drive
Noticeable increase in the quality of cars you’re testing lately. Love this Z and the latest Pantera video. Well done.
Having an Annex to the review because you've changed your mind is the type of thing that makes me LOVE this channel. Most wouldn't have bothered.
That's a lovely combo, and a very tasteful restomod. Here in Canada it seems a lot of the surviving early Z cars got GM LS engines or Ford small blocks. I've even seen a 427 shoehorned into a first-gen 240. The engine bay is simply cavernous, so there's really no limit to what you can stuff in there.
When I was in high school in the 80s these cars were still cheap and abundant, although now they're far more rare (early Japanese cars and road salt don't mix well). Now that unmolested examples are becoming quite valuable I imagine these swaps will become less popular as people want to keep things original.
Same in Australia, lots of 308/350 swapped 240 Z.
There was a Chevy V8 swap kit called the Scarab.
Hi Jack. having had an LS400 and an LS430 I can confirm that they really are superb engines.I love the way that 'Jacks Bend' presents a challenge to all the cars you test, each one has a different reaction to their own cornering abilities. Keep doing what you do best, loving the channel. Bob M. South Wales.
It's actually "Harry's Bend" 😁😉
Realised I was grinning at the end of this!! Love your channel mate. The resto is interesting with a silky V8 and looks like you were enjoying yourself!! These Zs are such cool cars. Drive safe all, and hi from NZ
Hello Jack, I had three of the early 240's but this one, I would eat bees for. absolutely INCREDIBLE
Hardcore.
3?. what a disaster to drive, would not like to be seen dead it in one.
“Eat bees” 😂. Never heard that one before. Must be a Brit thing? But yeah, it’s a cool car for certain 👍🏻
I love this "restomod" thing and have built a few myself (Not Zs) 20 years ago they'd have been judged on their engineering and performance but nowadays, in light of vastly escalating values of standard cars, i'm mostly accused of "ruining it" Not that I CARE, my car, my rules! I build what I like to drive, you can like it or hate it, but it's a lot of fun! Love to try this Z, sounds like a hoot!
just started building a turbo v8 Z over on my channel. already getting lots of "ruined it" comments even though im trying to be tasteful with it!
It sounds as if it can be returned to bog standard without too much trouble. Second, it's not like these are terribly rare cars -- it's not like dropping a small block Chevy in a Talbot Lago or anything. I agree.....go mad!
Thanks Jack, what a fabulous Restomod, you could really enjoy it on a daily basis without worrying about it
What a beatiful example of one of my all time favourite cars, I think you enjoyed this test drive!
The end revision where Jack changes his approach to the car where you enter the corner at your minimum speed and then power through the corner is EXACTLY what I noted about the Alfa Romeo Alfetta Chassis (GTV, GTV6, 75, Alfettas etc). Cars that have been setup as race cars, as against commuter cars, require this type of driving. Most famous is the 911. Just don't lift off...
True about a 911 but a very different layout. I have a 240Z with a 2JZGTE swap and it drives in exactly the same way - pushes into the turns. I thought the LSD was too tight but swapped to an R200 with Torssen dif which hasnt made much difference.
I drove a stock 260Z years ago and never forgot it!
Thanks Jack, I do like the Z cars! V8 swap does give it a whole new character, whilst keeping to a 'reasonable budget'. 🙏🙏
just started a turbo v8 swap into a Z on my channel lol, cant wait for the first drive
There are enough cars to rot on displays, this one was made to someone`s liking. Can`t tell if I would go the very same route since the V8 doesn`t sound much glorious and the weight grows on it quite fast but I salute the owner for that and hope he`s getting the most of his from it. Cheers!
the factory L6 in these cars were extremely heavy. quite often going to a bigger but more modern engine ends in lower weight and even better weight distribution. im building one over on my channel so ive done a lot of reasearch lol
The engine does sound glorious though?
It’s fantastic but I think my favourite swop is still the RB30 on throttle bodies. It’s basically a modern take on the original power plant with a load more power without getting silly.
Ha! Spot the ozzy! That swap would be spot on. Maybe a rb25 swap too to go down the twin cam path. I remember a chef I worked with absolutely worked the t!ts off NA manual VL. That thing howled. Never got to turbo power of course but it it was a much better beast than standard.
I was thinking the same a RB30 or even a BMW straight 6 would be more in keeping with the character of the car.
could not agree more. Nissan have some incredible engines to choose from in their stable
Excellent! I've just bought a MK3 Capri with a 5.0 V8, it's INSANE
Thank you Jack for this (again) amazing review. What's so good about the review is not only the car but I absolutely laugh watching your reactions. Do enjoy your reviews so much.
Ex 76' 280z owner from Canada !
Miss this car .....
Thank's.
A friend of mine built his business by doing LS V-8 swaps into Datsun/Nissan Z cars. He did a conversion of a '95 300ZX, and, if you popped the hood, you would be hard-pressed to tell it didn't come from the factory that way. He's done the older ones, too, but, the 300 is the most popular.
just started doing exactly that swap on my channel. would love if it looked oem+ like that. not sure if it'll be quite that clean though..
The 240Z was my dream car when I was a kid. I was drooling throughout this whole video.
Your smile is contagious, great review thanks
One of the best Z engine swaps I have seen. Exhaust note sounds magnificent.
I just started building a 280z on my channel for drag racing. can only hope it turns out this nice ! great vid!
cool series, I like that truck you have too. subbed.
@@mcmuckin thanks for the support!
Jack, thank you so much once again for a wonderful magnificent review that makes me feel that I am there with you ! And yes, I want one !
A 280Z? Thought that was the later version. Looks like the 240/260Z variant to me. Will happily be proved wrong though! 🤔
Great conversion. Must have been fun.
I think there's space for originality and restmodding in the world, lovely car
Great video - looks like a fun car!
Pure genius, love this car and what the owner has done. Loving the content Jack.
Oddly I love the roof lining 👌
Jack that was like I was sitting as copilot/shotgun with you on that exciting driving experience. Definitely miles of smiles with that Z.👏🏻👏🏻
Literally worth the extra effort!
What a nice beast!
Greetings from the Netherlands
Press had exactly the same initial steering issues about the Z4M Coupe that I bought, turned out you just needed to turn the TC off and use the throttle to help steer it, and it was that combination of steering and throttle inputs that makes it an absolute joy to drive. Great review an an awesome car/engine. I’m just in the middle of putting a 1uz into my old Hilux so looking forward to that sound. Looks like the same road Harry M uses?
Awesome car. Nice video. Keep up the good work.
What a cracking bit of kit 😂 I bet that’s a right laugh to hoon around in 👍
Beautiful car with a REAL drive-line, very nice. LS swap guy here, NOTHING like it!
Jack seems to be having a huge amount of fun in this car
Genius !!!!!!!! A friend of mine has the same engine in a Mark 1 Capri. It looks a similar drive and not for the faint hearted in the wet.
Cool video! I'd love to see you review an RS2000 MK2 Escort or a Capri 2.8I to see how it differs from the 3l auto.
My god Jack, you are really getting into some epic cars. Wow.
In the US the 240 was the one to have. The Looks of the 260 and 280 were ruined by the bumpers and the 2+2 body. Thus, as far as I care you can do anything you want to a 260/280, but I would hesitate to change an original 240. This car is awesome and so remarkable clean. Great job by whoever did the conversion!
A neighbor of mine put an American V8 (i forget whether it was Ford or Chevy, but I think it was the later) in a 260Z. This was back in the 1970s. He had the rear wheel wells beautifully flared to take much larger tires. It was overall fantastic. Then, late one night, he took it out on the highway, and it scared him. The car was so light, and the engine was so powerful. He sold it soon after that. Actually, he would fix up and modify cars as a hobby. It was always fun to see what he was working on. Kind of like you.
Ohhhhhh I LIKE that… a lot. All the wheel spin and white knuckle handling is the whole point of such an amazing ‘one off special’
It is an interesting engine choice. I probably would have gone an LS 2 or 3 mainly because they are such light and compact engines.
im doing exactly that swap into a z car on my channel.. even getting a turbo lol
so bored of LS engines
@@antmk2dreaming614 hard to beat them for affordable power
These cars have aged extremely well... A subtle modern update of the lights and the engine only make it better
Good review.
Thank you Ash!
Surely this is a 260z not a 280? Great vid.
amazing transformation. I would like to see a ford capri with a modern v8 in it.
I like these old Z cars. I would think that is a good choice for an engine swap and being sat back in the engine bay would give it more stability. The classic car guys in America like the 280 Z but they are becoming rare now unless you want a rust bucket. I suppose you could say the same for here in the UK? Nice to see you enjoying your review Jack. 👍👍
Z cars have always been rare in Europe. Like 95% of the production was sold new in North America.
just started a similar swap on a Z over on my channel. im excited to feel that improved weight distribution.
Just love it, great video great car... john
Now that's an interesting toy Jack! I think playing with it could well end in tears tho😂.... crack stuff as always buddy 👌
That's a great conversion for a zed car Jack. It needs a "tall" overdrive gearbox though, I could imagine driving the motorways at 80mph engine running at only 2000 rpm. Fuel economy 35 mpg 😂. Congratulations to the owner.
I had one of those! Orange with a matt black bonnet, 351 Windsor V8 😊 the top of 3rd gear was almighty
On the plus side all the major changes are with Japanese components and it has been very nicely done.
I've always loved these Zs and of all the swaps I've seen if I had a choice I'd opt for an RB rather than a V8. This is stil a fine job though
As you say at 11:20 - "Tickling it a bit more from the back" Is always a great way to improve things!!
It is a 260z in this country. The 280’s were 280zx badged with a fuel injected engine, they were actually slower than the earlier 240/ 260z cars that were twin carburetor models.
The Lexus engine is a popular transplant in all sorts of cars here in the UK. Easy enough to pick up an entire donor car with a good engine for a low price. Altogether a better bet than a Rover V8. A lot about this car makes sense, a relatively light powerful and reliable engine mounted so far back... but the straight 6 sounds better...
For me the engine it deserves is the straight-six Nissan RB30DE 24v DOHC running throttle bodies, nice cams and a tuned exhaust. Basically, a modern take on the original L-series with triple Webers.
A fun ride, thanks.
This video needs more views!
You need to drive an rb25/26 next and compare with an inline 6 like from the factory
Nice Zed restored. Love it.
perfect ..... looks faster and sounds better than any of the other cars that you shown on your channel.....and just looks the part in every sense of the word..... if i had the money id buy a Z and duplicate it down to the last nut and bolt of what this car has ... again just perfect
I'm all for power upgrades and this looks neat in the engine bay but having it break away like that is going to end in tears. I think it would benefit from a taller final drive and changing back to smaller tyres.
Like the GT86's standard fitment tyres; deliberately narrow.
@malcom /// ???
A genius combination! Thank you.
The only part I do not like are those modern headlights. LED 'Halo' lights look terrible on classics.
Great video, and a wonderful car!
No argument from me - awful headlights.
My second generation Z/28 would try to push wide in the corners, a little power over steer with the throttle would bring the nose around and put it back on course. Most 70's-80's American muscle cars didn't handle worth a damn, so cornering at speed involved throwing it into a turn and using the throttle to pivot the back end around and coming out of the turn sideways...
I love 'Z' cars, and this conversation really has turned it into a brutal weapon, it's stunning! 🤯😍👏👏👏 bravo to the owner and everyone involved 👌
Just damn. It seems a bit like strapping a 440 hemi to a go cart or adult size bigwheel.
Another fantastic video Jack and that car is awesome!
I have a 240z WITH A 2jzgte, it has exactly the same steering characteristics you describe. Its like it has a locked diff - pushes straight when entering corners. Steering geometry is stock with BC shocks and stock manual rack. Feels the same steering either direction and tracks straight when driving in a straight line. Maybe a Z trait?
Well, I have 78 z I just got and ready to restore… I also have that Lexus ISF fever… maybe this is what I should do. They have info on parts used to swap? Or all custom “make it fit”?
Gosh, you DO go on about the steering (only) when there's so much more to enjoy......and then you start driving it properly and it all comes togetehr - good ! You also need to try out a modified L-series Z - get into a stroker ;-)
1UZ is a fantastic motor. I've got an SC400 as my track car, with a built 1UZ in it. Now, personally I would have kept the I6, but I can't fault anyone for throwing a 1UZ in there!
awesome built
Your "muscle car" designation seems especially apropos. I am an American after all... But I also know the roads of Oxfordshire fairly well and this Lexus V8 conversion sounds like it was a bit of a handfull as you describe the handling. One of my nephews had this Datsun model from new and there's something to be said for working the original straight six with the gear box to make it "sing for its supper" so to speak. Either way your ever-growing connoisseurship translates well and I always look forward to your presentations.
Another one on my bucket list
that sounds nice + dangerous, [ie i like it] but it really needs a taller diff to blunt that torque, otherwise it won't last very long [hedge fodder] keep it up young man
Immediately reminded of the Scarab Engineering Z-cars of the 70s.
I used to have one of these on my scalextric track when I was 12. It didn't have the lexus engine but it did have a magnet to stop the back end fish tailing n coming off track it's a long car! 🤣🤣🤣
The 3UZ is one of the great small-medium sized V8s. Good for 500k miles with regular maintenance. Smooth as silk and quite economical for something of its size and power. It was actually certified for aircraft use, which speaks volumes about its quality.
What about a straight 4, NA, 2L like the one on the Silvia S15, the SR20DET. Powerful, lightweight and from the same “lineage”. Can’t really see the purpose on giving power to a lightweight car made for handling and control… it must be the need for for speed 😅
Wow, that is one of the coolest things I've ever seen.
Thanks!
Thanks!!
Only guy on yt that does it right. Down to earth relatable content
We're very fond of Jack.
Super cool car 👌🏼
An old head master of mine had a T top one n it was awesome I pure coveted that car n he sold it n got a 944 🙄I coveted that too lol
Great review , they called them scarabs in the us with ,Ford 5.0s
Shame it's not Nissan RB26DETT inline six engine, nevertheless good conversion.
Why pity?
Probably 10x the cost for the RB, there are hundreds of cheap ls430 engines around and they were developed by yamaha i believe.
Developed by Yamaha isn’t excactly a bad thing.
Datsun would have done this if the motor had existed at that time.
? Nissan had a production V8 at the time
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_President
With a Toyota engine 😂
No. Not even a little.
They did, Nissan did build a small number of Z cars ( I think 240s but don’t quote me), that were given V8s for use by Japanese police.
Yeah but they didn't
Certainly puts a smile on your face lol
9:01 I’d imagine you make that face in other situations Jack 😊
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I had a 74 260z with a built 2.4 with a 600 holley carb and a 5speed 280zx gearbox with 3.90 2way dif dad had a 280z with a built 350 auto
Oh i love these cars so much.
Sounds like a real driver's car. Also seems to be a car that should not ever have cheap "bargain" tires installed on it as it looks to be able to really wring the performance out of a good set of tires.
Two questions. Is it running the stock ECU or an aftermarket system? Did they replace the 3UZ drive-by-wire throttle body with a 1UZ cable version? It looks like a DBW TB. If so, what throttle pedal setup is he using?
Standard ECU, you only need 5 wires to get the ECU to run as normal. It has a IS200 DBW pedal but i think any toyota pedal works.
@@arcanedefiance thank you for the info. I'm planning on swapping a 1U or 3U into my MX63 Cressida and your build is motivating. Do you have a reference for the critical ECU wiring?