About this episode
This 1973 Datsun 240Z (S30) is an excellent example of modernising an older vehicle for competition motorsports, and still driving it home afterwards complete with aftermarket ABS! Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in With double the stock horsepower via a 3L Nissan L28 with custom pistons, rods, cam, and a ported N42 head care of Datsun Spirit Inc, Darren Garvin's 240Z (aka Nissan Fairlady Z) was a standout from the crowd at the 2022 OPTIMA street car challenge. An Electromotive electronics package has been utilised to help take the car from its factory 150hp (at the crank) carbed output to 300hp at the wheels, with the ATI harmonic damper holding a hall effect trigger setup and the TPS and MAP sensors being used as load inputs and a Jenvey Dynamics 50mm ITB setup on intake duty. Also discussed are other considerations around a carb to EFI conversion. A faster car needs better brakes, with the factory setup, including drum brakes on the rear, being retired in favour of an Arizonzacar brake package that includes Willwood 4 piston callipers and 12.5" rotors. The car also utilises an ABS system from an E46 M3 BMW, and Darren runs us through the requirements, including yaw, pressure and speed sensors. The drivetrain sees a 240SX gearbox mated to a 280Z bell housing, Quaife diff and CV axles to put the power to the ground, and a shortened driveshaft and Techno Toy mount kit to help get and keep it all in place. With most owners ditching their L series in favour of an RB26 or LS V8, it's nice to see this 240Z chassis simply modernised vs radicalised and with 40-50hp more as planned, this car is undoubtedly going to be even more of a weapon on track.