1970 Datsun 240Z 2.4
Summary:
A sexy looking, powerful,able to take great punishment and a reliable machine for budget gourmets.
Faults:
This 240Z was driven just on weekends, I purchased the car in 1990 from an attorney, who had the car for 15 years, he had bought it from his best friend, the original owner. Actually, my car was manufactured in 1969. The car had fine compression, but the head gasket appeared to have at one time leaked a bit, so rather than test it, I had a mechanic replace it. The head gasket never leaked again.
General Comments:
This is one fine driving machine, white exterior, sleek long nose, high kamm back end, radical side profile. After the first month, I installed 15x7 inch wide rims, zero offset and 215/60/15 tires and a 1 inch front sway bar and 7/8 inch rear sway bar. Fantastic handling was the result, more taut than a good condition 1988 BMW M3, maybe not as communicative, but the body rolled less. I have driven both. Handling good enough for autocrossing and driving on most free way on-ramps at double the posted speed limit (up to 35 mph= 70 mph) amazing for an inexpensive car. Dead reliable, would get a squeal from the tires on an up shift to 3rd gear at 5500 rpms with the 215/60/15 tires. After I had the engine rebuilt with hi-performance cam, 280z valves, stock carburetor headers, low restriction exhaust, and a shaved flywheel, 3.90 rear end from a 1980 280zx and a 5 speed from a 280Z, it would pull 7400 rpms in 3rd gear with octane booster, run right past 6500 rpms in 4th gear, pulling like an electric motor. Easy to maintain motor, with a power band from 4500 rpms to 6500+ rpms. 20miles per gallon as is. Dream: Triple side draft webers would be the cream.
Easily a super bargain. There is not enough room to tell you about the Tokico 5 way adjustable Illumina shock absorbers and matching springs... just delicious on the track or auto cross.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd June, 2002
5th Jul 2003, 17:40
Thanks for the great review! IT is so amazing that this car is still so sweet after more than 30yrs. of driving. MY eternal question is always, "does the car look like just some old 70's car some teenager bought because it was cheap, or does this car still impress with its amazing driving capabilities as well as its looks???" I have a '71 240 and want very badly to restore it (completely refurbish) but I don't want it to be a waste. I know that it wouldn't be a waste to refurbish such a great running car, but would it be worth it to restore it back to a beautiful car???
Dannysroom692002@yahoo.com <<< please e-mail me with any comments, anybody. Thank you.
4th Jun 2005, 02:04
It would definitely be worth your while to restore your old 240Z, if rust hasn't taken too much of a toll on the car.
The Datsun 240Z is really getting to be really rare! After much searching, I have had the good fortune to have found a 1972 240Z recently, with an unbelievably little amount of rust in the usual spots, no body filler, and basically original condition. It was the best $2500 I ever spent! She drives like a dream, and I certainly will keep her forever.
All in all, the Old '70 thru '78 Datsun Z cars are amazing to see and drive. The straight 6 cylinder motor in the old Z cars is arguably the most reliable motor ever made. I have never owned one with less than 150K on it, and I have had up to 256K original on one particular car (orig. motor!) at the time of it's sale... It ran!
Good Luck!
Jim.
1st May 2003, 02:43
Thanks for the review, I found it to be very helpful. Good to know that parts for upgrades are seemingly readily available and that the car's basic structure seems to age gracefully. Would like more detailed information from the writer of the review if that is possible, as I'm considering purchase, and have never owned a Z car before.
kjtar@earthlink.net.