Datsun Z (S30)
S30 (240Z / 260Z / 280Z)
The S30 is a unit-body sports coupe with an inline six, independent rear suspension and a reputation for structural rust. Early 240Z cars are the lightest and simplest; later 280Z cars added fuel injection and weight. Panel availability is good but not universal, so buy the most solid shell you can find.
- Resources
- 3
- Engines documented
- L-series inline six in 2.4, 2.6 and 2.8 litre forms, carbureted early and fuel injected later.
- Body styles
- 2-seat coupe · 2+2 coupe
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Production 1970–1978
The S30 is a unit-body sports coupe with an inline six, independent rear suspension and a reputation for structural rust. Early 240Z cars are the lightest and simplest; later 280Z cars added fuel injection and weight. Panel availability is good but not universal, so buy the most solid shell you can find.
The 240Z, 260Z and 280Z are the same chassis with different engines, emissions equipment and bumpers. Do not assume parts cross over.
Engine & drivetrain configurations
| Engine | Displacement | Induction | Output | Transmissions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L28 2.8 L inline-sixL28E2,753 cc with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection, from 1975. | 2.8 L | Fuel injected | 150 PS (about 149 hp) in the 280Z | 4- or 5-speed manual; 3-speed automatic | |
| L26 2.6 L inline-sixL262,565 cc; arrived for 1974 with the 260Z and the 2+2 body. | 2.6 L | Carbureted | 139 hp SAE net (US 260Z); 165 PS in other markets | 4-speed manual; 3-speed automatic | |
| L24 2.4 L inline-sixL242,393 cc overhead-cam six. | 2.4 L | Carbureted | 151 hp SAE gross @ 5,600 rpm (US 240Z); 140 PS DIN | 4- or 5-speed manual |
Restoration
Restoration guides
Body, paint, teardown and reassembly material specific to this generation.
The S30 is a unibody sports car with known moisture traps. Here is where to look before you commit.
Repair
Common repairs & known problems
Documented failure points and repair procedures. Unverified claims are labelled.
Rebuild the L-series or swap? How to weigh originality, cost and the rest of the driveline.
Parts
Parts & supplier directory
Suppliers are listed for editorial reasons only. Affiliate links, if any, are marked separately and never change what is included.
Modifications
Engine & transmission modifications
Documented swaps, rebuilds and drivetrain upgrades for this generation.
Rebuild the L-series or swap? How to weigh originality, cost and the rest of the driveline.
Chassis
Brake & suspension upgrades
No brake or suspension resources yet
No resources are available in this category yet. We're expanding the Garage Atlas library.
Suggest a resourceWiring
Electrical & wiring resources
No electrical documentation yet
No resources are available in this category yet. We're expanding the Garage Atlas library.
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Restoration & build videos
No videos verified for this generation
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Technical reference
No technical specifications sourced yet
Capacities, torque figures and dimensions are only listed with a citation. Rather than guess, this section stays empty.
Community
Forums & community knowledge
Owner communities and message boards where this generation is actively discussed.
ZCar.com discussion forums
VerifiedLong-running Datsun Z community with technical discussion and restoration threads.