1970 Datsun 240Z

The 1970 Datsun 240Z:

• Series 1 S30 240Z produced in December 1970
• Powered by Nissan’s RB25 DE, a naturally aspirated 2.5L inline 6-cylinder and 5-speed manual
• Imported from Oman as a project car and gradually mechanically refurbished at Kanzen Motorsports, a JDM specialist in Dubai

This 1970 Datsun 240Z is a work-in-progress daily driver project. The 240Z comes powered by a Nissan RB25 DE, an inline-six mated to a 5-speed manual. Produced in Dec 1970, this Datsun originally came in Gold (920) with the L24, a 2.4L inline-six, and a 4-speed manual. It now sports a naturally aspirated Nissan RB25, a drivetrain swap commonly found in the GCC region. The interior remains largely stock and has not been restored.

This Fairlady was purchased by its current owner in March 2021 as a project car. It was imported from Oman and slowly refurbished to its current state. The vast majority of maintenance and service was done at Kanzen Motor Sports, a renowned JDM specialist in Dubai. The owner reports: “My 240Z is very much a project car. While I drive it almost every day it is by no means complete. I intended to get the mechanical and essentials sorted and slowly restore and upgrade it while enjoying it.”

Dec 2023: Engine oil and filter change

Mar 2023: Big brake caliper upgrade kit and brake fluid replacement

Jun 2022: AC service and refrigerant gas repair. New Bridgestone tires. Wheel alignment.

Apr 2022: Exhaust hangers welded/repaired (loose muffler).

Apr 2022: Fuel tank removal and check, fuel pipe replacement, rear fuel tank hoses replaced. Tank float/gas gauge issues diagnosed.

Mar 2022:

All fluids replaced (engine oil, coolant, brake, clutch, transmission, differential)

Energy full suspension bushing kit. Replaced valve cover gasket, cam seal, and rear main seals. Gearbox mount and drain plug. Differential rebuild and mount.

Replacement of front tie rods, front calipers, brake pads,  and skimmed disc brakes. The rear drums were rebuilt.

Jul 2021: Interior panel trims repaint

Jun 2021: Headlight bucket/bucket repair. Broken rear hatch latch was repaired.

Apr 2021: Fuel filter, fuel line replaced, engine air filter

Mar 2021: Car imported from Oman

Receipts will be made available shortly.

A recap of some of the most important maintenance and modifications:

Engine & Related

• Nissan RB25 DE naturally aspirated inline-six engine and transmission.

• Upgraded to Mishimoto aluminum radiator, thermostat, and electric fan.

• Nissan R200 differential (rebuilt in Apr ‘22)

• New Solite battery (fitted in Jun ‘22)

Exterior & Interior

• Paint: Full repaint in Sunset Orange with gloss black fender flares, spoiler, and front/rear bumpers

• Lights: Front headlights replaced with new units. Deleted modified acrylic ZG-style headlight covers Insulation: New carpets with heat/sound insulation (June ’21). Replaced all window, hatch and door rubber/weatherstripping (Apr ’22).

Underneath:

• Brakes: New Sumitomo brake calipers and discs up front. Rebuilt drum brakes and handbrake.

• Suspension: Aftermarket adjustable springs fitted by the previous owner.

• Wheels: 15-inch Watanabe rims painted in gloss black.

• Tires: Replaced 4 x Bridgestone EP150 195/50/R15 fitted in June 2022

• A/C: Modern air conditioning system installed by the previous owner and serviced in June ’22.

Interested buyers are welcome to inspect the car at any garage or workshop before committing to buying the car.

This 240Z has undergone several maintenance jobs. However, the following points should be noted:

Mechanical:

• Gauges: Original speedometer, tachometer, and odometer gauges which are not connected with the RB25 engine swap. The gas gauge is not working. Fuel tank float is stuck due to overfilling of tank at petrol station.

• The wiring harness/Fuse box is the original low-voltage unit. I recommend replacing it with a new wiring harness. See here 

Exterior:

• Rust: No rust on the chassis. Minor surface rust on the bottom edge of the doors. Driver side floor pan has one small isolated area in need of rust repair.

• Exterior: Repaint done under the previous owner at O&O in Muscat, Oman in 2020. Paint believes it is of average “budget” quality. Roof paint has some chips near the hatch and on the front splitter. Front metal bumper is sagging due to a weak front support bracket. Front of hood not aligned properly with bodywork.

Interior Notes:

• Interior Paint: The engine compartment and rear hatch compartment were repainted in matte black during repaint.

• Panels were repainted to matte black. The owner reports the interior panel paint is of sub-average quality.

• Dashboard: The original dashboard is cracked (a common fault with the S30 Datsun). A new dash cap is available.

• Notes: Heater was deleted. The spare tire is a 14-inch four-bolt alloy wheel. The spare tire is old (2010) and needs a replacement.

• Radio and speakers: Deleted by a prior owner.

• Front windshield has been replaced at some point. Rear hatch glass is original. Rear window vents and drains are working.