Nissan 240Z
The S30 Nissan/Datsun 240Z (known in Japan as the Fairlady Z and later in other markets as the 260Z and 280Z) are sports cars produced by Nissan in the 1970s. The 240Z was introduced in 1969 with a 2.4 liter straight-6 engine, rear wheel drive, and a stylish coupe body. The engine, based on the Nissan 510's 4-cylinder produced 150hp (112kW) and came with a 5-speed manual transmission (USA model received a 4 speed manual). A 4 wheel independent suspension consisted of MacPherson struts in front (borrowed from the Nissan 1800) and Chapman struts in back. Front disc brakes & rear drums were standard.
First built in 1969, the 240Z was introduced to the American market by Yutaka Katayama, president of Nissan's American operations, widely known as 'Mr. K'. The early 1970 model 240Z had a chrome "240" badge on the B-pillar quarter panel. Two vents were included in the rear hatch below the glass molding. In late 1970 the B-pillar side badges were restyled with the letter Z in white, and the vents were eliminated from the hatch.
The 240Z and 260Z used twin one-barrel carburetors. Fuel injection (L-Jetronic electronic fuel injection, designed by Bosch) was added for the 280Z in 1975. This was primarily in order to cope with the difficulty faced in getting enough power using carburetors while still meeting US emissions regulations.
Due to it's relatively low price compared to other foreign sports cars of the time (Jaguar and Porsche), it became hugely popular in the US and was the first major success for the Nissan Motor Corporation, which at the time sold cars in North America under the name Datsun. The 240Z also broadened the image of Japanese car-makers beyond their econobox success. The Z was very successful in racing in the 1970's and is credited as a catalyst for the current import performance parts industry.
In 2004, Sports Car International named this car number two on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1970s.
The Japanese manga and arcade game Wangan Midnight features a heavily modified 240Z nicknamed The Devil Z.
Specifications
- Engine: 2.4L (2393cc/146in³) I6, cast-iron block, alloy head, seven-bearing crankshaft, single overhead cam, 9.0:1 compression
- Bore: 83.0mm (3.3in)
- Stroke: 73.7mm (2.9in)
- Fuel system: Mechanical fuel pump, twin Hitachi HJG 46W 1.75in (44.4mm) SU-type carburetors
- Power: 151hp (113kW) at 5600 RPM (SAE gross)
- Torque: 146ft·lbf (198N·m) at 4400 RPM (SAE gross)
- Transmisson: Four-speed manual or three-speed automatic (after September 1970)
- Brakes:
- Front: 10.7in (271.8mm) discs
- Rear: 9.0in (228.6mm) by 1.6in (40.6mm) drums
- Suspension:
- Front: Independent with MacPherson struts, lower links, coil springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar
- Rear: Independent with MacPherson struts, lower wishbones, coil springs, telescopic dampers
- Steering: Rack and pinion, 2.7 turns lock to lock
- Wheels: 4.5J-14 steel wheels with 175 SR 14 tires
- Wheelbase: 90.7in (2304mm)
- Length: 162.8in (4135mm)
- Width: 64.1in (1628mm)
- Dry weight: 2355lb (1068kg)
- Top speed: 125mph (200km/h)
- 0-60mph (97km/h): 8.0 s
- Typical fuel consumption: 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km)
260Z
The engine was enlarged with a longer stroke to 2.6L for the 260Z in 1974. A 2+2 seating option added with an extra 11.9in of wheelbase. This engine was sold in the United States for the 1974 model year only, but was available in other countries until 1979. In the US, federal emissions' regulations forced a reduction in ignition timing and compression ratio, resulting in a lower power output (140 hp) despite the additional displacement, whereas in other countries the power output actually increased to 161 hp. A 3-speed automatic transmission was an option to the standard 4-speed manual.
Most USA residents regard the 260Z as the least desirable of the line, because of the reduced performance. This has resulted in lower prices on average for the 260Z.
The 260Z also claimed a few improvements over the 240Z. The climate controls were more sensibly laid out, and easier to work, and there was additional stiffness in the chassis due to a redesign of the chassis rails which were larger and extended further back than in the 240Z. The American model also featured heavier, safer, impact-absorbing bumpers.
Cosmetic changes included a redesigned Dashboard/Centre console, seat trim, door panels, and redesigned rear tail lights.
280Z
Engine size was up again, to 2.8L, by increasing the bore of the L26 engine for the 280Z in late 1975, and fuel injection was added. Heavier impact absorbing bumpers were added in 1975(USA markets only). A 5-speed manual transmission was added for the USA in 1977,
Other non USA markets continued to receive the 260Z with the L26. Also, 280Z 2+2--the two-door, four-seat model.
The S30/S31 series Z car was replaced in 1979 by the S130 Nissan 280ZX
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