TURNING JAPANESE: From 280z to JDM!
The Carcass team takes on a stock 1978 Datsun 280Z with an eye toward turning it into a heritage JMD (Japanese Domestic Market) version. Starting with testing its inline 2.8 liter in the Dyno, they preserve the original interior, beef up the suspension, and add styling cues that transform the 280Z into a nimble street fighter that feels at home on the neon-drenched Tokyo streets.
0:00 - Intro
5:26 - Getting a Baseline
10:26 - Datsun History
16:28 - Teardown Time
20:52 - Engine Teardown
32:04 - Datsun Performance
37:17 - Handling Upgrade
48:06 - Adding Accessories
55:10 - Brakes, Wheels & Tires
1:08:54 - Paint & Prep
1:21:12 - Finishing Touches
1:36:04 - Track Time
Follow POWERNATION Everywhere:
www.powernationtv.com
/ powernationtv
/ powernationtv
/ powernationtv
PARTS USED IN THIS EPISODE:
American Powertrain Systems: Tremec T56 6-Speed Transmission
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_21350_63628cb67...
American Powertrain Systems: Tremec TKO 5- Speed Transmission
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_21349_63628c8e3...
ARP: Wheel Studs
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_21429_63765c797...
Continental Tire: ExtremeContact Force Tires
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_21428_63765ba2a...
Matco Tools: MATCO Tools are the Official Tool Supplier to Carcass
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_21327_634ecca25...
Nissan: NISMO Parts
More Info: ttps://pntv.us/pn_pt_21426_63765a409b8eb
Nissan: NISSAN 2023 Z
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_21326_634ecc8c4...
Nissan: NISSAN CD009 Transmission
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_21347_63628c31e...
Nissan: NISSAN Heritage: 240Z and 280Z
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_21325_634ecc696...
Summit Racing: Catalytic Converter
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_21578_63f77ebec...
Summit Racing: Dorman Lug Nuts
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_21430_63765c902...
Summit Racing: Summit Racing Exhaust
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_21579_63f77f171...
Summit Racing: Summit Racing Mufflers
More Info: ttps://pntv.us/pn_pt_21580_63f77f2f39437
Summit Racing: Summit Racing Universal Rod Builder Exhaust Kit
More Info: pntv.us/pn_pt_21577_63f77df5e...
Apex Engineered: BC Racing Coil Overs
Apex Engineered: BC Racing Coil Overs
Apex Engineered: CV Axle Shafts
Apex Engineered: Rear Suspension
Apex Engineered: Rear Suspension
ARP: ARP Bolts & Fasteners
Jim Wolf Technology: Bell Housing Plate
Jim Wolf Technology: Jim Wolf Technology Kit
Optima: High Performance AGM Battery: YellowTop Deep Cycle & Starting
Sonax USA: Ceramic Spray Coating
The Industrial Depot: Tools, Hardware, Shop Supplies
Z Car Depot: Adapters
Z Car Depot: Fuel Injection Kit
See the Datsun before transformation: kzhead.info/sun/qL6waaWJamWKnYU/bejne.html
@POWERNATION, too bad you didn't use the "G Nose" front end kit for the Datsun.... that's how that car looks best...
Too bad you didn't put a built RB in it.
guys that car in america was destined for the scrap heap, soon as it hit the pavement if there were idiots that bought them the were told how disloyal they for doing it no true American would have been coulght dead in one
I had a question about the mega squirt and the new intake. Is there an increase in HP, not much talk about the performance during the lap runs.
yawn
I used to LOVE my '83 280ZX Turbo. It would talk to me, had digital dash, beautiful paint job. 5 speed. Everything worked. Had no muffler and oversized cat. Then my little brother borrowed it and wrecked it. :( That car would be worth 20k easily now.
My 84 200sx has the talking system as well. Super advanced stuff for the time.
I am so sorry
Don’t let people touch your car one of the things I’ve learned
Such is what little brothers are for.
Good for you guys going out on a limb! I have a 76 280z I am constantly throwing parts money and time at. I know you did almost nothing to the engine. I would have liked to see lap times before and after and the New Z's lap time too. I'd also like to see a follow up when you guys turbo it with dyno #'s in the future 😁
Capturing the bird capturing the bug was gold! @4:58
My first car, I bought as a Navy E-4, stationed at NAS Brunswick Maine, from a young couple who lived in nearby Freeport. I loved that car…a 1970 Canary-piss yellow 240Z. I drove it hard, did all my own work on her….when my first enlistment ended, I drove her to New Mexico. The body rot form a life in New England, became onerous….and I traded her for a new MGB. For years and years….the MGB, a Mazda RX-7, even my Porsche 944….no love like my first. Great video, mis hermanos!
never opened the hood after completion :( would have loved to see final product of the engine bay. Also no after dyno
20% build 80% commercial
That's all of these shows really...
10% how to ricer a car 10% ricer a car 80% selling parts to ricer a car 😢
Got to pay the bills some how.
I didn't even get to see the new dyno run. Why even bother taking a baseline dyno run.... Longest infomercial ever.
Not really. As a Z fan, having had a 350Z myself, this was very entertaining and nice too see the takes on history, new Z and work with the 280. All a matter of perspective. Enjoyed it.
I am literally welding in my floor pans on my 77 Datsun 280z I just happen to come across this vid.
5:02 Bird captures something crawling accross the road and then flies away with it!
😂 good catch
I was looking at my screen thinking, there is one of those little bug that follow light crawling along my screen! Then the bird came in a take it out! That was hilarious
My first car was a 1980 Nissan 280. This was back in the year 2000. Such a great car. Peppy for an older car with a 5 speed and had a lot of fun in that car for a 16 year old.
I was fortunate enough to grow up in the business. My father started a Datsun dealership in my hometown in the 1960's. I always say that I was born in a Datsun. There are no words for the incredible job you did on this project! Mind-blowing, for one! I just appreciate this so much! Thank you.
About to get my first ever datsun soon a datsun 100A 😁 kind hard to find parts but thats a problem for another day.
at 5:13 they get ready and the bird gets the insect. cool shot
Datsun Nissan Nismo. Sounds & Looks Worth Having. Had some good fun with the 160j SSS back in the Eighties, Barbados.
Best build I've seen on the show. You guys killed it.
Wow. Mesmerising stuff
Watching this build affirmed how much I loved my 1978 280Z. I wish i still had it but unfortunately it was stolen and replaced it with a Celica GT then I moved into American cars. I'm now in an Infinity G35x 4 door and I would like to play up on the X factor. If you have any links to G35x mods would be great. What a great build this was to watch, You continue to inspire and give dreams to build on. Thanks
Pretty cool old retro auto!!thanks for sharing!!
These engines really respond well to headwork, shoulda put a mild cam in with some bigger valves, woulda made it even more of a ripper.
yep, that, a little compression and triple sidedrafts really transform the car.
You guys should’ve done this restomod to a more beat-up 280Z instead of a near mint-looking bone stock one
Absolutely loved my 280ZX🤣❤️. Bolted in the RB30 TWIN CAM. after modifying it and turbo it. Great power in a really sexy fun car😁
I owed a 71 240z with 3 side draft weber carbs 20 years ago what a fun car to drive nice long hood almost sitting on the back tires made the car
Those round yellow eyes bring tears to my eyes.
Nice build, great color , fuel injection and new trans awesome. Suspension upgrades were a must. . Seriously doubt the oversized tires and wheels add any handling advantage, and are probably mildly detrimental to lap times and skid pad.
Those yellow headlights really pop with that gray. Thing of beauty.
Should have gone with 15" wheels. ....17" too big for classic jdm......
Beautiful
The headlights have an amber (yellow) cover that adds beauty to the car.
Needed rings and valve seals (you had the motor out fer chrissakes). A cam and bigger valves would have made a HUGE difference, likewise triple Weber DCOE/DCOF carbs. Definitely needed to toss that crapola EFI system and use a Holley/Motec/Fuel Tech.....something, ANYTHING, better. Did I notice the massive puffs of both blue and black smoke, yea, but I won't mention it. Oh.....wait.....
Right? They changed...so many things that didn't need it, so they clearly aren't doing a resto/preservation thing. Tires look odd, the old bumper looked better, swapped to a manual for no particular reason seeing as how none of the rest of the car was set up for drift/autocross. And they do nearly NOTHING to the engine. No wonder they didn't do an "after" dyno. They literally have guys in another part of the building with every tool and toy known to man that do nothing BUT engines, and they didn't send it to them for some love? What a waste. I also saw that exhaust smoke at the end. Shame shame.
I loved my 77 280z so much fun.. and then kids
Glad you kept the L28!! Loved it. I restored one in on my channel too.
I owned a 78' DATSUN 280Z also in the mid 90's in San Diego. These cars were rated from factory 170bhp and the curb weight was 3,100 pounds ( excess weight was due to the oversized front and rear bumpers- all the info is on the plate on the drivers side door panel). I miss the hell out of mine.....such a well built, reliable classic. Congrats 🎉
This sort of drives me crazy the cylinder head should have been ported and Polished if they're going to tear it down that far it would have made the biggest difference in the world
Wow! My 78 280z is sitting in the garage. Got to go drive it.
is that carbon front bumper from the Z store? looks great.
A little too much tire, but other than that, nice tasteful build! As a long time Datsun Z enthusiast and owner, I'm totally happy with what you guys did!
WAY TOO MUCH.
I would like to see a modern programmable EFI, small 5 to 7 lbs of intercooled boost .
This stupid idea of adding big ass tires and plastic molding will not age well. Trendy KZhead garage monkeys with no esthetic taste destroying a classic.
Just thought the same, why such big tires and the black plastic widening kit looks cheap. Often a problem of contemporary mods - adding tractor size tires.
I've wanted to do a 2*0Z project car forever. They're my favorite cars. I finally found one earlier this year for under $2000, but there was simply too much rust for me to work with. Someday...
Amazing video! Great job I really wish you could have shown it crank and turn it over for the first time.
I'm sure you fellers used a clutch alignment tool but it would have been nice to show that for the less experienced wrenchers
I got one 260z yesssss
I do remember these when they were new.
Would've been cool to have had some OEM looking wheels made with new specs.
Had a 280Z and it was a blast with N/A engine. Then I had a 82 280zx turbo. Hope you guys do a build on that.
About an hour in & all I can say is AWESOME JOB... perfect wheel choice w/o paying a ton for genuine Wats... although those would certainly not be a bad choice... really took this car next level without ruining it... SWEET
The Akebono / 370Z Sport brakes are a great bang for buck. Putting these on my son's 350Z with the PowerStop Z26 kit (rotors and pads)
"It's so different, it's unique!" Man, y'all killin' it with the one liners! lol.
Killin me.
They stuck the new bell housing without welding? The torque goes thru a few studs?
Fun vid! I'm a little puzzled by the take that they're finicky or take some effort to keep them running. I'm an 'old guy' that's had a zcar in my stable for over 40 years. I've owned over 25 of them with about a dozen of those being parts cars, and have experienced bullet proof performance in nearly all of them. I'd buy them, fix them up (always something small) and sell them for a decent profit. I'd take in suspension work, interior swaps (to black), 5 speed conversions, automatic to manual conversions, carb work and fuel injection to carb swaps, and a lot more. They can totally be a rust party, and that's where many of my parts came from, rusted out decent cars, but these cars made me a lot of side hussle money. Plus, at one point I had nearly all my friends and family driving one due to their nutty reliability. I had a 260z (early edition) that I kept for 21 years that was heavily modded over its time with me, and have two now that are amazing. A full custom build 280z from an original owner in AZ, and a 40K original car I call Jackpot. If you can find a chassis in good shape (dersert cars and alike) buy it! Super fun to build, low cost of ownership, fun fun and more fun and something you don't see everyday. You can pound the you know what out of the drivetrain and it'll just say "fine by me". I've never blown and engine, and haven't seen one with a blown engine (of course it's possible). I have some fun cars, but my favorite - that's a fraction of the cost of the others - is my custom 280z. Zzzzzooooom!!!!
Datsun 280z it is awesome project good 👍
good job you guys
Love seeing all the awesome Z builds that are around today! Im building a 76 280z from the ground up with my dad right now so that I can daily it when its done. I love the simplicity of these cars and how easy they are to work on; they were so ahead of their time yet they still had the ease of maintenance that 70s cars had. Everything on the car is easy to remove and reinstall too (besides the glass) like the dash is a hour job, starter is 30mins tops, its an inline 6 so you dont have to pull the motor to do valve seals or other cool work and my favorite part of all is how easy they are to mod. The number of bolt on kits I see out there is crazy. Not to mention these cars are fairly cheap to do a nice build when compared with other older sports cars. Turbo kit is 2k, EFI is 1.5k, full suspension last time I checked was like 2k and rear brake conversion was like 1k. Not things you do immediately but they are fun upgrades to look forwards to!
I think fender mirrors look good on some cars but not on this one for some reason. Some tinted gray aftermarket headlight covers would serve a functional purpose. The gray tint would match with car scheme & make the yellow headlights look cooler/ more subtle. Other than that, it looks great to me. But......that's just like.......my opinion or something man.
The fender mirrors look like an expensive accident waiting to happen. Why anyone would put fender mirrors on this car is beyond me. And the tires are too wide. Otherwise, the overall work is excellent.
One hell of a built. Thanks for sharing
My first car was a 76 280z. Sure miss that car.
I had a 1978 2+2. Yes it had a backseat. It was useless but there. I was young and sold it to someone who could treat it right. Didn't know the 2+2 was rare until after selling it. Fun car.
I think those rear seats made insurance much cheaper.
the 300zx 2x2 is awesome. Put the stock TT and tune it, it's a whole new car. It's amazing.
Way to make me feel old - 'this car is older than the both of us' . I was 8 when it came out!!
thanks friends
Drive that thing. Push it all out.
Well done. Though the wheel fitment is a bit aggressive for my tastes. いいね!
awesome build. the only thing I would change is smaller wheels, but the wheels look great maybe just some 15s. other than that, id have one just like it. bumper mods n all
Awesome job! To learn more about the Z, look up Wangan Midnight. An urban racing anime about The Devil Z.
First START And Third Dyno Run What Are The New Numbers After All The Updates?
Sweet car But I can't believe you left the engine stock! It needs a tubo!
I agree. 5 to 7 pounds of intercooled turbo boost and modern day programmable EFI would wake up this car .
I like the car, prob would'nt do it the same way. Colour is nice and understated.
Nice
What is the point of putting the car on a dyno before and not after also?
I have a 78 z but I’m putting a 383 small block with a 5 speed in front of a Ford 9 inch in it. I found the car in El Paso on offerup when I was 19 and I just knew I had to have it. He said another guy was wanting to come buy it in two days so I stayed up all night to build some trailer ramps and drove 18 hours to buy it for $1400 as a flat tire roller. It’s fairly rust & rot free other than a nice patina, it’s riddled with dents, dings and 7 bullet holes though. Idk what the story is behind it or what happened but apparently the car is from Colorado (at least on the title) and the original key has the name Cole engraved in it. I’ve got a lot more work to do but I’m proud to say it’s finally getting together, I’ve decided to keep the bullet holes and surface rust & most of the blemishes. Honestly, I think it makes it look a little badass like something out of mad max haha. I can’t wait to drive it!!
She is a beauty.
Miss my 81 280zx, simple to work on, got you down the road with zero problems.
Had an 80' 4yrs ago from Orlando garage kept. then ended up on clearwater Beach and got a little rust. Fairlady
Almost 2 hours into the episode and I didn't hear the sound of the engine! And the engine is "smoking"... nice!
My Uncle had a 2+2, I think it was a '78 or '79. Years ago, our family was on vacation in Finksburg MD, up in the foothills. He took my 2 cousins, my little brother, and I to a carnival. The most exciting ride of the night was Uncle Tony ripping uphill and down, around sharp curves with his tail sliding out. It was basically drifting before we'd ever heard of drifting!
I get the built in adds, but at the price of seeing what happened with the engine performance after the upgrades I’d rather not. So how did the upgrades faired?
That's SLICK as ICE. 2020 Vision, you without a doubt hit a home run and won the game in style. SMOKING ACE
Just once I'd like to see the real mechanics that put these projects together.
This is the kind of video I needed. There's no way I would've had the patience to wait several weeks for this to unfold. I just put this bad boy on my third screen while I worked today and powered thru it. Awesome build. Only disappointed at the lack of a turbo charger.
Yes . 5 to 7 pounds of intercooled turbo boost and modern programmable EFI would wake up this car .
2 door coupe that a tall guy can fit in. Almost 50 years ago when people were smaller. Truly the good ol days.
Hopefully it’s a factory color they painted. That blue was amazing but no idea if was an factory option
A friend of mine had a 260z with a 280zx motor, running gear, and interior. With a turbo fitted. It was fast. One thing we found out about the body of a 240z to 260z is a slight difference. The 240z if you measure the front edge of the rear wheel arch up to the edge of the door. You will find it is slightly shorter than the 260z and the 280z. I don't know if it gave more legroom in the back. Not that there is much space behind the front seats
if it had rear seats it was a 2+2 variant
@@PhantasmPhoton I haven't seen any 2-seaters in the UK, but I'm not saying there aren't any.
1:40:40 BIG cloud of blue smoke coming out
Would have been nice to see the peddle swap to complete the manual trans conversion. Also I am a bit confused as to why you beefed everything up on the car yet left the motor alone. Seems like it needs a bit more power.
Me gusta este video
I had a '77 280 2+2 5spd manual and if memory serves it would redline at 7200. Don't remember what the box stock engine would turn but I'm guessing somewhere around 160 to 180hp. What I do remember was how brisk it was in performance be it in a line or thru the twistys. We really enjoyed the car the three years we owned it. 3 kids kinda made it be a little too small for us so we went with a Ford Galaxy.
I wish they could've strapped the 240Z to the dyno in order to compare output with the 280Z... sure, it's down 400cc, but it also isn't saddled with a catalytic converter and other emissions controls that the 280 has. My guess is that the outputs would have been closer than one might expect, given the displacement difference.
240 also had high compression and ran on leading gas, 240 was rated at a higher HP
'L' series is engines were pretty good, they made an L24E main found in early skylines but was a 2.4 litre fuel injected version, the 240Z i had hauled with that swapped in with a 5 speed behind it, damn did it sing @7400rpm
Beautiful build guys! y'all did absolutely fantastic.
Love the car I was hoping for a turbo upgrade, but you can’t always have everything you want. I drove one of my friends 260z years ago and it was amazing.
Yes 5 to 7 pounds of intercooled turbo boost with a modern programmable EFI would wake up the car .
You may need both the muffler and the resonator to get the drone down to a tolerable level. I have a 2.5" system tho
My dad had an manual orange z before I was born, He loved getting around in that car. I think having that car got him to buy 2 honda S2K's.
1:38:00 the old one looks way better than the newer design on the left.
a nice car at the start cant say the same for then end
A 280 Z here that has had a full chassis and engine upgrades. Dyno's at 610 hp and flat in corners at 70 MPH.
owned a 240 and a 280zx loved those cars, just mil the head 20 thou shim the cam towers and rock on.....
One of a few cars I would like to have.
For a Datsun z, I would run 6 carbs, a camshaft, an exhaust, suspension, aero, and tires.
How much would it cost me to get a build like this done if i have a clean bone stock 280z already?
Welp, I’m a need you guys to do a 964 Porsche build please 😊
Awesome build!
Hi guys, all that exhaust in the hatch area is a clear sign of failed weatherstripping or open holes in the rear end. The S30 creates a rolling swirl of air directly behind it, and grabs the exhaust in the swirl. The front and side aero of the car creates a low pressure zone inside the cabin which sucks in the exhaust swirl through any gaps in the rear of the body. To correct this you either need to close the windows and run the vent fan on full to pressurize the cabin with fresh air from the cowl, or seal up absolutely all air gaps in the rear end. I'm not certain how a lip spoiler affects the swirl, but worth also investigating. Congrats on a great build and hopefully you can enjoy it without inhaling exhaust.
Small little worly bird would be nice for that car for a bit more POWER!!
Love these cars. I used to have a 240SX if that my brother end up wrecking and passing away in. They are amazing vehicles but they fold up in a high-speed crash. Still love the cars but not sure I could own one again