LS7 Swapped 240Z Makes Us Drool

Z Appreciation

The Datsun 240Z was a car that ushered in a new appreciation for Japanese sports cars upon its release back in 1970. The Z was a success not only because of its styling and performance but because of its affordability and practicality. Much like the early Porsche 911, the Z would eventually become another used car as the years rolled by and would be traded for pennies on the dollars, but in recent years the collector car market has recognized the prowess of the Z. The 240Z is hot right now whether they be in original condition or heavily modified like Tyler Powell's ride.  

Bought on the Cheap

As we hear so many times, these cars were once dirt cheap, and Powell emphasizes this point as he paid a measly $250 for a 'rust bucket' 1972 example. For those unaware, the Zs were known to have serious corrosion issues and have been said to "rust before your eyes." In any case, Tyler originally planned to restomod the car using Nissan 370Z components in order to retain the Nissan/Datsun DNA. 

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From Six to Eight

In the planning stages, Powell thought that 'Fairlady Z06' had a nice ring to it and the project quickly shifted gears and took off. Tyler explains that he took a lot of inspiration from the Corvette C7R race car and wanted to roll that into the 240Z in a way that felt as if Datsun had converted the car into a track-focused racer themselves.  

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All the Right Curves

The most immediately noticeable feature of the Fairlady Z06 is the enhanced widebody. While this curvaceous beauty will surely cause the purists to gather up their pitchforks and torches, the massive fender arches, hood extractor vents, side skirts, splitter, rear wing, and various aero enhancements are what most of us car enthusiasts dream of at night. 

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LS Transplant

Powering the car is an LS7 as found in the C6 Z06 Corvette, albeit with a few personal touches. Powell explains that he bought the engine in a state that required a rebuild, so he freshened it up with some Lingenfelter goodies, a custom camshaft, MSD Atomic intake, and a Holly EFI setup. The car retains the stock Z06 transaxle as well, but the torque tube was shortened 15" inches in order to fit the short wheelbase of the Z. 

>>Join the conversation about this monstrous LS7 swapped 240Z right here in LS1tech.com.

Pieces of Z

While the drivetrain is basically a Corvette Z06, Powell tried to retain as much of the Fairlady as possible. Items such as the roof panel, cowl, headlight buckets, taillights, etc. remain original, but the fenders and aerodynamic enhancements are obviously custom. Powell states that he started with a Z Trix body kit, but in order to fit the tire and wheel combo necessary for track usage, he widened the body even further and added his own custom touches. 

>>Join the conversation about this monstrous LS7 swapped 240Z right here in LS1tech.com.

Built for the Track, Compliant on the Street

Powell admits to the car not being completely finished as he was rushed to make it to LS Fest, but the unfinished interior has an attractive utilitarian look going for it. The bead rolled sheet metal will eventually be covered with fabric as the goal is to have a street-friendly car, which is evident by the Vintage Air air-conditioning system. Otherwise, the interior features a full roll cage, fixed buckets seats and harnesses, Sparco quick-disconnect wheel, and a set of Speedhut Revolution gauges.

>>Join the conversation about this monstrous LS7 swapped 240Z right here in LS1tech.com.

Track-Grade Suspension

Powell explains that the suspension is a custom set of hydraulically adjustable shocks that allow for the car to be raised and lowered on demand. The car also features a set of tubular Corvette control arms with all of the motorsport grade monoballs and bushings throughout, which are likely associated with his Mongoose Motorsports product testing and development duties. In any case, the car is able to accept 335 section front tires and massive 355 rears! 

>>Join the conversation about this monstrous LS7 swapped 240Z right here in LS1tech.com.

Power to Weight

With big power and big tires on hand, large Wilwood brakes with oversized slotted rotors were required as well. When asked about the curb weight, Powell estimates the car will likely slip in under the 2,500 lbs mark, which is quite impressive considering the weight of the Corvette drivetrain. The car has not been on a dyno nor has final tuning been completed, but with the built engine, Tyler expects about 570 horsepower to the wheels. 

>>Join the conversation about this monstrous LS7 swapped 240Z right here in LS1tech.com.

Pro-Touring Threat

Tyler and his Fairlady Z06 blitzed the autocross course in its first LS Fest outing. Powell explained that the car had incredible grip with a quick turn-in, but a few suspension adjustments will further improve handling. Overall, Tyler knocked this build out of the park and we can't wait to see it hit the road course and drag strip in the near future.

>>Join the conversation about this monstrous LS7 swapped 240Z right here in LS1tech.com.

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