Datsun 240z with TVR V8 engine Conversion

TVR V 8 Engined Datsun 240 z (1973)

The Engine is standard 400 TVR engine from a low mileage Chimeara. it uses the standard (although you can hardly call them run-of-the-mill) exhaust manifolds. The original engine mounts have been retained so as to allow a de-construction at any point in the future (no point in ruining a perfectly good car). The engine sits on custom CNC-machined mounts to lift the sump to a level suitable for this day and age of evil speed bumps. The engine is kept cool with a Custom racing aluminium radiator. fitted with Samco hoses and a manual switch controlled electric fan. It holds a very steady temperature. The oil filter has been relocated to the front of the car witha a remote oil reservoir and aeroquip hoses. During fitment the fuel pump was replaced with a brand new competition uprated pump.

Don't forget this is now fully fuel-injected with TVR mapped ECU and I estimate the power to be around 250 bhp which for a small light car sends it on up the road at a good pace and on a recent road trip to wales it did around 600 miles and gave over 20 mpg and drove fault free.

The Drivetrain

The standard TVR (land rover) gearbox was too short to allow good access to the gear lever so a Cosworth Engineering T 5 (5 speed) gearbox has been used. This not only uses the original mounts again but places the gear lever dead centre in the transmission tunnel. (The original TVR gear knob has been moved across). When the gearbox was swapped. the clutch was replaced for a brand new item. We have just had a full AP RACING clutch fitted a few weeks ago. the master cylinder swapped for a TVR one and a brand new braided hose fitted. The TVR prop shaft was way too long so a brand new bespoke prop shaft was made by Reco-Prop. It will apparently handle 500 bhp before you need to up rate it. The rear differential is rather special. being an RS 200 Limited Slip Differential. This has completely changed the handling of the car and gives it unbelievable traction. Let's not forget that is a V 8 in a very light car so the new 18” deep dish alloys and Pirelli p-zero tyres we imported from usa cope perfectly and needed cnc alloy spacers. Again the rear diff can handle plenty more power if you fancy a remap or a TVR 500 engine. you'll be well set up.

Rolling Chassis

With so much extra power. a little up rating of the brakes and suspension was needed. NB- This is more to do with increase in power than weight (The alumunium V 8 actually weighs the same as the heavy Nissan block). The front brakes were swapped for the Four-Pot vented brakes from a nissan 280 XZ and braided hoses. The suspension was upgraded to d 2 RS adjustable coilovers (36 way)and also imported from the states at a cost of over £1000 and can be adjusted front and rear. Custom CNC-machines strut braces have been added front and rear to add tortional stiffness.

The Interior

The interior is standard 240 Z with the deeply cowled instruments. moto-lita steering wheel. all dash. side panels. centre console and seats have been completely re-trimmed with new black leather with white double stitch.

The Body

The car has just undergone a complete bare metal/engine out restoration 6 months ago. it has had a colour change to Porsche titan grey that you currently see with Porsche reflex silver cobra stripes. I imported the bespoke one off arches and front air duct from the states and the front intake/bumper set up has also been designed and changed.

Additions

I have had electric adjustable power steering fitted to cope with the large wheels and tyres also remote central locking has been added.

The car has to be heard running to appreciate the sound. it is simply the best sounding V 8 you will hear. no video will ever pick up the perfect sound this car has and sends tingles down your spine and turns heads everywhere it goes and is the most bespoke one off Datsun 240 z you will ever find. This has been a long project for me and has taken around 3 years to complete and over £30. 00 and with the current price of uk right hand drive 240 z's climbing rapidly its an investment and you can be happy in the knowledge you will never see anyone driving a car the same as yours. you cannot go into any car dealership and find anything like this

Retro Car magazine want to feature this car in a couple of months so if the buyers interested I can forward the details

The complete build was carried out by Eleven Engineering in Leeds

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