1973 Datsun 240Z - LS2 Full Rotisserie Custom Build

[Impalow]

I haven't been around much due to finishing this bad boy up to get it entered in the 2020 SEMA Battle of the Builders.... virtually... (stupid Covid)

This has been around a 12 year project for my dad and I.  I took ownership in 2017 from my dads friend, who had commissioned us to build the car.  At that time the car was running and driving with the LS, but in primer to shake it out. Upon me buying the car, we stripped it down completely and put it on a rotisserie for a full paint and rebuild.  Just finished up the last parts last Sunday, and had a professional photo/video shoot last Wednesday.    The detail shots below show the danger of Model Car guys building 1:1 scale cars..??

Some of the Highlights:

Full custom rollcage and chassis reinforcements
2006 Pontiac GTO LS2 and Tremec T56
99 Camaro Fuel Tank
Davies Craig electric waterpump and controller
FAST intake and fuel rails
Sanderson Headers
Custom air box and intake wrapped in DEi reflect-a-gold
ATi super damper
Griffin Radiator
Braille Battery
Fidanza Flywheel with LS7 clutch
Infinity Q45 Limited Slip Differential
Techno Toy Tuning Suspension front and rear - custom powder coated
Bilstein strut inserts with QA1 springs
Ground Control Camber plates
Wilwood brake 12.2 brakes with HAWK performance Competition DTC Rotors
Tucked brake lines and harnesses
Evo8 Recaro Seats
Custom Fabricated Aluminum dash and center console wrapped in Suede
Real carbon fiber accents/inserts and tube protectors
Fabricated aluminum floor panels painted with Steel-It stainless steel paint
Rota RB wheels
Carbon fiber bumpers, door handles and taillight panel

here is the video:

 

Edited October 5, 2020 by Impalow

[stitchdup]

Wow, thats stunning looking. I particularly like the engine bay and how it looks somehow very mechanical but somehow modern too. Great work

[TransAmMike]

WOW Eric, now thats a grrrrreat looking "Z" Car!!!!!!!

I'd love to see someone replicate that bad boy.

[JollySipper]

41 minutes ago, TransAmMike said:

I'd love to see someone replicate that bad boy.

He will! Probably already started on it.....

I like that a whole bunch, man! One question tho, where are the pit stripes? LoL......

[Nacho Z]

She is beautiful, Eric!! I loved watching it come together. I’m truly happy for you!

[Spottedlaurel]

Very nice indeed. I like the relatively subtle look of it, retaining bumpers and without arch flares. Probably a pointless question, but does it go as well as it looks?

Some good inspiration for those of us with a Z kit or two in our stash?

Would be very interested to see any WIP photos from that stage when it was running in primer for shakedown purposes. Sounds very much like the backstory I came up with when I built a Monogram 280Z in the summer:

 

[iamsuperdan]

Now that is pretty gosh darned awesome!

Would love to get that out doing some autocrossing or roadracing!

[Impalow]

Thanks guys!  I'm pretty proud of it, I don't think I could have done much better with my current budget and resources.

On 10/6/2020 at 8:39 AM, Spottedlaurel said:

Very nice indeed. I like the relatively subtle look of it, retaining bumpers and without arch flares. Probably a pointless question, but does it go as well as it looks?

Some good inspiration for those of us with a Z kit or two in our stash?

Would be very interested to see any WIP photos from that stage when it was running in primer for shakedown purposes. Sounds very much like the backstory I came up with when I built a Monogram 280Z in the summer:

 

Oh it goes quite well.... close to 400hp at the rear wheels and weighs in at just under 2400lbs... and gobs of torque..... its a blast to drive, and still somewhat civilized if you keep your foot out of, which is hard to do. 

Here are some photos of it the day I got it, matte black rattle canned... and grey self etch primer everywhere else.

 

 

Then a few in progress shots... check out that roll cage!

Edited October 7, 2020 by Impalow

[Impalow]

And here are some of the earliest photos I have of it...  this is when it fired the first time with the LS.. 2008-2010ish

Its come a long way..

[blunc]

good luck at the show

 

[Mike 1017]

WOW !!!!! Early Z cars are getting some luv at auctions.

[Impalow]

Thanks guys!  not sure if anyone is following the SEMA show this year since its all online.. but I managed to get into the Top10 Sport Compact and Top 40 overall!

https://www.semashow.com/botb/

Pretty much blown away at all this.... it has been a fun week!

Edited November 5, 2020 by Impalow

[blunc]

congrats

[Erik Smith]

That is an incredible car. The ride height, wheel/tire combo, love the white. The Rear 3/4 view actually gave me goosebumps. Beautiful. 

[TransAmMike]

I just happened to look at this thread, and wow what great looking and innovative cars.  Would be great subject matter for a model, hmmmm.

[bobthehobbyguy]

A sharp ride. Impressive work. Congratulations on the awards at highly competive event with some high cars.

Love the superclean work.

[89AKurt]

Amazing workmanship, very impressed.