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Thread: Datsun 260Z (S30) 1974-1978

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    Datsun 260Z (S30) 1974-1978

    The Nissan S30 (sold in Japan as the Nissan Fairlady Z and in other markets as the Datsun 240Z, then later as the 260Z and 280Z) is the first generation of Z GT 3-door two-seat coupés, produced by Nissan Motors, Ltd. of Japan from 1969 to 1978. One of the most successful sports car lines ever produced, the trend-setting S30 was designed by a team led by Yoshihiko Matsuo, the head of Nissan's Sports Car Styling Studio.

    Seeking to compete head-to-head with established European sports cars, Datsun priced the new 240Z within $200 of the British MGB-GT in the United States, a five-year-old design that showed its age. The 240Z's sleek styling, modern engineering, relatively low price, and impressive performance struck a major chord with the public. Positive response from both buyers and the motoring press was immediate, and dealers soon had long waiting lists for the "Z".

    As a "halo" car, the 240Z broadened the acceptance of Japanese car-makers beyond their econobox image. Datsun's growing dealer network—compared to limited production imported sports cars manufactured by Jaguar, BMW, Porsche, Alfa Romeo, and Fiat—ensured both easy purchase and ready maintenance.

    All variants of the S30 have four-wheel independent suspension consisting of MacPherson struts in front (borrowed from the Nissan Laurel C30) and Chapman struts in back. Front disc brakes and rear drums were standard.

    The 240Z used twin SU-style Hitachi one-barrel side-draft carburetors. These were replaced on the 260Z with Hitachi one-barrel side-draft carburetors beginning with model year 1973 to comply with emissions regulations, resulting in diminished overall performance. A Bosch-designed L-Jetronic electronic fuel injection was added to US market 280Zs in 1975 to compensate.

    Continuing through the 1975–1978 model years, markets outside of the United States (and Japan, which only offered the 2-liter engine from 1974) still received the 260Z coupé and 2+2. The S30 240Z is unrelated to the later 240SX, which is sold as the Silvia in Japan.

    260Z
    The 260Z was sold in the United States for the 1974 model year only, but was available in other countries until 1978 (aside from Japan, where this model was never regularly available except for in Okinawa). The engine was enlarged to 2.6 L by lengthening its stroke bringing with it the new model code RS30. In the US, federal emissions regulations forced a reduction in ignition timing and compression ratio, resulting in a lower power output of 139 hp (104 kW) SAE net for the 260Z despite the additional displacement, whereas in other countries the power output increased to 165 hp (123 kW). There was also a 1974.5 model sold through the second half of 1974 in the US that had the full 165 hp with the addition of the larger 5 mph safety bumpers, that would become the standard for the 280Z.

    A four-speed or 5 speed (non US) manual remained standard equipment, with a three-speed automatic transmission optional.

    A 2+2 model built on a 300 mm (11.8 in) longer wheelbase was introduced, with larger opening quarter panel windows and a slightly notched roofline. The 2+2 looked largely identical inside (aside from the rear seat and its associated seat belt reels), but did receive a carpeted transmission tunnel rather than the quilted vinyl material used on the two-seater.[13] The rear side windows on the 2+2 were push-out units, to add ventilation for rear seat occupants.

    The 260Z claimed a few updates and improvements over the 240Z. The climate controls were more sensibly laid out and easier to work, and those cars with air conditioning now had the A/C system integrated into the main climate control panel. There was also additional stiffness in the chassis due to a redesign of the chassis rails which were larger and extended further back than previous models. A rear sway bar was added as well. The 260Z debuted a redesigned dashboard and console, as well as new seat trim, and door panels for the interior. The tail lights were updated, moving the back up lights from the main tail light housing to the back panel. Early 1974 US 260Z models had bumpers that resembled those of the earlier 240Z, though increased slightly in size, pushed away from the body somewhat, and wearing black rubber bumper guards rather that the previous chrome bumper guards with rubber strips. These early cars still had the front turn signals located below the bumpers. Late 1974 U.S. 260Z models (often referred to as 1974.5 models) carried the heavier bumpers that would remain on the 1975-76 model years of the 280Z so as to be in compliance with United States bumper legislation in 1973. These late cars had the front turn signals relocated to the outer edges of the front grill, above the bumper.

    Source: Wikipedia
    Last edited by Man of Steel; 03-10-2021 at 02:18 PM.
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    I'm going to eat breakfast. And then I'm going to change the world.

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    Last edited by Man of Steel; 03-10-2021 at 02:21 PM.
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    The topless woman scares me.

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    I know what you mean

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    Quote Originally Posted by gregvl52
    The topless woman scares me.

    "Come here sweet heart! Am I gorgeous or what?"

    Perfectly unnecessary. But this version of the Z is all about decadence. They really started to spoil the lines dramatically since the 240Z was gone.
    Money can't buy you friends, but you do get a better class of enemy.

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    Quote Originally Posted by gregvl52
    The topless woman scares me.

    You should see her now

    Cheers

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    First picture, Fairlady Z-T S31

    The first-generation Fairlady Z (S30) was announced in October 1969 and launched in November that same year. In Japan, the 240Z was launched two years later in November 1971, followed by the 2/2 model in January 1974. In July 1976, this car evolved into the S31 (1976 "NAPS"=Nissan Anti-Pollution System= spec.). This Z-T (5-speed, floor shift only) was equipped with aluminum wheels, 195/70HR14 tires, and remote-controlled mirrors as standard.

    Specs

    Overall length / width / height
    4,115/1,630/1,295mm
    Wheelbase
    2,305mm
    Tread (front/rear)
    1,355/1,345mm
    Curb weight
    1,135kg
    Engine
    L20E (L6, OHC), 1,998cc
    EngineMax. power
    96kW (130PS)/6,000rpm
    EngineMax. torque
    167Nm (17.0kgm)/4,400rpm
    Suspension(front)
    Strut
    Suspension (rear)
    Strut
    Tires
    195/70HR14 (front & rear)

    Second picture, Fairlady Z-L S31
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    Datsun 260Z #5
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    Last edited by Man of Steel; 03-10-2021 at 02:23 PM.
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    Datsun 260Z #6
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