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Nissan 240Z

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1970 Nissan Fairlady Z (HS30)
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1970 Nissan Fairlady Z (HS30)

The S30 Nissan/Datsun 240Z (known in Japan as the Fairlady Z and later in other markets as the 260Z and 280Z) are sports cars produced by Nissan Motors, Ltd. of Japan in the 1970s. HLS30 was the designation of the left-hand drive model and HS30 for the right-hand drive model. The 240Z was introduced in 1969 with a 2.4 liter straight-6 engine, rear wheel drive, and a stylish coupe body. The engine, based on the Datsun 510's 4-cylinder produced 150 hp (112 kW) and came with a 5-speed manual transmission (USA model received a 4 speed manual). A 4 wheel independent suspension consisted of MacPherson struts in front (borrowed from the Nissan 1800) and Chapman struts in back. Front disc brakes & rear drums were standard.

Production began in 1969, the 1970 240Z was introduced to the American market by Yutaka Katayama, president of Nissan Motors USA operations, widely known as 'Mr. K'. The early 1970 model 240Z had a chrome "240" badge on the B-pillar quarter panel. Two vents were included in the rear hatch below the glass molding. In mid-1971 the B-pillar side badges were restyled with the letter Z in white, and the vents were eliminated from the hatch. Design changes for the US model occurred throughout production and are described [Design and Manufacturing Changes to the U.S. Spec]

The 240Z and 260Z used twin one-barrel carburetors. The carburetors were changed for model year 1973 to comply with emissions regulations, and the earlier carburetors were far superior for performance. Fuel injection (L-Jetronic electronic fuel injection, designed by Bosch) was added for the 280Z in 1975. This was primarily in order to cope with the difficulty faced in getting enough power using carburetors while still meeting US emissions regulations.

Due to its relatively low price compared to other foreign sports cars of the time (Jaguar and Porsche), it became hugely popular in the U.S. and was the first major success for the Nissan Motor Corporation, which at the time sold cars in North America under the name Datsun. The 240Z also broadened the image of Japanese car-makers beyond their econobox success. The Z was very successful in racing in the 1970's (Bob Bondurant and his BRE racing team, with John Morton driving car number 46, was particularly successful). The Z is also credited as a catalyst for the current import performance parts industry.

In 2004, Sports Car International named this car number two on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1970s.

Contents

Specifications

260Z

The engine was enlarged with a longer stroke to 2.6 L for the 260Z in 1974. A 2+2 seating option added with an extra 11.9 in of wheelbase. This engine was sold in the United States for the 1974 model year only, but was available in other countries until 1979. In the US, federal emissions' regulations forced a reduction in ignition timing and compression ratio, resulting in a lower power output (140 hp) despite the additional displacement, whereas in other countries the power output actually increased to 161 hp. A 3-speed automatic transmission was an option to the standard 4-speed manual.

Most USA residents regard the 260Z as the least desirable of the line, because of the reduced performance. This has resulted in lower prices on average for the 260Z.

The 260Z also claimed a few improvements over the 240Z. The climate controls were more sensibly laid out, and easier to work, and there was additional stiffness in the chassis due to a redesign of the chassis rails which were larger and extended further back than in the 240Z. The American model also featured heavier, safer, impact-absorbing bumpers.

Cosmetic changes included a redesigned Dashboard/Centre console, seat trim, door panels, and redesigned rear tail lights.

280Z

Engine size was up again, to 2.8 L, by increasing the bore of the L26 engine for the 280Z in late 1975, and fuel injection was added. Heavier impact absorbing bumpers were added in 1975 (USA markets only). A 5-speed manual transmission was added as an option for the USA in 1977.

In 1978, Datsun offered a special edition "Black Pearl" 280z with all options standard. It sported black pearl paint and a unique stripe-kit. It is estimated that somewhere between 850-1500 cars were produced. 

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Other non USA markets continued to receive the 260Z with the L26. Also, 280Z 2+2--the two-door, four-seat model.

The S30/S31 series Z car was replaced in 1979 by the S130 Nissan 280ZX

260z Engine 2.6 L Cast-iron block, alloy head Seven-bearing Bore 83.0mm (3.27 in) Stroke 79.0mm (3.11 in) Capacity 2565cc Valves Single over head camshaft Compression Ratio 8.3:1 Fuel System Mechanical fuel pump, twin Hitachi HMB 46W 1.75in SU-type carburetors Max power 162bhp at 5600rpm Max Torque 152lb ft at 4400rmp Transmission 5 speed Front Brakes 10.7in discs front Rear Brakes 9 X 1.6in drums rear, servo assisted Front Suspension Independent with MacPherson struts, lower wishbones, coil springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar Rear Suspension Independent with MacPherson struts, lower wishbones, coil springs, telescopic dampers Steering Rack and Pinion, 2.7 turns lock to lock Wheels/ Tires 4.5J-14 steel wheels with 175 SR 14 tyres Wheelbase 90.7in Length 162.8in Width 64.1in Dry Weight 2425lb Top Speed 8.0sec 0 - 60 mph 127mph MPG 20-28mpg

In Popular Media

The Japanese manga Wangan Midnight features a S30 which is nicknamed The Devil Z and is driven by the manga's protagonist Akio Asakura.

See also

Confusion

Many people believe that there is one model of the 240Z. This is incorrect, as a matter of fact there are two different models. Each with its own unique difference. The 240Z and the 240ZG are very similar cars, with the exception of the side mirrors. The 240Z's side mirrors is near the windshield closer to the driver. While the 240ZG's side mirrors are further away from the driver, up closer towards the front of the hood.

External links

Nissan Z-car timeline

1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s
01234 56789 01234 56789 01234 56789 01234 56789 01234 56789
240Z 60 280Z 280ZX Z31 Z32 350Z

Part of the
Nissan series'''
List of Nissan vehicles>Vehicles: 100NX | 1200 |200SX | B210 | 240SX | 240Z | 280ZX | 300ZX | 350Z | 510 | R390 GT1 | Almera | Altima | Armada | Avenir | Be-1 | Bluebird | Caravan | Cedric | Cefiro | Cima | Cube | Elgrand | Fairlady | Figaro | Frontier | Fuga | Gazelle | Gloria | Hardbody Truck | Laurel | Leopard | Liberty | Livina Geniss | Maxima | Micra | Multi | Murano | Navara | Note | NX | Pao | Pathfinder | Patrol | Pintara | Platina | Prairie | Presea | Primera | President | Pulsar | Quest | R'nessa | S-Cargo | Saurus Jr | Sentra | Serena | Silvia | Skyline | Stanza | Stagea | Sunny | Teana | Tiida | Titan | Urge | Versa | Wingroad | X-Trail | Xterra

List of Nissan engines>Engines:
4 cylinder: D | C | G | J | H | L | A | Z | CA | CG | CR | E | FJ | GA | KA | SR | QG | QR | HR | MR | MA
Inline 6: L | H | S20 | RB | RD | SD
V6: VG | VE | VQ
V8: Y | VH | VK
See also: Infiniti division | [http://encycl.opentopia.com/ Edit this template]

 

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