The Datsun 280Z is perhaps one of the most beautiful Japanese sports cars ever made and with its 168hp 2.8 liter straight six engine it also is no slouch. This particular car had spent a number of years sat in a Dutch auto gallery on display before James the current owner purchased it. After driving it around for a couple of years he approached us to help squeeze a bit more performance out of the engine. A plan was hatched that included upgrading the fuel system to throttle bodies and so the project began.

The Plan:

Mechanical Work: Replace fuel injection system with throttle bodies, new cam, new stainless exhaust, Link ECU, bespoke wiring loom.

Paint: Locker cover painted in body colour with custom gold lettering, Sump painted gold.

We started with a compression test of the engine, where unfortunately we found low compression on cylinder 3. We also carried out a cylinder leakage test and it was blowing straight past the piston ring. So after having a chat with James, it was decided that the engine would need to come out and stripped down to see what the issue was.

Rich took the engine out and noticed a whole load of sludge around the engine, as well as scores on the bores, big end shells and the cam. We promptly took it over to Daz at Hammer Engine Solutions to take a look and we drew up a plan.

The strip down revealed the engine to be pretty worn out with evidence of years of cheap oil changes and most components heavily worn past their serviceable limits. So between Daz, James and ourselves, we drew up a plan which included a number of performance upgrades. The list included:

-new high-compression Ross pistons
-block bored and honed to suit
-block skimmed
-crankshaft ground
-new clutch
-flywheel re-faced
-rotating assembly balanced
-new crankshaft bearings
-new timing chain/guides and tensioner
-new oil and water pumps
-complete new gaskets and seals
-new Piper Camshaft and followers
-new valve springs and retainers
-camshaft timing dialed In for accuracy
-piston to valve clearance checked
-cylinder head overhauled – new valve guides, valve seats cut 3 angle, pressure tested and skimmed
-sump and camshaft cover colour-coded to the car.
-New Stainless exhaust
-Jenvey Throttle body kit
-Monsoon ECU

With the engine back together Daz delivered it back to the shop, Rich then fitted the throttle bodies and exhaust, before him and Olly dropped it back into the car.

With the engine in place, Rich set about plumbing it all in, fitting the Monsoon ECU and stainless exhaust. Then it was ready to head to Abbey Motor Sport for a tune.

After a good tune-up on the hub dyno, the car managed a respectable 197.59 bhp at the hub, which is around 240 bhp at the flywheel. A 40% increase in power on the standard 170 bhp engine. It also made 184  ftlbs of torque, which should pull the car along nicely.

To be continued………