1973 Datsun

TVR V8 Engined Datsun 240z (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 AFCO aluminium radiator, fitted with Samco hoses and a thermostat-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 uprated item. Don't forget this is now fully fuel-injected with ECU.

The Drivetrain

The standard TVR (land rover) gearbox was too short to allow good access to the gear lever so a Cosworth Engineering T5 (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, 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 500bhp before you need to up rate it. The rear differential is rather special, being an RS200 Limited Slip Differential. This has completely changed the handling of the car and gives it unbelievable traction. Let's not forget that is a V8 in a very light car so easy throttle when those tyres are cold. 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 V8 actually weighs the same as the heavy Nissan block). The brakes were swapped for the Four-Pot vented brakes from a nissan 280XZ and braided hoses. the suspension was upgraded to a set of new Tokico (Market leader, if you haven't heard of them), 5-point adjustable shock absorbers. You can adjust these, front and rear, with a screwdriver from 1 (normal road use) to 5 (Stiff, track setting). Custom CNC-machines strut braces have been added front and rear to add tortional stiffness.

The Interior

The interior is standard 240Z with the deeply cowled instruments, wooden steering wheel, but with an updated pair of leather seats from TVR Tuscan (however are well worn and could do with being replaced). The carpets and interior vinyl are quite worn out, the rear carpet has faded in the sunlight and is now a brown-black colour. The seals around the boot have come detached and need attaching back to the boot sill.

The Body

The car underwent some restoration about 12 years ago by Geoff Gale of Auto-Active, 240Z specialists. In between then and now, it has had a colour change to ink-blue that you currently see. The body panels such as the bonnet, the cowls and roof seem to be in fairly good condition but with some scratches and with the odd area of oxidation here and there. Most recent work includes re-wiring of the electrics, the front left wing and doors have been replaced with new doors (found from donor car) and painted to match original colour. Original 16" Wolfrace ally wheels. Happy to provide more information and has to be seen to be appreciated. Any weekend is fine to see the car, the car is used once a week to run between London and Farnham. MOT expires Jan 2015, tax expires end of June.