Vintage Datsun 260Z Packs F20C Power Underhood
F20C swaps don't get much nicer than this.
Immaculate Swap
As good as the S2000 and its iconic powerplants are, it was hard to imagine, years ago, that the F20C would become such a popular engine to install in other vehicles. However, even with S2000 values skyrocketing in recent years, that hasn't stopped folks from yanking the high-revving inline-four from its Honda-based home and stuffing it in all sorts of other vehicles. A few swaps we've seen in recent memory are quite as nice as this 1974 Datsun 260Z recently listed at Bring a Trailer, however.
Photos: Bring a Trailer
Body Mods
For starters, this vintage Datsun coupe is in simply amazing condition following an extensive renovation that involved removing the bumpers, adding a front spoiler, a Skillard rear diffuser and adjustable rear spoiler, silver roundels on each door, and Japanese-market grille badging treatments before coating the whole thing in fresh black paint.
Photos: Bring a Trailer
Stop and Go
The coupe rolls on a set of 16-inch multi-spoke Watanabe wheels for a timeless look, which is wrapped with Toyo Proxes R1R tires. Underneath, braking power has been enhanced with Wilwood components at all four corners.
Photos: Bring a Trailer
Cabin Upgrades
Inside the cabin, this vintage Datsun has been treated to a set of Bride fixed-back bucket seats with carbon-fiber shells and Sabelt harnesses, a rear lateral brace, a Renegade Motorsports short-throw shifter, an Alpine head unit, AEM gauges, a Nardi steering wheel, and Speedhut gauges.
Photos: Bring a Trailer
Big Power
The real star of this show lies under the hood, however - an S2000-sourced F20C that is loaded with upgrades including a Garrett G35-1050 turbocharger, ported and polished heads, Crower valve springs, Ferrea competition intake and exhaust valves, a titanium exhaust, and an AEM ECU. The fortified I-4 generates an impressive 595 horsepower and 353 pound-feet of torque, which flows to the wheels via a six-speed manual transmission and an R180 differential case housing a NISMO limited-slip differential.
Photos: Bring a Trailer
Suspension Upgrades
To help get that power to the ground, the seller installed a Techno Toy steering coupler and roll center adjuster, front and rear coilovers with Koni dampers, and front and rear adjustable control arms along with solid pillow mounts, inner and outer tie rods, and front and rear sway bars.
Photos: Bring a Trailer
Gaining Momentum
With drop-dead gorgeous looks and some serious performance figures to back those up, this Z is a truly enticing ride, a modern classic of sorts that's likely a total hoot to drive, especially since it weighs very little compared to today's sports cars. If nothing else, it just continues to make a case for the venerable F20C swap, which is only gaining momentum at this point.
Photos: Bring a Trailer