This 1973 Datsun 240z has been in owner Erich C’s family since new. He is also a good friend of fellow Z-car racer Glenn and both enjoy carving through the winding back roads of the Bay Area. Erich decided to finally restore his S30 and placed it in the capable hands of racer and Datsun guru Troy Ermish. Fresh from a restoration at his shop the Z had plenty of hot rod parts including a Rebello 3L with triple Mikuni carbs:
Erich came to Z Car Garage for inspection services and sorting before entering the car in the fabled Coastal Range Rally held on Feb. 22. His Z came to us at a great time with plenty of familiar company in the shop:
On the short list of items needing attention: clutch hydraulics, brake booster issue, wiring issues, speedometer not working, exhaust leaks, engine oil leak and transmission leak.
We addressed the clutch hydraulics by replacing the clutch M/C and re-drilling the clutch slave cylinder mounting holes. The system was bled and we adjusted everything to ensure the clutch pedal worked beautifully. The brake booster was also adjusted to allow full travel and full pressure with pedal application:
Next, we diagnosed a leak at the bellhousing. First, we removed the transmission and confirmed that the clutch/flywheel surfaces were dry and unaffected:
The source of the leak was from the transmission’s front seal:
We separated the transmission to replace the seal:
Bellhousing cleaned and front cover assembled:
The reverse switch was not operable. On the KA24 transmission conversion the reverse gear switch is located about 22mm further back on the F4W71B than on the FS5W71B or C. While the transmission was out we relocated the reverse switch and it now functions:
Let’s take a brief pause for this beauty:
A few wiring issues were diagnosed like the the brake lights: we found a broken wire at the pedal switch, removed all the bolts cleaned up the connections and replaced the switch with a NOS Nissan part. Brake lights work now!
The speedometer was not functioning so we replaced the speedo cable assembly with some ZCG stock. We also traced wiring from the tachometer to engine bay and got it working. Tach and speedo now operable!
Moving towards the rear of the Z, look how ultra-clean it is!
What may not be apparent from the photo above is the exhaust was hitting the diff, so we clearanced it:
The differential “fill” bolt with was replaced with the correct square plug:
On high power Z’s like Erich’s the diff fluid can overflow out of the vent, so we add a little hose here:
There was an oil leak at the oil pump so this part was replaced, no more leaks:
Erich’s excellent choice of RS Watanabe wheels really complete the look for this car.
The combination of 15×8 wheels with 225/50/15 Toyo R888 tires was rubbing badly on the rear fender lips:
We rolled the lips and confirmed no rubbing:
Before tuning the car we identified and fixed exhaust leaks at the header flange and collectors:
Fresh spark plugs, an O2 sensor and we were ready for some dyno time.
After we corrected some jetting issues Erich’s S30 made a stout 261hp/234tq to the wheels!
Erich’s S30 left Z Car Garage just in time to participate in the Coast Range Rally and we are happy to report that he completed it!
We are proud of Troy and his restoration of this Z. It is also great to see Erich out Enjoying The Ride where these cars are meant to be. Thank you Erich and Troy for letting us work on this canyon carver. Stay tuned as Erich made another appointment with us to replace his Wilwood brakes with…our ZCG Big Brake Kit!
LONG LIVE THE Z!
Enjoy more pictures in the gallery below
