I just picked this car up about a week ago from a guy who claimed to be the second owner and said he knew the original owner personally. He said the car was modified in 1979. Anyway its a 76 280z and he insists the hood is some rare piece. He didn't say whether or not it came with the car or he had it put on. Anyway if its not a factory option I think the hood was made with the scoop because the hole looks stamped not just cut and he gave me a rubber gasket that appears to be custom made for the scoop. Any info would be appreciated, thanks.

That's a custom hood. Never seen one like it before, probably one of a kind.

Believe it or not, think it's a dealer sevice option(Hello Carl Beck), used as a last resort for vapor lock and/or overheating. No joke!

'72 White stock restored

'72 Pumpkin Orange auto Turbo Tom Lightweight

'73 Silver auto stroker 240/260cranked daily driver

You'll also find a picture of it in the "How to Restore Your Datsun Z-Car" book by Wick Humble. It's on page 15.

It was actually used as a "stopgap to reduce underhood temperatures"

as well as an anti-vapor lock.

In Wick's book, it doesn't look that big...but of course that's just a diagram. I certainly don't think it does much for the look of the car.

I was just wondering the other day if anyone had one of these. Guess now I know.

hey thanks for the quick replies fellas, so what you're saying is that these scoops were installed by the dealer? Was it only in certain states or regions? and why would underhood temps be a concern on some cars and not others? P.S. the guy made me kick in an extra $50 bucks to keep the hood on it, because he said he could get $150 for it on ebay. Thanks again for the info.

Well, the thing is, I believe that those were installed on the earlier cars with carbureation. I've never heard of vapor lock being a problem with fuel injection what with 37+ psi of fuel pressure. And if he really could have gotten $150 for it on eBay, it would be on eBay.

Ive seen it before...

http://www.showcars-bodyparts.com/240z.html used to sell it...

and if I recall.. MSA sold them at one point

Does anyone else here think its fugly besides me?

There's a Z up north from me but it sits behind a chain-link fence and its hard to see. Anyways, he has one on the Z-car and I'm thinking about stopping in and asking about it (possible sale) hehehehe

Later 240's and almost all 260Z's had that vapor lock problem. But that doesn't make sense on Fuel injection cars. Oh well. what do I know about 260's anyways.

I stand corrected. I had never seen one that looked like this before and figured it was a custom one of a kind deal. Glad others are here to keep me in line.

I stand corrected. I had never seen one that looked like this before and figured it was a custom one of a kind deal. Glad others are here to keep me in line.

That's what we're here for. So straighten up damnit