Hello, can anybody help me, i have found a cheap, motor from a datsun 260c, it was an auto (hopefully it hasn't been thrashed) i was wondering if it would be possible to put this in my 240Z with the head off the current motor on it. DOes anybody know if they are the same as the 260z motors, is it possible/worthwhile. ANy help would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Z Kid,

I think I just caught you in time before you dropped off the bottom of the Active Topics list..........

The bottom-end of that 260C L26 is to all intents and purposes the same as you would find in an RS30 / RLS30 "260Z". The main differences were in the head and the manifolding / carburation.

This should work with the stuff on the L24 engine that is currently in your car ( I presume its the original engine? ). Do watch out for the sump and oil pickup pipe being different, as there were some models where this was quite different ( and the dipstick position too ).

Being as its an auto, you will have to put the flywheel and clutch on it - along with the head and everything else from your present L24. Its still a lot of work, which begs the question; why not rebuild the bottom end of the present engine? It probably only needs a good clean out, new bearings and piston rings. Bet it doesn't even need a rebore or crank grind..............

You might notice different characteristics of the L26 engine compared to your L24; it will not want to rev as eagerly for one thing.

Good luck with it, anyway.

Alan T.

Z Kid,

You didn't say if your 240 engine was past it's use by date?

If it isn't, may I suggest that you "hunt around" for a 280C sedan and pinch the motor from it.

It's a far better upgrade if thats the path you want to follow.

As Alan T said, you will find it slow revving in comparision to the 240.