560hp Nissan 240z With a Turbo L28… No LS1 Swap in Sight!

Z Car Garage is one of those places that you probably hear of immediately when you get into, well, Z cars. And it’s for all the right reasons. Here’s one of them: Medusa, aka Nassty240z, aka a car that bucked the trend of LS swapping for power, and went with a turbo’d L28 inline six instead. And while we love a good LS build, there’s something to be said for pulling power out of such an old-school small capacity engine.
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[@LarryChenPhoto]

Make your walls epic! Support AutoFocus and purchase a large wall Photo Print today: www.etsy.com/shop/larrychenphoto

[@captainyanyan2117]

Hoonigan AutoFocus what is your email, I wanna let u know that I own a Datsun Roadster and would like to be on your channel

[@predaR6]

pfff this car is so perfect...

[@predaR6]

Im not rich but this is my dream car and i want it so bad.... i see them for like 15k in bad state, is it worth it ?i dont care if it takes me 10 years to finish it(dont need the sickest engine). How much wil it cost after the 15k.. so much questions 😭

[@SlothFang]

@@predaR6 If you look hard enough, you can find them as cheap as $4k with a clean title and minimal restoration work.

[@predaR6]

@@SlothFang im from the eu:(

[@firelizard2]

This guy is delightful to listen to. Clearly loves what he does and has a lot of knowledge about it.

[@sladeb6036]

Right seems cool af

[@larrychen5678]

Rob is the best 😋

[@wrth]

that's what you get from a guy who builds a non-LS swapped classic car

[@rfpearson5494]

Rob and the Z Car Garage team are top notch folks. Listening to Rob bust into improv acapella "Z Car" songs as he does his rounds - priceless! :))

[@Rythyms]

Right? He has a natural on-camera presence. Not a lot mechanics and tech guys possess that skill.

[@DoubleOStephan]

Can we get a build breakdown on that dudes mustache

[@larrychen5678]

I'm on it.

[@boxedfender4810]

At this point I think hoonigan needs to give the build breakdowns to Larry... Hoonigan donut garage hasn't done any of the old shows we started watching for I know there's knuckle Buster's coming out and with the rona shit is on hold but it's not the same

[@Riffrshittr]

with matching beauty shots

[@RealAnthonyJones]

Some Beard Oil company is gonna make mustache wax and sponsor him.

[@larrychen5678]

@@boxedfender4810 I appreciate the support!

[@thirtyonefifty3133]

15:34 this is the type of person you want building your car. He is not only a teacher, but a great mentor. Props to Z Car Garage for knowing how to properly run not only a business but to educating their customers.

[@ryanc00p3r3]

S30? L28? Turbo? 560 BHP? He just summon a Devil Z...

[@NelsonRB26]

And bored and stroked to 3.2 (Akio's Z was 3.1)

[@gab7506]

The Devil z has infiltrated our reality

[@kaybevang536]

RYAN C00P3R Ryan what u doing here ? 😂 forgot your a car guy like us too

[@esko23q]

Akio's wasn't twin turbo ?

[@NelsonRB26]

@@esko23q yes but with it being turbocharged plus the L28 its enough to called it Devil Z🔥

[@rakufin]

If only all builders were this passionate and professional, we'd have cars this sick everywhere.

[@mayuravirus6134]

Its like Rotary engine only select few can do it PROPERLY

[@keithbean829]

If we all had wallets that deep, is what you meant lol

[@vltruan]

@@keithbean829Easily a $100k build, lol.

[@GiletheCarGuy]

Z Mad Scientist should be his name.

[@Buttfluff]

Gile the Car Guy or simplify it to, The Mad Z-cientist😬

[@Supratonic]

DUDE YES! I second this motion

[@gman2036]

How does this not have more likes!?

[@LVNA_1]

Tuner from hell lol

[@joefields719]

At 3:40 he had to stop himself from saying, "MO powah baby", before realizing he's on Hoonigan channel.

[@m.san.9512]

The datsun 240z holds a special part in my heart, me in my teens and my dad built 4 of them. 2 from base beat up shells. 1st car i also learned to drive manual.

[@Russellfromup.]

Still have any I wanna get my hands on one would be cool

[@thepebbleman]

This is one of the purest S30Zs that I've seen, really nice job!

[@vXTotalChaosXv]

Rob and everyone at Z Car Garage are the best. My dad's 510 was dyno'd there and I got to meet Rob and his crew and got to see how a Nissan/Datsun shop should operate. This car is gorgeous and sounds amazing!

[@ae86hachi]

This will go down as my favorite episode of Auto Focus. Thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this one.

[@rayleeaustralia]

After all these years, this is still one of the best looking sports coupe there is🙌

[@mayuravirus6134]

Its not coupe its fastback

[@travr1131]

Wow! That car is a masterpiece! You can tell how much passion he has in his work and is rightfully proud of the quality they turned out. Amazing!

[@arashiwashere]

You know that this car is an almost perfect recreation of Devil Z, right? Bored and stroked L28, S30 chassis, Watanabes rims, turbocharged, 560HP... They should take it to the bayshore highway!

[@quinatakara650]

The OG devil Z ran a blow through triple carb setup, but yes yopu get the idea

[@quinatakara650]

@@arinb.756 Yeah was a red s130, beautiful car

[@philspaghet]

Yes and no. Specs are about right but the Devil Z ran an old school ball bearing turbo setup and was still carbureted

[@mayuravirus6134]

@@quinatakara650 Reddish orange

[@alextepozteco3681]

@@philspaghet enough fantasy from wangan midnight the ABR Hosoki S130z was twin turbo but it was fuel injected with an 3.1L engine with forged 89f pistons, ABR original rods, ABR original crankshaft, ABR original 268-degree camshafts with 12.9 mm lift, intake 46.5 mm, exhaust 38.0 mm, twin IHI RHC-6 VX55 compressors and 3P-13 turbines. Those are the specs we got in the 280zx forum from the ABR z owner himself it's now retired and doesn't even get driven anymore no carbs it's not an s30 and that's the Z that inspired the manga and anime along with the yoshida special 930

[@psygnale]

"No LS1 Swap in Sight!" Thank. God.

[@lxrdvader2021]

Would something be wrong with it if it was LS1?

[@alphamaledriveshard]

@@lxrdvader2021 Yep. It wouldn't really be a Z anymore. LS swaps is the motoring equivalent of identity theft.

[@maman89]

I really don’t understand whats up with the hate on LS. People swap 2Js here in asia because its cheap and readily available.

[@heyo4935]

@@maman89 it's because people like to feel like they're "not like everybody else"

[@giancarlolugo9586]

@@heyo4935 in my opinion it's not that bad put JZ's or K20's on 180SX's MR2's at least those engines are JDM basically it keeps some of the soul the car had with the engine from factory by the other hand putting an American V8 on a JDM car kills the soul complete .

[@Chowyanh]

The Z Car Garage guy is the perfect host ever in the motoring world. He cares about everything and clearly everyone on involved. Makes you love the builds more because they are built with pure respectable passion. What superb content. If he did stand-up he would such an awesome orater too.

[@spooler7828]

Not many of us L28 Turbo guys left.

[@colten2524]

don't worry, new ones in the making!

[@HoosierHacker]

I've built and owned a Z for 10 years and love to see the L28 get the love it deserves. What an amazing build!

[@andrewduggan3748]

This has been one of the best episodes yet I love this car

[@gwb173]

I remember seeing this car like year ago parked outside my local cafe. Never thought I’d see it again on Auto Focus

[@kerolgiler8221]

Finally got to see L28 TURBO so many people swap sr20 rb26 ls nice to keep original engine on it i watch a japan guy build turbo carberator L24 thats thing rip

[@missioncreekstyle3814]

Rob and Z Car Garage helped me build my Datsun Bluebird 411 SSS up from a basket case to a rolling piece of Japanese art. My 300ZX Slicktop also benefits from the fine work at Z Car Garage by Rob & Company. One of the sexiest NAs you've ever seen. Perfect stance, StopTech Kit, Work XD9. Great down to earth guys. A ZCG, you're more than a customer, you're family.

[@mattg1544]

Absolutely my favorite car you’ve showed. Best looking and best sounding.

[@JDub33333]

No hate on a LS swap, but the fact this car has a L28 makes me smile!

[@Joshua_N-A]

I don't think a straight six is considered weaker than a V8.

[@JDub33333]

@@Joshua_N-A I never said that it was, lol…I just think it’s cool that he went the purist route with his build.

[@305dadecounty_grabberbluem5]

Finally someone used an L series motor and now you see how great that motor can be when it's built properly. :) What a beast!!! Great vlog and the car is phenomenal!

[@mayuravirus6134]

It makes more torque even destroked LS can't reach that if they use EFI

[@305dadecounty_grabberbluem5]

@@mayuravirus6134 I've had everything from 240Zs to 300ZX Turbos and that L series ...those Datsun inline sixes are amazing!

[@mayuravirus6134]

@@305dadecounty_grabberbluem5 But do you have 280ZX? Because that is the true Devil Z one of street racer in Japan uses that car to top it all off he made almost all the engine internals inhouse from ground up gladly it wasn't sold overseas its just sitting somewhere in Japan sadly it doesn't get driven anymore

[@ellcorum3546]

I can't imagine driving that beast. I bought a 240Z right off the showroom floor in 1970. No changes in engine, trans, etc. only factory model street version and I got it to over 120 on the NJ Turnpike at night. It was like driving a bullet. That car is a four wheel heart attack. Love it.......

[@brandonnguyen1486]

120 in a 4speed manual?

[@yerodinwilliams1792]

This guys looks like his father is the man on "My classic car."

[@Nemesis302]

He even SOUNDS like he could be Dennis Gage's son.

[@Ghost16-k5n]

That dude reminded me why I became a mechanic in the first place. That passion and knowledge is a delight to witness

[@fastec5]

AAYYYEEE, the Love20Bee shoutout. Wasnt expecting that at all, but he has a sick ass FB on like 17's that actually look good. Dope as hell.

[@apollo280zx]

Love Rob's shop. I remember when he got one of the original Motorex R34 Skylines back in the early 2000's. The guy is a legend. That S30 is a work of art. Brilliant

[@Kiret123]

such a sick build, nothing like any Z I've ever seen! and tashguy is a true enthusiast

[@brettpyles7510]

I hope to get my 280z to this level one day! I’ve been building, saving, and dreaming of taking her to ZCar for an overhaul, I absolutely love your work!

[@TheHonestVergil]

if only he wraps it blue or painted it to be midnight blue it will be the real devil z

[@wesgraham9588]

👍 In 1975 a good friend had a 240 Z He put a 289 V8 I believe an I drove It only one time it was so nice! Love you Gray

[@aklmad]

When did Colonel Sanders start a Japanese car garage?

[@mozzarellaorwhateva6589]

Baddest Z I've seen in person and Rob a humble and really cool dude putting San Jose on the map for the best Z shop in the bay.

[@alienpoker]

Love the build, L28 turbo engine sounds awesome. Much prefer this to an engine swap, so well done! I like leaving bumpers front & rear and the trim left chrome color on the 240Z. But that’s my own aesthetics. I too added the maxima rear brakes with a billet bracket and stop-tech drilled and slotted rotors. You need to add a new proportioning valve solution to the rear. My experience is it works, but bleeding the brakes becomes a complete nightmare because of rear caliper orientation. Knowing what I know now, I would have done it differently. Will look into the brake kit v2 you mentioned.

[@jaredkursman8359]

I’m typically an Italian exotic car fan/snob but that Datsun is freaking beautiful! You all need to feature more cars like this!

[@RDSAlphard]

the engine sounds quite different from typical 6-cylinders that I heard...

[@mwmmatt1]

Because it’s 60 years old, it’ll always sound a bit more rough than a JZ/RB/Barra.

[@ae86hachi]

I'll be damned if it isnt the best sounding engine I've heard in my life. It sounds absolutely amazing at full song. Idiling is amazing as well. She doesn't purr, she growls. Freaking amazing.

[@Archetype_Datsun]

That's a good old early 80's reverse flow head inline six is. This is just one of many powerful L-Series in Japan someone managed 900+.

[@72Dexter72Manley72]

@@mwmmatt1 Not quite 60 years old. L28 engine came out in 1975 for the 280Z. 👍🏽

[@72Dexter72Manley72]

Nissan L-series engines. These are overhead cam engines.

[@simonjohnson7025]

Following this car on skyline is what hoonigan needs to film. Glad to see you guys stomping around in my hood.

[@dubbleA100]

FINALLY I honestly hate LS swaps

[@thepebbleman]

Same here. Sure, LS swaps give more power for less money, but it also ruins the soul of the car.

[@actontreadway1168]

this is the right engine for this car, but I do love a good LS swap in other cars.

[@MindDezign]

Back in the day...there were Camaros and Mustangs and in another World in the same town there were 911's and Z's. They stayed in their World's ,apart from each other......in the same city /Town......!

[@kidistight]

As do I however I respect well built vehicles.

[@philspaghet]

Honestly, knowing the nature of how hard engine swaps usually are, this probably cost the same as doing a turbo LS conversion

[@ma_dd]

This dude is the real life Kitami Jun. I've known him for ages and he truly knows his way around the Z more than anyone else

[@Jrob992]

Man I’m out in Indiana and there’s nobody to do a build like this with. I need a shop and people who have the know how to get mine to 450 but I don’t know any shops here they would be game for that. That car is the dream!

[@dynodave965]

Contact Rebello Racing engines. Your dream can become a reality 😎🏁🏁

[@WNTEDx]

Ok. God tier Z! I love everything about this beast

[@stephenfitzsimmons1752]

Retrowave boi next I wanna see a devil tier Z if yk what I mean

[@build.drive.fish.]

Hands down, my Fav Z. I find myself coming back and watching this video over and over. Makes me want to ditch the LS in my 280z and go back to a L28.

[@justryan5697]

Nice to see that people are starting to move away from LS swapping everything in sight...That is possibly the most beautiful 240 I've seen. Very well done to those guys.

[@thomaschristopherwhite9043]

I know this type of build is more expensive and refined than just taking the short cut to max power by just dropping an LS in there but man is there any better way than this? This is just *chefs kiss.

[@jaredbrierley2782]

This makes me need to get my L28 turbo tuned and going half this hard!

[@duneattack]

Larry I'm glad you finally got to do an episode at Z Car Garage with Rob. I know you guys have probably known each other for a while, but now you've felt some of the Z Car Garage Love that a lot of us are so familiar with! Stay well everybody!

[@gregorygreif8271]

Dude yes!!!!!!! My Freaking dream car😭 literally almost the exact way I would do it😭

[@jacob14163]

This is the dream. Most beautiful sports car with one of the best sounding engines.

[@FinishPlayer]

Bored and stroked L28? It's missing one more turbo and blue paint and we'd have a DevilZ on our hands :D

[@kaybevang536]

Problem with twin turbo is that it lags a lot also it’s better to have one turbo to replace it with a bigger turbo more room

[@FinishPlayer]

@@kaybevang536 true

[@mayuravirus6134]

@@kaybevang536 Twin Turbo is a stand alone turbo setup it means here it has 2 small turbos spool up instantly not to mention if its ball bearing turbo which spool up even faster essentially making that car is just coffin on wheels

[@jasonmacneil2256]

Man, I love this builder! He just seems so down to earth, funny, kind, and of course knowledgeable! And NO, this isn't his Dad😁

[@nicksak7869]

Find it weird how i just bought a 280zx project car with the L28 yesterday.🤔🤔🤔

[@eastoakland-S65feen]

Ur car was meant to be built by these dudes

[@alextepozteco3681]

You might wanna upgrade to MS2 or MS3 that factory fuel injected system sucks all I did was MS2 with launch control and a N/a to T conversion with a custom 3" exhaust and I'm making around 245hp

[@kolaloka9573]

How's it coming along?

[@NiteSek4804]

I have nothing but respect for racers who drives this car. If I see someone with a Lamborghini or Ferrari & someone with a 240Z, I will take a picture with the person with 240Z. The diff between a car enthusiast & a fashion statement.

[@MajinTT]

"the hoonigans are working from home." Is that why we had a week of them showing up to the shop?

[@Bigtroosh]

Majin I need to go to work as well... don’t know why the don’t work

[@Onewheelordeal]

@@Bigtroosh Oh you haven't heard? There be viruses afoot laddie

[@ginyamaa]

You do realize they filmed a lot of stuff in advance right? They even put up disclaimers that the vids were filmed before the shelter in place announcement.

[@combativeThinker]

Green Giant Cut them a break. The vast majority of humans are clueless sheep.

[@David_Watts]

Ok, so your job here ISN'T done yet!! You gotta get this guy to talk about that most beautiful of 240z's; that black unicorn with the double overhead can from Japan that is just the most gorgeous car I've ever seen!! PLEASE make it happen!! 👍👍

[@nicholas296]

"Too much power... it's unusable.." said no car guy ever.

[@average_dipshit]

are you sure? Niikura-san from Mine's literally said that about Most of the GTR's in the states 😐

[@MrGaryGG48]

@@average_dipshit Hot Rodders for about the last 60 years have been preaching the gospel according to Mickey Thompson... "You can never have too much horsepower or too much rubber on the ground!!" Of course, getting all that rubber under the fender-wells can be a problem but we won't talk about that. 😁

[@305dadecounty_grabberbluem5]

That is the perfect L Series Turbo build....PERFECTION!!!! Perfect Car, and Perfect Turbo....and the fact Sheppey had their hands in this is...AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@bigmikes2140]

Should do a episode on love20bee with there awesome wheels and Metal flares for classic Datsun’s

[@superiorjjv]

This is the video I needed today. Thanks Larry & Z car garage!

[@Adrianzx]

I know everywhere this test drive is being taken place and it makes me miss the Bay area, until I go to SF and it smells like poo

[@gregh7457]

you miss the fires, earthquakes horrendous traffic and winter floods?

[@jessev2197]

some nasty looking welds on that rad & intake tubing. Other than that this car is awesome.

[@charlesmoore8958]

Plot twist... this is Serj Tankian from System of a Down

[@Archetype_Datsun]

Been meaning to take my L28ET swapped 82 Maxima there.

[@alextepozteco3681]

Lmaoo that's funny because I actually built an LD28T datsun pickup and the motor came out of a maxima it sounds like a 12v Cummins that's the

[@alextepozteco3681]

Lmaoo that's funny because I actually built an LD28T datsun pickup and the motor came out of a maxima it sounds like a 12v Cummins that's the

[@qotsa1]

I’d love to rock a 240 but almost all of them are rusted to crap. Edit: that rear end is money. Need more pics Larry

[@Archetype_Datsun]

You can find the car on Instagram @nassty240z

[@Rebecca_The_Dragon]

Me: I want one... My Wallet: No...

[@mayuravirus6134]

Actually if you research it yourself you can invest more such as what Yoshida and his Porsche 930 he has invested over $2 million dollars in the 80s

[@crossandshoot796]

Everyone pronounces Watanabe the wrong way the be in watanabe is "be" as in "bay", NOT "be" as in "bee"

[@magnetic0314]

It's actually a shorter sound than "bay", more like "beh"

[@minayaru6723]

Or they pronounce like Americans speaking English

[@revnto7k]

OMG... So awesome! I need a Z in my life so bad... What a great car, classic style build.. Much love.. Beautiful car.

[@Karl_Kampfwagen]

San Jose 💛💯🌉 Bay Area's Best! Z-Car is the only place my Dad takes his Datsun S30 280Z. 🤘 Rob cares more about making the Customer happy than simply "selling parts/kits." He stands behind the builds, and the builds speak for themselves when they're done. Happy that you guys at Hoonigan caught up with the great guys at Z-Car. 👍

[@MGL1997]

Great video! Rob does all the work on my ‘95TTZ, great guy and an artist at his craft.

[@genki007]

He wanted you to drive fast! Love it! Have seen other videos where the car owner frowns at the KZbinr for hitting the gas to hard. This guy is cool.

[@hankmoody6996]

I love how snugged the rotor is behind the front wheel. The shape the color everything is perfect 😍

[@michaeln.7083]

Glad to see a good clean one without the LS swap, which I understand cheap way to get big reliable power.. I like Japanese cars with JDM engine swaps, just like I like fox body Mustangs with Coyote swaps... FD with 3 rotors... just my opinion, that car is super clean Larry great shoot and great moustache!!!

[@sux2bu883]

240's were my favorite. They say "six in a row will go" then add a turbo sounds like FUN. Nice car nice build .

[@Sr20vet_fairladyz]

I remember being one of the first guys to ride in this before the car got popular, and let me tell you getting into the on ramp of the freeway barely getting into it was scary. Loved this car and the owner James is rad for sure

[@larrychen5678]

It's just too much fun. So scary, but fun.

[@Sr20vet_fairladyz]

@@larrychen5678 For sure. I'm in the middle of a Sr 280z build how do you like your SR-Z?

[@JustAnotherCarChannel]

I've been following this car for a while. I wish someday mine will look that good inside and out.

[@mustafa13061]

Finally a video has been made for this car

[@jufrabappa3922]

Is kind of sad to be amazed of how a classic car like a 240z avoid the now common ls swap and stick on how it should be done in the first place.. Beautifull ride..

[@klondikebar48]

Finally the l28 platform is getting it's shine again!!! People trash these engines in the forums, but they are very capable engine platforms, I was nay Sayer till I dug deep and found several high HP builds.

[@David-tv3mg]

I been waiting for this z build to be on this show forever!!!

[@Viking8888]

There is just something about a restored Zed car that leaves me drooling!!! Especially a 240. For me they are not a "dream" car, they are a "DreamZ" car!

[@darrellterry1278]

I'm a Ford guy but my friend in flagler beach years ago had a 240 z that hauled ass and cornered like it was on rails .Fast Forward to present time and this middle aged man would trade a nice ford for this.

[@7eamGhast]

*I ALWAYS THOROUGHLY ENJOY THE WAY YOU ALLOW ALL OF YOUR INTERVIEWS SO FLOW SO ORGANICALLY!*

[@normanchan1932]

You are blessed to have a friend like Rob

[@njorogekuria9830]

What’s up Hoons!!!!!! @Larrychen love your photography bro. Saw the Gymkhana deal on amazon and man, that’s what it’s all about!! Loved the shots on that mountain

[@ricksonchattergoon2213]

To hear an L28 hit limiter is super awesome. Amazing job guys.

[@DanielpazTQ]

Oh boy. What a masterpiece. Just by listening to the mechanic you can tell why it looks like that. I'm pretty sure it really drives properly as well.

[@Eck0es]

Love seeing you driving in my neck of the woods. 408 represent!

[@mattchristie8720]

I usually don't like videos of beautiful Z's because the dampen my dream. But this is what I want and will have 🤤 perfect footage aswell thankyou 😍 will be downloading this !

[@Amicodablack]

This builds really shows the elegance of this car..it’s gorgeous and sounds dangerous..

[@Raketenwerfer666]

When I finally got my 240Z, I know exxaktly, who I wan't for building my engine. High RPM NA, 300+ Hp, focus on engine and exhaust sound. 2 years left and I got enought money for the car and the engine build.

[@bucky737]

When the boost cooldown sounds like a tornado siren, you know you built that thing right

[@JamesMotorsport]

Larry chen is saving 2020!!! One video at a time

[@sparkthatplug]

The music, the car, everything goes in sync. Nice one!

[@Cheeseypoofs85]

the fact that he kept the L28 gives me a hard-on.... nice to see a nostalgia build over a tech build every once in a while.

[@nismopr1466]

this is the one. the one in closest detail of how my dream 240Z is. my heart

[@BlueDually4x4]

That is just an awesome car, and the builder knows his stuff and enjoys sharing his knowledge. I think this might be my favorite 240z I have seen.

[@gustavorojas8196]

Keeping it JDM is the way to go. I am so glad it doesn't have a ls, or a non datsun engine. Let's keep it pure! Great job guys!