What Happens When You Drop a Z06 Engine in a 1975 Datsun 280Z?

[@danmyers9372]

As a 68 year old this brings a smile to my face to see a young guy getting into the hot rod community and building an awesome car himself! Well done!

[@Hydrosized]

You said it sir! Let’s hope he listens to rock music too! There’s hope yet. 🙂

[@Hydrosized]

@@PoliticallyIncorrect14uDan? Tom? Is that either of you?😉

[@sandiegobailey]

Me too. Grew up on the muscle cars . 56 but loved the cars from the 70’s because they were all competing for explosive power back then. This guy did a sweet ride. That car looks like fun.

[@KevinsDatsun]

@@Hydrosized80s hairbands only please

[@1nvisible1]

*Body looks very clean with the sidemarker deletes, G-nose, etc" *Almost 1960s italian.*

[@ddy3smptr]

Probably the best Fairlady build I’ve ever seen. Even the color is perfect

[@nadronnocojr]

Agreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[@patrickroragen1059]

As an owner of a atomic orange zo6, agree

[@DroneStrike1776]

This guy is 28 years old, built this masterpiece with an LS7 at home. Even got his daughter helping him out. Took him 4 years, so he was probably in his early 20s when he started. As a guy in his 40s who's trying to keep up with current events, I see too many people in their 20s wasting their lives, while people like Kevin focuses on what makes him happy. I wish I had the skills to build something like this. Always wanted a 240Z with an aluminum LS or KA24. Makes me miss my 1989 240SX.

[@tomoday4450]

Fantastic build 👍🏻🇺🇸

[@codymoe4986]

" I see too many people in their 20s wasting their lives, while people like Kevin focuses on what makes him happy." 330 million people living in this country, something like 25 or 30 percent are in the age range that you described, or under... And you know that none of them, other than this guy above, is happy with their lives??? P.S. How does this inefficient waste of resources, benefit society? Cool car, yes, but literally zero point to it...

[@methos1999]

@@codymoe4986 "How does this inefficient waste of resources, benefit society? Cool car, yes, but literally zero point to it..." Give me a break. It's an old car with a new engine. Meanwhile Microsoft, Amazon, Google and Facebook are straining the electric grid to power F***ing chatbots and sending up thousands of rockets to privatize space burning how much fuel? Like seriously let people have their hobby!

[@TerrenceThomas]

@@codymoe4986 Valid points. However. "waste" and " inefficient can be quite relative. But for sake of making a useful and efficient argument, here's a list of a few ways that Kevin's project might benefit society. 1. Kevin might get picked up by a sponsor, which may lead to more income for him and the company. That would allow Kevin and the company to support their families, which always benefits society. 2. He could enter a car show, which again could land him more sponsorship opportunities. 3. A view might want to hire Kevin to consult them on how to replicate his work. 4. The fact that we are engaging here supports this channel, which will lead to more opportunities. I could go on but I think you are sharp enough to extrapolate from here. It has been my experience that when we follow our passion, pursue excellence and mastery, good things tend to happen. - all the best.

[@tolman33]

@@codymoe4986 hope you're feeling better now that a few weeks has passed, so far 2 replies ive seen from you have been miserable.

[@matthoward923]

It’s young people like this that give me hope for the future. The car is perfect.

[@joeljohnson3676]

I lived in Eugene Oregon for a while. I noticed the young kids were driving older cars! I asked some of them at a car show why they liked the older cars. They all replied that older cars have more to offer, looked better, and affordable! They couldn't see putting $10k into a front wheel drive 4 banger!

[@aaarauz1]

This dude knows his shit and it's fun to listen to him. Super nice wheels.

[@billmagorian490]

I am an old car guy with absolutely no mechanical ability. I watch a lot of car programs and when I saw a Z project I had to click on it. I was in my 20's when the 240 Z appeared and everyone went wild about this amazing car. It also coincided with the plummeting HP on American cars. What I like is that I am seeing two young car guys with a host who doesn't step on the car owners story but still asks all the right questions. Then there is this young guy who is multi-talented car builder and is also articulate in his explanation of his car. I have to say that he is the best communicator I have ever seen on a KZbin car feature. You Guys Rock! This car, in the vernacular of the 60's, is Bitchin!!

[@HotRodHeavenUSA]

Thank you for the kind words! I appreciate it a lot

[@fks-pv8il]

That car is a million smiles per hour!

[@ralphlazio505]

Still only 28 years old and is already a car genius. My hat it off to you, my brother 👍🏼👍🏼

[@DroneStrike1776]

That's what I'm saying. Most people in their 20s are busy with pronouns and protests, while this guy is building this car show quality ride at home.

[@kevinc8811]

Absolutely Brilliant!

[@codymoe4986]

@@DroneStrike1776 Amongst hundreds, if not thousands, of other unique interests... Meanwhile, you're hinging your hopes on a simple hot rodder, a hobby that has been going on for literal decades. P.S. A majority of the parts that he used, were already made...Did he build a brand new custom chassis? Did he refresh a worn out engine or simply order one online?

[@aunderiskerensky2304]

Fun fact for the guy who built this. The Z was originally thought up as a competitor to the corvette as japans entry into the American sports car market, and they chose a german designer to emulate British sports coupes, so it's a Japanese DNA German designed British Coupe style sports car meant to compete 1:1 with the vette. Quite a history to this car. had a 79 280zx for many many years, will someday build another.

[@jdjames997]

Incredible build. I had a couple 240Z’s and a 280 when I was young, they are not easy to work on from a restoration point of view. The frames rotted, and they were made with inferior steel to American cars at the time. This rebuild is one of the best I’ve ever seen, and this guy did it in his garage. This kid is talented, and it took a lot of perseverance to make this project a reality. Truly impressive, this would be a dream build for someone like me who’s owned these cars and appreciates them. Fantastic job, this guy deserves a lot of respect, this is one of the best builds I’ve seen in these older Z cars!!👍

[@KevinsDatsun]

Thank you 🙏

[@RobertTorontoYYZ]

16:35 nice to see wife and daughter supporting and involved, that's essential to finishing this build. Congratulations.

[@charlesmcbride6751]

I was born in 1975, and have always wanted a car from that year (trust me there are not a lot of good options from that year). This is a major inspiration for my next car Thank You!

[@8lakk5unshine]

This is what makes KZbin a cool platform. Another video of someone spending a quarter million on a hypercar or ready-made shop build? Some guy flexing on the strength of a car someone else built but calling himself fast? Nope! A relatable guy with a dream and a lot of knowledge and hard work all coming together to build what we see in this video. I have to laugh at the fact I actually did a similar Fairlady engine swap build on Gran Turismo 7 with the same car. The car is also orange lol I feel like a lame for doing it in a video game. I've never had anyone to teach me anything, but I have done all of my modest real life mods on my own thanks to KZbin University. This video makes me realize what is possible.Thanks for sharing.

[@JohnnyDanger36963]

my Bugetti crushes this Foo's baked bean peasant build.

[@8lakk5unshine]

@@JohnnyDanger36963 Whats a Bugetti? Is that like spaghetti with boogers in it instead of meatballs?

[@JohnnyDanger36963]

@@8lakk5unshine HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.!!😄😁😅🤣

[@PDillz]

Ain't no way I'm the only one to say this but it's the 280Z06

[@SpringfieldTony]

what a beautiful car - everything he's done is perfect, outstanding report

[@TheBabasaly]

4 years later - this is impressive on so many levels. Congrats to you and I hope you enjoy it

[@tjj052]

Man, hats off to Kevin. What an incredible build and done by one guy at home makes it 10x more impressive!!

[@J-Whit]

Flipping gorgeous! I have wanted to build one of these since that super old youtube video came out about the LS1 swapped one. He was doing a rolling burnout uphill and i thought it was the coolest thing ever.

[@LastWonBeats]

Homeboy built tf out of that car!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@howardmckenna]

That's a well thought out and executed build. REALLY nice!

[@MrBigspendn]

I grew up around these beautiful cars. As you can see they had so much character. Absolutely one of the best sports cars put out and the color is killer.

[@chriswilson9331]

Jay Leno definitely needs to see this! Awesome job man! 👍

[@nofilter2091]

unreal build, nice work! I love the Datsun Z series, grew up with that and the Opel GT in the 70's-80's as my 2 favorite body styles.

[@midlifemotox]

Corvette Atomic Orange. Great looking car.

[@byronvision2589]

Very cool to see an American mechanic put hardwork into his love for both the American and Japanese automobile

[@alanparadis5061]

Man that kid built my dream car!! That young man is going places! My hats off to you sir! Keep doin what your doin!

[@zrunner240Z]

I saw this car in person at ZCON this week!! AMAZING BUILD!!

[@fredeb67]

This was the car of my dreams when I was growing up in the 70s. I must say, this is one of the best rebuilds ever. It is the combination of my favorite two cars. Then Datsun Z and the Corvette Z. This video was spectacular and the rebuild is nothing short of outstanding.

[@garybrown4671]

I love basically everything about this build. Awesome job!

[@Grumpyoldman666]

One of the dopest cars I’ve ever seen, including the big money guys. Amazing job!

[@lukewalker1051]

Masterpiece. What a smart young man who created this car including choice of color. Well done.

[@methos1999]

I'm hoping to start getting into building cars as a hobby once my addition is done - hearing him talk about just plugging away one step at a time is inspirational. I'm pretty persistent and am relatively patient so I'm hopeful to build some cool stuff, but still great to hear other people say the same.

[@CorgiConnect]

I walked right up to this ride at a fall festival just a week ago, I can attest, seeing it here does not do it justice. Its is a beautiful Z, and I loved the Fairlady badging, the color, everything about it.

[@michaelb.42112]

As Jack Horner said in Boogie Nights, "28 year old piece of gold." OK, I'm exaggerating because he was 17, but c'mon 28 years old and you're making a world class hot rod from top to bottom, every single nut and bolt touched or redesigned, all electrical, weling, you know EVERY bit of how a car works at it's best. THAT is a rare skill, to me. I'm 55 and in 1978 my dad bought a 1975 280z 2+2 and it was a family car for two decades until we sold it to a family friend. Much respect for you, Rock Star !

[@KevinsDatsun]

Thank you!!

[@jondavidmcnabb]

I want this car so DAMN BAD!!! That is one of my favorite looking cars of all time.

[@MrBigspendn]

I agree. This is one of the most iconic Japanese cars ever made. Its almost like a British and Japanese car mixed.

[@johnmilligan2964]

One of my favorite cars of all time! I’ve always thought that it is a beautiful car that mimics the style of the Jaguar XKE which is considered one of the most beautiful cars of all time! This build pays a wonderful tribute to the heritage of the early Z cars! I love the JDM touches such as the fender mirrors and the front end!

[@GrandPitoVic]

That is a gorgeous car!!! My hats off to buddy!!! Great story too. I love the story behind the builds as much as the builds themselves. You get to dive into the mind of the builder. Great job with the interview brother!!!!

[@frisk151]

My dream car finally realized... I had a 78' 280Z and wanted to drop in a 350 ci crate motor and tranny in it! There was a aftermarket (late 80's, early 90's) shop in Florida? (Car-Tech Turbo??).. They sold the mounts and conversion parts... I am REALLY happy to see this man and his build!! One of my favorite cars I owned ever... That and the RX-7 Twin Turbo.. Of course, my 280 and later the 89' RX-7 turbo II were far more reliable.. I'd just love to go in a ride in this car! Thanks for sharing!!! PS.. That engine sounds beautifully mean!!!

[@scottlampe70]

Seriously, wow. I rekon this build tops mighty car mods 240Z. That is simply outstanding, the most beautiful Z I have seen so far.

[@moosewild4239]

This is impressive as hell. Great build. What an awesome project. The look on their faces driving it tells it all. Super fun

[@darylthomas4676]

Dude has a bad a$$ Z! Love the car man and being an owner of a 22 Cali Special, the story about Dad's 68 wen't straight to my heart man. I'm very fond of them and wish i had a 68! Family picture with the car was epic! Seeing his little girl sanding and doing body work just made my day! You just can't get good workers like that these days!🤟😄👍

[@thetrap6073]

PERFECT!!! That is one sexy "Scarab"!! The sound is absolutely visceral, it growls like some kind of hell bent tiger. Outstanding work Kevin.

[@MrMarkpark]

Super sick. Especially for a car build in an average Joe garage. And that inflatable paint booth is awesome too. Never heard of that. Great job dude. It’s inspirational to those who feel limited in their garage.

[@jimfrazier1929]

awesome Dude, I love Datsun, I bought my first one back in 79, it was the 1200, and it kicked ass. Your a young man way ahead of your time!!!!

[@GrandPitoVic]

That car IS WICKED!!!!!!!!! I am doing a Ls3/6L80E in a 03'Crown Vic Police Interceptor. It's a project with my grandkids!!!

[@BrianGoldsworthy-x7g]

it should be a Godzilla not a POS GM in a Ford - teach your grandkids right!

[@GrandPitoVic]

@BrianGoldsworthy-x7g I am, I'm teaching them not to follow everyone else or what they want. I'm teaching them your car, your money. Don't give a crap what other people think. Let's put a 7.3 in it so it won't last 30k miles. I'm watching them things die left and right in stock vehicles. So what's the PoS?

[@MBdrummer3288]

LOVE LOVE LOVE this car! What an incredible build! And all in a 2 car garage and driveway. Totally unbelievable. What a machine!

[@skent]

This is BADASS on so many levels! I am grinning like I was on that ride along. Man what a great car!!

[@neverendingmods]

That thing is sick. If I could kept my 79 280zx when I was in my 20s this is what I wanted to do. For home garage built that thing is 🔥. Everyone in the Z community is hating and mad jealous of this guy.

[@trevorkindley6480]

You hear people say why do you people want to drive fast with them loud mufflers.....my response is One because we can... Two because of cool rides like this... SWEET

[@rlstrad2059]

Beautiful build, appreciate how he went his own way but ended up with a new standard for Z builds.

[@BadApe351]

Love this. Keeping the old girl alive...and giving it the power it always deserved. Back in the 80's I had the standard 2.4 blow in my '72 240Z and my crazy local mechanic convinced me he could install a hi po 302 Ford Windsor in it. Turns out he wasn't so crazy after all! What a transformation it was. It was a poor man's Ferrari Daytona! Sadly I didn't hold onto it...but the memories remain.

[@mikekosar6135]

lol.. I love the rear fuel fill in the Middle… so it doesn’t matter what side of the pump you pull up to..👍😎

[@shyecjj]

This car is 1000% legit AF. Amazing work and fantastic engine/car selection!

[@JeffH6158]

Nice job! I am so impressed that you did this without a financial sponsor or the assist of a speed shop, etc. sir, if you can do this, you can do almost anything.

[@aaront4494]

Z cars caught my attention as a youngster. I love seeing them rebuilt and enjoyed. Also, love the JDM touches. 👍🏼 Great work sir.

[@randylhote5529]

He has done a very fine job on this car!! Congratulations are your build, sir, and cudolze on the front end!!

[@CayoticProphet]

Does this guy have a KZbin channel? I would love to follow that car... You could argue that OP was committed to "Build Back Better" but as soon as I saw that C6 ZO6 motor, I knew this was a "Make America Great Again" project, even if it is a Japanese Rolling Chassis. As an owner of a RHD, JDM, EF8, CRX "GlassTop" #IDGAF! I don't know if I love your Datsun 280Z enough to trade straight across for a CRX SiR, but I love it enough to consider it. 🙏

[@zpepe]

Love the G nose treatment! Beautiful work at just 20 years old...Brilliant work man!

[@montyrayza7220]

Wow, love your channel, you've really got something here. As for the car OMG the 240z is my dream car as well ... and the mods he did are spectacular and I've hated almost all other modified 240z, 280z because they all go to far with their mods taking away the beauty of the stock 240z. Like extra wide fender flares, all new interiors, over cam'd V8 engines etc. This guy has perfect taste. I want that car. Cheers

[@craigthescott5074]

HaaHaa that’s bad ass I had an orange 280Z in the 1980’s but it was stock, I also had bad rust problems so I sold it. I ended up buying a 1964 Corvette coup in 1983 and Im currently putting a Texas speed 402 CI, 650 HP LS2, with a manual 6 speed, big disk brakes, power rack and pinion steering. Lowered with racing suspension. 4 point cage with harnesses. Can’t wait to get it back on the road again.

[@larryblackmon7105]

That's how it's done!! Build then ENJOY. Badass ride

[@tipring6956]

Love this car! I have an '84 Alfa GTV6 - that while I am dropping in a 'big bore' 3.5L 24v Busso V6 (the later 24 valve version) I am replacing the driveline, T/A and rear suspension with a Corvette C5 setup. This Datsun project is just so cool... and I need to find the motivation, time, and more importantly, the $$$ to complete my Alfa.

[@Graver81-69]

That 280 is sick! I love the old Datsuns and 240SXs, and this thing done the way it’s done with that LS7 is beautiful. You got a new subscriber today

[@phantom0456]

Love the build and especially the wheels he chose… the whole thing looks fantastic.

[@pokor5791]

How much does the final build weigh? It is very very nice.

[@timhillen7904]

I was stationed in Japan from 88-93. I had a Fairlady. Black with black interior. Best driving car I ever owned. I wish I could have brought the car back with me. Right hand drive with a 5 speed.

[@HereForAStorm]

Wow, amazing job, such a clean build and in his driveway is incredible.

[@bryang9601]

Color is awesome…This Car Rocks 😂❤🎉😊

[@TheCarGuyOnline]

What a great video and build, that engine sounds incredible. One of my favorites, the Z. I never swapped them but I did own quite a few Zs when I was younger up until the 350+.

[@benodie02760]

Absolutely great build, interview and ride! First time here and one of the best YT presentations I’ve seen yet! Great job all around. TY.

[@HotRodHeavenUSA]

Thank you for stopping by and showing support!

[@zve482]

Guys authentic. 👍🏻

[@CharlieMoney777]

Mad props. Nice job! Those old Chevy 305/350 conversions were usually slower than the stock Nissan six cylinder.

[@tannji5971]

@CharlieMoney77 Having owned a couple of 305 and 350 Z's, several N/A 2.8 L, and a couple Turbo 2.8 L Z's, Can't agree. My slower 305 Smoked every N/A Z I ran against other than a friend's 240Z that had a 3.1 liter stroker as well as every mod/upgrade he could think for drivetrain and suspension. On a cold day i might beat him to approximately 99 mph.... but my turbo 350 tranny and 390(?) gears would max out and he would gap me hard until I gave up. The turbo Z was widely feared by the Stangs, Cameros, Vettes, as long as they were stock-ish.

[@eekay3646]

I really love this. Very clean and beautiful build, and era correct in many regards. Not gaudy or cheap like some people build theirs. I have a '90 300ZX short wheelbase, NA 5-speed. I will swap my LS3 Erod into it soon. I'm using LOJ swap parts, and hopefully my Z looks just as nice as his....Plus, I'm also the owner of a '15 Z51 7-speed.

[@BizAutomation4U]

I'm one of those big picture guys. I own a software company and all my employees are software engineers. I secretely envy the kind of folks that can build things with their hands. Really admire this project and this guy in particular. Wish I had those skills. My dad was like that, always making things work. I guess I got my mom's genes in that regard LOL.

[@porkyswelding]

you can do it. just jump in get your hands dirty

[@BizAutomation4U]

@@porkyswelding More money than time I'm afraid. All my time is focused on growing my company (BizAutomation ERP). But I love stories like this. We all have our strength, usually it's the people who have strengths we don't we tend to admire the most. I guess that's how it should be.

[@Erick_III]

Literally my dream car, such an epic build!

[@charleshayman4083]

Respect. Coolest build I’ve seen in a long time. I curious what the curb weight is.

[@steveahtes5382]

Absolutely INCREDIBLE build !!!! I WANT THAT CAR !!!!!

[@RealMikePannone]

Super awesome! Former '76 280Z owner. Really nice.

[@joeljohnson3676]

I've owned 3! A 71 240, 78 280, and a T top 82 280zx. Love em!

[@tomturner5675]

Absolutely freaking love this build!! This guy is a bad ass!!

[@DaBaltimoron]

What an amazing build. It's the little things like using stockish controls and gauges that are the icing.

[@RobertRandin]

Kevin Mann you are a genius brother what an artist man you are amazing beautiful Z

[@grenobel]

So wicked! The early Z cars have been my favorite ever since my mom owner one when I was a kid. This one is the ultimate Z beast!!

[@RonaldSimkin]

In 1983 my daily driver was a 1973 Datsun Pick-up with a built 400 small block ["4 bolt main"] Chevy V-8, 600 quad-jet carb, B&M Ratchet shifter, Chevy rear end, and the N-50-15 rear tires were T/A Radials from B.F.Goodrich. Back then I thought the coolest thing about it was the modified chrome front grill with rectangle headlights replacing the factory round ones, made it look a lot newer... But it did do 10 second quarters when I could get it to hook up! The bed had a liner and weights over the rear tires and I would run 4psi in the rear for a race; otherwise it was a smoke machine.

[@timfuqua4982]

As a previous owner of many MkII Toyota Celica Supras, I appreciated seeing the before wheels, but I also approve of the Watanabes. Solid car.

[@atranimecs]

absolutely beauitful build, applaud the fortitude to push through such a project.

[@Supercruze]

Lots of attention to detail here. An epic build and very well done.

[@HerrinSchadenfreude]

That is so awesome. I had a '77 280Z and wish I could have done something this cool with such a fun car to begin with. I did later have a 914 with a Chalon kit and a 327 in it but this is super sweet. And it sounds just completely beyond.

[@kirkwilson5905]

Now THAT is a fun cool car. Had a '77 280z. Found the wheelbase was too long for the width and the car was a bit under powered. At least that was fixed!

[@EdmundUlysses]

The secret of joy in work is contained in one word excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it.

[@Tomberculosis-q1i]

The idea this vid has less than a million views is devastating. I hope yall find your community one day.

[@macharleys72]

That thing is freakin sick man!

[@XMen77711]

Amazing restoration 1975'Datsun 280z.👍

[@curveofsound]

Cool to see another build like this. Always loved V8 Datsun Z's. My first car was a 280zx (not the 2+2 thank god)

[@obsidian00]

Kevin, Kevin, KEVIN!!! This is a GLORIOUS build!!!

[@k3corvette35]

Had a 76 280Z in the same color ! Loved that thing. Had the heads ported and polished , header and a Bob Sharp 4bbl kit on it after the fuel injection shit the bed. That car surprised a lot of Fox body mustang Gt's up to 100mph ! But on backroads it was untouchable !!

[@k3corvette35]

Sorry mine was a bit darker color more like a metallic rust color !! LoL

[@richknudsen5781]

My brother bought the very first 240z model back in 71 and put on a header plus wheels and tires. Then he stripped the paint off to bare metal and had a black custom flamed paint job applied. That was a hell of a car., We were going to add a Chev V8 later but he sold it too soon.

[@PeterSyravong]

The Z car is a glorious machine. I have 2 :) This build is amazing!

[@syarifnurjaman6347]

Cool car, cool builder. Awesome.

[@Come-What-May]

Standing ovation! This car kicks ass. Not sure what it weights, but it's damn sure got plenty of power.

[@hectorn.6137]

This is probably the coolest Z around imo. This is my first time on this channel, btw. Great job keeping it moving, informative, and visually pleasing. Good work. I'll be subscribing.

[@HotRodHeavenUSA]

Thanks for watching! Appreciate the support 🤘