Immense Battle Datsun 280Z takes on Chevrolet Corvette Historic Sportscar Racing Blend Line TV

[@benmclean2291]

Love both of those cars!! Not sure if he was doing it deliberately but notice how the Z was taking the outer line on the tight corners almost leaving the door open which made the Vette have to work its rear tyres harder to try and pass until they were cooked. Vette needs to be more disciplined and not roast the rears. (All advice given from the comfort of my armchair)

[@andrewperry605]

Around the outside at turn two farken! From my armchair, i reckon the vette driver was throwing too much it just to keep up. Love this racing. Vette driver did give him room though which screwed his line

[@jamiebowles4588]

From my armchair, the 'Vette is doin' it to himself. He apexes early, & rides the inner edge halfway through. Kills his exit speed, and takes the whole straight for his hp to catch up. Datsun, on the other hand dives in hard, heavy brake while aiming just past apex, rolling in the throttle.

[@trevorflanagan4873]

Y’all are great gents👍

[@randyderksen4358]

Trying to dance with something a bit out of it's league. Imagine if this was for 2 hours or even one hour! Heavier cars will be conserving brakes and rubber just to make it to the end.

[@richardthompson6366]

I can only imagine the smiles on their faces, a driver's bliss.

[@v.e.7236]

The Vette's tires failed him. Good drivung on the part of the 240 driver, baiting the Vette into a corner war he couldn't win because of his weight. Thank you for no obnoxious "background" music, as the engine sounds are always the best soundtrac.

[@Jesse-B]

This is exactly why people love historic racing so much.

[@rogueninja1685]

What a great battle. Perfect representation of the tradeoffs in physics between these two models, the S-40 and the Vette. Classic

[@markavramovic111]

s30

[@kennethkirklin6959]

Yep

[@truebetold65]

Couldn't said it better 🇺🇸👍

[@tiger_7076]

I’m in the middle of restoring a 240z with my dad. Gotta love to see the z’s driving and doing what they do best.

[@rcpmac]

Well as they say, don't try this at home! 😉

[@yesode4201]

The thing the Z does the best is rust!

[@Payday5]

@@yesode4201 just like your 2006 accord

[@yesode4201]

@@Payday5 No! Sorry little boy I have a 1975Z and a rusty Corolla. When you move out of your Mommy’s I will sell you a Z. Ok

[@garypeatling7927]

I only ever saw positively dangerously rusty ones , Jack up and door wont open , nice motors

[@seanhwy9761]

Great video editing. Love the inside / outside shots of the two cars racing. thank you thank you for no music.

[@BlendLineTV]

Thanks sean. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@savage22bolt32]

@@BlendLineTV Absolutely fantastic editing! And if you had music playing, you bet I would have complained!

[@etravix]

Cool battle. I like both cars but I own a 240Z. Little beast vs Big beast. Tires had given up on the Big beast. Thanks for sharing.

[@therealmaxspeedster]

Corvette driver racing like he was completely unfamiliar with either the track, his car, or both.

[@mattnewell649]

I owned two Z cars in the past, a 71 & a 73. The 71,I adapted a 383 stroker, suspension upgrade with KYB, 300ZX rear end, Goodyear 60s all around, and special reinforcement's to strengthen the chassis. I Could eat up Vette`s and Porsche`s all day long! Those old Z cars had good balance, and if setup right, would stick glue in the corners! They are phenomenal!! On the other hand, all the older Vette`s where known to not handle very well. this video proves that fact!

[@Omahaguy68131]

i watched a well prepared 260z with a fire breathing Ed Pink Z engine nearly lap the pack at Texas Motor Speedway it just wove through the field as it ate up some tires that day. it sounded amazing.

[@patpeterson2671]

But you had to do a shitload of mods on your Nissans and the weight difference to the Corvette .......... majority of the time Corvette's and Porsche's are stock ..... all that is done is , bigger radiators , upgrades to make the car breathe better , bigger brakes and suspension upgrades and a roll cage .......... and they are good to go for road racing ......... and there was no 383 Stroker in any Datsun 280Z or 300ZX off the stock assembly line ....all 4cyl or straight 6's / V-6's .... Porsche is the lightest then the 280z , then the Corvette ......... with Engine upgrades to the stock engines in the three , the 280Z , is not even in the same ball park as the Corvette or Porsche ................................

[@psk5746]

​@@patpeterson2671 Rather have the Datsun all day long over a Corvette

[@twoeightythreez]

@@patpeterson2671 a stock S30 Z car would absolutely whup a stock C2 vette in the corners, the only advantage the vette has is on a long straight, and a 75-78 vette doesn't have much of an advantage even there against a stock 75-78 280z. Put a chev lump in the Datsun and the C2 corvette stands no chance whatsoever. Further, if you Put a modern LS based engine in the Datsun, (with appropriate brake and suspension upgrades, of course), even a MODERN corvette will have an epic challenge. Against that, C2 once again will look like an oxcart in comparison ,!no matter what kind of engine its running. The corvette is still cool AF but it simply has no chance on a tight road course against a well prepped and driven s30 Z car. FWIW, there is absolutely nothing outside the body shell that is "stock" on that particular Corvette, all the mods on both cars did was make the action happen faster. The ultimate irony is how the modern Nissan Z has basically become the modern day C2 Corvette, its heavy, riding on a dated platform, not super powerful and will get handed its ass on a tight road course by a modern Camaro (let alone a C8 vette)

[@lettuce7378]

@@twoeightythreez Unless i'm mistaken this is a C3

[@Njderig]

Thank you for uploading this without music or talking! Much appreciated.

[@warrenlucier5796]

I owned a 72 240Z and a75 280Z, they are momentum cars that handle really well.

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

My V8 z has got it 8n the strait to. 😆

[@bernercalito8422]

Independent suspension on the Z cars really work and it a light weight car. I had a 75 280z about 20 years ago.

[@mrnobody6609]

I own a 1970 Oldsmobile 442, so I'm obviously a huge muscle car lover, but those Zs are some of the coolest fucking cars ever.

[@wydopnthrtl]

When I was in HS in the 80s there was a guy with a Z and a guy with a C3. Even though I am a died in the wool Vette lover... that Z was as cool as could be.

[@demetriustebet3786]

The Z was faster on the infield and the Vette on the straight, sliding around on the infield killed the Vette. Figuring out how to get the most of your machine is crucial.

[@gregoryjamesaustin]

Love both body styles. Art on wheels.

[@BlendLineTV]

Yup, this is the sort of racing where you can appreciate both cars and both drivers for being willing to get them out on track for us to enjoy!

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

@@BlendLineTV it's real racing not turn left, turn left,

[@LS-uv9gg]

I'm a motorcycle guy, not a car guy, but that was exciting as heck to watch! The sounds of the engines were awesome, so I sincerely loved that there was no hideous music. (or what passes as "music" nowadays, anyway) Thanks!

[@Grenadieros]

Greetings from Greece, thank you for the video. Corvette C3 and Nissan 280Z are my beloved cars, i have them in my heart. Unfortunately that Vette had no chance that day, it was struggling in every corner to stay inside the track (tyres or suspension was the problem). Beautiful sound from engine-exhausts, again thank you !!!

[@lauriedooker1031]

Loved it all it had a lot going for this video . Excellent

[@stealthd16]

That was a fun watch, thanks for the great coverage. Subscribed. Nice example of skill over outright speed, the Z driver simply drove better, the Vette driver has some work to do on his basics… I’m still envious!

[@josephbrady711]

the legendary L28 engine

[@jamierodriguez3554]

The L series is The hemi of Japanese engines-Fact

[@twoeightythreez]

@@jamierodriguez3554 I always thought the L series was more like the Chevy small block of Japanese engines myself. Nissan used them in almost EVERYTHING. The S20 six from the Z432 or the GT-R was Japans Hemi. But if you want to get technical about it, Japan actually HAD A HEMI V8 in the 3V engine (Toyota Century)

[@bobhenry6159]

I don't think the vet driver hit a single apex, and it took most of the race for him to figure out which corner (and how) to set up the pass.

[@mb4lunch]

Yep... Diving into the turns way too soon.

[@psk5746]

well we know he's not that smart by his car choice ... lol

[@MORC]

Stalling during hot lapping is a great way to destroy some pads, rotors and calipers. Ask me how I know. But for real I’d like to take a minute to recognize the awesomeness of the Blend Line TV crew (both of you) Recently I have seen comments asking for racing with no commentary and we’ve been getting just that. I’ve seen several such video lately. Me? I’ll watch whatever you upload as it’s all good… But also I could listen to an Aussie read a phone book and be happy, great accent.

[@BlendLineTV]

Cheers Mighty Oakes! We've been putting up videos of just raw car noise for a while within the mix of what we create, but really glad to see people enjoying the videos and support from people like yourself is invaluable!

[@jesuschrist-alphaomega]

Two of my most favorite cars

[@iliveinthewoods]

I just want to tighten that damn mirror. 🔧🤣

[@markwilliams5606]

Had a 71 LT1 Corvette. Good racing! Love it!

[@nawletorre7136]

datsun handling and control corvette pure power

[@user-Dr.]

The tight low speed track makes this a very good battle, a lot of fun to watch.

[@bernercalito8422]

Best race ever between two great cars!!!

[@johnhenshaw7655]

Great engine sounds, and no crappy music to boot 👍

[@lancelanphier9509]

That was really cool. I knew it was just a matter of time before that Corvette spun out....lol. That thing was on the ragged edge going through the twisties. I found it hilarious that is much power as the Corvette had and the ability to pass on Long straights the 280z always passed him in the corners... That 280Z definitely looks like it handled better than my 240z did....

[@MegaKei1]

Awesome battle!!!

[@Panthercholo]

Power is everything... until you have to turn.

[@ancientheart2532]

'No replacement for displacement' Vette vs. Japanese sophistication. Vette was having trouble hooking up. For my money.....give me that raw AMERICAN V8 muscle all day long.

[@truebetold65]

Tell the truth and the truth will be heard 🇺🇸🇺🇸👍

[@shaneanderson8358]

Beautiful cars. I own a 72 240Z so I’m bias but I certainly love that vette. Is it a 69’? With the egg carton fender vents? Just goes to show why the 240Z was such a wicked contender in the SCCA. Can’t wait to get out there an turn some laps in my car. 🤟🏼

[@stuartliddle7228]

They would make a stunning pair of slot cars/ scalextric!!

[@paulhempshall5928]

The Z certainly has him on the cornering. But it's a good job there aren't too many straights cos that vette shines.

[@KingCast65]

Great great video. Anyone know what they are running for motors?

[@PirateHarbour]

LT1 350 and L28

[@jimmiewomble416]

Corvette on the straights, 280 in the curves. Both of them automotive works of art.

[@DaveyGa]

Awesome stuff, starting to hook into this channel.

[@BlendLineTV]

That's so cool to hear! Glad you're enjoying the content DaveyGa!

[@nerdherd2604]

I once was in a sort of similar race in my 1981 s130z taking on a c4. The older Vettes and Zs don't look like monsters on paper but my god do I love these cars in every way that a person could possibly love a car. From my perspective as someone who's driven in a similar chase the Z driver here looks to be deliberately taking the outside line on those sweeper corners so that the vette has to work harder on his throttle control under the pressure of the corners. Doing that repeatedly he was able to get the vette to absolutely torch the rear tires. The Z can dance around practically whatever line the driver prefers in those corners because of its balance and weight. It was a brilliant tactic to defeat the more powerful opponent through means of endurance.

[@chefgiovanni]

The Datsun Z handles better and gearing is better for the track. The Vette sounds good and looks good too.

[@tehscope9422]

The Z's lighter as well

[@doctyler5382]

The 280z has it all over the vette in cornering, the vette in the straightaway, looks like the Z has an advantage here.

[@JGCSRT]

Jesus that Corvette was a complete handful in anything but a straight line 😂. Both beautiful cars.

[@hectorfuji]

That’s a beautiful Vette taking on the 280Z.

[@truebetold65]

I agree 👍🇺🇸

[@jeffrobodene1485]

And that's how Corvettes handle. Funny that an old six cylinder Z could give the big, bad Vette a run. Great racing.

[@donrollings1753]

Excellent, this type of racing will allways be better then snoozercars👍

[@robertsilfvast3734]

A classic fight between good handling and big engine 👍🏻🙃

[@onemoremisfit]

I wonder what the yellow light under the tach was for.

[@dennistowerofpower5808]

Oil moving to one side of the pan under hard cornering… needed better baffling in the oil pan… oil pump cavitation caused oil pressure to drop… lite comes on in tell pump picks up oil…. Then goes back out…..

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

That was driving,,, nice 👍 job of keeping that Corvette pointed forward for as long as you did, you had your hands full. Those Datsun z cars can run.

[@truebetold65]

I like both but the Corvette is a masterpiece on wheels 🇺🇸👍

[@mikeyp5130]

Sloppy lines...Not enough grip. Too hard on gas coming outta apexs. Its a Vette....against a Z. Good show! Bravo!

[@keithcargill8428]

Guy in the vette sucks at finding a good line. Should have followed the same line as the z.

[@zabaleta66]

That Corvette dirty dancing around those corner's! I wonder what I could get a 280Z for, even a motionless body!? Might have to settle for an old Starlet.

[@tdalb8985]

Well, that didn't end the way I wanted it too. You could tell the guy in the Corvette had his hands full. The virtue or light weight is evident. Even just watching you could see the Corvette's tires going away.

[@BlendLineTV]

Yeah, how good is to see someone racing a car they love and getting absolutely everything they can out of it as well.

[@freddyroschmannporta689]

Datsun suspencion perfecta, estabilidad demuestra que tanto poder sin suspencion no eres nada., hermoso corvette pero el datsun glorioso y hermoso

[@HungrySharkMaster]

Wonder how much power the 280z is making out of the L28 to somewhat keep up with the vette

[@franklynpertuz7669]

That was great I like that little Datsun that little peanut took him great driving both of them

[@ROBERTLOWER-f3p]

What engine is in the Vette ?? I saw a few 7500 rpm shifts.

[@MatryBigwave]

🏁The CORVETTE driver certainly isn't giving it all its got! 🏁

[@chriscatarcio2983]

He can only go as fast as those stock size tires will let him.

[@synthpro]

Love that vette and the Zcar. It's hard to believe that the Z's OHC inline 6 had about the same power as the 76 corvette back in the day and the Z was much lighter with a better weight balance between front and rear of car. Z also had rack and pinion steering.

[@deeptill6735]

Are we not gonna mention the Mustang that left them both behind?😉

[@gordonclark7632]

The Chef can certainly overcome the grip levels.

[@skatetown100]

great battle!

[@bizkitbrain]

Why is it soooooo hard to restart after a spin? I’ve always experienced this with my race car but never a street car

[@tube-dude77]

Oh those lovely V8's just have too much power for early acceleration out of a corner!! And fabulous down the straights!! What fun!!!!

[@truebetold65]

Agree 🇺🇸👍

[@willemdodgerford5782]

Is that an oil pressure light coming on?

[@Uptown59]

The Stingray's rear was too loose. I saw the spin out coming.

[@Panthercholo]

What engine is that in the Corvette? Shifts at 7k and kissed 7,500 RPM...

[@willrogers5713]

group S means stock engine, stock breaks...they are allowed to balance the engine better and thats pretty much it

[@Panthercholo]

@@willrogers5713 Stock for that year is LT1 350 or 454 BBC. Neither of those will spin to 7500 RPM.

[@PirateHarbour]

@@Panthercholo its an LT1. definitely not stock

[@Panthercholo]

@@PirateHarbour Figured. Nothing American from that time winds up like that. Maybe a DZ 302...maybe.

[@wydopnthrtl]

@@Panthercholo Not saying this vette was an L88.. but they will spin to 8k repeatedly. I've been there and seen it first hand.

[@grabir01]

Amazing Corvette driver. Anyone that has driven one knows how hard it can be to keep on the pavement when it loses traction with super grippy tires. A tire that scrubs is better for the vett. Since it has 50/50 weight dist, when it loses traction, its an all 4 event. Dual 11's. At any rate. Super driving for both drivers.

[@johnnystones8498]

Yep, anyone who's ever driven a C3 knows that the rear end can be unforgiving. They corner great but when they do lose rear grip most times they're gone. This driver did a great job of pushing that vette to it's limit....but just a bit too much when he finally lost it. A great video of two cars with slightly different but equally effective attributes....vette with a bit more speed, zed with a bit more cornering.

[@jamesjkmorrison7355]

I've watched this at Road Atlanta right there in the S TURN, and Paul Newman would ROAST THERE ASS EVERY TIME AT THAT S turn ,funny as hell until I almost got hit in the head with one of the corvettes piston and rod that fell out of the SKY...LOL WON'T NEVER FORGET THAT RACE. OH YEA ONE MORE THING, what the Hell was that that just went by on two wheels 😳??? It was a damn MINI COOPER, OMG WHAT'S SO IMPRESSIVE ABOUT THAT? WELL IT WAS LIKE IT WAS ON A RAILROAD TRACK THAT'S WHAT'S I MEAN, YOU'D HAVE to see it to believe it 🤔👍

[@jimclarke1108]

Sunday cruise🤠

[@paulwhite6250]

There was a time in the past when 280Z cars were considered premo.

[@skaldlouiscyphre2453]

That period never ended. Fairladys will always be primo.

[@warkal868]

I've driven a 280Z. Own a Nissan Datsun 280C. It's It's heavier 4 door sedan. But the handling. Is superb in these Datsun for that Era. I've even tailgated a Nissan GT-R, BMW M6, and V8 powered Benz, just to name a few cars I had a run with. Engine may not have the power as those sports cars. But on bends, curves and in between lanes with flowing traffic, the handling was top notch. Once an L28 is built and tuned properly, it's possible to get 100hp/L NA. Turbocharged can easily give you 600hp. Back in the 80s Z's was pushing up to 1000hp. Nissan Datsun for life.

[@skaldlouiscyphre2453]

Cedrics are great. Is yours a 330 (78-79) or a 430 (79-83)? The 330s were also available as a coupe and looks killer in that bodystyle.

[@tysonc1633]

Love corvettes, though the Zed is a great car too!

[@thecliffold5879]

7:02; Rocky Balboa KO's Apollo Creed!!

[@brucebrooks718]

Looks to me like whoever is driving the Datson is a better driver. Probably not chewing up tires as bad as 'Vette.

[@flobeeonekinobee2353]

the Datsun rusted away half way through

[@wydopnthrtl]

I once had a 79 Datsun pickup. DUDE!! this statement is not hyperbole

[@jeffroid_tv]

GET that little Rice Burner!!! ; }>

[@daviddawson3366]

I had a vett c3 if you accelerated going around a curve the rear tires would easily loose grip and create over steer too.

[@pitied3744]

that's if you dont have good tires and suspension designed for racing like this

[@wydopnthrtl]

And think of all that exercise you got! Each and every time you smiled and tightened the sphincter 😆

[@johnnystones8498]

I always felt the oversteer was a result of sitting almost at the back tires, you initially tend to overcorrect because you feel you're way out there. It takes some getting used to.

[@jzxtrd337]

Good ol' single leaf sprung rear end wins again.

[@jamierodriguez3554]

The Z has independent rear suspension what are you talkin about

[@the510wagon]

Good battle. That Vette looks like it's a pig to drive. The Datsun Z cars have so much natural balance.

[@chele-chele]

Skill and finesse trump raw power every time...

[@wydopnthrtl]

True but the smiles per mile are lower

[@MrWkala]

That Vette needs a suspension being done + driver needs to start hitting apexes... It is not about straight line speed as we see

[@joeoski3417]

The corvettes clutch setup might be the thing that is holding it back a bit .

[@13_13k]

Joe Oski --- you might be correct but the clutch isn't the real culprit. the suspension setup is the main problem which in turn is causing the tires to take that horsepower directly from the drivetrain with no buffer from the suspension keeping the car weight and the spring and compression working together. your clutch theory also plays into that horsepower being sent to the rear end in a bad way causing loss of traction. basically the Vette couldn't handle the enthusiasm its driver had in trying to beat that Zcar.

[@wydopnthrtl]

A longer throw throttle stroke would help him regulate power.

[@richardthompson6366]

The mighty Z, I had to settle for Mom's old B210, ha!

[@chriscatarcio2983]

Those light weight cars have a big advantage. Small tire class. The vette had more power. Just could not corner. Probably a big block to.

[@Vincepenalty]

Me (280z owner) sending this to my grandpa (corvette owner)

[@tropicalparsoon]

That Corvette gearbox is sick! Shame about the lead boot.

[@dominicpelle7841]

American GRUNT is good in a straight line...

[@wydopnthrtl]

So the 280Z guy smiled at the end of the race. The vette guy smiled every time he mash the throttle. 🙃

[@pitied3744]

The Z is the King in the Corners but the Vette is King of the Straights a symphony of Muscle and Sports

[@shanegainer9640]

For me, it’s pure American power vs pure Japanese finesse… Just ask yourself which driver is going to wear themselves out quicker? Every corner is the 280’s friend and every straight stretch is the vette’s friend.

[@mike_oe]

Driving around with a white "Z" painted on your vehicle these days may attract something very nasty 😉

[@paodebatata6606]

For some reason, that 240z gave away a menacing impression. Nvm yeah, akuma no zeto da

[@littlediablo]

Great scrap, wish it could've continued but being a Nissan tragic at this point I'm obliged to say "GO THE Z"

[@daviddawson3366]

Paul Newman raced the z he said he thought it created lift with the fastback design .

[@Hapkido82AUS]

An ounce of handling is worth a pound of horsepower 🤷‍♂️ (Love the vette though, sounds brilliant track side 🥰)

[@Eduardo_Espinoza]

Damn, that Daytona can move! O.O

[@shellez101]

Only a matter of time before he lost it .

[@thomasseyffert1095]

The Z was forcing the Vette to take a super tight line thru that corner, Worked beautifully!

[@billsmith5166]

Either that Vette was a real handful, or he never found a line. Remember.. smoooooooth. Don't focus on the 280z line until you have to, you aren't driving his car.

[@HotGritz910]

Simple, the tighter the course the z will have the advantage. A high speed course like VIR the vette would probably win easy.

[@willrogers5713]

eastern creek is not a slow track. the z is lighter, better handling and better balanced...not to mention probably has a better driver.

[@HotGritz910]

@@willrogers5713 oh ok...cool probably right

[@Danger_mouse]

Love the Z getting the job done over the Yank mobile 🙂👍

[@jayrogers8255]

As an American…I agree! I find Corvettes too bulky. Then again, as a 260Z owner, maybe I’m biased! 😉