Unfinished Man 1974 Datsun 260Z – RB25DET

We all have a dream car or a project car that we would like to complete one day. For Unfinished Man team, that day is today. What do you get when you combine a few car enthusiasts, a Datsun 260Z, and a Nissan Skyline RB25DET engine? The result is a sharp looking, head turning, push you back in your seat monster.

The RB25DET is the third engine this 260Z has been mated with. The original L26 was a no go due to new emission regulations that were implemented and reduced the power of the 260Z back in 1974. The second engine was a modified L28 from a 280Z with Triple Mikuni carburetors, P30 Head, performance cam, pistons, and rods. Those parts were also complemented with Monza headers, downpipe, aluminum flywheel, and performance clutch.

Still, all those goodies weren’t good enough so here we are with a 1995 Nissan Skyline RB25DET engine. Besides body work and paint, every aspect of the car has been improved in one form or another.

RB-Engine-In-Datsun

Before the new engine went in, the frame rails were reinforced and extended to handle the increase in power from the new engine. This strengthens the body and keeps the chassis nice and stiff. The drive line of the car was also swapped out to something more modern. A differential from a 300ZX TT with 4.10 ratio was installed along with a KAAZ LSD, custom companion flanges, half shafts, and heavy duty u-joints. Ground Control coilovers, tension tie rods, and adjustable front lower control arms from Techno Toy Tuning were also installed.

As for the engine, it features a full standalone HKS V-Pro Street fuel management system, front mounted intercooler, an overhauled high flow turbo at 14 psi, HKS sequential blow off valve, oil cooler, Q45 throttle body, and a 3000 CFM fan. A more efficient Greddy Intake Manifold was also added and is an improvement over the stock setup. A high flow electric fuel pump and new fuel lines are also added to deliver the goods to the engine. A six puck clutch and a lightened fly wheel is also added in addition to a custom drive shaft good for 1100 horsepower!

With the car pushing just over 300 horsepower, the brakes also had to be improved. This 260Z was treated to true 4 piston calipers from a Toyota and new rotors up front. The rear drum brakes were tossed and replaced with disc brakes from a Nissan 240SX. To make this car stop on a dime, a 240SX brake booster and Wilwood brake master cylinder were also installed.

The car is currently sitting on a 17″ x 8.5″ Rota RB-R wheels which have been painted gold and Yokohama S-Drive tires. The valve cover and intake manifold were also painted to complement the wheels.

RB25DET-Rotta-Wheels

Hope you enjoy the gallery below. I’ll do another post on this project car sometime in the spring of 2011 when the car goes in for a proper paint job and bodywork. I would also like to mention that if you are interested in donating some funds for this project, please do not hesitate to contact me. 😉

Datsun-Z-Rotta-Wheels260Z-Engine-Swap

Datsun-260Z-Wallpaper-RB25DETDatsun-S2000-Seats

Datsun-RB-Engine-Swap-Skyline260Z-RB25DET-Engine

Datsun-Skyline-Engine-Swap

I would like to thank Danny Yee & Doddy Wijanta at s2dio for the awesome photography. Also a thank you to Nigel, Akira, and Phil over at Rise Auto Salon for the car build.

[Summer 2011 Update]

The black 280Z radiator pictured above has now been replaced with an aluminum radiator specific to the RB25DET. A catch can has also been installed for any excess over flow of coolant. This upgrade has made a significant difference and the engine temperature is now much lower.

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eddie

Eddie is a writer covering men's lifestyle topics for Unfinished Man. With a business degree and passion for writing, he provides reviews on the latest cars, gadgets, and other interests for today's man. Eddie crafts entertaining and informative articles aimed at helping readers live their best lives.

14 comments on “Unfinished Man 1974 Datsun 260Z – RB25DET”

    • I think it’s an IMSA or MSA three-piece spoiler that has been flush mounted into the body with fiberglass. I’ll have to ask Eddie (he knows the correct answer), it’s his car but he’s on vacation right now.

      Reply
  1. he man did you have much trouble fitting the engine in i.e. clearances and mount etc was thinking of doing this same one myself

    Reply
    • The RB25DET fits into the S30 very easily. I didn’t personally do the install but the shop that did the work for me did not mention that they had issues with the install. If you really want, please contact the shop at sales @ risejdm.com (no spaces). They will be more than happy to answer any questions.

      Reply
  2. Can you tell me what wheel offset your 17? x 8.5? Rota RB-R wheels are? Those tyres look mighty tight in there. What tyre sizes are you running and do they rub at all?

    Reply
    • Those RB-R wheels are 17×8.5 (4×114.3 + 4). Tires are Yokohama S-Drive. Front: 225/35/17 while the rears are 255/40/17. A bit of a stretch on the front, kind of wish I had 245/40 on the fronts. The tires do not rub.

      Reply
  3. I’m also a fan of the wheels. I havn’t seen that much lip on a Z without flares. With the stock rotors and drums do you think that offset would sit the same?

    Reply
    • I responded to Sean in an e-mail a while back. I did use spacers and my suspension is not stock. I have the Koni struts (not recommended) and springs from Techno Toy.

      Reply

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