400 WHP 2JZ Swapped Datsun 260Z Rat Rod - One Take
**A Deep Dive into a Custom-Built 260Z: The Story of a Modified Nissan Z-Car**
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### Introduction to the Build
Morning, everyone! Welcome to Santa Clarita. Today, we’re diving into something truly special—a custom-built 260Z that has been transformed into a high-performance beast. This car is a testament to passion, skill, and dedication. Let’s start by hearing from the builder about this incredible project.
The car in question is a Nissan 260Z, but it’s far from stock. It features a 2JZ VVTI engine swap, taken from an Aristo model, mated with a 300ZX Z31 five-speed transmission. The rear subframe is from a s13, and the axles are from a Nissan R33—a choice made to handle up to 800 horsepower, as the builder previously snapped a stock 240SX axle during launch.
This build wasn’t just about power; it was also about doing things the right way. The car has been widened properly by stretching the axles, which is the correct method to avoid messing up suspension geometry. Instead of using offset wheels, which can lead to alignment issues, the builder chose to widen from the axles—a decision that speaks volumes about attention to detail.
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### Power and Performance
So, how much power does this beast make? At 18 pounds of boost, it dynos at 395 horsepower to the wheels. The car weighs in at around 2600 pounds, making it a balanced yet powerful machine. It’s not just about raw power; it’s also about how that power is delivered.
The builder opted for sequential turbos instead of a single turbo setup. This decision was intentional, as a single turbo would have made the car nearly undrivable due to excessive lag. The sequential turbos provide low-end torque and make the car more manageable, especially given its weight and power delivery.
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### Suspension Setup
The suspension on this car is top-notch. It features 240SX coilovers up front and 300ZX full brakes—components that ensure it can handle the power and weight effectively. The steering is direct but heavy, which might sound challenging, but the builder notes that it’s surprisingly easy to drive despite its heft.
The car’s suspension setup is a result of careful planning and execution. Coilovers provide the necessary adjustability, while the widened axles ensure that the car doesn’t experience excessive body roll or alignment issues during cornering. This attention to detail makes the car not only powerful but also fun to drive.
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### Braking System
The braking system on this 260Z is nothing short of impressive. The builder upgraded to Z32 brakes, which provide excellent stopping power for a car with this much weight and power. During the test drive, the brakes performed flawlessly, even under heavy use. While they’re power-assisted, they still require effort to use, adding to the driving experience.
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### Aesthetics and Interior
The exterior of the car is a mix of functionality and aggression. The widened stance gives it a menacing look, and the lack of sound insulation makes it as loud as possible—truly a car that commands attention wherever it goes. The broken glass on the floor and dashboard adds an interesting aesthetic touch, though it’s something that might need cleaning up for a more polished look.
The builder mentions that they tried to keep the car as unique as possible, but it ended up looking like a “rat rod” by accident. While they didn’t intend for it to be rat rod-esque, the car has a raw, unpolished charm that sets it apart from other Zs on the road.
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### Performance on Track
During the drive, the car’s performance was nothing short of impressive. The wide power band ensures that there’s always power available across the rev range, making it fun and engaging to drive. The sequential turbos provide a smooth transition between boost pressures, which helps keep the car tractable even at low speeds.
The steering is heavy but direct, giving the driver a true connection to the road. While it might be exhausting over long distances, it adds to the driving experience on a track or during high-intensity drives. The builder notes that despite its raw appearance and sound, the car is surprisingly predictable and easy to handle, especially when compared to other highly modified vehicles.
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### Challenges and Recommendations
Building this car wasn’t without its challenges. The lack of power steering adds to the driving experience but can be tiring over long periods. The builder also mentions that they ran out of time before completing some details, like adding sound insulation or cleaning up the glass debris inside the car.
One key recommendation from the builder is to ensure that the harnesses are tight and secure, especially for high-speed driving or track use. They jokingly mention that if a crash occurs, it’s crucial to be properly restrained—something no car enthusiast should overlook.
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### Conclusion
All in all, this 260Z is a remarkable build. It combines raw power, attention to detail, and a unique aesthetic into one of the most impressive Z-car builds we’ve seen. The builder and their team deserve immense credit for knocking out this project in just three months—a testament to their skill and dedication.
While there are areas for improvement, such as cleaning up the interior and ensuring proper safety measures, the car is already a standout piece in the world of drifting and high-performance driving. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most exciting cars aren’t always the sleekest or the quietest—they’re the ones that demand attention and deliver an unforgettable driving experience.
Thank you for watching, and we hope you enjoyed this deep dive into the 260Z build. If you missed any of our previous videos or articles, be sure to check them out. Until next time, keep your engines revving high and your modifications coming!