Performance Packaging – a 240Z with an LS3 and 6-Speed
We’ve all been there. What starts out as a project that you think you can tackle quickly brings you to your senses. You need help. For Tim Kirby, that meant handing over his 240Z to the crew at American Legends for another legendary build.
As a teenager, Tim always loved the early Datsun 240Z coupes, but when he was finally able to add one to his stable of cars, he decided to build a special one. After finding what looked like a decent 1972 model on eBay, plans changed.
“The car looked better than it actually was,” Tim says. He had the car stripped, which unveiled a history of damage as well as rust issues. Along the way Tim bought an LS3 V8 and Apex Engineered front and rear suspension systems. Then reality forced a change of plans.
“I found I was way over my head trying to build this car,” Tim says, “So I contacted Tony Arme at American Legends to build what I envisioned.”
The Phoenix-based shop has turned out other rides for Tim, so their existing relationship helped the process move forward without the time-consuming learning curve that typically needs to happen between customer and builder.
While repairing previously damaged pieces and removing rust on the body, the crew at American Legends custom-built the fender flares, relocated the gas tank and fuel filler door, deleted stock emblems, and prepped the body for the custom-mix metallic green paint sprayed by James Evans.
Apex Engineered Track Attack front and rear suspensions were added to the Datsun’s reenforced unibody structure, including a cantilevered coil-over shock setup for the independent rear suspension. Wilwood 13-inch disc brakes on all four corners are covered by Motegi Wheels (17×8.5 in front, 17×9.5 in the rear) wrapped in Toyo tires.
Fitting the 6.2-litre, 525-horsepower LS3 V8 into a smallish engine compartment designed for a 2-litre inline six cylinder was a challenge, but the result works. Holley valve covers are modified to include the Datsun logo, while American Racing Headers feed waste fumes through a custom-built exhaust system featuring Borla mufflers. A Tremec T-56 Magnum six-speed manual transmission controls the power to the 3.73-geared positraction rearend.
The interior is all business, in a clean and refined way. Speedhut custom gauges fit in a modified original dash, while distressed brown Relicate leather adds a classic sports car look to the modified stock seats, door panels, and console. A Momo steering wheel, Vintage Air, and custom handles and pedals add nice finishing touches.
At the Goodguys FiTech Spring Nationals, the 240Z earned Tim and American Legends the Chevrolet Performance GM Retro Iron Builder of the Year Finalist award. Seeing an 18-year-old’s dream come true is always satisfying, but seeing your own teenage dream come to fruition is even better. Just ask Tim.
Photos by Todd Ryden
