I've seen some of these around town. Are there any similaties to the 240sx? I was curious if they had the 4 cylinder 2.4 L engines like we do in the 240sx.

The 1st 240's came out with 2liter straight 6 cyl. and ended with a 2.4 6 cyl. No real simularities.

You sure about that? I don't want to doubt you, because you know your stuff. However, I could swear all 240Z's came with the L24 motor. For that is the reason they were called "240Z's". If the original's came with an L20, then why wouldn't they call the first one's "200Z's"?

Also, what motor was it if it was a 2.0L? Because the L20 motor is a 4 cylinder. The L block had two versions...4 cylinder and 6 cylinder. The 4 cylinder was in the 510 and Roadster, and the 6 cylinder was in the Z's.

I'm not saying I'm 100% right and you are wrong. I'm just saying I *thought* I was 100% right. Do you know more about these motors? I am always looking to learn something new

OK Guys. Finally, something I actually know about. I've owned 18 240, 260, and 280Zs over the last 30 years.

The original 240Z came out in 1969. The US car had a 2.4 liter straight 6 motor from the L family (same family as the 4 cylinder in the 510). The US car had a 4 speed tranny. In Europe, the 240Z came with the same engine but with a 5 speed tranny and a limited slip rear.

In 74 the engine was stroked to 2.6 liters and the car was called a 260Z. Same in Europe, England, and Australia (I think).

In 75 the US car went to 2.8 liters and Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection was added. Most of the rest of the world stayed at 2.6 liters. 5 speed became available in US as option.

In Japan the early car had a 2.0 liter 6 cylinder motor available as a very limited option with twin cams and three Solex carbs. Very rare and valuable today.

If you want more info, go to http://WWW.240Z.ORG . The history of the Z is very well researched and documented.

As far as the 240SX is concerned, the early NAP-Z series of engines was developed from the L series. However, they quickly evolved untill there is simply NO relationship between them now.

Aha! So I was right. Assuming we were talking about USDM cars only

Reggie, thanks for the info. I didn't know anything about the JDM 240Z's having a 2.0L.

I wish to apologize for the incorrect info. on the 240z. The 240's in the states came with the L24 dual su carbs. They had a L24 carb. eng. on the Datsun 2400 sed. super six and deluxe six. Possibly Japan only. Never have seen one. The L20A six cyl.was in the Dat. 2000 sedan,wagon and a van and a sedan called a Gloria which is likely Japan. Never seen one of those either. The only reason I known this is I did some digging and found the factory engine service manual. Again I apologize for the incorrect information.

That's cool john, none of us are perfect :icesangel

Many of Nissan's sedans from the early 70's with the L series engine also showed up in Australia (being rhd and all). They came with every imaginable combination of carbs. Single 2 barrel downdraft (looks like a Holley 5200), single SU (a great big 2.5 inch thing), twin SUs (like in the US), a few tripple SUs (mostly JDM), and triple Solexes (like triple Webbers). There is alot of demand for some of these setups in the US.

The Aussy L series engines stayed carbed long after the US went fuel injection.

The 280ZX's and the early Maxima's had later versions of the 2.8 straight 6 that was in the early US Z's. The 2.6 liter that was in the 260Z was an increase in size to help offset the slowing effects of emission equipment on US 240Z's. The 1970 to 72 were the most desired and quickest modles of the fist gen. In 73 the 240Z was bogged down by emission equipment and faulty factory carbs that vapor locked. Many '73's and '74s were retroffitted by owners with 71 or 72 carbs ('70's were too rare and hard to find). Cool twin side drafts. In late '74 the cars became fuel injected. Hence you had early and late model '74 260z's.

That L-Block was a single overhead cam design and, in the US, always a straight 6. In its day it was thought to be the best gas engine ever to come out of Japan. If your Z did not rust to death, or smashed in a front end wreck ( a common fate for these cars - bending the frame members), the engine would run 150K to 200K easy. Great cars and great engines.

Aus94Q45 wrote:The 280ZX's and the early Maxima's had later versions of the 2.8 straight 6 that was in the early US Z's. The 2.6 liter that was in the 260Z was an increase in size to help offset the slowing effects of emission equipment on US 240Z's. The 1970 to 72 were the most desired and quickest modles of the fist gen. In 73 the 240Z was bogged down by emission equipment and faulty factory carbs that vapor locked. Many '73's and '74s were retroffitted by owners with 71 or 72 carbs ('70's were too rare and hard to find). Cool twin side drafts. In late '74 the cars became fuel injected. Hence you had early and late model '74 260z's.

That L-Block was a single overhead cam design and, in the US, always a straight 6. In its day it was thought to be the best gas engine ever to come out of Japan. If your Z did not rust to death, or smashed in a front end wreck ( a common fate for these cars - bending the frame members), the engine would run 150K to 200K easy. Great cars and great engines.

Uh...correction...The L block was sold in the US as a I-6 as well as an I-4. The 510 used the L16 motor, which was a 1.6L I-4.

Good point -- I recall that on the 510 motor and probably should have noted that in my post. Just referring to the comparison between the old and new 240's there was never a 4 cyl in the old. Nor was there ever a V-6 in the original Z's like I see misstated in many used car ads.

My wife has a V8 in hers, does that count?

Were talkin "L" blocks, not "LS" blocks

How about a Ford 5 liter Windsor block?

I know I'm bringing this back from the dead, but that 2.0L 6-cylinder that was only available in Japan was the same engine that the Skyline 2000GTR's got, that's why it's so valuable,

My understanding is the 2.0 l straight 6 was a very early twin cam version of what became the RB engine. I know there is no relationship to the L series engines.

I do not know the evolution from an early '60s design to the current RB engine.

S20, 2 liter twin cam six, came in the Hakosuka and Kenamari Skyline GT-Rs and a limited number of S30 Zs, 160hp.

L20A, 2 liter single cam six, came in the Hakosuka, Kenamari, Japan and Newman Skyline 2000GTs also the S30 Zs, 125hp NA or 145hp turbo in the Japans and Newmans.

DR. John mentioned the L20 6 cylinder was in the 2000 roadster. It was actually the U20 4 cylinder. Many parts for the roadsters are very rare, but interestingly, the Nissan H20 has been under manufacture right through 1991, used mostly in industrial/ commercial applications. Most of the bottom end parts are interchangable with the old 5 bolt main R16s that were in the 1600 roadsters and the U20 which was in the 2000 roadster. . A cool little factoid for and of practical significance for anyone owning a roadster....or mid 60s Svlvia...were Sylvias made in the mid 60s? If so, how many? stay tumed for the answer. SD

Well, according to my Nissan of Japan "Nissan Silvia History Timelin" Screen-saver The first Coupe Silvia, the CSP311 was made in 1965, the next silvia was made in 1975, but I don't know if it was made constantly for those ten years, I don't think it was, 'cause the CSP311 was very expensive to make,

Zero: Could job! There were 545 Silvias built between 64-65. They were based upon the roadster chassis and had both the 1500cc and then the 1600cc engines from the roadsters. They had a timeless, elegant, futuristic design that looks great even today. The car was chiefly designed by two men, Mr. Teiichi Hara and Mr. Albrecht Goertz of BMW and Porsche fame.

All cars were finished in Silvia Gold (metallic)

Very few ever left Japan. roughly 40-50 went to Australia. We only know of one in America (article to come son with pictures by Carl Hockett)

Nissan/Japan was slow to take the advise of building their cars around a 6 foot one inch dummy and instead, built their cars around a five foot eighty dummy. They got away with this in the roadsters and sedans, but with this gorgeous sport coupe. they didn't. Because of its cramped interior, it got the thumbs down in America by many consultants to Nissan including the famous dealership owner/racer, Bob Sharp. It was never exported to the USA...a great shame!!!! ( I am 5 foot nine) would love to have one! SD:D

Thanks for making me double-check my memory...

I had earlier quoted only 55 (mid-'60s) Silvias being made.:doh{doh!!}

I double-checked my source and get only a slightly different number than you provided... 554 instead of 545, but who's counting??

I'm actually currently writing a essay on the Silvia series. maybe I can send it to one of you guys that has more info. than me to help me edit it and get all my info. correct. I've only made it to the S13 chassis, though. Not much on the S110 or the S12, but alot on the CSP311, and I own a S13, so there's gonna be alot on that. I love the S14 so there'll be a bit on that and I love the S15 too.

Personnally, I think the CSP311 is really ugly, but it has such a history, that I love it anyway, just think, if that car wasn't made, there wouldn't be a S13, or any others, so I'm grateful it was made

Hi Xero,What years are you speaking of with the Silvia? I'm not that familiar.

You can email me direct if you wish at

[email protected]

there were a few years of the silvia.

CSP311--Mid 60's We already talked about this one, so I won't say anything about itS10--mid 70's Don't know much, but it was called the "Sakura" as an import for countries like Australia. Had a L20B making 105hp.S110--mid late 70's to early 80's. First introduction of the 180sx, a hatchback version of the Silvia. the Silvia was known as the Gazelle as an import.S12--mid 80's Domestic version had the FJ20DET, import version got the VG30 or a CA18E. Known as the 200sx in the US.S13--early 90's Everyone knows the S13, known as the 240s in the US.S14--mid 90's Same as the S13.S15--late 90's Not available in the US, but everyone knows that

Speeddoctor wrote:Zero: Could job! There were 545 Silvias built between 64-65. They were based upon the roadster chassis and had both the 1500cc and then the 1600cc engines from the roadsters. They had a timeless, elegant, futuristic design that looks great even today. The car was chiefly designed by two men, Mr. Teiichi Hara and Mr. Albrecht Goertz of BMW and Porsche fame.

All cars were finished in Silvia Gold (metallic)

Very few ever left Japan. roughly 40-50 went to Australia. We only know of one in America (article to come son with pictures by Carl Hockett)

Sorry if i'm reviving an old thread, but there are too many inaccuracies in this post to be ignored.

Firstly there were 554 CSP311 Silvias built. They were built between 1965 and 1968. The 27 prototypes display models were built in 1964. Nissan sold the silvia up untill 1970, when the last 1968 model silvia was sold. (Strangely, Nissan sales records list one CSP311 was sold in 1974.) Most of the Silvias were made in 1965.

(I dont know what happened to the 27 prototypes, presumably some may have been crash tested, and the others may have been reengineered and sold as 1965 models? but i'm guessing.).

The Silvia had the R16 1600 engine, not a 1500 (the prototype had a 1500 out of a roadster, but all production Silvias sold had 1600 engines).

All cars were not Finished in Silvia Gold. The Silvia was also available in white, as an option (I have a white one, though i'm yet to discover if it was originally gold). Nissan also supplied Silvias to the Japanese Police department, and they were used as Highway Pursuit cars - These were white also.

I'm told 49 silvias were sold in Australia. How many are left in Austraila is unknown. People keep buying them and exporting them to other countries. A guy I know in spain has a silvia that was sold new in Australia in the state i live in.

I have a white Silvia. I know someone selling a Red Silvia, that will probably be shipped to the USA, and know of 2 other Silvias for sale in Australia.

I love old threads getting revived! This one has really got some great info in it.

Aus94Q45 wrote:The 280ZX's and the early Maxima's had later versions of the 2.8 straight 6 that was in the early US Z's. The 2.6 liter that was in the 260Z was an increase in size to help offset the slowing effects of emission equipment on US 240Z's. The 1970 to 72 were the most desired and quickest modles of the fist gen. In 73 the 240Z was bogged down by emission equipment and faulty factory carbs that vapor locked. Many '73's and '74s were retroffitted by owners with 71 or 72 carbs ('70's were too rare and hard to find). Cool twin side drafts. In late '74 the cars became fuel injected. Hence you had early and late model '74 260z's.

That L-Block was a single overhead cam design and, in the US, always a straight 6. In its day it was thought to be the best gas engine ever to come out of Japan. If your Z did not rust to death, or smashed in a front end wreck ( a common fate for these cars - bending the frame members), the engine would run 150K to 200K easy. Great cars and great engines.

early maxima's actually came with a 2.4 with injection

and the L6 is good for 300k unless you really really abuse it

and just a side note, the L24 has the same stroke as the RB and the L28 has the same bore as the RB, and L series and RB's all share the same cylinder spacing