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HEY, THAT'S MY CAR!
Far East Meets Old West
Classic Sportscar Made in Japan and Modified in America
1974 Datsun 260Z "Scarab"
Owner: Robert Walters Jacksonville, FL
I've always wanted a V8-Z. Finally, I found this one on eBay about 10 years ago. I'm the third owner of the car after it changed hands between two friends a couple of times in central California. The car was built from a Scarab kit except for the wide front fenders. The car came with the Stage II 425hp turbocharged 350 Chevy mated to a T10 four-speed with a special Scarab embossed bellhousing. The Scarab kit included the flared quarters, louvered hood, Recaro seats and Scarab vacuum/boost gauge. The original owner equipped the car with 16-inch Simmons B45 3-piece rims, filled the quarter vents, relocated the fuel filler to the upper quarter and added a remote release. The battery was also relocated between the rear strut towers.
I've made a number of modifications over the last 10 years. Many parts were swapped, including a T56 transmission now taking the place of the T10. Under the hood, a Powerjection III EFI has replaced the Quadrajet carburetor. An AlkyControl methanol injection setup has been installed as well. A Griffin Aluminum radiator with a 2-speed Taurus electric fan cools the engine. For braking, the front-end received 300ZX vented rotors with Toyota 4-piston calipers while the rear-end now has Willwood discs. It's also got 280ZX CV axles and a 300ZX R200 differential with Quaife LSD. Other features include a 3.5-inch oval exhaust, a J&S Electronics Safeguard timing control, a custom stainless box housing the Optima battery and best of all, A/C!
My Scarab is still a work in progress but aren't they all? I'm hoping to take the car on the Hot Rod Power Tour in June. My wife and I did the Tour last year in her Murano. Unfortunately, the Scarab's EFI lost a circuit board just before the trip so we had to go with "Plan B!"
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