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Its been a while since we have blogged about the Speedwell's Datsun 280ZX V8 Turbo build, so we thought it was about time we showcased exactly what’s been happening, it has been timely process but as it’s a ground up restoration as well as the huge list of one off modifications, the time scale can be forgiven.


The last time we discussed the build the car was in full chassis strip down and had just gone in for paint, we are pleased to report lots of yummy upgrades have been added since the glossy white top coat finish.

 
 

The V8 Engine with additional turbo and gear box has been installed, with the exhaust under construction, what we do know is that it will be a twin exit set up with some trick looking tail pipe ends, that will enhance the custom bespoke built gloss black Speedwell's diffuser that adorns the rear underside of the Datsun, which is a sexy upgrade for the bumper-less ZX, another little touch we love about the rear is the black rear light panel that gives the rear such a menacing look.


All of the upgraded coilover suspension, roll bars and brakes are also fitted and in place, along with the custom over fenders have now been painted and on the car just waiting on the FOM Performance wheels that are currently on route from the European HQ.


The wheel choice is an exceptional one with our European wheel partners FOM performance really stepping up, giving the build a period correct style mesh design in the form of the 3 piece Weave 17, its an old school look with a modern forged twist, measuring 9x17 up front and 11x18 at the business end that will be wrapped in Nankang NS2R tyres, measuring 235/40R7 & 285/35R18 front and rear respectively, Nankang is a brand we really wanted to work with on this build and happy to say they have done us proud.

 
 

The build is really starting to gather some pace with Iby putting in some hours on the car, we know exactly how meticulous he is, so we are really excited to see the car come to fruition, we will update more as the ZX progresses.



Our good friend Iby at speedwells refinishers is at it again, this is one guy that never seems to rest, even with a busy work schedule he still seems to find the time to put together a high quality build, you only have to look at this beautiful wide body Supra’s to see the guy has a serious problem when it comes to chilling out and relaxing, all we can say is he must have one very understanding wife. The Speedwell Supra builds need no introduction, the Red Bomb changed every year without fail, Ibrar was always honing and perfecting the little details, and sometimes those little details were hard to spot, not for us as we are all about the details, then he hit the scene with the the Black Bomb 11, to then shock everyone by selling them both, but as Iby said it was time to move on to new pastures new, we have already mentioned his up and coming Porsche 997R Bi-turbo build that will be taking place over the next few weeks in another blog post and we will cover that build in minute detail, but for now its this build that has grabbed our attention.

Datsun 280ZX 2 seater

Speedwells Datsun 280ZX 2 Seater V8 Turbo under construction

We knew last year when we spotted a Datsun 280ZX 2+2 turn up outside the Speedwell HQ that he was planning another project, but those plans changed slightly when he acquired what he had been on the lookout for a while, the more desirable 2 seater version of the classic 280ZX, which just happened to be an unfinished project, the Datsun 280ZX is rare beast on UK shores, so the 2 seater is a peach of a find, nothing quite like an unfinished project especially when they can be had for the right money, and this shell was a perfect canvas for what is about to happen.

It wasn't long before the 280ZX was hit with the usual speedwell modification haul, with the inside being fitted with a half roll cage, boot floor mounted stainless fuel cell, rear bumper deleted and smoothed, arches cut back and welded ready for the fat rubber that will be housed under the new extended bolt on fender extension, that have been modified extensively for the new styled body.

The bonnet has also come in for some modification with a beautifully detailed vent that has been relocated and reshaped, the attention to detail is a credit to Iby’s skill set, he knows exactly what he wants and how to execute that process in to an award winning build, which we are sure this will be.

The engine choice is possibly not the choice most people will expect but we love it, we know the 2JZ and the RB26 has been mentioned, someone even suggested the 3.8 VR38DETT V6 from the R35 GTR, but its none of those as he had a spare 3UZ V8 Turbo, that he had sitting around, which will be matted to a BMW M3 6 speed gearbox, so a trip to Dynotorque for the necessary engine and gearbox mounts to be fabricated by the legendary skills of Craig Taylor.

DATSUN 280ZX V8 Turbo Build

DATSUN 280ZX 2 SEATER V8 TURBO

The next step the shell will hit the paint booth, with the colour yet to be decided, after that it’s time for the suspension components to be added from Techno toy tuning, with the beautiful constructed GTX2 adjustable control arms, coilover suspension and 5 stud billet hubs, that will be fitted to the refinished and upgraded 300ZX rear axle, the ingredients to this build are mind blowing.

We will be following the build as it happens, with wheel decision yet to be made, size, width, finish, along with the most important …the design, what we do know is it will be 3 piece forged, with huge outer lips. Bookmark this build as its going to be one serious 280ZX, yet again a contender for Europe’s finest.

 
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James Road
Tyseley
Birmingham
B11 2BA
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