Nissan S30 - Owner Modifications

Owner Modifications

The most common conversion is to replace the 2.4 or 2.6-liter engine with the L28 2.8-liter engine from the later model 280Z/280ZX. Turbo 280ZX L28s can be retrofitted into earlier cars using the later wiring harness and associated parts.

The S30s are popular for Skyline RB25DET/RB26DETT swaps, with numerous kits available.

The S30 has also proven to be a popular and affordable basis for V8 and other engine conversions, usually a Chevrolet Small-Block engine or Ford. Several vendors make kits and informational books to allow the conversion to be done as a nearly bolt-in process.

The 260Z and 280Z, although relatively heavier and smog-controlled in stock form due to government regulations, are easily modified. For instance, simply removing the heavy front bumper and adding a front spoiler corrects the otherwise jittery high-speed handling of the stock versions. Replacement of stock bumpers with those from the 240z, along with removal of spare tire, jack, and air conditioning system can lighten a 260Z or 280Z by nearly 200 lb (91 kg). Some of the weight gain of a 280z is actually a benefit over the 240z such as a much stronger Nissan R200 rear differential replacing the R180 in the 240z, and the addition of a rear sway bar. Further, a great variety of aftermarket parts are available to, in effect, bring the 280Z back in line with the ethic of the early Z-cars, such as free-flowing exhaust/header kits and the installation of a 280ZX turbo turbocharger.