Check out our sister club in the Triangle!
Navigation
Club Information
Events
Forum
Classifieds
Library
Gallery
Newsletters
Links
Gift Shop
Home










 
Z history Z history by: Victoria British
1970 Yutaka Katayama introduced the 240Z in October 1969 to the US. Powered by a 2,393 cc, 2.4 liter in-line OHC 6 cylinder with 2 sidedraft SU carburetors, the engine produced 150 horsepower. The only transmission offered was a 4 speed manual. 4 wheel independent suspension used front mounted MacPherson struts and rear Chapman struts. Brakes featured solid front discs and rear drums.
1971 Prompted by vibration problems on racecars, the crankshaft was redesigned. The transmission and differential were improved. A Jatco 3 speed automatic became available. Rear quarter panel and hatch received new styling.
1972 Combustion chamber shape altered, lowering compression ratio from 9.0 to 8.8:1, effectively lowering emissions and power. Rear crossmember and differential mounting were moved back 35mm to reduce driveshaft angularity. Driveshaft became one piece with single universal joint to reduce drivetrain roughness. Auto seat belt retractors installed, rear window defroster lines ran horizontal. US models used 5" wide rims, replacing 4-1/2".
1973 Carburetors, manifolds and cylinder head changed for emissions requirements. Distributor changed to transistorized breakerless ignition system. Intermittent windshield wipers added as standard equipment. Tinted glass, 3 point adjustable seat belt, collapsible steering column and fire retardant interior introduced. Reclining seats added.
1974 260Z introduced. By lengthening the stroke to 79mm, engine displacement increased to 2,565cc, 2.6 liters, increasing horsepower from 129 to 139. 2+2 body style introduced by lengthening the car 12.2", which added 200 pounds. Only available with 4 speed manual transmission. Seatbelt interlock was added to some models before being quickly dropped. Rear sway bar added to all models. Simulated wood grain steering wheel replaced with padded vinyl version. Bumpers received minor updates. Quarter windows on 2+2 models opened.
1975

260Z: Front and rear bumpers were enlarged to meet Federal 5 mph regulations, adding about 130 pounds. Turn signals mounted above front bumper. By midyear, the 260 was replaced by the 280Z.

280Z: To meet tougher emissions standards, a 3mm bore increase raised engine displacement to 2,753cc, 2.8 liters, producing 149 horsepower. Bosch's L-Jetronic fuel injection replaced SU carburetors on all models. Transmission and differential gear ratios were changed. California models required a catalytic converter exhaust system. 280Z model was only sold in the US.
1976 A voltmeter replaced the ammeter in the center console.
1977 Engine modifications raised horsepower to 170. 5 speed manual overdrive became available. Bumpers were enlarged again.
1978 Black Pearl edition introduced on coupe models featured a black pearl metallic finish with red and silver striping.
1979 Second generation introduced, 280ZX. Only the engine, transmission and differential were carried over to the new model. Horsepower was down to 135. 5 speed manual became standard. Front tension rods replaced compression rods. Semi-trailing arms were added to the rear. 4 wheel disc brakes were available for the first time, fronts were vented. Air conditioning and power steering were standard on 2+2 models. GL (Grand Luxury) package included power steering, cruise control, headlight washers and power windows. 280ZXR special edition was offered in limited numbers to homologate the large rear wing for racing.
1980 Horsepower was down by 3 to 132, due to emission regulations. T-tops initially became available in GL coupe models. Leather upholstery was optional. 3,000 10th Anniversary edition models offered, featuring two-tone paint, gold emblems, gold tone alloy wheels, headlamp washers and automatic climate control.
1981 First turbocharged Z introduced, producing 180 horsepower with a 3 speed automatic transmission in coupe models only. Turbo models also received many suspension changes with larger wheel and tires as well. Ammeter was replaced with a boost gauge on turbo models, and an oil temperature gauge was combined with the oil pressure gauge. Engine changes and a three-way catalytic converter raised horsepower to 140 on non-turbo models.
1982 Turbocharged engine became available in 2+2 model. All hoods received NACA scoop. Power rack and pinion steering became standard, previously available on turbo models only. Body colored bumpers with integrated overriders, became standard. New interior features included upgraded upholstery, leather seating with suede accents, voice warning system, and a digital AM/FM cassette radio.
1983 Suspension was identical on normally aspirated and turbocharged cars. A leather and digital option offered leather trim, digital dash, automatic climate control, electric mirror defogging, automatic rear defogger and bronze tinted glass.
1984 300ZX, third generation introduced. Powered by a 3.0 liter SOHC V-6, making 160 horsepower. Turbo models available, producing 200 horsepower. Turbocharged engine only available in coupe models. Turbocharged models received electronically controlled suspension. Available transmissions included: 5 speed manual and 3 or 4 speed automatic. Turbo models had a small, driver's side hood scoop. Non-turbo models received 4-bolt wheel, turbos received 5. Digital dash available, while base models retained analog gauges. GS was only model available in US. 5,000 50th Anniversary Editions available featuring a turbocharged engine, fender flares, ground effects, with silver and black two-tone paint. Datsun name dropped, replaced by "Nissan".
1985 T-tops became standard. Two-tone paint available on turbo models, which also featured pin-striping and body colored front and rear bumpers. Leather trim option was separated from Electronic Equipment Package.
1986 Turbo models lost hood scoop. T-tops became optional. Body colored side molding introduced. Integrated fender flares added 2" to each side. Rocker panel extensions and chin spoiler became standard. High mounted 3rd brake light debuted.
1987 Significant body changes produced better aerodynamics. Minor engine, steering and suspension changes were made too. Driving lights were moved under the front bumper.
1988 Both engines made 5 more horsepower. LE (Limited Edition) model featured a European front air dam, shorter springs and the engine governor was disconnected.
1989 Only minor trim changes were made and two new exterior colors were available.
1990 4th generation introduced. New 2,960cc, 3.0 liter DOHC V-6 available with 222 horsepower normally aspirated or 300 horsepower twin-turbocharged engine. Engine used variable valve timing and distributorless ignition system. Horsepower on automatic models was limited to 280 through the use of different fuel maps and camshafts. Manual 5 speed transmission standard, a 4 speed electronic automatic was optional. Multi-link 4 wheel independent suspension was electronically adjustable on turbocharged models. Turbo models also featured Super HICAS hydraulically controlled rear steering. ABS and T-tops standard.
1991 Driver's side airbag was optional. Hardtop version available in coupe models only, with normally aspirated engine and 5 speed manual transmission. Bose audio system, heated outside mirrors and automatic climate control became standard. CD player was optional.
1992 Driver's side airbag became standard and all T-top models had power adjustable driver's seats.
1993 First convertible Z offered, available in non-turbo coupe models only and added 210 pounds.
1994 Passenger side airbag was added. Door mounted passive restraint system was replaced by 3 point manual belts. Air conditioning system revised. Keyless remote entry system became standard. Leather upholstery was standard on turbo models with automatic transmissions. Rear spoiler on turbo models was raised from rear deck lid.
1995 Bose audio system was dropped from convertible models. Front bumper fascia became body colored. 300 Special edition SMZ models were offered featuring a 365 horsepower engine, larger wheels, bigger brakes, upgraded suspension and a large rear wing.
1996 Last year for Z in the US, however they continued to be sold elsewhere in the world until 2001.
2002 350Z debuts.

© 2007 Triad Z Club