Nissan Zs have been treasured for more than half a century. The model first appeared in its home market of Japan in 1969 as the 240Z, powered by Nissan’s 2.0-liter inline-six L20 engine, and in the rare, high-performance Fairlady Z432, which featured the 2.0-liter DOHC S20 engine shared with the Skyline 2000GT-R, aka the Hakosuka.
In the US, the Datsun 240Z arrived for the 1970 model year, powered by a 2.4-liter L24 six-cylinder engine. Its sales success led to the 2.6-liter 260Z in 1974, followed by the 280Z for 1975. In addition to its larger 2.8-liter engine, the 280Z was also offered in ‘2+2’ form, with a longer wheelbase, roof, and rear quarter section, along with two occasional rear seats.
One such car is the subject of this feature: Michael Dorner’s 1976 Datsun 280Z 2+2.
Mike is a friend of mine here in Western New York. We met last year at a curated car meet I organized exclusively for Japanese makes, where I learned he owned a 280Z.
When Mike purchased the Z the summer of 2014, he already knew what he wanted to do with it. Slam it to the ground? No. Keep it stock? Not a chance. Mike’s long-term vision was a street-legal track car.
That vision began taking shape in 2015, when Mike started what could be considered the build’s defining aspect: the engine swap. Instead of staying in the Nissan/Datsun family, though, Mike found the perfect candidate in a Lexus 1UZ-FE.
Since this is a track car, the quad-cam V8 is absolutely not stock. Internally, it features Ross forged pistons with the cylinders bored .020” over. Externally, you’ll find a custom exhaust system Mike built himself, an Accusump oil accumulator, Shovkovic oil pan baffle, Mishimoto oil cooler, Moroso oil filter relocation adapter, and a 3-row aluminum radiator. A custom wiring harness supports the MegaSquirt 3 with MS3X Expansion tuning through EFI Analytics TunerStudio software.
The original transmission was also replaced, with a Toyota W58 5-speed manual gearbox and XAT Racing lightweight flywheel and clutch now delivering power through the driveline.
In the suspension, you’ll find Techno Toy Tuning adjustable front coilovers and BC Racing rear coilovers. Mike also adapted 1989 Toyota 4Runner front brakes to fit.
The Z stayed this way for a long while, but in 2022, Mike put it under the knife for some more modifications. A ZTrix ‘Subtle Z’ five-piece kit – air dam, front fenders, and rear quarter panels – was added before the whole car was repainted. Inside, he fitted a six-point roll cage.
One of the coolest touches is the handmade carbon fiber pieces around the car, from the dash, interior panels, and switches to the front splitter and rear diffuser. The car is definitely Mike’s own.
Some might see it as a typical backyard build, but for Michael, it’s not. It’s a true ‘built, not bought’ project that, in classic enthusiast fashion, will probably never be finished, even though he’s already realized his original vision.
