Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

does anyone know if this motor will fit or does it take alot of creative work?

The L24 is a straight six, right? Same as the L26 and L28 except the displacement...

I would bet that it is too long unless you get really creative. The 4 cylinder L series takes up a lot of the compartment...

TR

I've heard rumors that an L24 would fit, but I would think it requires a LOT of modification. I read something about it many, many years ago.

What are you looking for in an L24 swap?

Being a Z owner myself (in fact my daily driver is a 260Z) I would have to admit that you could get as much if not more horsepower from several Nissan 4 cylinder engines. These smaller engines seem to be more compatible with the engineering of the Roadster, as they were built for cars with shorter engine bays.

I could be completely wrong about this, but I would think that a long engine such as an inline 6 would create balance problems in weight distribution on a Roadster. There indeed might be room under the hood, but I believe ideal weight distribution dictates that the engine should be at and behind the front wheels. Now, I haven't gone out & measured my Roadster's engine bay, but I DO believe the L6 engine would extend over & past the front wheels.

Again, I could be COMPLETELY wrong, and I hope that someone corrects me on this.

There is at least one straight 6 roadster out there. I saw pictures of it on the web a while back. A nice red car with a Z car 6 under the hood. Damn that thing was long!! The car was externally stock, and reports are that it handled like a pig....

I saw the same car Sid. It did not look too bad but there had to be some mods to get it shoe horned in there. I think sticking with a 4 cylinder makes more sense. There is a guy out of Southern California running an A series Nissan motor in his 1500 with either Solex or Minkuni carbs. That thing is a rocket ship. There is an MG running EP here in the SCCA with a hopped up A series engine. That thing can keep up with the V8's on a road course. I have a 72 240Z that I drive as often as I can with an L24 in it. Well suited for the Z but a bit heavy for a roadster. Use a 4 cylinder L16 or an L20 in a roadster if you want a true overhead cam. And then there are the KA's and SR's for even more power. My 3 cents!

Steve

There is also a guy in the Los Angeles area who has been trying to sell a roadster with a "Z" engine in it. I forget what year it is, but the price has been steadily dropping, and I think he's down to about $3k obo now.

I might go look at it and see how one fits that in there. I suspect it may not be too pretty..

And FWIW, that green roadster on ebay with the 302 V8 ended up here in the So Cal area. I hope to go check that out as well..

I once bought a Roadster with a Z engine. Turned out to be a Z20 engine. The cam cover says Nissan Z...