Datsun 280ZX with BMW V12 Is Here to Break Your Brain
With a BMW M70 V12, a crazy transmission choice, and custom-made everything, this Datsun 280ZX just became one of our favorite builds.
We’ve all seen some wild project cars, but this Datsun 280ZX with a BMW V12 swap is on a different level. This monster rocks a BMW M70 V12 under the hood—a rare choice in any car, let alone a classic Japanese Z-car. However, while the engine choice is indeed a unique one, the more nitty-gritty details of this project are sure to make you do a double-take.
This project comes courtesy of Zachary Bull in the “Shed Built Cars” Facebook group, a corner of the internet where off-the-wall, homemade car creations get their spotlight. Naturally, this V12-swapped Datsun was a big hit there. It’s not hard to see why, either. A thunderous, naturally aspirated V12 swap in just about anything will stop you in your tracks. That said, the engine may be the least thought-provoking choice on this build.
Any Parts from Anywhere Will Work
Offhand knowledge of the BMW M70 V12 (or the M72 V12 that succeeded it) isn’t really common. Just know that the automatic transmissions that came with them are notoriously bad and that manual transmissions mated to this engine were extremely rare. They were only available on the 8-Series and in very limited numbers. So, the OEM manual transmission to mate to this engine is extremely expensive and hard to come by.
Naturally, one might immediately spring to the standards in the swap industry. Surely, someone has made a T56 Magnum, a CD09, or a BMW/ZF six-speed fit, right? Probably, but Bull opted to go a different route. He went with a six-speed manual transmission from a Chinese-manufactured “Great Wall” pickup truck. According to Bull’s comments, the transmission is very similar to the legendary R154 you’d find behind a 2JZ. This scores some unbelievable creativity points, but the fun doesn’t stop there.
Bull highlights that the build uses a custom 3D-printed nylon intake manifold. Furthermore, he equipped the car with four sets of Triumph Speed Triple throttle assemblies to create a glorious 12 ITB setup. With custom velocity stacks, it’s equally as aesthetically pleasing as it is impressive.
The Greatest Datsun 280ZX Project Ever?
Admittedly, the 280ZX is a bit overshadowed by the legacy of its S30 older siblings. The 240Z, 260Z, and 280Z are iconic bits of automotive history. On the flip side, the 280ZX is a bit slept on. So, we don’t see a ton of crazy projects with this chassis as a starting point. Even if we did, though, we can’t imagine it would be cooler than this.
The amount of planning and patience to get this build together is unfathomable. Furthermore, the execution from the custom weld-on bellhousing adapter to the bespoke intake and throttle body assembly is nothing short of stunning. We can’t applaud this build enough. Bravo.
Photos: Zachary Bull/Facebook
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