The Datsun 240Z, a sports coupe that once set the standard for affordable performance, has become a canvas for some of the most ambitious restomods and drag builds in the automotive world. Among these, the SQC Tuning 1973 Datsun 240Z stands out as a testament to the relentless pursuit of speed, engineering ingenuity, and the enduring appeal of classic Japanese design. Today, this car is not just a relic of the past-it is a modern drag racing icon, consistently running the quarter mile in the nine-second range and inspiring a new generation of Z enthusiasts.
Origins: The Datsun 240Z’s Legacy
The Datsun 240Z, known internally as the S30, debuted as a game-changer in the sports car segment. Its long hood, squat cabin, and fastback profile drew comparisons to European exotics, while its inline-six engine and rear-wheel-drive layout delivered genuine driving excitement. The original L24 engine, with its twin SU-type carburetors, produced around 151 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque-impressive for its era, but modest by today’s standards.
Over the decades, the 240Z has become a favorite among tuners and collectors, thanks to its lightweight chassis and timeless styling. However, few builds have pushed the boundaries as far as the SQC Tuning 240Z, which has been transformed from a classic sports car into a quarter-mile monster.
The Vision: From Classic Cruiser to Drag Strip Dominator
The journey began with a passion for Datsun’s heritage and the desire to build a car that could challenge modern supercars on the drag strip. SQC Tuning, led by Erick Dotson, acquired a 1973 240Z with a singular goal: break into the nine-second bracket on the quarter mile, a feat that demands not only raw power but also meticulous engineering and relentless tuning.
Unlike many builds that retain the car’s original inline-six or opt for the popular Nissan RB or Toyota JZ engine swaps, SQC Tuning chose a different path-installing a modern American V8 and turbocharging it to extreme levels. This decision set the stage for a unique blend of Japanese classic aesthetics and American muscle performance.
Powertrain Engineering: The Heart of the Beast
Engine Swap and Internal Upgrades
At the core of the SQC Tuning 240Z is a 6.0-liter iron-block V8, originally sourced from a Cadillac Escalade. This engine, known for its durability and displacement, provides a robust foundation for high-boost applications. The internals have been thoroughly upgraded with Wiseco forged pistons and Manley connecting rods, ensuring the bottom end can withstand the immense cylinder pressures generated by forced induction.
A Z06-spec camshaft and Comp valve springs optimize valve timing and lift for high-RPM stability, while a TrickFlow timing set ensures precise cam phasing. The oiling system has been enhanced with a Corvette oil pan to maintain lubrication under hard acceleration.
Induction and Forced Induction
Airflow is managed by a GMPP single-plane intake manifold, paired with an Edelbrock elbow and a Q45 90mm throttle body for maximum air delivery. Ignition duties are handled by Gen 4 coil packs, while an AEM EMS engine management system-originally designed for an Acura Integra-has been adapted to control the V8’s fueling and spark with precision.
The centerpiece of the forced induction setup is a Borg Warner S480 turbocharger with a race cover, capable of delivering massive airflow and supporting power levels well above 700 horsepower. SQC custom-fabricated the turbo kit, including hot pipes and a 5-inch exhaust system to minimize backpressure and maximize spool.
Boost is managed by an AMS1000 controller, while a JGS blow-off valve and wastegate maintain stable boost levels and protect the engine from over-boost conditions.
Drivetrain and Power Delivery
Transferring this power to the ground is a PowerGlide two-speed automatic transmission, renowned in drag racing circles for its strength and simplicity. A TCI flex plate and PTC billet 5500-stall torque converter allow the engine to launch at high RPM, maximizing boost off the line.
The rear end features a four-link suspension setup with an 8.8-inch Moser axle, providing both strength and adjustability. A trans brake and line lock system enable precise launches, while Silvermine Stage 4 brakes ensure the car can stop safely after each run.
Mickey Thompson 325/50/15 drag radials mounted on Weld Drag Lite rims provide the necessary grip to translate the car’s immense power into forward motion.
Chassis, Safety, and Aerodynamics
Structural Reinforcement and Safety
Given the car’s performance potential, safety and rigidity were paramount. The interior features a full SFI-certified roll cage rated for 8.50-second passes, providing both protection and chassis stiffness. Kirkey racing seats and a Cheetah shifter ensure the driver remains securely in place and in control during high-G launches.
Instrumentation is handled by Autometer gauges and an AEM wideband, providing real-time data on engine vitals. Painless Wiring was used throughout to ensure reliability and ease of troubleshooting.
Aerodynamic Enhancements
To maintain stability at high speeds, the 240Z is equipped with MSA headlight covers, a urethane front lip, and an IMSA-style rear wing. These additions reduce drag and increase downforce, helping the car remain planted during high-speed runs.
A Simpson parachute is mounted at the rear, a necessity for any car running deep into the nine-second range to ensure safe deceleration at the end of the quarter mile.
Performance Results: Breaking the Nine-Second Barrier
After years of development, setbacks, and incremental improvements, the SQC Tuning 240Z achieved its goal: a verified 9.52-second quarter mile at 147 mph, with a 1.5-second 60-foot time. On the dyno, the car produced an astonishing 770 wheel horsepower and 705 lb-ft of torque, figures that place it firmly in the realm of modern supercars.
These results are not just a testament to raw power, but also to the careful integration of drivetrain, suspension, and chassis modifications. Achieving consistent nine-second passes requires not only horsepower but also traction, reliability, and driver confidence-qualities that SQC Tuning has meticulously engineered into every aspect of the build.
Comparative Context: How the SQC 240Z Stands Out
| Aspect | SQC Tuning 240Z | Typical Restomod 240Z | Modern 240Z-Inspired Sports Car |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6.0L Turbo V8 | L28/3.0L I6, RB/JZ swaps | Turbo 3.0L I6 (new Z) |
| Power (whp) | 770 | 200–400 | 400+ |
| 1/4 Mile Time | 9.52 sec @ 147 mph | 12–13 sec | ~12 sec |
| Transmission | PowerGlide 2-spd Auto | 5-spd manual/auto | 6-spd manual/auto |
| Rear Axle | 8.8” Moser, 4-link | R180/R200, LSD | Multi-link, LSD |
| Safety | 8.50 SFI Cage, Parachute | Roll bar/cage | Modern safety suite |
| Tires | MT Drag Radials | Performance street tires | High-performance street tires |
The SQC build is in a league of its own, prioritizing outright drag strip performance over street usability or period-correct restoration. While many restomods focus on balancing power with drivability and aesthetics, the SQC 240Z is unapologetically a purpose-built drag car.
Modern Trends: Restomods, Electrification, and the New Z
The SQC Tuning 240Z exemplifies a broader trend in the classic car community-blending vintage aesthetics with cutting-edge performance. While some builders pursue period-correct restorations or subtle upgrades, others, like SQC, push the envelope with radical engine swaps, forced induction, and modern electronics.
Today, the restomod movement has expanded to include electric conversions, as seen in other high-profile Z builds. However, the visceral appeal of a turbocharged V8 and the sensory overload of a nine-second quarter mile remain unmatched for many enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, Nissan’s latest Z car pays homage to the original 240Z’s design while incorporating a modern turbocharged 3.0L V6, adaptive suspension, and advanced safety features. Yet, even with all these advancements, few factory cars can match the raw, unfiltered acceleration of the SQC 240Z.
Engineering Challenges and Solutions
Building a nine-second street-legal car from a 1970s platform presents unique challenges:
- Chassis Rigidity: The original unibody required reinforcement to handle the stresses of drag launches and high-speed runs. The SFI cage and custom suspension work together to maintain alignment and safety.
- Traction: Achieving sub-1.5-second 60-foot times demands not only sticky tires but also precise suspension geometry and weight transfer tuning.
- Heat Management: Turbocharged engines generate immense heat, necessitating robust cooling, oiling, and intake air temperature control.
- Electronics Integration: Adapting a modern engine management system to a classic chassis required custom wiring and sensor integration, ensuring reliable performance and tunability.
Each of these challenges was met with a combination of aftermarket solutions and bespoke engineering, reflecting SQC Tuning’s expertise and commitment to excellence.
The Driving Experience: From Idle to Nine Seconds
Behind the wheel, the SQC 240Z is a study in contrasts. At idle, the cammed V8 rumbles with authority, while the turbo’s whistle hints at the power lurking within. Launching the car is a visceral experience-the trans brake holds the car at the line, the torque converter flashes to 5500 rpm, and when released, the car surges forward with brutal acceleration.
The quarter mile passes in a blur, with the driver monitoring gauges and shift points, trusting in the engineering and preparation that went into every component. At the finish line, the parachute deploys, bringing the car safely to a stop-ready to do it all over again.
The SQC Tuning 240Z in the Modern Scene
Today, the SQC Tuning 240Z remains a benchmark for what is possible with classic Japanese metal and modern engineering. It serves as an inspiration for builders who seek to honor the past while pushing the boundaries of performance.
The car continues to evolve, with SQC Tuning targeting even quicker times and exploring new technologies to extract every last tenth from the platform. Its story is a reminder that with vision, skill, and perseverance, even a car born in the analog era can compete with-and often surpass-the best of today’s performance machines.
A Timeless Icon, Redefined
The SQC Tuning 1973 Datsun 240Z is more than just a fast car-it is a symbol of the enduring spirit of automotive innovation. By blending classic design with modern power and technology, SQC Tuning has created a machine that pays homage to the Z’s heritage while rewriting the rules of what a vintage sports car can achieve.
As the automotive world moves forward, embracing electrification and advanced driver aids, builds like the SQC 240Z remind us of the raw, mechanical joy that made us fall in love with cars in the first place. Whether on the drag strip or in the garage, the pursuit of speed and excellence continues-and the legend of the nine-second Datsun 240Z lives on.
