Forget about the Wangan Midnight L28-swapaped S30 Z, this one has a BMW M3 engine under the bonnet.
The Datsun 240Z (or Fairlady Z S30, as the Japanese call it) is slowly becoming a cult classic, but that doesn’t stop gearheads from having fun with it.
Thanks to its low weight, cool looks, and tuning potential, the 240 Z actually represents the perfect canvas for a speed demon – which explains the plethora of 2JZ, RB26, and even Chevy 350 swaps going on. Even Fast and Furious star, Sung Kang, squeezed a naturally aspirated RB26 straight-six in his personal model.
So, unsurprisingly, here’s one with a BMW M3 engine, and it’s for sale on Craigslist near Atlanta for $8,500. According to the owner, it has extensive custom work done to it, but it’s in good condition (considering it’s 45 years old). Sure, there are some things that don’t work as intended (the horn for example), but on such a “pet project” it’s expected, especially considering the very long list of bespoke modifications that went into this car.
The S50 engine 5-speed transmission were pulled out of a 1995 E36 BMW M3, which means it develops 240 hp and 305 Nm (225 lb-ft) of torque (providing it’s the US-spec unit). Moreover, it has done only 6700 miles since it was completely rebuilt.