Johnny Kostic's RB20DET Datsun 260z 2+2

Originally after an early Mazda Rotary Rx4, Johnny turned his eye to the early Zcar when finding a good RX4 at the right price proved difficult. Johnny has been working on cars since the age of 14, his father was a mechanic, panel beater and painter. Like most of us Johnny loved cars since he was born.

Having owned several cars during his P-Plate phase (for those outside Australia that's probationary license period), he finally settled on a Nissan S14 1997 200sx, a gift from his parents for his 21st birthday. The S14 was modified to a point where any further and it wouldn't have made much sense financially continue its development.

The S14 had lots of sentimental value as it was a gift from his parents but Johnny wanted a new toy and turned his eye to the early Zcars. At first Johnny didn't realise the 2+2 and 2 seaters were slightly different, not that it bothers him now anyway but at the time it proved to be an advantage as early 2+2's tend to be a bit cheaper than their 2 seater counterparts and since he couldn't tell the difference he didn't mind.

Being more of the modified and performance breed than purist, the plan was to slot in an RB20DET which is found in the R32 GTS-T. Having considered some other options such as VG30 and and SR20. Going through the local trader he managed to pick up his new project for the grand sum of $500.

The car was stripped and all unnecessary brackets holes were removed. Surprisingly the car was in good shape besides few common trouble spots, which were easily fixed. The ugly pop sunroof was to be removed but finding a replacement roof at the time was hard. So fitted an 86 Celica Metal sunroof, which is much more seamless. At the same time mods to the front sub frame to accommodate the power steering and Mazda RX7 hubs brakes and struts. Also mods necessary for RB20DET conversion and 5spd. Car was originally auto like many 2+2's received in Australia.

Johnny 260z 2+2	Johnny 260z 2+2	Johnny 260z 2+2
Johnny 260z 2+2	Johnny 260z 2+2	Johnny 260z 2+2
Johnny 260z 2+2	Johnny 260z 2+2	Johnny 260z 2+2
Johnny 260z 2+2	Johnny 260z 2+2	Johnny 260z 2+2
Johnny 260z 2+2	Johnny 260z 2+2	Johnny 260z 2+2
Johnny 260z 2+2

The body prep work was started and all rust taken out and re-welded new parts in. Car was paint stripped and sandblasted to the metal. After about 6-months the car was painted and removed from the workshop to tackle another project. But Johnny was still active on the local forums and occasionally tinkering or updating some mods on the Z. 12 month had lapsed and time came to finish the Z. Wiring and routing of the electrical system was time consuming. Adapting the z controls to the new wiring. The creature comfort mods like the digital climate control took a bit more time to develop.

During the build up process Johnny did find an Rx4 hardtop, which was purchased as well as a 13b turbo rotary engine to go with the next project car. But visiting forums and checking pictures of other Zcars Johnny fell in love with the 2-seater 240z variant and had to have one. After a while he found a 72 240z, which looked like a good car to start. Project #3 was in line and project #1 hadn't even been finished yet.