LS is More: Eric Ritz’s 1973 Datsun 240Z

Few would argue that the Datsun 240Z isn’t an all-time great sports car. It has it all: a racing pedigree, striking silhouette, nimble handling, tire-shredding power…okay, scratch that last one. While the original Z could show its taillights to many contemporary sports cars, the performance from its 150 hp straight-six is a bit tepid nowadays. Fortunately, Eric Ritz and his father Larry found a cure for the Datsun’s horsepower deficit in the form of a 6.0L LS2 and T-56 transmission plucked from a 2006 Pontiac GTO.

The aluminum LS engine’s approximately 400 wheel horsepower are only burdened with 2,400 lbs.—serving up a power-to-weight ratio that delivers 12-second timeslips at the drag strip accompanied by a rowdy, muscle car soundtrack.

Underneath, a custom coilover suspension helps keep the Z-car manageable in the twisties, and Wilwood calipers squeezing Hawk rotors bring the fun to a halt. It’s an effective combination that can get around an autocross course in a hurry, even on relatively modest 225/50R16 Yokohamas. “I was surprised at how balanced it was,” Eric says. “I thought the rear end would be all over the place—that’s how it is on the street. But it was very controllable.”

Eric works as an industrial designer, and it’s evident throughout the build. The fully caged interior begs a closer look, with dimple die-punched aluminum floor panels, black suede, and just the right amount of carbon fiber. Recaro buckets (originally from a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII) and a billet aluminum Ringbrothers shift knob tie it all together. “The interior showcases our fabrication skills and design…without sewing,” Eric says, laughing.

The spotless engine compartment is a model of simplicity and organization. It’s surprisingly spacious, considering the LS packs two-and-a-half times the displacement of the original engine. The internally stock V8 looks right at home under the hood, with DEI Reflect-A-GOLD™ on the custom-fabricated airbox and bright-red MSD coils adding functional eye candy.

Visit OnAllCylinders.com to get the full story on Eric’s LS-infused 240Z and the Ritz family’s long history with high-performance Datsuns.

Photography By: Todd Biss Productions
Art Direction By: Casey Richards
Story By: Aaron Dolezal

FAST SPECS

Engine and Transmission
Engine: GM LS2 6.0L, COMP Cams® rocker arm trunnion upgrade, Holley LS tall valve covers, ATI Super Damper
Induction and Fuel System: GM ECM, FAST LSXR™ 102mm intake manifold, FAST high-flow billet fuel rails, JET Powr-Flo MAF, custom cold-air intake by Eric Ritz with K&N air filter, GM F-body fuel tank/pump
Ignition and Electrical: MSD Pro Power ignition coils, ACCEL Extreme 9000 ceramic spark plug wires, Ron Francis Bare Bonz wiring harness, Braille GreenLite lithium battery
Exhaust: Sanderson headers (custom-built), Stainless Works exhaust tubing, Burns Stainless muffler
Cooling: Griffin aluminum radiator, Davies Craig electric water pump and fan
Transmission: TREMEC T-56, rebuilt and upgraded by Liberty’s Gears; B&M shifter, JOES Racing Products aluminum shift lever, Ringbrothers billet aluminum shift knob, GM LS7 clutch, Fidanza billet aluminum flywheel

Chassis
Modifications: 1 1/2" D.O.M. roll cage by McMahan Auto Sport, Akron, OH; subframe connectors, front frame rails reinforced
Rear End: Infiniti viscous limited-slip differential, 3.54:1 ratio, custom axles
Suspension: Coilover conversion with QA1 springs and Bilstein shock absorbers (front/rear), ST Suspensions sway bars, Techno Toy Tuning control arms (front/rear)
Brakes: Wilwood 4-piston calipers, Hawk DTC 12.2" rotors, Hawk HPC pads, Wilwood proportioning valve
Wheels and Tires: Rota RB 16" x 8" (front/rear), Yokohama Advan Neova AD08 225/50R16 (front/rear)

Exterior
Paint and bodywork by: Eddie’s Autobody, Norton, OH; Eric and Larry Ritz
Paint: Valspar Pure White
Other: Trackspec hood louvers, custom billet grille, Motorsport Auto carbon fiber bumpers, TC3 carbon fiber taillight panel, Quick-Latch multipurpose mini-latches (hood), AeroCatch 120 Series Plus flush mount hood pin (rear hatch), DEI Floor and Tunnel Shields

Interior
Seats: Recaro bucket
Safety: Impact Racing rotary cam 5-point harnesses, FIREBOTTLE® fire suppression system
Dashboard: Custom aluminum covered in black suede, Vintage Air vents, DigiDash instrument panel
Other: Custom switch panel, console, door panels, and floors; OMP Racing pedal pads, Renown USA steering wheel

Special thanks to: My parents, Larry and Marj Ritz; my girlfriend, Krystal Bases; Mike Mavrigian, Steve Goldman, Mark McMahan, Lanny Ritz, Jason Fankhauser, Shane Lind, and my friends and coworkers at PFI Displays