240Z, the original
Chassis: S30
From the kit name: BC names its kit "Weld In" and adds "Also Fits 1974 Only 260z RWD with 51mm/2'' Front Strut Tube". Both Ksport versions, 51 mm and 55 mm, say "Welding Required".
Datsun 240Z, 260Z and 280Z Coilovers
All three badges share one chassis, the S30. Datsun Z coilovers still come as separate kits for each, because the engine grew, the dates moved, and the front strut tube comes in two sizes. Every S30 kit here also needs welding. The 280ZX that followed is its own car with its own kit. BC Racing comes first.
Restoring or racing one? Call 1-800-460-9106.
51 or 55 mm
Datsun Z cars
Animated illustration. It shows where coilovers sit on a car, not your exact kit. Depending on the car and the kit, coilovers can lean forward or back or stand straight up, and some cars use a separate spring and shock in the rear. Your ride height depends on the kit and how it is set up.
Find your Z model
S30 basics: welding, strut size and model
On most modern cars, the kit bolts in. On the S30, the install takes welding and metal work.
Welding
Every S30 kit calls for welding. Plan shop time for the install as well as the cost of the kit.
Front strut tube
Ksport sells 51 mm and 55 mm versions of each kit. BC's 240Z kit also fits the 1974 260Z with the 51 mm tube.
Badge and date
BC sells a separate kit for the 240Z, 260Z and 280Z, each with its own dates.
Weld-in BC Racing coilovers
One BC kit per S30 badge
BC Racing makes only these series for the Datsun 240Z, 260Z and 280Z: BR and DS. Each of the three S30 kits comes in both. BC does not make a 280ZX kit. Free shipping on BC Racing kits in the continental US.
BR and DS on a classic Z
Both series weld in the same way.
BR
One dial with 30 clicks sets compression and rebound together.
DS
It has the same dial, plus a digressive piston for firmer body control.
Springs
Swift Springs for a BC kit are ordered through the Custom Build for BC Coilovers page.
Feal and Ksport on the Z
Two more brands make S30 kits, and Feal makes the only 280ZX kit. If you have questions, call 1-800-460-9106.
Restomod, vintage racer or 280ZX owner
Restomod
Measure the strut tube first, then choose.
Kits to look at: the BC kit for your badge, or Ksport at your strut size
Vintage racing
Check your class rules before you weld anything.
Kits to look at: Feal S30 with its own top mounts, or BC in DS
280ZX
One kit covers the 1978 to 1983 car.
Kit to look at: Feal 280ZX
All eleven Datsun Z coilover kits, oldest model first
The kits are grouped by model. Each card shows a shortened kit name.
260Z, the bigger engine
Chassis: S30
From the kit name: BC lists its 260z kit as "1974.5-1978" and names it "Weld In." Ksport makes 51 mm and 55 mm strut versions. A 1974 260Z with the 51 mm front strut tube takes BC's 240Z kit instead, so measure the tube or ask us.
280Z, now fuel injected
Chassis: S30
From the kit name: BC's 280z kit is "Weld In," for 1975 to 1978. Ksport again makes its 280Z coilovers in 51 mm and 55 mm versions.
Feal kit for all three badges
Chassis: S30
From the kit name: Feal makes one kit for the 240Z, 260Z and 280Z: "Weld on lower mounts, Includes Feal top mounts."
280ZX, the second Z
Chassis: 280ZX
Good to know: This is a different car from the S30. Feal makes one kit, and BC makes none.
240Z to 280ZX in one view
| Model | Years | What decides the kit | BC Racing series |
|---|---|---|---|
| 240Z | 1969 to 1974 | Front strut size (Ksport); all weld-in | BR, DS |
| 260Z | 1974 to 1978 | Front strut size (Ksport); build date (BC) | BR, DS |
| 280Z | 1975 to 1978 | Front strut size (Ksport); all weld-in | BR, DS |
| All S30 | 1969 to 1978 | One kit, all three models | No single BC kit (see each model) |
| 280ZX | 1978 to 1983 | 280ZX only | No BC kit |
Before you buy: what Datsun Z owners run into
What Datsun Z owners report most often, from owner forums, recalls and service bulletins, and what each point means for your coilovers.
Bump steer and geometry changes once lowered
S30 240Z, 260Z and 280Z, 1969 to 1978
On HybridZ, S30 owners say lowering worsens the stock bump steer and shifts roll center and camber. Fixes include bump steer or roll center spacers, a slotted crossmember or a raised inner control arm pivot, and owners debate which works best. A weld-in kit lets the car sit much lower, and lower means worse front geometry.
Before you install: Decide on a ride height before welding, keep the drop modest on a street car, and have bump steer and alignment checked after the final height is set.
Rusty frame rails and floors, tired rubber
S30 240Z, 1970 to 1973 (260Z and 280Z share the body)
ClassicZCars owners tell buyers to check the frame rails, floors and battery tray, noting Zs rust from the inside out. Hagerty's buyer's guide also flags the floors, battery tray and rubber suspension parts. The frame rails carry front suspension loads. A weld-in kit on rusty metal or fifty year old bushings will not hold up.
Before you install: Inspect the frame rails and floors from underneath before the car goes to the welder, and plan new bushings along with each coilover.
The Z car story
How the Z car changed over the years
The Z Car Club Association records that "The 240Z goes on sale in the U.S. on October 22, 1969."
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1974260ZDisplacement went to 2.6 liters, "and the car is renamed the 260Z."
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280Z2.8 litersNissan added "a version of Bosch's L-Jetronic fuel injection."
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280ZXAll newThe next car was "An all-new, second-generation Z-car."
Nissan's heritage page says the engine "and 4-wheel independent suspension" earned the Z "a strong following in overseas markets."
Welding, strut tubes and the 280ZX
Do 240Z coilovers need welding?
Yes, the kit names say so. BC says "Weld In," Feal "Weld on lower mounts" and Ksport "Welding Required." Plan on a shop that does welding and metal work.
How do I know if my Z has a 51 mm or 55 mm front strut?
Ksport makes a kit for each size. BC's 240Z kit mentions 51 mm only for the 1974 260Z it also fits. Measure the tube or call us.
Which BC series can I get for a Datsun Z?
You can get BR or DS on each of the three S30 kits.
Can a 280ZX take coilovers?
Yes. Feal makes one, for 1978 to 1983. BC and Ksport do not make a 280ZX kit.
Why do the kit names say Nissan, not Datsun?
Our kit names use the Nissan name. We use Datsun here because that is the badge US cars wore.
Is the BC Datsun kit covered by a warranty?
BC Racing North America currently lists a two-year limited warranty on full kit orders, subject to its warranty terms. Feal and Ksport each publish their own terms.
Later Z cars and guides
Coilover Kits by CarEvery car page.
Coilovers: The Cornerstone of Every Drift SetupWhat a drift 240Z asks of its coilovers.
Buying Used Coilovers: What to Check Before You PayWhat to check on secondhand coilovers for an older 240Z.
How to Set Ride Height on CoiloversMeasure and set the drop on your 240Z.
After You Lower It: Alignment Timing, Driver-Assist Calibration and Headlight AimAlignment, driver-assist and headlight checks once the 240Z is lower.
Nissan 300ZXThe Z after the 280ZX.
Nissan 350ZThe Z's return in 2003.
How to install coiloversRead this before the welder comes out.
Adjustable vs. non-adjustable coiloversChoosing damping for a classic.
BC Racing for NissanBC's Nissan and Datsun kits.
Model, build date, strut tube: we will help you work it out
Call weekdays, 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern. A photo of the strut tube helps.