First generation · S30 (240Z / 260Z / 280Z) · 1970–1978
1970Nissan Z
The original Z — sold in the US as the Datsun 240Z (1970–1973, 2.4L L24 six), then 260Z (1974, 2.6L, added a 2+2) and 280Z (1975–1978, 2.8L fuel-injected). A long-hood fastback that made affordable performance a mainstream idea.

Photo: “1970 Nissan Fairlady Z-L” by TTTNIS / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Quick facts
- Engines
- 1offered2.4L L24 inline-six (twin SU-type carburetors)
- Top output
- 151hp2.4L L24 inline-six (twin SU-type carburetors)
Body stylesCoupe (2-seat fastback)
The 1970 model year
Overview
The Datsun 240Z launched in the US in late 1969 as a 1970 model and was an instant phenomenon: a long-hood, fastback sports coupe with an inline-six, independent suspension, and styling that rivaled far costlier European GTs, all at an accessible price. It reset expectations for Japanese performance cars in America.
Specifications
- Engines
- 2.4L L24 inline-six (twin SU-type carburetors)151 hp
- Body styles
- Coupe (2-seat fastback)
Year over year
What changed
- US launch of the Datsun 240Z as a 1970 model.
- Long-hood fastback with the 2.4L L24 inline-six and four-wheel independent suspension.
Worth knowing
Notable
- The original Z — the car that made affordable Japanese performance mainstream in the US.
- Sold as a Datsun; the Nissan name came later.
Living with it
Reliability & ownership notes
- Rust (rear arches, floors, frame rails) is the chief concern on survivors; mechanically the L-series six is robust.
Maintenance & service parts
Keep your 1970 Z on the road
Start with the service interval, then match the engine or exact version you own. Order links appear only when a catalog-backed part number is available, and every listing still needs a fitment check.
Service desk
What this car needs & when
Use this as a service-planning checklist for 1970 Nissan Z. Start with the interval, confirm which engine or configuration you have, then use an exact ordering reference when one is verified.
- Service topics
- 6
- Scheduled topics
- 6
- Applicability stated
- 6
- Exact references
- 2
Before ordering Identify your engine, options and build date. Part numbers and sizes can change within one model year. Shopping links appear only for catalog-backed references; still verify the listing against your vehicle before ordering.
Engine oilView intervals, applicability and sources
Engine oil
Sourced interval available
Source: Nissan Motor Co. — Datsun 240Z HLS30-U L24 factory engine maintenance table · Engine General p. EG-7 — change engine oil every 3,000 miles · checked
Engine oil filterView intervals, applicability and sources
Engine oil filter
Exact reference available
Source: Nissan Motor Co. — Datsun 240Z HLS30-U L24 factory engine maintenance table · Engine General p. EG-7 and Engine Tune-up p. ET-5 — replace oil filter every 6,000 miles · checked
Verified ordering references
- Validated equivalentBaldwin B120
Qty. 1 · Engine lubricating-oil filter · catalog-listed
Cataloged for the 1970 U.S. 240Z L24 application; confirm the installed L24 engine, component, and dimensions.
Catalog: Baldwin Filters — Automotive Applications catalog (2017) · Printed catalog page 711, Nissan 1970 240Z 6-2393cc (2.4L) Carb. row — Lube — B120 · checked
Search this part on Amazon
Engine coolantView intervals, applicability and sources
Engine coolant
Sourced interval available
Source: Nissan Motor Co. — Datsun 240Z HLS30-U L24 factory engine maintenance table · Engine General p. EG-7 — change cooling water at 24,000 miles · checked
Viscous-type air-cleaner elementView intervals, applicability and sources
Viscous-type air-cleaner element
Sourced interval available
Source: Nissan Motor Co. — Datsun 240Z HLS30-U L24 factory engine maintenance table · Engine General p. EG-7 — change air-cleaner element at 24,000 miles · checked
Cartridge-type fuel strainerView intervals, applicability and sources
Cartridge-type fuel strainer
Exact reference available
Source: Nissan Motor Co. — Datsun 240Z HLS30-U L24 factory engine maintenance table · Engine General p. EG-7 — change cartridge-type fuel strainer at 24,000 miles · checked
Verified ordering references
- Validated equivalentBaldwin BF928
Qty. 1 · Inline fuel filter · catalog-listed
Cataloged for the 1970 U.S. 240Z L24 application; confirm the installed L24 engine, component, and dimensions.
Catalog: Baldwin Filters — Automotive Applications catalog (2017) · Printed catalog page 711, Nissan 1970 240Z 6-2393cc (2.4L) Carb. row — Fuel — BF928 · checked
Search this part on Amazon
Spark plugsView intervals, applicability and sources
Spark plugs
Sourced interval available
Source: Nissan Motor Co. — Datsun 240Z HLS30-U L24 factory engine maintenance table · Engine General p. EG-7 — check at 6,000 miles and change at 12,000 miles · checked
Collect
Bring this model year home
Find a scale model using the exact year, make, and model—not a generic generation search.
Sources
Other First generation years
Explore the S30 (240Z / 260Z / 280Z) generation →All First generation · S30 (240Z / 260Z / 280Z) years →
Documented lineup
Find your exact 1970 Z
Start with a family, body style, or engine. Every card opens the facts and maintenance information for that factory version.
Exact factory pairings documentedHow this lineup was verified
These source-backed records identify published body, engine, and transmission combinations. Exact pairings do not by themselves assert that every factory option or special edition is represented.
Browse 1 documented records — use the filters above to narrow the list
No factory configuration matches those filters.