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# Original Nissan Z restomod features a twin-turbo V6 heart
- URL: https://torquecafe.com/car-news-nissan-z-powered-datsun-s30-concept-sema/
- Published: 2026-10-30T20:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-30T19:59:59.000Z
- Description: The classic first-generation Nissan Fairlady Z has been given a very modern makeover, fitted with the heart of its spiritual successor.
- Author: Jordan Mulach
- Tags: News, Classics & Unique

The US division of Nissan has teased the ultimate restomod concept, after commissioning its long-time collaborator, drifter Chris Forsberg, to give the classic Fairlady Z a well-needed update.

Forsberg, who won three Formula Drift championships and exclusively competed in Nissans, was tasked with bringing the first-generation Z car – sold in the US as the Datsun S30 – up to modern speed, utilising the parts from the current Z coupe.

Based on the 280Z, the classic coupe’s 2.8-litre straight-six engine was removed, with the twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 from the new Z put in its place, complete with a matching six-speed manual transmission.

![A Datsun S30 with a VR30DDTT engine](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/nissan-280z-datsun-s30-concept-chris-forsberg-9.jpg)

The Nissan VR30DDTT engine from the Z in the Datsun S30

Not wanting to stop there, Forsberg fitted the 280Z with Nismo parts, including cold air intakes, a heat exchanger, carbon-fibre engine cover, NISMO R200 limited-slip differential, and a twin-disc clutch and flywheel.

To make more power, a pair of Garrett PMAX turbos were fitted, as well as a larger fuel pump to cope with the added demands.

While no specifications were provided, the [current Z Nismo](https://torquecafe.com/2026-nissan-z-manual-nismo-facelifted-coupe-priced/) makes 309kW and 520Nm, a significant increase on the 127kW and 240Nm outputs of the original L28 engine under the 280Z’s bonnet.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/nissan-280z-datsun-s30-concept-chris-forsberg-11.jpg)

Datsun S30 Concept interior

To keep the extra outputs under control, the suspension has been comprehensively reworked, now featuring front and rear coilovers, a new crossmember, steering rack, control arms, sway bars, and strut tower bars, all of which were supplied by Techno Toy Tuning.

Wilwood six-piston front and four-piston rear brake calipers sit behind the 17-inch Nismo LM-RS6 wheels, wrapped in high-performance 245-wide tyres.

Despite the significant works underneath the bodywork, the exterior of the Nissan 280Z has only lightly been gone over, with carbon-fibre wheel-arches, a new bonnet, air dam, bumpers, rear hatch and spoiler hidden by the Seiran Blue paintwork.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a9/b3/a9b3e204-3117-4792-9a32-46184029df44/content/images/2026/10/nissan-280z-datsun-s30-concept-chris-forsberg-13.jpg)

Datsun S30 Concept interior

Inside, the cabin has also been given a refresh, with OMP classic bucket seats matching the new door cards, while there’s custom gauges, a new steering wheel and a Nismo shift knob.

While Nissan says the S30 Concept isn’t available for purchase, it reflects the long-lasting tunability of the platform which debuted more than 50 years ago.

The Datsun S30 Concept will be on display at this year’s SEMA show in Las Vegas, alongside a track-ready version of the new Z – called the [Nissan Project NAT2 SCCA Touring 2 Z.](https://torquecafe.com/car-news-nissan-z-sema-scca-imsa-steve-millen-tribute/)