Dive into the heart of Nissan’s legacy with the latest move from their Nismo heritage parts program. Nismo is dialing up the nostalgia by introducing an upgraded cylinder head for the iconic L-series engines. Remember the Datsun 240Z to Nissan 280ZX era? Those classics that revved through 1969 to 1983 are getting a major boost, thanks to this development which coincides with Nismo’s 40th-anniversary celebrations.
Here’s the lowdown: Nismo isn’t just about keeping the past alive; it’s about supercharging it. Their heritage program, Nismo, known for breathing new life into classic Nissans with everything from reproduction parts for Skylines to full-blown factory restorations, is now pushing the envelope further. The highlight? A redesigned cylinder head that transforms the old-school single overhead camshaft engine into a powerhouse dual overhead camshaft setup.
The transformation doesn’t stop at double the camshafts. The revamped engine, now dubbed the TLX—short for Twin-cam L-series eXperimental—kicks the original L-series engines up a notch. Starting with either the L26 or L28 as a base, the modifications are impressive: a bore increase to 89 mm ups the displacement to 2.9 liters, compression ratios soar to 12.5:1 from the meek 8.8:1, and the redline climbs to a screaming 7,500 rpm. All this tech talk translates to a beastly output of over 300 horsepower and 217 pound-feet of torque.
But here’s the kicker: despite the groundbreaking development of this new cylinder head, Nissan is playing hard to get. There’s no current plan to sell it, suggesting it’s a gem reserved for the niche market of affluent vintage racers. However, Nissan hints at making exceptions for those willing to pay the right price. For those looking elsewhere, there’s mention of an aftermarket alternative with a Honda K-series-based cylinder head.
This story is more than just a nod to the past; it’s a testament to Nissan’s enduring commitment to innovation and support for its classic models. It’s about keeping the spirit of vintage racing alive, powered by modern engineering marvels.
Craving more adrenaline-pumping auto news? Don’t miss a beat—follow us on social media and stay in the loop with the latest in car culture, modifications, and beyond. Let’s keep the legacy of speed, power, and innovation burning rubber on the roads of history and into the future.
