A Datsun 280Z Reimagined By DCW Basic
3 min read
Coincidences occur in our lives on a regular basis, and I fortunately stumbled into one at Ultrace 2023. Seeing three S30Zs parked collectively will pique anybody’s curiosity, however the automotive carrying RS Watanabe wheels drew me in for a more in-depth look.
I’m glad it did too, as a result of because it turned out all three have been constructed by DCW Basic in Lithuania, and the corporate’s founder Romas Tamulevicius is no stranger to Speedhunters.

We featured Romas’s first-ever Z construct greater than a decade in the past, and within the time since he’s created at least 16 extra S30s. With each new venture he’s perfected his restoration strategies and furthered his variety of {custom} components.
This Z is known as Oggy, and it’s construct #2 from DCW Basic’s restricted version ‘Dream It / Drive It’ sequence.

The backdated 1977 280Z, which is painted in a blue/turquoise hue that I want might be conveyed higher in pictures (the tough noon Polish solar didn’t assist), is the newest and most difficult venture that Romas and his group have ever launched into. Romas manages a detailed Facebook account for his builds, so in the event you’re involved in all of the small particulars of this one, do test it out.

The Datsun’s exterior replicates that of the enduring 240ZG, plus extra. There’s a DCW Basic G-nose package, ZG reproduction fender flares, DCW-designed clear nook lights, reproduction headlight covers, OEM long-stalk fender mirrors and a dry carbon fiber rear spoiler.
My favourite design aspect is the vented hood, full with Lamborghini Miura-style air grills.

The guts of the Z is a 3.1-liter stroker engine, constructed with solid pistons, solid rods and an LD28 crankshaft. The cylinder head has been CNC-ported, polished and fitted with outsized valves.

How good does that consumption system look?! DCW specced a set of ITBs from a BMW S52 M3 engine and fitted them on a {custom} manifold. Carbon fiber velocity stacks end issues off.

The engine bay underwent an intensive clear up, with all traces and wires routed by means of the interior fenders. A few of that wiring feeds from two Ecumaster PMUs linked to an Ecumaster EMU Basic engine administration system. Lastly, the drivetrain incorporates a 5-speed handbook transmission created utilizing components from Nissan LD28 diesel and S14 gearboxes, and a Subaru R180 3.54 LSD diff working out to DCW axles.
It needs to be apparent by now simply how properly thought out each side of this construct is, and that extends to the dealing with. The reworked suspension options BC coilovers, and the rear management arms have been custom-built to align (moved again by 25mm) and middle the rear wheels inside the arches. Wilwood brakes are put in in any respect 4 corners with 305mm discs up entrance.

The inside has obtained equal consideration to element. The DCW-made dashboard and middle console are trimmed in Alcantara, and are accompanied by {custom} gauges and a Classic Air A/C unit. The sprint additionally homes a Retrosound radio with an OEM-like face.

Notable inside options embody custom-built bucket seats, a DCW SSZ steering wheel with billet spokes, and a stainless-steel insert shift knob designed in collaboration with Commune DIY.


Your complete construct course of spanned roughly 2,200 hours, involving moments of downtime, rethinking, transforming and adjustments of plans. For Romas, this venture held particular significance, because it allowed him the liberty to really realise a imaginative and prescient.
It’s not staying in Romas’s arms although. This summer time, Oggy will likely be delivered to its new proprietor in Chicago, USA. If I’m ever in Prienai, Lithuania, you might be certain I’ll cease by DCW Basic to see firsthand how they put these Zs collectively.
Vladimir Ljadov
Instagram: wheelsbywovka
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