Nissan works competition LZ engine DOHC four-valve engine, was an improvement on the S20 Skyline (GT-R) twin cam engine. It was succeded by the mighty FJ engine. The LZ used a L-series engine block but with a totally new cylinder head design. The LZ was a four-valve per cylinder design, with valve angles were quite shallow as in the revolutionary 1964 Honda racing engines. The cams were driven by gears, and a special gear carrier bolted between the L-series block and timing chain cover. Above the gear carrier a short chain drove both cams. Custom pistons were used.
Datrat's LZ Twin Cams
TS B210 LZ14 Sunny GX 5 shown at the Tokyo Motor show, October 1973.
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LZ14
LZ14 was first raced May 3, 1973 in a PB110 Sunny Excellent. The next week, LZ14s came in 1,2,3 at the 1973 Grand Prix of Japan. They were originally called L14 Twin Cam, later referred to as LZ14.
Also see PB110 Racing
- Mikuni flat slide throttle body
Also see http://www.datrats.com.au/lz_twin_cams.htm
- Lots of Pic! and history
Australia
Club member davie owned an ex-works PB210 with LZ engine. It was a Japanese import to Australia, one of three cars brought in for the 1976 Southern Cross Rally. He partially restored it during 2003, less the flares and twin cam head, to match class rules he is allowed wanted to campaign the car under. The head reportedly was sold out of country. By 2007 davie had sold it to the Australian state of Victoria, where it was been fully restored by the new owner. It was used in historic events.
Sheka Mehta drove a PB210 in the 1977 Southern Cross Rally. Only one car came in from Japan for the 1977 event. Gerry Ball gained ownership. The car then passed on to ex-works driver Geoff Portman who used the head to build a 2.4 litre LZ-based engine for his Bluebird project. The car was then bought by myself and Steven Blair as a complete rolling shell (without engine) with flares intact in original works colours. The car was sold in Sydney and then passed on to one of the members of Brindabella Motorsport club in Canberra.
LZ16
LZ16 was developed for Formula Pacific racing. Maybe they a few of these in New Zealand still?
Formula Pacific as a 1600 engine with a 87.8mm bore.
LZ18
1800cc LZ engine was used in the 710 SSS rally cars, first raced in the 1975 Southern Cross Rally.
LZ20B
LZ20B was a updated LZ fitted to the Group 4 Skyline DR30 and Stanza/Violet PA10. It was rated at 230PS @ 7,500 RPM with air horns and only 159 lb-ft torque. Redline was 8,000 RPM. It was fitted with black cover labeled NISSAN TURBO.
Shekar Mehta drove a 1981 PA10 Nissan Violet GT with LZ20 engine, which was a Group 4 homologation special.
- Engine LZ20B 4-cylinder DOHC 16 valve
- Intake valve: 33mm x 2
- Exhaust valve: 29.5 mm x2
- Swept volume 2082cc
- Solex PHH50 x 2
- Mitsubishi CDI ignition
- Dry Sump
LZ20BT Turbo
A turbocharged LZ20BT Garret Turbo four cylinder engine was used in the RS Skyline 2000 Turbo and these race cars:
- Nissan Bluebird
- Nissan Sylvia S12 driven by Kazuyoshi Hoshino
- Works Skyline R30 driven by Hiro, Tomica/GTR
- March 83G race car to run in the 1985 Le Mans series
- March 85G race car to run in the 1986 Le Mans series