When it comes to engine swaps, you have your typical builds, from Toyota MR2s fitted with Honda K-Series engines to LS engines found in Mazda RX-7s, even if some might find the latter heretical.
Then there are the builds that perfectly encapsulate the statement of “If it fits, the world’s your oyster.” From Rob Dahm putting rotary engines in anything, including doing the opposite of an LS-swapped RX-7 in the form of a Corvette with a Wankel in it, to more ambitious builds using engines as big as the Dodge Viper’s V10, like the one found in the 240Z built by Brad Brammer, better known as BradBuilds.
Right off the bat, it’s clear to see that this is no ordinary Z. From the distinct shape of the fenders to the custom headlights and the custom headers, to the big Dodge Viper V10 powering this build, when others like Sung Kang would opt for more modern iterations of the Z’s L-series inline-6 like the RB26 in his FuguZ, this Z is definitely a head-turner.
In a recent Hoonigan interview, Brammer described his journey from viral renderings to full-blown fabrication. He originally bought the 240Z as a project he admits was “over his head,” leaving it sidelined for years with only minor rust repairs. Rather than restore it to factory condition, he pursued a far bolder vision: fitting the largest engine the chassis could take. A V12 proved too big, so he settled on a Dodge Viper V10.
The 8.0-liter V10 powering this Z is a Dodge Viper GTS engine that Brammer bought on Facebook Marketplace, fitted with custom hood-exit headers made by Euro Classic Motorsports and a radiator from a VW Scirocco to help fit within the tight, custom-made tube frame, paired with the Tremec T56 gearbox that was also fitted to the Viper. The exact power numbers for this specific build have yet to be revealed; Brammer himself estimates it at around 400-500 HP.
While the engine fitted on this build is eye-catching enough, the custom work doesn’t end there. To match the engine fitted, the Z also sports a custom widebody kit that began as a 3D rendering before being brought to life through 3D printing, the distinct look of the headlights that Brammer designed himself, and added functionality, such as the ducts on the bottom that lead directly into the brakes.
Finally, the part that ties this whole build together is the Ara green Inozetek vinyl wrap applied by Wrally Wraps, paired with the matte champagne gold Motegi wheels, a striking juxtaposition of American muscle and Japanese nostalgia, finished in an Ara Green that feels more at home on a British racer than a 70s Datsun.
Autocar’s Take
Ultimately, this build proves that with the right blend of skill, resources, and sheer determination, even the most outlandish ideas can become reality. Whether it’s a widebody concept, an extreme engine swap like KK Performance’s quad-turbo V12 GT86, or a full-scale restomod such as Rob Dahm’s 4-rotor, all-wheel-drive RX-7, the formula remains the same. Vision is only the starting point; execution is what brings it to life.
In a world where boundaries are constantly being pushed, builds like this 240Z remind us that limitations are often self-imposed, and that with enough commitment, almost anything can be engineered, fabricated, and driven.
