The Nissan Z24 engine was a mainstay in various models, such as the Datsun and Vanette, produced in the mid to late 1980s. Many car enthusiasts opt for this engine for its sturdiness, which translates to resiliency.
But what Nissan Z24 engine modifications will boost its power? You can tune the Z24 in various ways to improve its output. Read on to know the mods to apply to improve its output.
Answer: An Overview of the Nissan Z24 Engine
The Z24 was the last release under Nissan’s Z series of engines, manufactured from 1983 to 1989. The Z24’s applications included the Datsun 720, the Pathfinder E model, and the Vanette. The following are this engine’s specs.
Name | Z24 |
Displacement | 2.4 liter, 2389 cc |
Layout | Inline, 4-cylinder, single overhead camshaft, 8 valve |
Power | 103 hp at 4800 RPM |
Torque | 134 lb. ft at 2800 RPM |
Fuel system | Carburetor |
Fuel type | Gasoline |
Bore X stroke | 89 mm X 96 mm |
Compression ratio | 8.3:1 |
Initially, the Z24 had a carburetor fuel system, but a throttle-body fuel injection version, the Z24i, came out in 1985. The Z24i was more potent than the Z24, capable of 106 hp at 4800 RPM, with a torque of 137 lb. ft at 2800 rpm.
Now that you know the basics of this engine, let us look at how to tune it to make it sturdier.
Answer: Get High-Quality Consumables
Your engine’s performance is as good as the consumables you use to run and maintain it. You should use high-quality engine oil to improve its resilience and prevent wear and tear.
Synthetic motor oil is the best option, as it is durable and offers superior protection. Synthetic multigrade lubricants ensure your Z24 engine starts and runs smoothly in different conditions.
Still, on consumables, you should also get high-grade fuel for the engine. Rely on reputable gasoline dealers that offer premium fuel free of contaminants and won’t form deposits that may clog the fuel system. A clogged fuel line affects fuel flow, and your engine won’t perform at its best.
Answer: Install a Cool Air Intake
When you ask around for effective Nissan Z24 engine modifications for improved power, there is a high chance you will have cool air intake as a recommendation. The stock air intake draws air from the engine compartment, which is typically warm.
Conversely, the cool air intake takes in colder air outside the engine compartment, which is richer in oxygen. The oxygen-rich air adequately combusts fuel and boosts the engine’s output.
Answer: Modify the Exhaust Pipe and Header Installation
Back pressure buildup in the engine may lead to reduced horsepower, increased emissions, and poor fuel economy. During combustion, there is the final stage of waste gas elimination. Inadequate elimination of the gasses may cause a pressure imbalance in the cylinder, leading to improper combustion.
You can eliminate the pressure accumulation by installing headers or modifying the exhaust pipe. The header replaces the exhaust manifold, and instead of one exhaust gas collection point, each cylinder has its exhaust pipe.
The pipes merge into one large line, the collector. The design of the pipes ensures that they are of similar length; hence, no back pressure buildup.
Alternatively, you can expand the width of the exhaust pipe to expel the exhaust gasses efficiently. The expansion creates a pressure equilibrium, and combustion will be complete.
Answer: Tune the Carburetor
The carburetor mixes air and fuel entering the engine and regulates their ratio. You can tune the carburetor to enhance engine output, targeting an optimum air-fuel mixture. You should understand the basics of the carb before working on it to avoid mistunes, which may result in running rich or lean.
Routine maintenance of the carburetor guarantees you excellent operation. This engine component is prone to carbon buildup, which you can handle via a carburetor cleaner and using high-grade fuel.
You can upgrade your carburetor to the performance-oriented types. Such carbs are mostly preadjusted to meet your driving preferences.
Answer: Turbocharger Installation
The idea of a turbocharger on a carbureted engine sounds impossible and challenging to many. While it may be challenging, adding a turbocharger to the carbureted Z24 engine is possible. This is one of the Nissan Z24 engine modifications that require professional help, as it is easy to mess up.
Answer: Carburetor to Fuel Injection Conversion
Fuel injection systems beat their carbureted counterparts in precise fuel-air mixture control, leading to fuel efficiency. They also rapidly adapt to engine demands, translating to excellent throttle response and performance.
You can go for the Nissan Z24i engine, the throttle-body fuel injection version. However, if you are adventurous, you can take on the carburetor-to-fuel injection task, which can be complex and costly.
Answer: Work on the Ignition System
Your engine’s cylinders require the right spark to combust the fuel-air mixture. You can get the needed spark by tweaking the ignition system to deliver a hot spark, achievable by upgrading ignition coils.
You may also need a higher voltage for the sparks, especially for a lean-running engine. Install an ignition system amplifier to get the ideal voltage.
Answer: Change the Camshaft
The camshaft is responsible for the opening and closing of valves that allow the fuel-air mixture into the engine and the expulsion of exhaust gasses. It manages this task courtesy of lobes that push against the valves.
You can invest in a performance-grade camshaft with a special cam design to optimize valve timing. Such a camshaft increases the valve duration and lift, letting in more air during combustion and expelling more gasses during the exhaust stroke. The result is adequate cylinder filling, leading to sufficient combustion and power generation.
Answer: Reducing Vehicle Weight
Weight directly influences engine performance, where low weight translates to more engine power. Weight reduction is an affordable way of boosting your car’s power. A 20-pound weight reduction equals an extra 10 HP, which is worth the effort.
You can achieve this by removing accessories you deem unnecessary in the car, such as extra seats, carpeting, upholstery, music system, and more. You can swap your seats with lighter ones, similar to the wheels and other parts of the body.
You should be careful with body mods, as excessive weight reduction comes at the cost of stability, comfort, and structural integrity.

Winding Up
Highlighted are some of the Nissan Z24 engine modifications to bank on for more engine power. Most mods focus on the engine structure tuning, like header addition and turbocharger installation.
Choose a preferable tuning approach and also service the engine frequently to get the best out of it.