1972 Datsun 240Z Build: Bold Audi Green L28 Daily Driver

Owner: Tim Morone
Builder: Al Allen / California Datsun
Instagram: @californiadatsun

Photographer: Marvin Recinos
Instagram: @mr2mivin

Performance Stats: L28 High Compression Street Engine

"We are the builders, and you are the designers. We build the client's vision, their goals, their version of cool, and exactly what they want their Z to do, look like, and ultimately feel like." – Al Allen, California Datsun

The Z Car Guy Who Built a Business

Al Allen was born and raised in California in the San Gabriel Valley. He's been a Z car guy since his dad bought him a 260Z in 1989 as his first car.

As a young man, Z was all he owned in the world. His mission was to make it "as cool as possible." He studied Haynes manuals like a religion. Immersed himself in old Z car books, service manuals, and literature that would educate him on everything Z car related.

It became a mild obsession.

That obsession eventually became a business. Today, Al runs California Datsun, a shop dedicated to building and restoring Z cars with the same passion and knowledge he brought to his first 260Z decades ago.

And his approach to every build is simple: "We are the builder, and you are the designer."

California Datsun builds the client's vision. Their goals. Their version of cool. Exactly what they want their Z to do, look like, and feel like. Tim Morone came to California Datsun with a vision for his 1972 Datsun 240Z build (https://www.nissan-global.com)—and Al and his team executed it perfectly.

Going Bold: Audi Green and L28 Power

Tim Morone wanted to be bold with his 1972 Datsun 240Z build. He chose a rare and awesome Audi green colour—something you don't see every day on classic Z cars.

But colour alone wasn't the vision. He wanted it fast.

California Datsun built him an L28 engine package with all the performance goodies. Triple Weber carburettors for proper fuel delivery. Coated headers for longevity. Borla exhaust system for sound and flow. Electronic ignition for reliability. Performance cam. 5-speed transmission. 3.70 R180 limited slip differential for traction.

The goal was a Z that could be driven anywhere. Daily driver comfort with real performance. Cold A/C and a smooth ride without sacrificing power.

That's the California Datsun approach—build cars that actually get driven, not trailer queens that sit in garages.

Bold Audi Green Everywhere It Goes

This 1972 Datsun 240Z build gets a thumbs up everywhere they take it.

From the gas station to the city streets, people go out of their way to acknowledge it. The Audi green is that distinctive. The overall execution is that clean.

It looks like no other Z you've ever seen. Fully customised and tailored to Tim's specific request. The boldness of the colour choice—usually considered risky on classic cars—works because everything else about the build respects that vision.

It's not trying to be subtle. It's trying to be exactly what Tim wanted: a statement piece that still drives like a proper Z car.

The Details: Wheels, Brakes, and Suspension

The 1972 Datsun 240Z build sits on 17-inch Rota deep dish wheels in a black finish that complements the Audi green perfectly. Wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tyres for actual performance grip.

Up front, California Datsun installed their in-house red 4-piston Wilwood brakes. The red accents pop against the green paint, while the stopping power means this Z can actually haul from speed.

The rear uses a Maxima rear disc brake conversion—a proven upgrade that provides balanced braking and reliability.

KYB struts and Eibach springs handle the suspension duty. A front tri-bar provides support during hard cornering. The setup is dialled in for daily driving comfort while still feeling planted on city streets and canyon roads.

Interior: Plaid, Roll Cage, and Speedhut Gauges

The interior of Tim's 1972 Datsun 240Z build deserves attention because it shows California Datsun's commitment to collaboration and quality.

The plaid interior was handled by friends over at Rogelios Upholstery in Baldwin Park. It's a bold choice that matches the boldness of the Audi green exterior. Plaid works because it's committed to the vision instead of playing it safe.

Inside, there's also a roll cage for structural rigidity and safety. Ambient lighting adds modern comfort without compromising classic aesthetics. A full set of Speedhut gauges provides all the information you need at a glance.

Everything works together. The plaid, the gauges, the lighting—it's a cohesive interior vision that makes you want to spend time in the car.

Engine Tuning: Rod's Garage Expertise

The engine didn't just get bolted together and called done.

The L28 was specially tuned, jetted, balanced, and synchronised by Rod's Garage in Rancho Cucamonga. That's the kind of attention to detail that separates a good build from a great one.

Jetted properly means the triple Webers deliver fuel at exactly the right amount in every condition. Balanced means the rotating assembly spins true. Synchronised means the carbs work together instead of fighting each other.

You can feel that work when you drive it. The engine just feels right—responsive, reliable, and ready to perform.

California Datsun's Philosophy: Builder and Designer

What makes Tim's 1972 Datsun 240Z build special is that it represents California Datsun's core philosophy.

Al didn't impose his vision on the car. He asked what Tim wanted and then executed it precisely. That's harder than it sounds. Most shops try to steer clients toward their "house style." California Datsun does the opposite.

Tim wanted an Audi green? Done. Tim wanted it bold? Done. Tim wanted it fast but drivable? Done.

The result is a car that's uniquely Tim Morone's vision, executed by builders who understand Z cars deeply enough to know how to make any vision work properly.

Complete Build Specifications

1972 Datsun 240Z Build - Engine & Drivetrain

• L28 high compression street engine
• Triple Weber carburettors (jetted and synchronised)
• Coated headers
• Borla exhaust system
• Electronic ignition
• Performance camshaft
• 5-speed transmission
• 3.70 R180 limited slip differential
• Engine tuning by Rod's Garage (Rancho Cucamonga)

Exterior

• Rare Audi green paint
• Classic Z lines maintained
• Clean, purposeful styling

Wheels & Tires

• Rota deep dish 17" wheels (black finish)
• Michelin Pilot Sport tires

Brakes

• California Datsun in-house red 4-piston Wilwood front brakes
• Maxima rear disc brake conversion

Suspension

• KYB struts
• Eibach springs
• Front tri-bar support

Interior

• Plaid interior by Rogelios Upholstery
• Roll cage
• Ambient lighting
• Full Speedhut gauge cluster
• Cold air conditioning
• Daily driver comfort

Built by California Datsun: A Collaborative Approach

California Datsun did the core work on this 1972 Datsun 240Z build. But they also collaborated with specialists:

• Rod's Garage (Rancho Cucamonga) handled engine tuning, jetting, balancing, and synchronisation

• Rogelios Upholstery (Baldwin Park) executed the plaid interior work

• Al's own son helped make this Z amazing

That collaborative approach matters. You don't build a proper Z by having one person do everything. You build it by assembling the right team and having them execute their speciality at the highest level.

Future Plans: Modern Touches

The 1972 Datsun 240Z build may evolve slightly going forward. Tim is considering some luxury features like power locks and windows to make it feel more modern while keeping the classic character.

The core vision stays the same—a bold, fast, drivable Z that stands out everywhere it goes. The small upgrades would just make daily driving more convenient.

Why This Build Matters

Tim Morone's 1972 Datsun 240Z build represents something important: respect for the platform while respecting the customer's vision.

Al Allen could have pushed his own style. Instead, he listened to what Tim wanted and built it. The Audi green could have looked gimmicky. Instead, it looks intentional because everything else about the build supports that boldness.

This is what happens when a builder genuinely understands the cars they're building. Al didn't just assemble parts. He crafted an experience that Tim can drive daily, enjoy at shows, and feel proud owning.

That's the difference between a build and a vision executed properly.

Further Reading:

1. How the 240Z Helped Define JDM Car Culture in America
2. Why the Devil Z Still Inspires Fairlady Z Builders Today
3. Custom 1970 Datsun 240Z Series 1 L28 Mikuni Build Guide
4. Datsun Buyer’s Guide: What to Know Before You Build
5. Datsun 240Z Review: The Iconic Japanese Sports Car
6. The History of the Datsun 240Z: Japan’s First Sports Icon