How much horsepower does a Shelby Z Daytona have?
The short answer depends on which car you mean. The historic Shelby Daytona Coupe (often called the Shelby Daytona) with a 289-cubic-inch V8 produced about 275 horsepower. If you’re asking about a Shelby-tuned Datsun/Nissan Z car (often referred to as a “Shelby Z” rather than Daytona), horsepower varies by year and specific build, generally in the 200–240 horsepower band, with some setups pushing toward 260 horsepower depending on carburetion, cams, and exhaust.»
Two common interpretations of the term “Shelby Z Daytona”
Because the phrase can refer to two distinct cars, it helps to separate the historic Daytona Coupe from Shelby-tuned Z-cars. The Daytona Coupe and the Z-tuned models share a name only in the Shelby lineage, not in their design or era. Here are the two primary possibilities:
Shelby Daytona Coupe (CSX2287)
The Daytona Cupé, built in the mid-1960s for Le Mans competition, used a 289-cubic-inch V8. Its power output is commonly cited as about 275 horsepower, produced by a high-performance version of the 289 V8. Torque was typically in the range of 260 lb-ft, with the car valued as much for its aerodynamics and handling as for peak horsepower. Exact figures can vary by measurement method and engine build, but the consensus figure often cited by historians and enthusiasts is roughly 275 hp at the crank.
Key horsepower figures for the Daytona Coupe:
- Engine: 289 cubic inches (V8) with high-performance setup
- Nominal horsepower: ~275 hp (crankshaft rating commonly cited)
- Torque: ~260 lb-ft (around 353 Nm)
In practice, these numbers reflect a vintage-era rating and the car’s performance also depended on aerodynamics, weight, and gearing. The Daytona Coupe remains a benchmark for Shelby’s early endurance racing program.
Shelby-tuned Datsun/Nissan Z cars (often labeled “Shelby Z”)
Another interpretation is a Shelby-American-modified Datsun/Nissan Z-car from the 1970s and early 1980s. These were not Daytonas; instead they were Z-cars (240Z, 260Z, 280Z) that received Shelby performance packages. Horsepower figures for these cars vary widely with year, model, and the specific Shelby package, but they generally sit in a broader range around 200–240 horsepower, with some builds approaching 260 hp depending on carburetion, cam timing, exhaust, and any forced-induction options available at the time. Official published numbers are not consistently standardized across all dealership-era documentation, so modern restorations and registries often note a healthy but variable output rather than a single fixed figure.
Representative figures for Shelby-tuned Z-cars:
- 240Z (S30): stock ~151 hp; Shelby-tuned versions commonly ~200–230 hp
- 260Z: stock ~162–170 hp; Shelby-tuned ~200–240 hp
- 280Z: stock ~170–180 hp; Shelby-tuned ~210–260 hp
As with any vintage performance package, exact horsepower depends on the specific build, year, and options chosen by the original buyer or by subsequent restorers.
Why horsepower figures vary
Horsepower is influenced by engine displacement, induction type (carburetion vs. fuel injection), compression, cam timing, exhaust efficiency, and drivetrain losses. For cars from the Shelby era, different production years and custom builds meant different numbers. For authentic figures, consult original sales literature, factory records, or verified registries for the exact chassis and its documented specifications.
Summary
In short, the Shelby Daytona Coupe (CSX2287) is commonly cited as delivering around 275 horsepower from its 289-cubic-inch V8. If you’re referring to a Shelby-tuned Z-car, expect a broader 200–240 hp range, with some builds near 260 hp depending on the configuration. If you’re shopping or restoring, verify the specific build and year to determine the precise horsepower for that car.
