Nissan · L-Series Inline Six
The 2.4-liter OHC six that launched the 240Z and helped establish Nissan's global sports-car reputation.
146
Cubic inches
The L24 gave the original Z its smooth, durable straight-six character and proved itself internationally in rally competition.
Displacement
146 ci
Bore
3.268"
Stroke
2.902"
Years
1969–1978 core passenger-car era
Key Takeaway
The L24 used a cast-iron block, aluminum SOHC head, and an oversquare 3.268 x 2.902-inch bore/stroke layout. Its relatively short stroke helped it rev freely for a late-1960s inline-six while twin-carbureted road versions gave the original Z a smooth, responsive character.
The L24 used a cast-iron block, aluminum SOHC head, and an oversquare 3.268 x 2.902-inch bore/stroke layout. Its relatively short stroke helped it rev freely for a late-1960s inline-six while twin-carbureted road versions gave the original Z a smooth, responsive character.
Variant-specific values are labeled. Engine families that span multiple years or RPOs can have different heads, cams, induction and rotating parts, so the exact code/year always takes priority.
The L24-powered 240Z won the East African Safari Rally in 1971 and 1973.
The L24 established Nissan’s classic Z-car straight-six formula and became the starting point for the larger L26 and L28 engines that followed.
Engine image: Ypy31 · Public domain · source
2.4 L / 146 cu in with 3.268 x 2.902-inch bore and stroke.
Cast-iron inline-six block with aluminum SOHC two-valve cylinder head.
Naturally aspirated and carbureted in classic Z applications.
Documented Fairlady 240ZG output: 150 PS and 206 Nm.
History · context · related reading
The L24 gave the original 240Z the engine personality that made the car famous: smooth straight-six power, useful torque, and enough rev range to make a lightweight sports coupe feel genuinely special.
Documented motorsport results
1971
Overall winnerDriver
Edgar Herrmann / Hans Schüller
Car / engine
Datsun 240Z
Edgar Herrmann and Hans Schüller won the 1971 East African Safari Rally overall in an L24-powered Datsun 240Z competition car.
1973
Overall winnerDriver
Shekhar Mehta / Lofty Drews
Car / engine
Datsun 240Z
Shekhar Mehta and Lofty Drews won the 1973 Safari Rally overall in an L24-powered Datsun 240Z.
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