History

The SCARAB Z Origins

The SCARAB Z is a fascinating piece of automotive history, particularly for fans of Datsun/Nissan sports cars and aftermarket performance tuning. The story revolves around Brian Morrow, founder of Scarab Engineering, who saw an opportunity to transform the Datsun 240Z into a high-performance machine by swapping in a Chevy V8 engine. Inspired by Carroll Shelby’s Cobra, Morrow envisioned a lightweight, well-balanced sports car with the brute power of American muscle.

To make this vision a reality, Morrow partnered with Keith Bergey, an engineer and fabricator who played a crucial role in refining the SCARAB Z conversion kits. Bergey ensured that the swap was not just about raw power but also about engineering a well-balanced, reliable, and high-performance machine. He worked on fabricating mounts, modifying suspension components, reinforcing braking systems, and fine-tuning the setup to make the SCARAB Z both powerful and driveable.


Key Features of the SCARAB Z
  • Chevy Small-Block V8 Swap – Typically a 5.3L (327ci) V8, producing up to 400 horsepower, a massive upgrade from the stock 151 hp inline-six.
  • Revised Suspension & Brakes – Upgraded shocks, springs, and brakes to handle the extra power.
  • Custom Badging & Styling – The car featured Scarab branding, special paint schemes, and often unique interiors.
  • Expensive & Exclusive – The conversion was not cheap; only about 200 SCARAB Z cars were ever built.
Performance & Legacy

The SCARAB Z was one of the earliest examples of a widely available V8 swap kit, pioneering the idea of Japanese-American hybrid muscle cars. It was faster than a Corvette of the same era, had a better power-to-weight ratio, and became a cult classic among enthusiasts.

However, despite its impressive performance, the SCARAB conversions were pricey, and by the 1980s, newer turbocharged Japanese cars (like the Nissan 280ZX Turbo) started offering high performance without the need for an engine swap. The SCARAB faded into obscurity, but it remains a highly sought-after collector’s item today.

Morrow and Bergey’s work set the stage for future engine swap culture, proving that Japanese chassis and American V8 power could create something truly special. Their legacy lives on in the Scarab Z, a car that still turns heads and sparks admiration among performance enthusiasts.

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Anecdotal evidence from enthusiasts suggests that only a small fraction of these vehicles remain today. For instance, a discussion on HybridZ.org from 2012 mentions, “I read somewhere recently that there are only 18 original SCARAB cars left.” However, this figure is not officially verified and should be taken as an estimate.​

Given the passage of time and the car’s niche status, it’s plausible that fewer than 20 original SCARAB Z cars exist today. These surviving vehicles are highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts for their unique blend of Japanese design and American muscle.​