Datsun Vintage Air Buyer's Guide - Gen II Mini vs Gen 5 Sure-Fit
Comparing the Vintage Air Gen II Mini vs Gen 5 SureFit HVAC Systems for Datsun Z Cars
If you're looking to modernize your classic Datsun Z with air conditioning, two standout options are available from Godzilla Raceworks: the Vintage Air Gen II Mini Complete System and the Vintage Air Gen 5 SureFit Kit. While both are high-quality HVAC systems, they serve different needs depending on your build goals, budget, and installation preferences.
Fitment & Application
Gen II Mini Complete System
Designed as a compact HVAC solution, the Gen II Mini becomes vehicle-specific when paired with GRW-developed brackets and hose routing, offering a clean and efficient install for 1970–78 Datsun Z cars. Engineered by us to be the least intrusive, and the least amount of holes drilled into your Z car. No self-tapping screws found anywhere in our kits. It has also been fully tested in-house on both naturally aspirated and turbocharged vehicles, making it ideal for performance builds. Additionally, when used with GRW parts, it is compatible with all factory under-hood A/C components on the 280Z chassis.
Gen 5 SureFit for 240Z / 260Z / 280Z
This kit is a vehicle-specific bolt-in system that replaces most original HVAC components with modern molded plastic pieces, including ducting and control panels. While designed to drop into stock interiors, the Gen 5 system is new to the GRW lineup and has not yet been tested in-house on turbocharged vehicles. It also requires full replacement of OEM under-hood components and is not compatible with factory engine bay A/C hardware.
What’s Included
Gen II Mini Complete Kit
Compact evaporator unit
Heater and A/C core
Servo-driven blend doors
GRW-designed brackets and pre-measured hoses
Wiring harness, ducting, and controls
Capability to retain factory 280Z engine bay A/C hardware
Fully tested by GRW on NA and turbo Z builds
Gen 5 SureFit Kit for Z Cars
Model-specific evaporator case
Sanden compressor, condenser, dryer, and pre-bent lines
Electronic control panel with Z-specific fascia
Molded dash vents, defrost ducting, and interior panels
Requires complete replacement of factory HVAC components
No current GRW in-house test history
Pricing Consideration
Gen II Mini Complete System
Priced starting at $2,128.95, the Gen II Mini offers excellent value with GRW-developed brackets, tested turbo compatibility, and the ability to reuse factory 280Z under-hood components. It’s ideal for customers seeking flexibility, performance, and a more modular installation approach.Gen 5 SureFit System
Starting at $2,383, the Gen 5 SureFit is a premium, all-new HVAC solution designed for clean, OEM-style restoration work. It includes every major component for a full system overhaul, but requires full replacement of all factory hardware and has not yet been tested in-house on forced induction setups.
Which System Is Right for You?
Choose the Gen II Mini if you:
Are running a turbocharged or swapped engine.
Want a reliable, GRW-tested system that works with factory 280Z under-hood components.
Value flexibility, lower cost, and modular upgrades.
Choose the Gen 5 SureFit if you:
Want a full HVAC replacement with all new molded ducting and controls.
Prefer a factory-style dash layout with updated technology.
Are building a naturally aspirated Z and are not retaining the factory A/C components under the hood of your 280Z.
The Gen II Mini system from Godzilla Raceworks stands out with in-house bracket and hose development, proven compatibility with turbo setups, and the ability to retain OEM 280Z under-hood A/C components—ideal for performance or hybrid builds. The Gen 5 SureFit kit, while more modern and visually refined, is a newer option with no current GRW install history and is best suited for stock-style naturally aspirated restorations requiring full system replacement.