Richard W brought his 1971 Datsun 240Z from Eureka, Ca to Z Car Garage for a full mechanical restoration back in 2020. Our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, Z Car Garage CV Axles and Z Car Garage Heat Shield along with a new drivetrain and full suspension transformed this Series 1 S30.
With a few thousand miles on the build Richard visited ZCG earlier this year for routine maintenance. We changed the fluids, resolved a charging issue, checked the driveline and overall health of the Z.
While the Z was with us we performed extensive road testing with acceleration, freeway cruising, dyno runs and more all shown in the video below. Turn those speakers up and enjoy!
I could not resist taking more photos of the engine, interior and chassis on this gorgeous Sunshine Yellow Series 1. Enjoy some photos from his recent visit and of course zcarblog has the full report on our restoration of Richard’s Z.
Drivetrain
We got the original L24 with SUs running after sitting for years, but Richard wanted more power and Rob suggested a Rebello 3.1L engine. Supporting parts included an MSA 6-into-1 header, ZCG exhaust system, internally regulated 280ZX alternator, 280ZX gear reduction starter, KOYO race radiator (custom upper hose) and Z Car Garage Heat Shield. Here are a few pictures of the engine build/installation with many more in the gallery:
To handle the power from the 3.1L engine we replaced the stock transmission with a Nissan KA24 (FS5W71C) transmission. This was a common swap (before the CD009a came to market) performed by modifying a 280Z L-series bell housing. When we upgraded the transmission we also installed a JWT HD clutch with aluminum flywheel. Helping put the power down efficiently is an OS Giken LSD. The R180 houses a 4.11 R&P and the assembly is setup in-house (by Joshua Corwin).
Engine Bay Services
Richard’s Z received a total engine bay restoration. Please visit the gallery below for more pictures documenting the engine bay restoration work, it’s where our efforts shine! Final Before/After in the engine bay:
Suspension
Richard’s chassis was treated to a full suspension rebuild with new parts, bushings and a full coil-over (Koni struts with our spring rates) suspension from Techno Toy Tuning. T3 finishes the suspension in our signature color and we really appreciate Gabriel and his staff. They make some of the best suspension parts out there for Z cars.
Front Suspension refresh with T/C rod, crossmember and steering rack detail: Rear end with T3 lower control arms and ST Sway bar:
ZCG Big-Brakes and CV Axles
We went ahead and got Richard dialed in with the ZCG big-brake kit for small wheels with parking brake and a new OEM Nissan master cylinder. More pics in the gallery!
Front brake installation:
Our Z Car Garage CV Axles help transmit power to the ground and ensure smoother operation compared to your standard half shafts. We have over 200+ CV axle kits on customer cars and we are stoked with all of the positive feedback.
Richard’s standard half-shafts shown on left:
Interior
One of our favorite upgrades to the interior of an S30 is our ZCG sound deadening package. Usually found in our full-blown ZCG restorations, the result is a less tinny sound and almost Germanic-like “clunk” when you shut the doors.
The stock seats were replaced with Recaro Specialist in black leather, we love these seats for the S30:
Please check the gallery below for more detail shots, there are too many to list in this blog post!
Enjoying The Ride
It was great to see Richard again and meet his wife this time, recalling how he purchased the Z new in December of 1970! We love that this restoration is out on the road and being enjoyed. It’s also a great example of how no matter how far away you live from Z Car Garage we will help our clients any way we can. Long Live The Z!
“Richard got out of the Z and told me he had bought this Z 50 years ago that week, it’s been with him through alot of stuff and now his kids and grandkids will get to enjoy it. I looked him in the eye and said I’ll be here for their chapters, any time they need me. I’m attached to this Z now too.”
