Shop Talk for
Z-Car enthusiasts!

Click here to go to the Z Car Garage home page...Click here to go to the Z Car Blog home page...
Performance Parts for Nissan, Inifiniti and Datsun Cars
Search:

Christopher’s 1975 Datsun 280Z

Filed under: 280Z,350z,Featured Cars and Projects,Parts
by Alvin G @ 2:40 pm on April 1, 2025

 

This is Christopher’s 1975 Datsun 280Z featuring our Z Car Garage CV Axles, Z Car Garage Big-Brakes and ZCG KW coil-over suspension! He performed a meticulous restoration himself with highlights including an ITB EFI-fed L-Series, CD009 6-speed transmission and Watanabe wheels. Let’s take a look at how Christopher got into Z cars…

 

CHRISTOPHER:  The previous owner of the Z lived less than a mile from our house. I noticed it in his garage one day on the way in to work and immediately went by that afternoon to ask him about it. It was bought new in his family and given to him by his Uncle. It hadn’t ran in over five years and he was hoping to get it back running. I asked him almost every other week for about a year to keep me in mi d if he ever decided to sell it. He eventually moved for work and was forced to sell the car…

 

…My wife was the first to tell me and I was pushing the car to our house that afternoon! I got the car running after a few months and drove it stock for a year or two. After moving down south and the car being exposed to high humidity, I decided to restore the car and take care of the body before things got out of hand. What began as a tear down to have the car repainted, turned into a full nut and bolt restoration that overall took just under six years to complete.

 

Drivetrain

 

Christopher’s fanatic attention to detail really shines in the super-sanitary engine bay. The stock L28 uses Jenvey individual throttle-body fuel injection (MegaSquirt ecu) with parts from Datsunspirit and ProTunerZ. He made a mount for the IAT sensor, installed @fuelinjectorclinic injectors, @robsperformancemotorsport fuel rail, and @radiumengineering bits (fuel pressure regulator, gauge, and two petcock drain valves for the catch cans). More photos in the gallery below!

 

CHRISTOPHER: The goal of the build was to highlight and improve what was already great about the car. I wanted the appearance, weight and simplicity of a 240 with the drivability, performance, and rigidity of the 280. I was inspired by GT3s and similarly was seeking to build a light weight, naturally aspirated car with ITBs and and a quality exhaust. The car now weighs 2400 pounds and I wanted to ensure only quality items were installed (OEM or better).

 

Below: At Moore Performance dialing in the ITBs. Chris plans to re-visit the dyno to squeeze more power with a different CAS sensor.

 

The exhaust includes a Z-story header and custom piping fabricated by Tyler Dorsey. Below, also visible are T3 coil-overs, LCAs, and Z Car Garage CV Axles:

 
 

Z Car Garage Big-Brakes

 
 

CHRISTOPHER: I heard about ZCG from various Datsun Forums before I purchased the car. Rob and ZCG were known for their passion with the S30 and the research and development that went into every product offered. I chose ZCG for the lower control arms, brakes, suspension, and coil overs because I wanted a cohesive setup that was developed in a way that ensured every component worked in harmony with each other and improved the S30’s driving characteristics, not change it.

 
 

As fellow S30 owner/racer Glenn C mentioned in his review, on top of braking performance, pedal feel is extremely important and our Big-Brakes deliver. This is a direct result of working with Stoptech to create a totally bolt-in solution requiring no M/C change or additional proportioning valve/adjustments. All fitting behind a 15″ Watanabe or Panasport wheel and retaining factory emergency brake lever! A few details below:

Calipers: Stoptech ST42 4-piston front & rear race calipers (Alum 6061 mil-spec Type III anodized)

Rotors: 280mm x 20.6 with Alum 7075 hats

Pads: Stoptech 309 sport street pads

 

 
 

CHRISTOPHER: Early on I considered more outrageous options that were popular within the community. But after researching those companies, and the reviews of their products further, it became clear that was not the direction I preferred to take. A lot were over engineered and under tested, over complicated, or unnecessary. Ultimately, I chose ZCG after numerous conversations with Rob where he spent time breaking down his own personal opinion and the shop’s research to highlight where other options may over engineer products to the detriment of the car or may not unlock the full potential of the chassis. I liked that he was honest with what he thought was worth upgrading and what wasn’t necessary. It was obvious he cared and wasn’t out for just a profit. He lives these cars.

 

Big-Brake Kits Available For DIY Install!

Z Car Garage is proud to offer our Big-Brake Kit to Z-Car owners that want to perform the installation themselves. We can ship worldwide and each kit contains everything needed with a comprehensive installation guide. Blog posts documenting all of our customers running the ZCG Big-Brakes can be found HERE. Christopher’s beautiful S30 and his ZCG Big-Brake installation:

 

CHRISTOPHER: The installation was a breeze. Uniquely for this project, Rob and I talked early on (almost five years ago) about testing ZCG’s ability to develop and deliver products beyond the west coast. We began this venture as a means to begin testing the various elements of that process logistically. For this, Rob also wanted to demonstrate how ZCG was capable at recommending, assembling, and shipping complete components to the point that it removed much of the work and guessing from the consumer. Rob’s hope was to prove that if someone wanted the complete setup (engineered and proven by ZCG over years of experience), a customer could essentially order the catalogue and receive a complete solution delivered to their front step. That’s exactly what happened with this.

 

Our ZCG Big-Brake kit ships with everything needed to install and retains the factory parking brake function. Chris successfully installed the BBK on his Z and they look great behind the 16×8 (zero offset) Watanabe wheels with 225/45/16 Toyo tires. Beyond ease of installation and quality components, our Big-Brakes perform by offering superb pedal feel…everyone that drives our demo Z confirms! This is a direct result of working with Stoptech to create a totally bolt-in solution requiring no M/C change or additional proportioning valve/adjustments.

 
 
 

CHRISTOPHER: The car feels planted like never before. Our family also has a fully restored 73 240 that is an excellent OEM example. Where that car feels stable and drives well, there’s no denying the age of its component and it drives like a seventies sports car.  The 280 feels like a modern sports car and inspires confidence. The brake pedal communicates exceptionally well and the balance of the calipers bring the z down from speed a rate well beyond most cars today. The light weight of the S30 and the size of the ZCG big brakes is an unreal combo!

 

Z Car Garage CV Axles and KW Suspension

 
 

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. Christopher’s ZCG CV Axle set, #0457 installed by himself:

 

Detailed shots, note how clean his work is!

CHRISTOPHER: Not only does ZCG already provide extensive installation guidance (70 plus pages of instructions for the brakes alone that cover everything from torque specs to bleeding procedures), but, for this, he assembled and shipped each corner fully assembled (spindle, wheel bearings, coil over, and camber plates). I was able to install the whole assembly into the strut tower, the lower control arms, and attach the brake lines and the corner was complete! Having this work done by Rob not only saved me time, but also gave me the piece of mind that these critical pieces of the chassis were done right and by someone with decades of experience. From there it was installing the ZCG CV Axles and I was then off to the remainder of the build.

 
 

KW x Z Car Garage Coil-over Suspension

 

Christopher installed our KW V3 suspension, complementing the ZCG Big-Brakes and CV Axles nicely. Details on our ZCG KW V3 coil-overs will be covered in a dedicated blogpost coming soon.

 

CHRISTOPHER: The KW V3s offered by ZCG are the most valuable investment I’ve made in the car (and I’ve replaced nearly every bolt on the car at this point lol). Nothing has affected the performance and drive of the car as drastically as the coil overs. The Z is smooth on the highway and is able to carry momentum through corners like never before. I can’t wait to get it out on the track this spring. Couldn’t recommend them enough. Wether it’s the brakes or the suspension, ZCG has formed relationships with the partners that matter and have a proven track record in the auto industry. There’s nothing else like it period.

 

Interior

 

Chris’ phenomenal work extends to the interior where original surfaces were refurbished or replaced with OEM parts.

CHRISTOPHER: I chose to put the original luggage riser vinyl back in as I really like the original small diamond pattern better than the newer options. Also installed the rear quarter panels I bought off @sportzwerks and refurbished which never came with the car. Feels good to be bringing it back better than it was. Pretty cool to see the refinished dash frame from @vintagedashes  in the car as well as the dash cowl with @speedhut gps puck installed. The 6-speed shift knob is from @thedavemason:

 

Enjoying The Ride

After a long journey Christopher is driving his Z! Follow his build on Instagram and see it in action in the video below, volume up!

 

CHRISTOPHER: Moving forward I plan on getting the z out to meets and on the road! It’s going to be driven! I found a lot of the suppliers that helped with Nissan’s heritage program when the 350Z was released, and took the time to create what I hoped to be a quality build that maintained the character of the S30s with components that not only perform but will last another 50 years. The result isn’t blistering speed but a visceral driving experience in a truly timeless car.

 

Thanks for your support Christopher we love that you are Enjoying The Ride and Long Live The Z! More photos in the gallery below.

The Last Stop in Braking for your Z

 

Z Car Garage Big Brakes are one of the best systems available for your S30 Z Car with over 200 kits sold worldwide and unanimous positive feedback. See our ZCG Big-Brakes on client cars HERE and enjoy the photos below:

 
  

…[read more]




Happy Friday! Shop Update 1/24/25

Filed under: 240z,260Z,280Z,350z,510,Events
by Alvin G @ 2:40 pm on January 24, 2025

 

Happy Friday from Z Car Garage! The shop is busy dyno tuning, servicing and upgrading Z cars. Enjoy this brief update from Friday, January 24.

S30 Z Cars

 

In 2021, Larry Chen commissioned Z Car Garage to transform his beloved SR20DET-powered 1970 Datsun 240Z, affectionately known as “Ole Orange Bang”. The Z is now getting a full engine bay and front end restoration. It features our Z Car Garage Big-BrakesZ Car Garage CV Axles, chassis preparation, dyno tuning and more.

 

Hiep’s Datsun 280Z (on lift) getting Z Car Garage Big-Brakes and refreshed EFI, also in the process of getting 240Z bumpers:

 
 

Mike’s RB25DET-powered Datsun 240Z getting our  Z Car Garage KW coil-over suspension, Z Car Garage Big-Brakes (Stoptech), CD009 6-speed transmission and 16″ Panasport wheels:

 

Our very own Cooper got a new set of 16″ Panasport wheels on his Datsun 260Z. Full story in this rally-proven Z coming to zcarblog.com

 

James’ aka “nasstyZ” aka “Medusa” 1972 Datsun 240Z is getting re-assembled back to its boosted form:

 

Long-time client’s Datsun 240Z getting full suspension,  Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, exhaust system and carb tuning on the older 3L.

 
 

Nissan 350Z

 

Two Z33 Roadsters at the shop: Gary’s Blue ’07 just got a ZSpeed Performanc CMAK and clutch upgrade and Stillen CARB-legal Supercharger kit. The Black 350z is Joseph C’s with a new engine, Vortech, full suspension, DEFI gauges and upgraded stereo system. These convertibles will hit the street next week!

 

Nissan R35 GT-R

 

James’ and Marcus’ R35 GT-Rs in for maintenance and upgrades:

 

Our client and friend Tom Dockery finally found the right car to roam around in…a Nissan 350Z, Enjoy the Ride!

 

 

 

We are still looking for experienced technicians to join our team, for more details and how to apply please visit our help wanted page  HERE

LONG LIVE THE Z!

 




Happy New Year from Z Car Garage!

Filed under: 240z,260Z,280Z,350z,370z,510,Events,Nissan Z,R35,Racing
by Alvin G @ 2:40 pm on January 1, 2025

 

***HAPPY NEW YEAR From Z Car Garage***

 

2024 marked the 20th Anniversary of Z Car Garage. From all of us at Z Car Garage we thank our friends, family and clients for another exciting and productive year! Enjoy our 2024 recap and preview of projects and features for 2025. Please note our holiday closure below:

ZCG will be closed for Dec 31th and New Year’s Day. Open for business on the 2nd and the 3rd (Thursday and Friday)

 

Client Updates for 2025

We had a busy year and many zcarblog features have yet to be published. Before we take a look back at highlights from 2024, here are several exciting projects coming along at the shop with full features in 2025:

 

David’s 1972 Datsun 240Z received a Rebello 3.0L, 240SX 5-speed transmission, 4.11 OS Giken LSD, our Z Car Garage KW coil-over suspension and already has our V1 (328m) Z Car Garage Big-Brakes and Z Car Garage CV Axles,

 
 

Christopher’s Datsun 280Z. He installed our Z Car Garage CV Axles, (set #0457) himself. The Z also features our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes and ZCG KW coil-over suspension! Full story on this epic build with ITB EFI-fed L-Series, CD009 6-speed transmission and Watanabe wheels coming to zcarblog.com. Long Live The Z!

 

Ken’s Series 1 Datsun 240Z (#1762) has our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, ZCG CV Axles, CD009a Six-speed transmission and Fujitsubo exhaust. The L28 now has Jenvey ITB EFI managed by a Haltech 750:

 

Photographer and car culture ambassador Larry Chen commissioned Z Car Garage to transform his beloved SR20DET-powered 1970 Datsun 240Z from an “ok driver” to a no-excuses, multi-dimensional sports car. Affectionately known as “Ole Orange Bang”, it features our Z Car Garage Big-BrakesZ Car Garage CV Axles, chassis preparation, dyno tuning and more. It is now receiving a full engine bay restoration.

 

Jim’s 1971 Datsun 240z is now sporting a Rebello 3.2L with Jenvey ITB EFI, Recaro Specialist seats, CD009a 6-speed transmission, our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes (for small wheels) and Z Car Garage CV Axles!

 

Rashid lives in Dubai and his Datsun 240Z is getting 3.2L L-Series with pH44 Mikuni induction and exhaust header, ZX 5-speed transmission, OS Giken 4.11 LSD, Z Car Garage KW coil-over suspension, our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes (Stoptech) and 16″ Panasport wheels:

 
 

Alex’s Series 1 240Z with 16″ Panasport wheels and Z Car Garage Big-Brakes

 

It was great to see our client Yoni Enjoying the Ride in his 1972 Datsun 240Z. This Z recently got our Z Car Garage KW coil-overs in addition to the Z Car Garage Big-Brakes and Z Car Garage CV Axles.

 
 

Rick’s BRE-inspired Datsun 240Z track car is getting a CD009 6-speed transmission, Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, coil-over suspension and track preparation.

 
 

Frank’s 240Z getting Z Car Garage Big-Brakes

 

Hiep’s Datsun 280Z (on lift) getting Z Car Garage Big-Brakes


Bob’s restored Z

 

Frank and Patty’s Datsun 280Z featuring Z Car Garage Big-Brakes and Z Car Garage CV Axles, Panasport wheels, Recaro seats, early chrome bumper conversion and mechanical restoration. Full story coming to zcarblog.com!

 
 

Nissan 300ZX (Z32)

 

We have several Z32 NA and TT cars currently at the shop. Gary’s Twin Turbo (above) got a new set of BBS LM wheels. Full update on this car soon! Paul Ferrari returned to ZCG since we completed his Epic Z32 Build in 2017. He’s ready for ethanol, after running this car on race fuel for many years. We will be installing dual fuel pumps, BDE top fuel rail and all the fixings:

 
 

Cameron’s Z32 is here for maintenance work and downpipes, inlet piping, larger intercoolers all from Specialty Z. Cameron has been bringing his 300 to us for many years and we we are really glad to have him back.

 
 

William’s Z32TT is getting 740cc injectors, downpipes and more:

 

510s

 

Noah’s Bluebird racecar and Marcus’ Datsun 510 featuring a S14 SR20DE drivetrain

 

Dyno Tuning your 350z/370z/Q/G

We have been dyno tuning your late model Nissan/Infiniti sports car daily. Bolt-ons, UPREV tuning. Our customers leave happy with more performance. Call us to schedule an appointment! Here are just a few cars:

Kevin’s Nismo 370z

 

Aaron’s G37 with Stoptech brakes

 

Nissan Z (RZ34)

Dyno tuning, bolt-ons, suspension installs and general maintenance for the RZ34

 

Skylines, R35, R34 and R32 GT-R

Chris’ and James’ R35 GT-R

 

Jonathan’s R34 GT-R

 

Bayside Blue R34 in for maintenance and upgrades

 

Kurt’s R32 Skyline GT-R is got a fresh RB26 motor and turbo upgrade to complement the new KW coil-over suspension:

 

Hakosuka Skyline

 

Sebastian’s Skyline left the shop after a suspension refresh, engine work and adapting our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes (Stoptech). We hope to offer this in the future for C10 clients.

 

Kurt’s 1973 Kenmeri Skyline

 

S130

Ben K’s fully restored 280ZX

Race Cars

The Corky Bell Trans Am 510

 

Famed engineer and race car driver Corky Bell ran this Datsun 510 in the early 70’s Trans Am series. Z Car Garage restored it back to its former glory with Trans Am livery and Corky drove it for the first time in 52 years at Velocity. It was a mad thrash to get the 510 prepared for the event and we will dedicate a separate blog post to the restoration and Corky’s story. Here are a few photos of the car during the revival:

 
 
 

Highlights from 2024

 

Even though 2024 was a busy year for all of us we still managed to have fun on and off the track. The shop made some really great progress as well. Enjoy these highlights from the year and Z you in 2025!

Click on each link or photo to see the full features!

 

Both Ryan and Beau’s Datsun 240Z cars left the shop in 2024. Ryan’s Z has LS3 V8 power while Beau’s 1976 280Z has an L28 with stock EFI. Both cars feature our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes (Stoptech)Z Car Garage CV Axles, Recaro Specialist seats, A/C and dyno tuning.

 
 

Jason Datsun 260Z featuring  Z Car Garage Big Brakes

 

Elmo’s 240Z featuring our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes and Z Car Garage CV Axles

 

Dirk’s 1973 Datsun 240Z

 

Sung Kang’s 240Z featuring our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes and Z Car Garage KW coil-over suspension,

Steven’s Hakosuka Skyline

 

 510

Anthony’s 2JZ-powered Datsun 510 wagon

 

350Z

Kevin’s Vortech-supercharged 2008 Nismo 350Z visited us from Georgia for suspension setup and maintenance.

 

Congratulations to our client Dan F on achieving his personal goal of sub 1:40s lap times at Laguna Seca in his Z Car Garage-prepared Nissan 350Z. See in-car video of his fastest lap and more photos on zcarblog:

R32

Mike’s 1991 R32 GT-R

Racing

We love racing! See our race reports below and 2025 schedule coming soon

RACE REPORT: Velocity Invitational 2024

RACE REPORT: 2024 Charity Challenge with CSRG at Sonoma

RACE REPORT: 2024 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

RACE REPORT: Laps for Laguna 2024

RACING: The Nissan GTP ZX-Turbo at Z Car Garage!

Rallyes/Events

EVENT REPORT: The 2024 NISMO Z at Z Car Garage

 

Event Report: CSRG Cars and Coffee 2/24

EVENT REPORT: Tokyo Calling 4

 

EVENTS: Holiday Drive 12/28/24

Thanksgiving Day Drive

On Display: Greg’s 1977 Datsun 280Z

Happy Anniversary: Z Car Garage Celebrates 20 Years!

Media

MEDIA: Z Car Garage in Hagerty Auto Repair Feature

MEDIA: Nissan GTP ZX-Turbo in Hagerty

 

LONG LIVE THE Z! Check out our Instagram story for more updates!




FOR SALE: 2007 Nissan Nismo 350Z

Filed under: 350z
by Alvin G @ 3:50 pm on April 23, 2024

 

Our client Randy Jaffe is selling this 2007 Nissan Nismo 350Z with only 31k miles. 1st Place winner ad Best of Show at ZCON, finished in Pikes Peak White with new Bridgstone tires (comes w/original tires), new battery and Onion Skin Certificate. Just serviced and stored in a climate-controlled building as part of an extensive Nissan/Datsun collection.

Price: $45,000

See the walk-around video and more photos on our FOR SALE page.




TECHNICIAN WANTED

Filed under: 240z,350z,370z,510,Nissan Z
by Alvin G @ 2:14 pm on March 27, 2024

 

EXPERIENCED TECHNICIAN WANTED

Looking for a Job? – How about a great career?
Z Car Garage is looking for an experienced technician to be part of our team. This is not an average 9 to 5 automotive job: the ideal candidate must be motivated, passionate and ready to put in the work so we can continue building classic Z cars and late model Nissans.

  • We work 4-10hr days and offer competitive pay/benefits with opportunities for growth
  • Requirements: Automotive experience, your own set of tools, willingness to learn
  • Nissan/Datsun experience is NOT a requirement, you just need to have passion
  • We are heavily involved in motorsports with up to 10 vintage race events a year. From race cars to street cars and performance tuning…to routine maintenance and keeping vintage cars on the road, we love what we do!

Interested or know someone who might be a good fit? PLEASE SHARE THIS and spread the word. Send your CV to rob@zcargarage.com and call us at (408)452-0350.

 

Check out our shop on this episode of Hoonigan Autofocus with Larry Chen:

 

 

 

DSC08544
 



Older Articles »