At Z Car Garage we have been maintaining and modifying late model Nissan/Infiniti sports cars since 2004. From Z cars (Z32, 350z, 370z) and R35 GT-Rs to G35, G37, Q50/Q60 cars we look forward to working on your vehicle. Efrain S visited us from Sacramento with his 2019 Infiniti Q60S Silver Sport for basic performance upgrades from AMS Performance including their AMS Heat Exchanger and AMS Air intakes and a Z1 Motorsports Blow-off Valve kit:

 

The new heat exchanger compared to the stock unit and installation:

 

AMS air intakes:

  

Z1 BOV Kit with red couplers:

    

Dyno Tuning

 

Straight from the factory, the VR30DDTT is an impressive motor. The Hi-Output version is rated at 400 hp and 350 ft-lbs tq, underrated as we have seen with dyno testing. With a few bolt-ons and tuning, even more power can be unlocked from the VR30. Rob dyno tuned the Q using EcuTek. Baseline power was 333hp/314tq at the wheels. With the AMS parts and tuning final numbers were 412hp/452tq, gains of +79hp/138tq:

 

The VR30-series responds so well to bolt-ons and gets us excited. It’s almost like Nissan has comeback full-circle as the VR reminds us of modifying Z32TT’s in the 90’s:  big gains with just few upgrades. The Q-series cars are really well-suited to the upgrades too with a very comfortable ride and massive hp/tq when you want it.

Here is the Q on the dyno:

 

Efrain was very pleased with the power gains:

 “Honestly man my experience with Rob from start to finish was amazing. I could tell he loves his job, loves what he does and energy was on 100%, 7 days a week. Once I got the results back from the tune I was blown away I thought I was maybe going to see about 400 horsepower to the wheels at the most and he got it over to 412 with 450 torque, I couldn’t believe it. My bolt-ons are flawless, could not be anymore happy with the work from you guys and the whole experience I love the car thank you guys.”

Enjoy The Boost Efrain!

Are you ready for upgrades on your late model Nissan/Infiniti? Give us a call or e-mail!

 

 

 

Max Y visited us in 2018 for bolt-ons and returned in 2019 for a Stillen supercharger supercharger and OS Giken limited-slip differential. Power can be addicting so Max visited Z Car Garage recently for more boost and a full Stoptech Big-Brake Kit to reign it all in.

 

Providing more boost is a 9lb pulley and supporting upgrades to the fuel system including a CJ Motorsports return fuel system with billet hat. Injector Dynamics 1050cc injectors and 485lph Wallbro pump.

 

A Soho motorsports air to air intercooler kit replaces the Stillen air-to-water setup:

 

We pulled the transmission to install a Fast Intentions billet flex plate:

  

 

Dyno tuning was performed via Ecutek making 447hp/324tq  91 octane and 475hp/349tq 100 octane:

 https://youtu.be/Z5U_tCjfzlk

 

With more power available the brakes were upgraded to a full Big-Brake Kit from Stoptech:  6-piston calipers with 355mm front rotors and ST22 calipers in rear with slotted rotors :

 

This kit sports Stoptech 6-piston calipers calmping 355mm front rotors and ST22 calipers in rear with slotted rotors, OEM vs Stoptech front:

   

The brakes also look great behind those awesome Enkei R05rr wheels:

 

New SPPC front/rear control arms and a full alignment following installation of larger Michelin Pilot SS 275/40/18 F and 295/35/18 R

     

It was very important for Max to monitor boost,  A/F, and trans temperature so we installed a  PLX Devices DM100 gauge in the factory clock lcoation:

        

We replaced the headlights with an HID setup(7k), and installed Max’s rear/side diffuser panels:

     

Zspeed Performance splash shield:

 Enjoy The Boost, Max!

 

 
More pictures in the gallery below and LONG LIVE THE Z!

…[read more]

 

At Z Car Garage we enjoy working with late-model Nissans as much as earlier Datsuns. Our customer Eric R brought his Infiniti G35 Coupe to us back in 2009 and ten years later we helped him find a 2008 Infiniti FX35.  The FX got many upgrades to make it exactly the way Eric envisioned and he’s been enjoying it with his family as well as backroads.

 

The first generation (S50) FX-series models have aged rather well and we dig their combination of styling, power and versatility. Eric recalls how he became an FX owner:

“I’ve always been a car enthusiast.  My mom owned a 72 240Z back in the day and in 2007 my wife and I purchased a G35 Coupe 6MT and after a disappointing experience with the local Infiniti dealer, took the car to Rob and ZCG.  Needless to say, the knowledge base and Rob’s unique brand of engagement with his customers was refreshing. It was one of the best customer service experiences I’ve had and ZCG took exceptional care of our G35.  After a couple years of ownership, we had to give up the G Coupe with the onset of…kids.

Fast forward nearly a dozen years and the kids a bit older, I started my search for a new car. It needed to be sporty but still functional as a daily driver. It needed to haul mail and still haul the kids and the bikes and the gear.  The FX covered nearly every one of my criteria in one package, but fell a little short in visual cues and base line performance.

Timing worked out as our customer Chris’2008 FX35 AWD (Sport & Tech pac) was up for sale:

“As I searched for potential candidates, I was thrilled to reconnect with Rob and ZCG.  He helped me focus my search efforts and game plan what I envisioned for the car.   After a year of searching my FX came up for sale.  As luck would have it, it was a car already under the care of ZCG and a number of mods on my want list performed. Rob confirmed the quality and condition of the FX as well as the character of the seller.  It was, as they say, meant to be.”

 

 

Eric’s first visit with his FX focused on power and chassis upgrades. The VQ35 was treated to a Motordyne plenum spacer, JWT POP Charger and Uprev street tune providing more power throughout the rev range.

 

Eric is all smiles with the upgrades and he’s been driving the FX everywhere:

 

 

Z Car Garage is expanding to support our vintage, late model and motorsport work. We are seeking an experienced and skilled automotive technician to join our team. This is not an average automotive job. We work 4-10hr days and offer competitive pay/benefits.

Requirements: Automotive experience, your own set of tools, willingness to learn, and be part of a team.

Nissan/Datsun experience is NOT a requirement, you just need to have passion.

Interested or know someone who might be a good fit? Share this, spread the word and please contact rob@zcargarage.com or call us at (408)452-0350.

 

  

 

Take a shop tour of Z Car Garage with Larry Chen on another episode of Hoonigan Autofocus!
In this video Larry shares what our shop is about and samples a few cars including Mrs. Butters: our 1971 demo S30 with a 3.2L, Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, CV axles and KW suspension. Don’t miss Rob indulging us in his passion for vintage racing and Datsuns. Enjoy!

 

And if you missed it please view the first episode featuring our customer James’ turbocharged 1972 Datsun 240z: