Mark your calendars for June 5th to celebrate Z Owners of Northern California (ZONC) 50th birthday at the Blackhawk Museum in Danville!
The Z Owners of Northern California (ZONC) is one of the oldest Z car clubs in the nation. In its prime they had over 600 members with close ties to Yutaka Katayama (“Mr. K”) and Nissan USA. Of the many events and fun runs they host throughout the year, the famous Blackhawk Museum will be the venue for the June 6 birthday party.
Local Datsun specialists/racers Troy Ermish and Rob Fuller will be displaying their race cars. Datsun and Nissan cars will be on the plaza and lower lots for everyone to see. Z you there!
Filed under: 510,Events,Parts
by Alvin G @ 4:55 pm on April 29, 2022
We love to see owners installing our Z Car Garage CV Axles in their vintage Nissans and Datsuns. This 1971 Datsun 510 is owned by Dirk D. and he replaced his failing CV Axle kit with our ZCG CV Axles. You may have seen this Specialty Z-built Dime at events in the SoCal area and we are proud to be part of it!
We saw Dirk’s 510 last year at the Japanese Classic Car Show and noticed he was running ZCG CV Axles with an R200 diff and Quaife (ATB) limited slip differential. Great to hear that these parts earn Sebastian’s approval and he installed them with ease at the Specialty-Z facility in Simi Valley, CA. Dirk is stoked:
“After receiving them I was even more impressed. Sebastian said the installation went very smooth. I’ve been running them now for over 2000 miles and haven’t had any issues. Even after putting the wood to it a few times. And the fact that we put 498 horse power to the rear wheels proves to me that they are high quality”
Datsun 510 Dreams
Dirk has bee working for 10 years perfecting this 510 mechanically and visually. Here is a brief overview…
MOTOR: SR20DET Red top, Mazworx intake, 1320 Injector dynamics, dual scroll exhaust manifold with Garrett 30 GTX twin Scroll, Forged Pistons (CP), Rods (Eagle), ARP Studs, O-Rings, BC Stage 3 Cams (Adjustable cam sprockets), R35 GTR PRP Coil Kit, S15 Oil pick up, High Capacity Oil Pan, Setrab oil cooler, modified Mishmoto radiator, OEM Nissan Fan Clutch, High Capacity Fan, Canton remote oil filter
DRIVE TRAIN: 5 speed, RPS Carbon Fiber Clutch, Pressure Plate & Fly Wheel (billet aluminum), Custom Built Drive Shaft 300ZX Yolk & U Joints, ZCG CV Axles and Power steering.
Sebastian at Specialty Z dyno-tuned the 510 using a Haltech ECU with maps for E85 and 91 octane fuel. It made 369whp at 16psi and 498whp at 20psi. Enjoy this video of the dyno pass:
Interior
Inside, a finished custom interior features carbon fiber and alcantara touches:
Dirk’s 510 was featured in the February 2019 issue of D Sport Magazine:
Enjoying the Ride
Dirk has been driving his 510 everywhere, most recently to the Petersen Museum Japanese Car Cruise-In last weekend. Both Sebastian and Dirk are impressed with the Z Car Garage CV Axles:
“Sebastian from Specialty Z told me about your axles after informing him that I just snapped a set aftermarket CV Axles the first time I put the wood to it. So I decided to upgrade to ZCG CV’s. I thought that weak link was going to be an issue that was unsolvable because prior to your CV’s there was nothing on the market that would hold up to the power that this car has. It’s great you guys have offered this solution to the market.”
Dirk purchased this 510 with the SR20 swap already in it, assuming it was a turn key car. Unfortunately the engine failed due to the previous owner’s tuning and 76 mm turbo. Dirk knew Sebastian for quite awhile and talked him into helping him rebuild the car to its fullest potential.
“I wanted a car that wasn’t only for drags or track but could also be driven as a daily driver and still haul ass. With no cooling or tuning issues whatsoever. With major help from Sebastian at Specialty Z and Jamie @ Fab Tech I’ve got everything I asked for and more out of the car couldn’t be happier.”
We asked Sebastian what his thoughts were on building Dirk’s 510:
“The thing I enjoyed most about Dirk’s 510 project was that it was something that we normally don’t do as far as the platform goes. So it was new and refreshing. We never worked in depth with the SR20 in the past or the 510 chassis. We stuck to high quality (as we usually do anyway) parts for the build so it was hard to leave others out, overall we were happy with the fit and finish of the Mazworx intake and exhaust manifolds. We used a Garrett GTX 3076 for the turbo and Garrett never disappoints. As far as the drivetrain goes, the ZCG axles were a pleasure to install and the quality was second to none. We had issues with the previous axles and immediately noticed the difference in noise (lack of) and even a nicer feel while driving the car.”
We have known Sebastian for many years and Specialty Z is a legendary Z32/late-model Nissan tuning house. Seb is a trusted friend and is always willing to help ZCG. It goes without saying that his shop is top notch with many high-profile projects like tuning pro-racer Chris Forsberg’s TT 370Z. Time flies: (L). Ginash and Eric from JDM Legends at SEMA. (Below) Rob and Seb at Z Car Garage:
You won’t see too much from Specialty Z in regards to Datsun related work, but we frequently refer local clients to Seb that have late-model powerplants. Indeed, we sent Bay Area local Jose P to SPZ for tuning on his SR20-powered Datsun 510! We are also super excited to see Seb restoring our Box-flared Datsun 510 that he purchased it from Rob a few years ago:
Seb plans to run a Rebello 2.2L with dual-Mikuni induction, here are a few photos from fresh paint and assembly:
Thank you Dirk and Sebastian for your support! Happy to see you enjoying the Z Car Garage CV Axles in the Dime. Enjoy The Ride!
We have many more photos in the gallery and please read below for more information on our ZCG CV Axles:
ZCG CV Axles
Our Z Car Garage CV Axles help transmit power to the ground and ensure smoother operation compared to your standard half shafts. These are 100% bolt-in replacing your half-shafts and does not use aluminum adapters commonly found in aftermarket units. We have over 200+ CV axle kits on customer cars and we are stoked with all of the positive feedback.
For years we have used aftermarket CV axles that utilize an aluminum adapter prone to loosening up over time. Despite efforts to keep things tight (Loctite, hardware changes) we had to keep an eye on them. We developed a better solution that eliminates the need for aluminum adapters and remains 100% bolt-in like a factory half-shaft.
Designed and manufactured locally with KAD Models, the ZCG CV axle kit works in both R180 and R200 configurations.
These are the beefiest CV axles on the market. They have been tested on the track by our vintage racing customers and also in high hp* street cars (powershifting, clutch dumps, etc.). Each axle has a serial # for peace of mind:
The CV axle kit is available now from ZCG for 1595.00 + freight and they come with everything you need to install on your car. Contact us at 408-452-0350 or send Rob an e-mail rob@zcargarage.com to purchase. Installation is just like doing a half-shaft: there is even a marking that shows you where to line up bolts and special hardware:
The ZCG CV Axles in action
The video below demonstrates the “looseness” associated with aftermarket CV axles that use adapters compared to the ZCG axles without adapters. Several customer race/street cars running our CV axles are also shown. Enjoy!
Enjoy this video made by our client Hazel. She installed our ZCG CV Axles on her Hazel’s 1970 Datsun 240Z
Over 150 sets of our ZCG CV Axles are installed in client’s cars all over the world:
Filed under: 510,Events,Racing
by Alvin G @ 5:10 pm on April 20, 2022
Z Car Garage is excited to go vintage racing two weekends in a row! On April 21-24, Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) will host the Trans Am SpeedFest at Laguna Seca. On April 28 to May 1, SVRA will host the Sonoma Speed Tour at Sonoma Raceway.
Details for this weekend’s Trans Am SpeedFest at Laguna Seca are HERE. Come out and watch some exciting B-Sedan/Trans Am race action!
Here is a video of the race cars we prepared this week with dyno passes and a walk around the shop. Enjoy!
Z Car Garage Racers
Z Car Garage will be racing and supporting several client cars at both events:
Z Car Garage is excited to go vintage racing two weekends in a row! On April 21-24, Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) will host the Trans Am SpeedFest at Laguna Seca. On April 28 to May 1, SVRA will host the Sonoma Speed Tour at Sonoma Raceway.
Details for the Trans Am SpeedFest at Laguna Seca are HERE.
Details for the Sonoma SpeedTour at Sonoma Raceway are HERE.
Z Car Garage Racers
Z Car Garage will be racing and supporting several client cars at both events:
Kelvin’ Datsun 510
Gabe’s Datsun 510
Ed’s Ex-Walt Mass 1965 Porsche 911
Rob Fuller in the Bay Area Datsun Dealers Datsun 510
Racing into 2022!
Z Car Garage is amped for this year’s race season. Here is list of events we will be attending. Please join us!
April
4/1-3 Sonoma with CSRG (Finished, report soon!)
4/21-24 Laguna with SVRA
4/28-5/2 Sonoma with SVRA
May
5/21-22 Laps for Laguna with CSRG
August
8/13-14 Laguna with HSR Pre Reunion ( NOT CONFIRMED)
We love to see owners installing our Z Car Garage CV Axles in their vintage Nissans and Datsuns. This 1971 Datsun 510 is owned by Carlo O and the old half shafts were replaced with our ZCG CV Axles. You may have seen this TSR Fabrication-built Dime at events in the SoCal area and we are proud to be part of it!
We saw Carlo’s 510 last year at the Japanese Classic Car Show and noticed he was running ZCG CV Axles with an R200 LSD. Great to hear that these parts earn Mario Lozano’s approval and he installed them with ease at the TSR facility in Gardena, CA. Carlo is stoked:
“The ZCG CV Axles were recommended by Mario of TSR Fabrication and we chose them based on anticipated power levels as well as reducing the vibrations associated with my half shafts. Installation was smooth as butter and easy as it gets. Performance has been great, they are quiet and definitely substantially reduced vibrations.”
Datsun 510 Dreams
Carlo dreamed of having a Datsun 510 and it had to be built by TSR Fabrication.
“I purchased my 510 in 2004 right after I graduated from high school. I was 17 and I remember searching for months, waiting every every week for a new Auto Trader. No online tools or social media like today. I would check DimeQuarterly every night. Finally found one about 7hrs from home. My Dad and I had a great adventure trying to get it, and no matter what condition I going to buy it!”
In addition to the upgraded ZCG CV Axles this is a full TSR Datsun 510 build. As a young enthusiast, Carlo worked several jobs and saved up to enlist the help of Mario Lozano at TSR Fabrication in 2016. Years later the result is a full, TSR Datsun 510 with SR20DET-power and all the goodies they are known for.
The body color is Nissan (350Z) LeMans Blue with 17×8 forged AG wheels. More pictures in the gallery below!
Photo by Ricardo Hernandez
Inside, a custom interior from Fast Ed’s features Recaro EVO seats wrapped in Aston Martin leather, Mercedes grey carpet, suede headliner, limited edition S15 gauge cluster, roll cage and custom billet parts like the sun visors:
The engine bay and chassis sport a full list of TSR specialty parts like their titanium heat shield, full stainless exhaust, JRZ suspension, Brembo 13″ brakes, TSR custom airbox, overflow tank, intercooler, radiator, turbo plumbing, stainless fuel lines and full adjustable rear crossmember:
Datsun 510 enthusiasts worldwide are very familiar with Mario Lozano, owner of TSR Fabrication in Gardena, CA. Mario has been creating high-quality, functional and artistic parts for Datsuns over the last few decades, but that is just scratching the surface of his accomplishments and project scopes. We have known Mario for many years and recently caught up with him to discuss his passions (not just Datsuns), current work and future offerings:
Time flies: (L) Rob and Mario at the 2021 JCCS, (R). Alvin and Mario at the 2005 All-Datsun Meet at Mt. Shasta
Mario was a track athlete in school, heading for competitive (Olympic) levels until injuries sidelined that trajectory. Academics then became his focus and this is where a passion and love for Industrial Design was founded. Cars came second and Mario loves 510s, building them for fun while helping the Datsun community. Mario’s personal, SR20DET-powered Datsun 510:
While he is synonymous for fabricating high-end Datsun parts, Mario does so much more! From working directly with major OEMs (like Ford and their Mach-E wheels) to F1 and Indy cars…even helping senior citizens with their welding projects! Mario’s favorite material to work with: stainless steel (RathGibson US Mil-spec only).
We asked Mario what his favorite part on Carlo’s 510 was, starting with the full stainless exhaust system. He is truly an artist:
The custom airbox and titanium heat shield (It’s 13 years old!)
Mario is especially proud of the JRZ suspension and Brembo brake systems he designed and fabricated:
“I worked closely with JRZ (we are on V.4) and it transforms the car. Carlo’s wife would refuse to ride in his 510 before the suspension upgrade as it was too bouncy. Afterwards she said it rides like a Camry but handles and brakes…now she wants the same for her 510 Wagon! Smoothest 510 that simply does not feel like a 510.”
What can we expect from TSR for Datsun owners? Mario has been offering Carbon Fiber hoods since 1999, but materials have come a long way. These parts are like jewelry and CF trunks are next. A new rack and pinion steering setup, engineered for 510 use with electronic power steering. Finally, Mario is really excited to offer active JRZ suspension!
Thank you for your support Carlo and Mario, it was great seeing you at JCCS! Please read below for more information on our ZCG CV Axles:
ZCG CV Axles
Our Z Car Garage CV Axles help transmit power to the ground and ensure smoother operation compared to your standard half shafts. These are 100% bolt-in replacing your half-shafts and does not use aluminum adapters commonly found in aftermarket units. We have over 200 CV axle kits on customer cars and we are stoked with all of the positive feedback.
For years we have used aftermarket CV axles that utilize an aluminum adapter prone to loosening up over time. Despite efforts to keep things tight (Loctite, hardware changes) we had to keep an eye on them. We developed a better solution that eliminates the need for aluminum adapters and remains 100% bolt-in like a factory half-shaft.
Designed and manufactured locally with KAD Models, the ZCG CV axle kit works in both R180 and R200 configurations.
These are the beefiest CV axles on the market. They have been tested on the track by our vintage racing customers and also in high hp* street cars (powershifting, clutch dumps, etc.). Each axle has a serial # for peace of mind:
The CV axle kit is available now from ZCG for 1595.00 + freight and they come with everything you need to install on your car. Contact us at 408-452-0350 or send Rob an e-mail rob@zcargarage.com to purchase. Installation is just like doing a half-shaft: there is even a marking that shows you where to line up bolts and special hardware:
The ZCG CV Axles in action
The video below demonstrates the “looseness” associated with aftermarket CV axles that use adapters compared to the ZCG axles without adapters. Several customer race/street cars running our CV axles are also shown. Enjoy!
Enjoy this video made by our client Hazel. She installed our ZCG CV Axles on her Hazel’s 1970 Datsun 240Z
Over 150 sets of our ZCG CV Axles are installed in client’s cars all over the world:
