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More Upgrades For Lee’s R32 Skyline

Filed under: Featured Cars and Projects,Performance,r32
by Alvin G @ 2:44 pm on January 8, 2021

 

We met Lehan in the summer of 2018 when he came to Z Car Garage with his newly acquired (KH2) 1991 Skyline GTR. After learning that these cars can be made smog compliant, he found this car locally (originally imported by our friend Sean and his team at Toprank International Vehicle Importers) and picked it up right away. We replaced the clutch and flywheel with an OS Giken TS2CD setup, replaced the rear main seal and fresh clutch hydraulics.

 

To fix an intermittent misfire we installed R35 coil packs ( a common RB26 upgrade) and replaced the front CV axle boots. Lehan’s goal for this R32 has been modest:
“I’ve changed the wheels and exhaust to more of my liking, replaced worn rubber parts and trim pieces, and added some Nismo bling. My goal with the car is to keep it looking mostly stock, but update the drivetrain to more modern tech, hence the Haltech ecu. In the future I may replace the 30 year old turbos but keep it to a modest hp gain, and replace the Attesa G-sensor with a digital unit. I will probably keep the HICAS system just because, and learn to drive with it on the track.”

 

Haltech ECU and Tuning

 

In March of 2019 we installed a Haltch Platium Pro Plug-in. It was set up to run MAP-based with the Haltech WB1 single channel wideband 02. We are huge fans of Haltech engine management. Rob performed street/dyno tuning tuned on 91 octane with baseline numbers of 260hp/253tq and with the Haltech making 337hp/280tq at the rear wheels:

 

Enjoy the dyno video!

Stoptech Big Brakes


All 90’s Nissan sports cars can benefit from larger brakes and Stoptech has got you covered. Another Norcal Skyline member Kurt W also had Stoptech brakes installed at ZCG, and he highly recommended them. Lehan’s R32 received ST40 calipers with 332mm rotors up front and ST22 caliper with 328mm rotors at the rear.

 

A few pictures of the brake installation:

 

The brakes look great behind the BBS wheels. During the brake upgrade we replaced all fluids: both diffs, tranny and transfer case.

 

Lehan took the R32 to a track day it performed admirably. He did experienced high oil temps, another common issue when tracking these cars. A new oil cooler will be installed next. Over all he’s please with the Skyline’s upgrades:

“Every visit to fix or update something just makes the car more awesome to drive. It feels much more lively and torquey after the tune. Best part is I can drive it as hard as I can knowing it’s been tuned safely and backed by modern engine management. It’s a similar feeling with the StopTech brakes on track – without it I would not have been able to push braking points. The steering feel and overall composure of the car is top notch, especially after the tune. I’m very happy with the car as is, but definitely looking forward to any future mods.”

 

Enjoying The Ride

 

Lehan has been driving the R32 everywhere including the track and autocross. We spotted him at the inaugural Fuel Supply Co. gathering earlier last year.

 

He even made it out to the Norcal Skylines Matsuri, an event we were lucky to attend 2019:

 

We love helping our local Norcal Skyline Owners repair, improve and enjoy their cars.

“It’s been awesome working with Rob and ZCG, and I’m really happy with all the work they’ve done. This is my first car with significant modifications, and I liked that Rob doesn’t push to have it done in a specific way. I also appreciate Rob’s effort to ensure the car is as best as it can be. I noticed some rubbing the week before a track day, and he was able to check that out on short notice, and offered to help if anything came up. True to that, I texted Rob about high oil temps the day of and he replied right away. I’m getting an oil cooler installed early Jan before the next track day.”

Thank you Lehan for your support and we look forward to working with you! More pictures in the gallery below:

…[read more]



Happy Holidays From Z Car Garage!

Filed under: 240z,350z,370z,510,Featured Cars and Projects,Performance,Q50,r32,R35
by Alvin G @ 5:10 pm on December 21, 2020

 

***HAPPY HOLIDAYS From Z Car Garage***

 

One of the real joys this holiday season is the opportunity to say thank you and wish you the very best for the new year. From all of us at Z Car Garage we thank our friends, family and customers again for another exciting and productive year! Enjoy our 2020 recap and upcoming projects. Please note our holiday closure below:

 

ZCG will be closed from 12/23/20 and we will re-open for business on 1/5/21.

 

 

Before we take a look back at highlights from 2020, here several exciting customer projects coming along at the shop:

 

Richard’s Sunshine yellow (#919) 1971 Datsun 240z came to us in 2018 and received a total mechanical restoration with upgrades including a 3.1L with triple-mikuni ph44s, KA24 5-speed transmission, our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes (for small wheels), Z Car Garage CV Axles and Z Car Garage Heat Sheild.

 

We also upgraded the interior with leather Recaro seats and sound deadening. Stay tuned for a full report!

 

Jim’s 1971 Datsun 240z returned for a Rebello 3.2L with triple-Mikuni carbs on a Harada intake and CD009a 6-speed transmission:

  
 

Dirk’s 1973 Datsun 240z is back for a 3.0L engine and tuning, we can’t wait to show you the dyno results!

 

This historically significant 1970 Datsun 240z was built by a team of Nissan employees to compete at Bonneville in the F/GT class. In 1976 their efforts resulted in a new land speed record of 166.037 mph, which stood unbroken until 1985. This Z resided in the Nissan Museum and is now in the care of Randy Jaffe. Lots of neat details the Z 432R seats and G-nose. More to come! Big thanks to Randy and Nissan for letting us bring this Z back to life.

 

One of many Z32s we are working on, Steve’s will get a full report soon:

 

 

Highlights from 2020

 

Even though 2020 was crazy 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 2020 and  Z you in the New Year!

 

240Z

Mrs. Butters Shop Series1

PROJECTZ: Jason’s 1971 Datsun 240z

Hard Habit to Break: Bruce’s Two 1970 Datsun 240z’s

PARTS: Z Car Garage Big-Brakes for Jaime’s 1972 Datsun 240z

KAMIKAZ: Randy’s 1970 Datsun 240z

AWESOME Z: Bill’s 1970 Datsun 240z

Yoni’s 1972 Datsun 240z

Greg’s 1973 Datsun 240z

Daisy’s 1972 Datsun 240z

Do It Yourself: Ken’s 1970 Datsun 240z

Dave’s 1972 Datsun 240z

280Z

Life is a Journey, Enjoy the Ride: Cece’s 1977 Datsun 280z

Greg’s 1977 Datsun 280Z

Long Live The Z: Ruth and Larry’s 1978 Datsun 280Z

Triple Six: David’s 1975 Datsun 280z

Rallye With Family: Geoff’s 1972 Datsun 240z

300zx

Love Thy Monster: Paul’s 1991 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo

Jay’s 1990 Nissan 300zx Twin Turbo

Worth the Wait: Chris’ 1992 Nissan 300zx Twin Turbo

 

Silvia, Bluebird, 510, DR30 and Fairlady Roadster

Rick’s 1965 Nissan Silvia

High School Sweetheart: Kevin’s Datsun Bluebird SSS

Mark’s 1972 Datsun 510

TUNING: Eric Straw’s SR20-Powered Datsun Roadster

 

350Z

For The Track: Dan’s Supercharged Nissan 350z

Josh’s Supercharged Nissan 350z

TUNING: UPREV and EcuTek Dyno Tuning For Your Z/G

 

370z

Big Brakes and More Boost for Max’s Stillen Supercharged 370z

 

R32

Mike’s 1991 Nissan Skyline GT-R

Racing

RACE REPORT: David Love Vintage Races with CSRG at Sonoma

RACE REPORT: Datsun 510s Rule at Laguna Seca!

 

Rallyes/Events

Breakfast Club

DWA Rally From home South

Z Car Garage Datsun 240Zs Enjoying The Ride!

Happy 510 Day!

PARTS: Z Car Garage Big-Brakes on Two Datsun 240Zs

EVENTS: Fuel Supply Co. Cars & Coffee 2/29

EVENTS: Cars and Coffee with Driving While Awesome!

 

Media

MEDIA: ZCG Shop Tour with Hoonigan Autofocus

MEDIA: James’ Z Featured on Hoonigan Autofocus!

MEDIA: ZCG-Built Datsun Roadster on Hoonigan Autofocus

 

 

 

Enjoy The Ride!

 

 




TECHNICIANS WANTED

Filed under: Events,Featured Cars and Projects,Maintenance,r32,R35,Racing,z32
by Alvin G @ 3:40 pm on September 23, 2020

 

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 with two open positions available. 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.

 

 
 

 

 

DSC08544




Mike’s 1991 Nissan Skyline GT-R

Filed under: Featured Cars and Projects,Performance,r32
by Alvin G @ 5:53 pm on June 30, 2020

 

Mike R acquired this gunmetal (KH2) 1991 Skyline GTR last August from our friend Sean and his team at Toprank International Vehicle Importers. It goes without saying, if you are in the market for a vintage Skyline (or any JDM car) IVI is the place to go.

 

Z Car Garage is familiar with the Norcal Skylines group and fellow Skyline R32 owner Kurt W. referred Mike to us in addition to an endorsement from Top Rank:

“One of my main concerns in purchasing a 25+ year old vehicle that was never manufactured in the US, was support. Who can work on this thing to perform maintenance and upgrades? I spoke with Top rank about it quite a bit prior to purchase and they had recommended Z Car garage. The car was in great condition and mostly stock when I got it. With the goal of being an all around fast street car, I started acquiring parts and placed a call to ZCG to start the first round of upgrades.”

 

Chassis

We discussed installing a big-brake kit, suspension, Haltech and a few others issues we handled for Mike. Here is the Project Mu 4-wheel big-brake kit:

 

We also installed the Ohlins DFV coil-overs, shown below are the stock R32 calipers:

 

 

With a few modifications the Project Mu kit was installed:

 

Some close-ups of the Project Mu setup:

 

We adjusted his coil-over setup and set the ride height followed by corner-weighting the car according to his weight. Further suspension mods included Whiteline Sway bars, Cusco strut bracing and SPL titanium HICAS eliminator kit. All interior panels were trimmed for a clean finish with full alignment services.

Performance

Mike was also interested in replacing the factory ECU so we upgraded to a Haltech Elite 2000 with the R32-plugin adapter. The full installation also included a wideband controller and smoke-testing the car in preparation for dyno tuning:

 

Greddy FMIC:

 

The Haltech combined with Apexi intakes, Nismo downpipe, Tomei Titanium exhaust, Greddy FMIC and PRP R35 Coil kit, netted 340hp/284tq at the wheels with Rob’s tuning on 91 octane:

 

Enjoy the dyno video below:

 

 

Since his last visit, Mike has added R34 GT-R Seats, and a sweet set of Volk Racing TE37 SL custom gloss black wheels (18×10.5 +15), wrapped in Michelin PS4S tires measuring 265/35/18.

 

Mike also relocated the battery to the trunk to make space for a Leaskspec radiator overflow tank and Radium dual catch can setup:

 

In addition, a Haltech IC7 digital dash was added to monitor vital engine parameters. The IC7 dash ties into the CAN box of Elite system:

More Power

 

Mike has been happy with the upgrades we made but like many of us the desire for more power inevitably hits:

“The car has been running flawlessly and the goal with these mods is to support the addition of a single turbo kit that Zcar will be installing this August. The turbo kit consists of a Full Race Twin scroll T4 manifold that will be mated to an EFR 8474 turbocharger.  Twin Tial 44mm external wastegates will bleed off the excess exhaust gasses.”

 

Along with the turbo kit, we will be adding: PWR radiator, Samco radiator hoses, Tomei Type B Poncams, fuel pump, Radium fuel rail, fpr, ID 1050X fuel injectors, along with a custom intake and custom intercooler piping with a Tial q50 BOV. The goal for this round of upgrades is 500whp on low boost and 91 octane fuel.
“All of the work performed at Zcar had exceeded my expectations so far (and I’m very picky). Looking forward to the start the build and make some power of the next few months.”

We really enjoy taking care of many Norcal Skyline owners.  Welcome to ZCG family Mike and thanks for trusting us with your R32! Enjoy The Boost until you return!
More pictures in the gallery below:




TE Tuesday: Kurt’s R32 Skyline GT-R

Filed under: Featured Cars and Projects,Performance,r32
by Alvin G @ 2:12 pm on August 27, 2019

 

Kurt W is a Nissan enthusiast having owned a 350z that we worked on back in 2008.  Last year he acquired this (KH2) R32 Skyline GT-R from our friend Sean Morris and his team at Toprank International Vehicle Importers. It goes without saying, if you are in the market for a vintage Skyline (or any JDM car) IVI is the place to go.

 

Kurt visited Z Car Garage for minor sorting and a series of upgrades we will document in a future blog post. Recently he came in for installation of 17″ VOLK TE37V wheels with Bridgestone RE-71R tires:

 

The wheels frame the Stoptech Big-Brake kit( 332mm front and 328mm rear) nicely. Love the dish on these!

 

Electric Avenue

 

Kurt also called us about lowering his Tesla Model 3 and for the first time an electric vehicle came to ZCG for modifications. A full KW coil-over suspension setup from MountainPass Performance was installed:

 

The Model 3 received a full alignment. Note the weight/distribution!

 

Kurt’s R32 will be back at the shop for some exciting power upgrades stay tuned for a full report!

 




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