We had a great time enjoying the 2023 Nissan Z during Monterey Car Week. Thanks to Nissan, we got to enjoy driving the Z to several special events and dyno test it at our shop. Let’s get straight to the numbers!
This is the Performance model in Two-Tone Ikazuchi Yellow TriCoat / Super Black and 9-speed automatic. In stock form and 91 octane it put down 345hp/362tq to the wheels. The dyno plot below shows dyno results from the Yellow automatic Z and the Passion Red 6-speed manual Z we dyno tested in June. Super excited to tune the new Z and unlock more power!
Enjoy this video of the dyno runs, road testing and exhaust sounds.Volume up!
Note, this automatic model has a different exhaust system than the manual model.
Huge thanks to Nissan for lending us the Z to enjoy during Monterey Car Week. Here is our coverage if you missed it
Treat your Z to a brand new set of Panasport wheels! Z Car Garage is an authorized Panasport dealer with limited sets available for fitment on your S30 Z car. We special order this 16×7 +11 offset to enable fitment of a 225/50/16 tire on the 1970 to 1978 S30s and even S130s.
Price is $330 each or $1320 for a set of 4 wheels + freight. Includes center caps
Contact us to order: rob@zcargarage.com or call 408-452-0350. Limited availability (recent pallet pictured)
Wondering how a set of Panasports would look on your Z car? They are timeless just like your Z. Please enjoy pictures below of ZCG customer cars in jus about every color imaginable with Panasport wheels:
Z Car Garage specializes in dyno tuning vintage cars. Our in-house dyno and expertise in carb tuning can help your engine reach its potential whether it is a street car or full race car. We love Datsun roadsters and recently dyno tuned Erik’s 1970 1600 with great results. Let’s take a look at how he got into Datsuns…
Roadster Beginnings
Affectionately named “Audrey”, Erik bought this 1970 Datsun Sports 1600 in 1995 and drove her every day while living in San Jose and Santa Monica, CA. He had lots of adventures in those days, including driving on Highway 1, Route 66, and even blowing a head gasket in the desert outside Needles, CA.
“In 1998 he got a job in Thailand and Audrey was put in storage. Stored outside for years, she suffered the indignity of being broken into and vandalized. (I’m still apologizing to her for that.)In 2000, I moved back to the USA, but had no garage for Audrey, so she remained outside, staying with friends and family. By 2003 she had finally moved inside, but a busy life and no shop space meant that she sat in the corner, patiently awaiting resurrection.”
“Fast forward to 2019: now having a great garage space and some free time, it was time to get Audrey back on the road. On the outside, she still wears most of what’s left of her original 52 year old paint, but inside and underneath it’s a different story: Her factory 96 horsepower has been doubled using the original engine, and her 4 speed transmission has been swapped for a 5 speed. The body was removed from the frame, all suspension, steering, and brakes were redone/upgraded, all electrical wiring replaced, every nut and bolt was either re-plated or replaced, and the interior restoration has begun, slowly changing from black to red.”
Erik and Z Car Garage
Erik heard about Z Car Garage through 311s.org, the definitive resource for all things Datsun Roadster. He purchased a G35 coupe and called Rob to talk about performance upgrades and the Infiniti was turned into a supercharged beast making 560whp.
“Since then, Rob has been super helpful while I’ve been restoring my 1970 Datsun 1600 from connecting me with the engine and transmission rebuilders, to helping with parts restoration, zinc plating, advice, and moral support. Once I had the car assembled and the new engine broken in, I knew I wanted to get it tuned on the ZCG dyno.”
Dyno Tuning
Erik’s roadster is a “1600” model, originally sporting 1.6L (R16) with dual-SU induction and 4-speed drivetrain. His restoration included stroking the original motor to a larger 2150cc displacement with twin-Mikuni induction and 5-speed (u20) transmission. You can learn more about Erik’s restoration efforts and the Rebello stroker R16 drivetrain all on 311s.org HERE.
Our initial dyno tuning session was with Phh40 Mikuni carbs. While it made great power Rob had always suggested running a larger Phh44 carbs to take advantage of the stout Rebello cam. Erik returned for another dyno session. With the carb switch, A/F ratio and timing optimized the roadster put down an impressive 157hp/151tq to the wheels with improved driveability throughout the entire rev range:
Erik was stoked with the tuning results:
“After finding some compatibility issues with my carburetors, Rob helped me build and install bigger carbs (the ones Rob had told me to use all along!). Came back for another tuning session and wow – what a difference. More power everywhere, better idle and driveability, and top end power is phenomenal. Many thanks to Rob and the whole Z Car Garage crew for taking my car from good to amazing!”
Enjoy this video of the roadster being dyno tuned and road tested, volume up!
Interested in what our other Datsun Roadster dyno sessions look like? Visit zcarblog.com
Enjoying The Ride
Datsuns Are Driven! In true roadster fashion, Erik has been Enjoying the Ride in his revived “Audrey”. We got the roadster prepped for a 600+ mile road trip to the Annual Datsun Roadster Meet at Mt. Shasta back in June. The car ran flawlessly:
Erik has been attending local car shows and rallys including VALT Car show in Berkeley, CA and Breakfast Club Rally.
We had fun tuning Erik’s roadster and getting it dialed in with the new drivetrain. Eventually it will be time for bodywork and paint, but he’s too busy having fun on the road! Thanks for letting us be a part of your Datsun journey Erik, you’ve done the roadster justice! If you have a vintage car (it doesn’t have to be a Datsun) feel free to contact the shop to schedule a dyno tuning session. More photos in the gallery below.
Since Nissan lent us the 2023 Z to enjoy during Monterey Car Week we have been attending events and sharing the Z with fellow enthusiasts. On 8/17 we started with the Motorlux kick-off celebration (formerly McCall’s Motorworks Revival). On Friday and Saturday we attended the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca. Finally on Sunday we closed with a visit to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Enjoy our report with photos video from Car Week in the new Z!
Vintage Racing at Laguna Seca
We love vintage racing and had a blast at this year’s Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. On Friday we parked the new Z in Row C of the paddock with our friends from Racecraft. Race car driver and restoration specialist Jim Froula piloted the Greg Alderman 300ZX and a Nissan 240SX, both in IMSA trim. The Z31 features our ZCG CV Axles:
The new Z was well-received at the race track. We showed people around the car and let them check it out, always happy to share with enthusiasts! Many people shared their love for the Z and posted photos on social media (thank you!). Below L to R: Larry Oka displaying Gary Cooks’ Z, Rob showing the new Z in Racecraft paddock and Meghan Fuller with the legend Pete Brock:
Hanging out with the Breakfast Club
Before heading to the track on Saturday, just before the races we joined the Breakfast Club Rally at their pre-rally gathering in Carmel. The BCR organizers kindly gave us a spot to park the new Z during their social hour from 8-9am prior to the event start. It was a great time chatting with new and familiar enthusiasts. We loved seeing our client Jay W with family creating memories in his Datsun 510 featuring our Z Car Garage CV Axles:
BCR’s rallies always bring a variety of vintage and modern metal, more photos in the gallery below and don’t forget to join us for Breakfast Club’s upcoming Tokyo Calling2 event 9/24!
From Carmel we headed back to Laguna Seca with the new Z for even more racing action. It is worth noting the complete absence of any vintage Z cars Datsun 510s on track at this year’s reunion. Have no fear as the upcoming Velocity Invitational will have a dedicated B-Sedan race group and many Z cars racing! Despite the lack of Datsuns on track we enjoyed the Trans Am and other feature race groups.
We left RMMR happy and ready for more Monterey Car Week fun. As if we did not receive enough attention in the paddock, Rob and Meghan were flagged down by CHP– only to inquire about the new Z 🙂
Pebble Beach Concours
A spectacular ending to Monterey Car Week was Sunday’s visit to the 71st Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Rob and I drove the Z one last time back to Monterey and spotted our friend Tony on the road in his mint 13B-powered Mazda RX-2. Arriving in Pebble Beach, event parking along the famous 17-Mile Drive was a car show itself with cool cars lining the shore:
This display showcased 17 historically significant Japanese cars within several categories including: Concept Cars, “Kei” and Small Cars, Luxury Sedans, Sports Cars, Coupes/Hatchbacks, and Trucks/Utilities. Z Car Garage was proud to support and help prepare the iconic 2003 Infiniti FX45, owned by former INFINITI designer, Julien Thiebaud:
Our friend Sean Morris and his team at Toprank International Vehicle Importers showed two stunning Nissan Skylines: an R34 GT-R in rare Midnight Purple II (above) and Kenmeri C110 GT-R:
Daniel Song’s Datsun 240Z built by JDM Legends, a “Hakosuka” Skyline and Jun Imai ‘s (of Hot Wheels fame) Datsun 510 Wagon. As with previous JAI displays this was free and open to the general public, more photos in the gallery below!
From the JAI we walked past the Concours Village and entered the ticketed, official Pebble Beach Concours….or so I thought. Here, Mercedes Benz had their own display and so did Ferrari. Apparently this was “just a taste” of what lie ahead!
Ferrari display:
Mercedes display:
The Concept Lawn in front of the lodge was barely visible due to the crowds of photographers and admirers trying to get eyes on the latest dream machines from Koenigsegg, Genesis, Hennessey and Guntherwerks. Lincoln’s new L100 Concept stood out as did Czinger’s 21C hypercar.
The Lawn at Pebble Beach
The competition field awaited us and I was not prepared for what lie beyond the Lodge…over 200 automotive treasures lined the 17th and 18th holes of the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links. Nestled amid prewar classics were Alfa Romeos, Aston Martins, Packards, and Duesenbergs. We were among well-heeled car enthusiasts sharing similar interests in admiring ornate sculpted hood ornaments, gleaming art deco designs and distressed leather seats.
Making this experience even better were our longtime friends Jan Trondsen and Dave Sholz. In addition to being die-hard car enthusiasts and Datsun owners, they are both seasoned Pebble Beach attendees and gave us the royal tour. With MOET in hand, we embarked on a journey back in time to admire metal, leather and artistry. The 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans was celebrated this year at Pebble. Our favorites included the 1979 Porsche 935 K3 Coupe and 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Scaglietti Berlinetta:
Many attendees at the Pebble Beach concours dressed like it was the Kentucky Derby of motorsport. Party-style suits and dresses, bright colors, and feather-clad hats brightened the lawn during the morning fog along the bay. We had several celebrity sightings including Chip Foose, Wayne Carini and ex-Formula One driver David Coulthard!
The judging process at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance has two parts: Class Judges focus on originality and authenticity, while Honorary Judges focus on attention to design, styling and elegance. Dave pointed out that none of the cars we saw are allowed to participate the following year…
This Duesenberg caught my attention as the judges scrutinized it. I was able to capture video of the straight-8 engine firing up as well it was beyond impressive:
Enjoy this video showing our time at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and Pebble Beach Concours!
After a few intense hours of geeking-out on the cars we took a break for a meal. Huge thanks to Infiniti and Jul Thiebaud for hosting us!
So who was the Best of Show winner? That fabulous 1932 Duesenberg Model J that I captured being scrutinized by the judges! To be eligible to win Best of Show which is the event’s highest award a car must first win its class. What a machine!
With the show concluding we parted with our friends Jan and Dave. Rob and I headed home in the new Z. The bus ride back to the Z was again another car show along the 17-Mile Drive. We spotted an R34 Skyline GT-R and Z31:
Thank You!
We can’t thank Nissan and Infiniti enough for the opportunity to share the new Z and enjoy Monterey Car Week. Stay tuned for dyno testing, in-car and exhaust video for this 9-speed automatic Performance model. Enjoy the photo gallery below and Long Live The Z!
The 2023 Nissan Z arrived at Z Car Garage on Monday for Monterey Car Week. To start things off right we attended last night’s Motorlux event (formerly McCall’s Motorworks Revival) located at the Monterey Jet Center. Founded by Gordon McCall in 1991 and now run by Hagerty, this annual gala features a preview of “VIP” cars to be featured/auctioned during Car Week and an evening filled with dining among private jets and vintage cars.
The 2023 Z at Motorlux
Tuesday was early load-in and we enjoyed driving the Z down to Monterey from Z Car Garage. This is the Performance model in Two-Tone Ikazuchi Yellow TriCoat / Super Black and 9-speed automatic.
Wednesday evening we arrived at the Monterey Jet Center to find the Z in a prime location near the main entrance and in good company. This venue historically features British, American and European cars so it was pleasant watching folks express interest in the Z.
On that J-Tin note, an even bigger surprise was seeing 80s and 90s cars proudly displayed nearby from the RADwood Car Show. It was great to see DrivingWhileAwesome (DWA) friends and Radwood founding members Lane Skelton and Art Cervantes. That is Art’s R33 Skyline GT-R!
Hangers Full of Cars
Motorlux had everything from supercars, concours-level restorations, resto mods, motorcycles and even helicopters. With the sun setting and hanger lights on we ventured inside to find some really cool machines.
People
The fun evening was also made memorable by seeing friends. (above) Peter and Gayle Brock, (Below, L) Lane Skelton and Ali Javidan, and (below, R) Chris Brewer of Amelia Island fame. We also saw David and Howard Swig!
My favorite display of the show was the Meyers Manx airplane. This enormous vessel was surround by those famous Meyers Manx buggies including the very first one:
Enjoy this video from the Motorlux event. We also captured the Z in action while driving down to Monterey:
Thank You!
Thanks to Gordon McCall and Hagerty for hosting Z Car Garage we had a wonderful time at Motorlux and we are happy to see the event carry on in grand fashion. We also want to thank Nissan for lending us the 2023 Z to enjoy during Monterey Car Week. While there were endless cars to feature from the evening, we will let the photos do the talking. Enjoy the gallery below, and stay tuned for a full report from the Rolex Reunion and Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. If you see us or the new Z in Monterey or at Laguna Seca be sure to tag us #zcargarage!
LONG LIVE THE Z!
See more of our time with 2023 Nissan Z in June. Dyno results and video incoming for the Yellow Z!
