We love working with owners that have a long history with their Z car. Stan K is the original owner of this early Datsun 240z (VIN# 511, 11/69 build), purchased brand new in 1970. The car had been sitting in storage for decades and Stan contacted us to revive it with mechanical sorting.

 

Stan shipped his car to our shop from Rocklin, Ca and we began work in 2020 to get it back on the road. Our Z Car Garage CV Axles along with refurbished brakes, suspension, interior and engine all transform this Z back into the sports car Stan remembered enjoying. Let’s get into the mechanical restoration of HLS30-00511 in one of our favorite colors, Safari Gold.

Drivetrain

 

The Z had been sitting in garage since the early 90s. Stan was getting older and his son was getting to be of age where he could enjoy it. The idea was for Stan and his family to do a mechanical restoration, allowing us to get it back on the road for the next generation to drive.  We performed a full inspection when it arrived, and it was in rough condition from being parked for so long:

 

Unfortunately the engine had failed, so we built a Rebello 2.4 “stock” rebuild, retaining the factory block and cylinder head since it was such an early S30:

 

Before the rebuilt engine was installed the engine bay was cleaned up, before/after and many more photos in the gallery below:

 

Rebuilt engine going back in and ZCG went to work, performing all the things we do when getting these Z cars back on the road: refreshed entire cooling system, heater core, updated the starter and charging system to 280ZX spec and a fresh set of Z-Therapy carbs with Pertronix ignition and all of tune-up items:

 

We replaced the intake/exhaust manifold gaskets and installed an MSA coated header with our ZCG Exhaust system. The original 4-speed transmission was resealed. Before/After drivetrain and engine bay work:

   

Dyno Tuning

Rob dyno tuned the Z, making 133hp/137tq at the wheels:

 

Enjoy this video of the dyno runs and L-Series music!

 

Z Car Garage 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.

  

Stan has CV Axle set #377. Stock half shafts (L) and ZCG units. Also shown are the T3 control arms:

 

The differential was resealed with new front/side seals:

   

Braking System

 

Rob shares his thoughts on going through Stan’s entire braking/hydraulic system:

“I couldn’t believe how Stan K’s car went from resting in its slumber in his garage to running on the road once again. After the phenomenon of Z Car Garage Big-Brakes it was really odd to go back to an entirely stock braking system…re-doing factory calipers, rotors, re-packing wheel-bearings, shoes, wheel cylinders, drums, it was really cool.”

 

S30 World Fuel Tank

We decided to start fresh with a new S30 World fuel tank. They make a wonderful Series 1 replacement. Great product coming from owners Gustav Oplasnik and Chris Visscher, Z enthusiasts/restorers.

   

We also replaced all vapor hoses and hatch weatherstripping to eliminate fuel smell in the cabin:

 

Topping off the mechanical restoration was a suspension refurbishment with adjustable T/C rods, new ball joints, springs and shocks:

Details

 

Since our 1971 shop demo Z Mrs. Butters used to run on the Series 1 OEM wheels we knew exactly what tire to run on Stan’s…185/70/14 Vredstein Sprint Classics. Rob also found Stan a set of Series 1 “D” hubcaps from our stash of parts:

 

A fresh set of NOS Hatch vents was installed:

 

Interior

 

In addition to the mechanical restoration we also freshened up the interior. The highlight is a full dashboard replacement using a Series 1 reproduction piece from Vintage Dashes. We have now performed several Vintage Dashes installations and we thank Ivan Jaramillo for making a cost-effective product for Z cars. Here are a few in-progress photos showing the old-cracked original dash being removed to prep for the new unit, more pictures of the process in the photo gallery!

 

The heater box was refurbished with new heat/defrost vents, gaskets and all HVAC cable controls were lubed:

 

All gauges were dissembled and cleaned up so the view from the steering wheel is minty fresh:

 

New dash fully assembled and ready to re-install:

 

Stan’s Z received our ZCG door treatment with our door seals and weatherstripping: all the things we do to make those doors sound less “tinny” and shut like a German car:

 

The seats were weathered, so once again Rob’s stash of parts yielded a fresh set of seats:

   

This Z is back to its former glory, with everything we know to update/improve without taking away the value of a Series 1. Stan’s Z has a full mechanical restoration so it can be enjoyed by his family and next generation of Z enthusiasts. On the cosmetics side, with a full detail you can see how the factory paint comes back like nobody’s business:

 

Our time with Stan’s Z was during COVID so his family was not able to come down to the shop and see all the progress. A bit of sad news, by the time we finished his beloved 240Z, Stan passed away. His widow, son and daughter came down to Z Car Garage. His son did not know how to drive manual so Rob gave him a quick lesson:

“I taught his son how to drive stick and use specific items like the choke lever. We all cried, tears of sadness and joy celebrating Stan’s Z. He might have crossed over but his Z car will remain here for his family to enjoy. Long Live The Z. Long live the passion. Thanks Stan K.”

 

Life is short. Enjoy The Ride fellow Z car enthusiasts! More photo of Stan’s 1970 Datsun 240Z in the gallery below:
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At Z Car Garage we love getting Z’s back on the road. Garett is a Bay Area local and visited us for mechanical sorting on his 1972 Datsun 240Z. Our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, Z Car Garage CV Axles combined with a suspension rebuild improved the chassis. Power comes from a Rebello 3L with our Z Car Garage Heat Shield  and in-house dyno tuning to make it sing.

 

“I first learned about Z Car Garage just searching on the internet to see who works on Z cars exclusively in the Bay Area. Then I started watching videos of  Larry Chen and all the amazing work that Z Car Garage provides and I knew I wanted to go with them for their expertise on my 1972 240z, which I couldn’t just trust any mechanic to work on this beautiful car.”

Before we describe the mechanical work, let’s hear how Garett got in to his Z car…

History

 

Garett’s love for the Z starts at a young age. His Dad purchased this S30 brand new in June of 1972:

“Ever since I laid eyes on that car I wanted it and eventually when I turned 20 years old I bought it off of him and after driving for a while it blew a head gasket. I learned about Rebello racing, located in Pacheco at the time and I put in a fully ported and polished 3 liter with triple-Mikuni carbs. The amazing Mike Yoes lived one town over from me in Crockett, and installed my engine right out of his garage.” 

 

“After a while my Z sat in the side of my parents house for a while due to lack of money to fix other parts. After 6 years I’m slowly reviving her and now she’s back better than ever with a lot of love put in. My goal with the Z was to basically restore it back to original look and functionality with the mechanical upgrades to really enjoy the car to the fullest.”

 

Drivetrain

 

Garett’s Z sports a Rebello 3L engine with 280ZX 5-speed from many years ago. We installed what every triple-carbed L-series needs: a ZCG Heat Shield! Garett has #HS00257.

 

Dyno Tuning

 

Rob dyno tuned the Rebello 3L engine with jetting, A/F and performance in mind. Baseline was 215hp/202tq and it left with 229hp/209tq to the wheels:

 

Enjoy the L-series music in this video of Garett’s Z on the dyno…volume up!

 

Driveline Upgrades

Helping put the power down efficiently is an OS Giken LSD paired with our Z Car Garage CV Axles. The R180 houses a 4.11 R&P and the assembly is setup in-house (by Joshua Corwin). More photos in the gallery below:

 

Z Car Garage CV Axles

Garett initially contacted us to have Z Car Garage products installed on his 240Z. 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.

 

We replaced his existing CV Axles (left) with ZCG units (Right). Garett received set #00426. Also visible are the T3 lower control arms:

 

ZCG Big-Brakes

We are proud to have several of our ZCG products on Garett’s 240z. We installed our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes (for small wheels) which have the been standard on numerous ZCG builds. 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 engineers at 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 some 14″ wheels) and retaining factory emergency brake lever.

  

We removed the stock brakes and installed our ZCG Big-Brake kit

At the rear, factory drum brakes were replaced with our ZCG Big-Brakes. OEM Nissan master cylinder and Factory handbrake functionality IS retained! Not only do they perform, they look great behind the 16×7 Panasport wheels!

 

Suspension

 

The front suspension was overhauled with new adj. T/C rods from Techno Toy Tuning, new control arm bushings in OEM control arms, rack bushings, ball joints, outer tie rods, steering rack boots and more.

Old, torn rack boots vs new units and new T/C rods:

 

The rear suspension received new T3 lower control arms and rear wheel bearings.

 

Details

 

Small items that make a difference: we corrected his brake booster issues, fixed the emergency-brake lever  that popped out of its housing and corrected his speedometer:

 

While were in the engine bay we also upgraded to a 280ZX alternator with Motorsport bypass and corrected throttle linkage issues to make the gas pedal feel awesome:

 

Panasport Wheels

 

We installed 16×7 Panasport wheels in our offset allowing 225/50/16 tires (Bridgestone RE-71R). The Z was fully aligned afterwards.

   

Driving is Believing

Garett was happy with the mechanical upgrades and ZCG parts:

“I got the work done over last December. Z Car Garage works so fast and everything was done and ready in about 4 days.  I know there were supply chain issues but after 2 plus years of waiting it was worth the wait. I could really feel the difference when driving in hard turns and how the other wheel grips and really pushes my car through the turns compared to the original open diff. The low drone sound went away as well. The Z Car Garage Big Brake kit works well. I put them to the rest and they do their job. I love the drive and acceleration.”

We enjoyed working with Garett and loved that he’s owned this Z for a long time. He’s also into music, playing in bands in the Bay Area. What’s next for his Z car?

“Future plans include new or aftermarket seats which are comfortable on long rides with no lower back pain, while keeping me planted in my seat and maintaining a time period classic look. New gauges and a dash restoration down the line would be nice as well, but all in due time.”

We’re here to help you when ready, Garett. Long Live The Z!
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To celebrate their 100,000 listing, Bring a Trailer is auctioning their 1973 Datsun 240Z, prepared by Z Car Garage. Finished in Lime Yellow (#112) paint over black vinyl upholstery, it is powered by a numbers-matching Rebello Racing-built 2.7-liter straight-six with triple Weber 40 DCOE carbs. Additional modifications include a 280ZX five-speed manual transmission, an R200 limited-slip differential, ZCG Big-Brakes, ZCG exhaust system and 16″ Panasport wheels with new Michelin tires. The total sale amount for the auction will be donated to the Piston Foundation, a nonprofit that will use 100% of the funds to help young technicians build rewarding careers in the collector car industry by funding programs in the skilled trades. View the auction HERE.

 

Z Car Garage built and maintained this Z for the previous owner since 2009 and updated it to BaT-preferred spec in 2018. It has since been used as an event car by BaT staff, with whom it has participated in many rallies, cross-country road trips, displays, and other events in the ensuing five years. Enjoy this video showing the Z in action and see below for more details:

 

ZCG Big Brakes

 

The Bring a Trailer Z features our ZCG Big-Brake kit:

 

The straight-six was bored and stroked from 2.4 to 2.7 liters by Rebello Racing and was installed at ZCG in 2011. Triple Weber 40 DCOE side-draft carburetors with K&N filters are mounted to its E88 cylinder head. Additional engine bay modifications include a polished valve cover, an MSD ignition system, and an inline fuel pressure gauge. Engine number L24-131094 is stamped on the block and matches the chassis plate.  Rob dyno tuned the Z, making 203 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels:

 

A replacement 280ZX five-speed manual transmission was also installed by ZCG in preparation for the sale. An aluminum flywheel and a heavy-duty clutch were fitted in 2011, while both clutch hydraulic cylinders were changed in 2018. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a custom-built driveshaft and an R200 limited-slip differential with a finned rear cover.

 

Factory black vinyl bucket seats were reinstalled, as was a stock steering wheel. The air conditioning system was converted to use R134a refrigerant in 2009, and was recharged as part of the February 2023 service at ZCG. An Alpine CD/MP3 player feeds aftermarket three-way 6×9 speakers mounted in a ported box in the rear of the trunk. Diamond-patterned vinyl trim is retained on the center tunnel and in the cargo area, while embroidered mats protect the carpets on the floors.

 

The Z has been stored indoors at BaT Headquarters in San Francisco when not in use. Details concerning the initial purchase and an ensuing cross-country drive from the Bay Area to Road Atlanta are chronicled in this seven-part feature from early 2018. The car has also been used in events such as:

• 2018 Copperstate Rally (as a photo and chase car, part of the cross-country trip described above)
• 2018 Tour to the Mitty (part of the cross-country trip described above)
• 2018 Faultline 500 in Central California
• 2018 BaT Alumni BBQ at Monterey Car Week
• 2018 Targa Baja California (from Palm Springs to mountainous central Baja and back)
• 2019 BaT Alumni Gathering at WeatherTech Laguna Seca Raceway
• 2021 Faultline 500 in Central California
• 2021 Drive Toward a Cure
• 2021 Golden Week Kyusha Festival in Northern California
• 2021 BaT Alumni Gathering at WeatherTech Laguna Seca Raceway
• 2022 BaT Alumni Gathering at WeatherTech Laguna Seca Raceway
• 2022 Overcrest Rally (nearly 1,800 miles in eastern Washington and central Idaho over three days)
• 2022 Breakfast Club Rally: Tokyo Calling

 

Additional details can be seen in our blog reports from April 2018, December 2018, and February 2023. Congrats Bring a Trailer on your 100,000 auction. We are really happy to be a part of the journey and Long Live The Z!

 

Happy 81st Birthday to our hero John Morton!

 

An amaZingly talented driver, Morton brought Brock Racing Enterprises (BRE) four National SCCA Championships from 1970-1972: two C-production championships in the Datsun 240Z and two Trans-Am championships in the Datsun 510. Enjoy our photos with John Morton over the years and let’s all wish him the best birthday!

Rob and John at the Velocity Invitational 2022

 

 

Morton, Pete Brock and Steve Millen at Laguna Seca 2018

 

Road Atlanta 2010, with the John Morton Army (JMA)

 

 

BRE Reunions in 2008 and 2010:

 

The Mitty, 2018:

 

Honored to spend time with John Morton on the racetrack. Happy Birthday!