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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!

 

 





 

We love to see our products being installed and used on customer cars. Race car driver and restoration specialist Jim Froula of Racecraft is running our latest ZCG Heat Shield in this vintage 260z race car!

 

A few close-ups of the ZCG Heat Shield, this piece is serial #0025:

 

A short background on this 1973 Datsun 260Z from Jim:

“This car was built in the winter of ’77-’78 and its first event was the Portland Rose Cup in June 1978. The Portland Rose Festival’s queen, Tina Klassy, was photographed with the car and featured in local advertising for the event. The car competed in SCCA CP class mainly in events on the west coast and ran in the SCCA National Runoffs twice with sponsorship help from Carlos Vercelli, owner of well known Datsun specialty service shop “Carlos Garage” in Fullerton, CA . It was campaigned successfully at a national level, including a 3rd place finish at the SCCA runoff’s. Survived in its original production class specification and bodywork throughout the entire time. It received a cosmetic restoration in 2015 and was put back into its original Carlos’s Garage livery and currently runs vintage events across the country today.”

 

At the 2018 RMMR we were happy to see Carlos Vercelli (red hat) supporting the Z with driver/owner John Murray:

 

Anytime Jim and the crew from Racecraft are in the area we love to help tune their cars. They had just installed a new engine in John’s 260z and Rob dyno tuned it. It was great to see our heat shield on the Z and the guys from Racecraft build some really fast, beautiful cars. Turn those speakers up!

 

The ZCG Heat Shield is available for purchase at $169.00 with product information below.  View this product and other ZCG parts on the new “products” page of our website HERE

ZCG Heat Shield

 
 

We are excited to offer the Z Car Garage Heat Shield for your triple-carb’d L-series Z car. This is a one-piece 304 stainless unit with laser-etched serial number. Proven on all of our L-series engine builds and dyno testing.

 

This heat shield will fit Mikuni, Weber, Dellorto and Jenvey induction with several intake manifolds like the Harada:

 

Jim Froula also runs our Z Car Garage CV axles on several of his vintage race cars, check it out!

 

Z Car Garage CV Axles

Over 100 sets of ZCG CV Axles sold!

Race car driver and restoration specialist Jim Froula of Racecraft is running ZCG axles in several of his cars:

Set #246 – installed May 2018 on the “Harry Stewart #52” Datsun 510:

 
 

Set #247 – installed April 2018 on the 260z

 
 

Set #248 – installed on Adam Carolla’s “Greg Sorrentino #90” Datsun 510.

 

We are pleased to report that Jim will also be installing a set on his “George Alderman #32” 300ZX! The ZCG CV axles are also perfect for high hp street cars which can be seen in the link above.

 
 

Z Car Garage Big-Brake Kit

Our ZCG Big-Brake kit is the last stop in braking performance for your S30.

 

ZCG Big-brakes and T3 coil-overs replacing stock setup on Brian’s 1973 240z:

   
 

View these products on the new “products” page of our website HERE, stay tuned for more innovative parts from Z Car Garage!





 

We met Cece in 2018 when she contacted us for help with her 1977 280z. She had been a customer for many years at ND Autocare and when Joe Chester shutdown…she stopped driving, fearful that having a vintage car meant you were susceptible to breakdowns. With the right combination of parts and experience a 280z can be as reliable as (dare we say) Honda’s of the 80’s. Datsuns just can’t be killed. Cece’s Z was treated to a ZCG-style mechanical restoration including a new drivetrain, engine bay clean-up, total suspension rebuild and more.

Cece’s Z Story

She has owned the ’77 Z for 27 years, here is the story behind it:

“I was first introduced to the Z car in 1976 when I was in high school, a friend of mine drove a 1973 240 Z.  I always liked cars and found the Z to be unique.  In the mid 1980s, a Z car was not in our budget nor was it practical for a family with two young children. In the early 90’s while I was working full time and raising my family, I went back to school and earned my college degree.  As a graduation gift to myself, I began my search to purchase a Z car.  A friend who was a master technician for Nissan, suggested I look for a 280Z as they were fuel injected and had less problems than some earlier models.  In 1993 I found an ad in Auto Trader for a  1977 280Z  that was 16 years old, had low mileage ( for a car its age), for sale by the son of the original owner and at a price point I could finally afford.  “

 

The seller gave me all the service records, original bill of sale from the dealer, the original service manual, etc.  At least I knew where the car had been and what maintenance had been done on it.  I felt fortunate that this car had been well taken care of.  In 1999 I had the car painted, got new tires and wheels, replaced the faded interior carpet and had the seats recovered.  I drove the car on weekends and tucked it under the car cover in the garage during the week.”

 

During the last 5 years Cece did not drive the car as much since it was becoming less mechanically reliable.  She heard about ZCG through the Z Owners of Northern California Car Club and made an appointment with us in January 2018.

 

Taking the Z to the next level: Drivetrain


Cece came down to ZCG to discuss the project. We made a plan to give her Z much needed love and began work in the summer. Please visit the gallery below for more pictures documenting the engine and engine bay restoration work, it’s where our efforts shine!

Engine

The tired engine was removed and we built an L28 with mild cam and clean-up work on the head.


New L28:

 
 

With the engine/transmission removed we focused our efforts on restoring the engine bay.  Everything was zinc plated and powdercoated.  New parts included brand new injectors, all new fuel system, hoses, fuel filter and all the drive belts.

 

All new hydraulic lines, emissions plumbing and more engine bay clean-up:

 

Intake manifold cleaned up and powdercoated:

 

An MSA exhaust header was installed:

 

This was a 4-speed car, so we went ahead and grabbed one of the 5-speeds from Rob’s stash. This low-miles assembly was installed:


A JWT aluminum flywheel and heavy duty clutch backs the L28:

 

Oil pan detail:

 

With the new engine/transmission and a KOYO race aluminum radiator installed, more detail work was performed:

 

MAF/hose/hardware detail:

  
 

Engine bay restoration, before/after:

Dyno Tuning

 

Rob dyno tuned the tired L28 and rebuilt engine. Baseline was 118hp/139tq and after tuning the new engine made 146hp/156tq to the wheels:

 

Suspension

 

The goal of this project was to give Cece a Z that she could drive wherever and however she wanted, worry-free. We replaced all of the hydraulics and front/rear suspension assemblies to match the new driveline.  All suspension was either zinc’d or powdercoated:


We installed KYB strut inserts with lowering springs, Suspension Techniques sway bars, Techno Toy Tuning adjustable rear lower control arms, TC rods, and rack bushings. We do offer a full coil-over setup for track day/performance-oriented customers, and  this spring/strut upgrade for those that want a better stance with improved handling.

Before/after suspension refresh with T/C rod and steering rack detail:

 

Rear end with T3 lower control arms in:

ZCG Big-Brakes and CV Axles

We are proud to have several of our ZCG products on Cece’s 280z. We installed our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes (for small wheels) and also upgraded to Z Car Garage CV Axles! These products have 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 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 retaining factory emergency brake lever! A few details below:

Calipers: Stoptech ST42 4-piston front & rear race calipers (Alum 6061 mil-spec Type III anodized)

Rotors: 280mm x 20.6 with Alum 7075 hats

Pads: Stoptech 309 sport street pads

Blog posts documenting all of our customers running the ZCG Big-Brakes can be found HERE.

A few closer detail shots of the calipers, rotors and hardware:

 

We went ahead and got Cece dialed in with the ZCG big-brake kit for small wheels with parking brake and a new brake booster/master cylinder. More pics in the gallery!

 

Front brake installation:

 
 

At the rear, the OEM drums brakes were replaced with our ZCG Big-Brakes. Factory handbrake functionality IS retained!

 

Our Z Car Garage CV Axles help transmit power to the ground and ensure smoother operation compared to your standard half shafts. We have over 70 CV axle kits on customer cars and we are stoked with all of the positive feedback.

 

Cece received ZCG CV Axle set #255.

 

Panasport Wheels

 

Our ZCG Big-Brakes also look great behind Panasport wheels in our offest allowing us to run 225/50/16 tires.  We replaced the old-school wheels with 16×7 Panasports and Bridgestone S-04 tires:

 

We think the wheels are a huge improvement:

 

Cece was pleased with modifications and repairs:

” After having Rob go thru my car in detail and run a compression test on the engine, he suggested a mechanical restoration of the car, to make it more reliable and so that I would be able to drive it anytime and anywhere I wanted. I brought the car to Rob in July and he transformed my car into a mechanical work of art.”

Details

 

We sorted a few additional items like repairing a past distributor issue, installing new motor mounts and alternator/starter assemblies. The little things are what we excel at though like a fully restored A/C system retrofitted to R134A (blowing 41 degrees out the vents!), battery cables, a Momo steering wheel and full stereo system:

 

Enjoy this short video of the Z:

 

Enjoying The Ride

Cece was super stoked on her Z and immediately started driving it everywhere. She was even spotted at Alice’s Restaurant after cruising on the famous twisty Skyline Rd. She also attended the ZONC Annual Nissan/Datsun car show in Brisbane, CA.  Here is a message she sent Rob:

“—–Original Message—–
From: Cece B
Sent: Sunday, December 23, 2018 3:59 PM
To: rob@zcargarage.com
Subject: Sunday ride – Alice’s RestaurantSteve & I took the Z on a nice long drive today down Highway 1 to Pescadero Road to Highway 84 & 35 to Alice’s Restaurant.   The Z did not disappoint.  It was an awesome ride & the Z performed excellently hugging the road.  🚙👍😎

 

” Rob is very passionate about what he does and every car has its individual personality.  My car turned out amazing!  Now I have a vintage Z car that is fully restored and I am able to drive it without worrying about its reliability.  From Nissan’s TV ad campaigns from 1996, “Any car can get you where you want to go, a special car can get you there with a smile on your face.  Life is a Journey, Enjoy the Ride”.  And as for Mr. Rob Fuller of Z Car Garage, he ends every communication he has with you with , “Long Live the Z”.  Thanks to Rob and his staff at the Z Car Garage, these iconic Japanese sports cars are able to exist, and their owners are able to continue their journeys and thoroughly enjoy their rides.   Long Live the Z!”

We really had a great experience working with Cece. We love that with husband Steve they are one of those couples that have been together for a long time and they’ll be together forever.


The best part of this job is the people and their stories. Taking somebody who has the same passion as us and delivering them something they can enjoy and drive gives us immense satisfaction. With updates like real suspension and brakes that can hang with any late model car, the headaches commonly associated with vintage car ownership disappear. From a well-versed Z owner to someone who just like the way a Z looks, let us help you achieve your vision of the perfect S30! More pictures in the galley below and LONG LIVE THE Z!

  
 

LONG LIVE THE Z!

…[read more]





 
 

ZCG Heat Shield

We are excited to offer the Z Car Garage Heat Shield for your triple-carb’d L-series Z car. This is a one-piece 304 stainless unit with laser-etched serial number. Proven on all of our L-series engine builds and dyno testing.

 

This heat shield will fit Mikuni, Weber, Dellorto and Jenvey induction with several intake manifolds like the Harada:

 

Contact the shop for pricing and ordering info!

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. We have over 70 CV axle kits on customer cars and we are stoked with all of the positive feedback. We now have a new shipment in stock, order your set today!

 

 </
 

Panasport wheels for your Z car

 
 

Treat your Z to a brand new set of Panasport wheels! We special order this offset to enable fitment of a 225/50/16 tire on the 1970 to 1978 S30s.

To order, contact Rob at the shop:

rob@zcargarage.com or call 408-452-0350

Shop Update 2/4

I stopped by the shop today and grabbed some quick shots of a few projects, enjoy!
Felix’s 300zx Twin Turbo is back for power upgrades:

 

 

Dyno tuning a Stillen Supercharged 350z:

 

R32 Skyline in foer Project Mu Big-Brakes:

 
 

R35:

 

More updates coming soon!





 

Yesterday we attended the DrivingWhileAwesome (DWA) Cars & Coffee event in Santa Cruz, CA. The event impressed us again with a fun vibe and superb variety of cars. Before the 9am meeting our group of enthusiasts enjoyed a brisk driving session en route to Santa Cruz. I was lucky to drive the ZCG shop car, a 1970 Datsun 240z. We started at the junction of HWY 92 and Skyline with a nice gathering:

 

Leading the pack was Naveed in his Hot Rod Porsche 912. You can follow the build of this 911 6-cylinder powered rocket over on Speedhunters.

 

Pall’s R32 Skyline in (AH3) Pearl Red. Pall K acquired this Pearl Red (AH3) R32 from our friend Sean and his team at Toprank International Vehicle Importers.  We love the gorgeous paint color and Volk TE37SLs. He is also a ZCG customer!

 

Jeremy’s BMW 5-series Touring with a GM LS3 E-rod crate engine:

 

Matt’s G-body 911 with 17″ Fuchs and center exit exhaust…my newest P-car crush?

 

Andrei’s E36 M3

 

One of the many perks of DWA Morning Motors is its location surrounded by the best driving roads. Leaving the 92/35 junction we headed towards Alice’s Restaurant and HWY 84. Down to Stage through Cloverdale and finally Gazos Creek carrying us to HWY1 along the coastline to our destination. We arrived at 9am on the dot, thanks Naveed!

 

Mandatory Nissan/Datsun

I was happy to see a few more Nissans and Datsuns at MorningMotors. 260z!

 

There were a three Datsun 510s! Mark’s has been at the shop so stay tuned for a full report:

 

 

Dustin Frisk’s KA24-powered 510 on Longchamp XR-4 wheels:

 

A nearly-stock appearing 4-door 510:

 

Another ZCG customer, Eric’s FX sporting suspension and R35 GT-R wheels. Full report soon!

 

Two 300zx (Z32) NAs and G37 Sedan:

 

R32 Skyline 4-door, 350z, R35 and Infiniti Q45:

 

In Search of J-Tin

Morning Motors did not disappoint if you are Japanese Classic fans. Looking splendid were these white, boosted 80’s Hero’s: a DSM Conquest and Isuzu Impulse with snazzy interiors!

 

NA Miatas!

 

 

Turbo B-series DC2 Integra and a pair of EM1 Civic Si’s!

 
 

Honda S600 with a Motocompo!

Mazda FC RX-7 Turbo sitting on rad Panasport G7 wheels:

 

RHD, turbo diesel Land Cruiser!

 

So much variety! Enjoy this short video:

Euro Classics

 

Gen’s 911 Turbo S2 (964)

 

Outlaw 356 and lots of BMW 2002s:

 

Retro Sporting’s Mk2 Escort with tons of fab work. They are hosting a vintage car-only track day April 10th, check it out HERE

 

 

British

 

 

American Muscle

From 60’s to 80’s

 

This G-body Monte Carlo SS was badass!

 

Vette’s:

Eclectic

 

DWA CnC is definitely my kind of cars and coffee. It’s a great venue with amazing driving roads nearby and the cars were so diverse. We highly recommend checking it out! Thanks to the DWA crew for hosting. If you haven’t already, listen to their podcast and make sure you give them a follow on Instagram.
More pictures in the gallery below!

LONG LIVE THE Z!

…[read more]




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