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The Works: John’s 300zx Twin Turbo

Filed under: Featured Cars and Projects,Maintenance,Performance
by Alvin G @ 4:45 pm on August 23, 2014

ZCG 3314 Cam2 003
 

John P is a new Z car owner and found this Z32TT in the Pacific NW.  When we first met John his Z had 110k miles on the clock and he decided it was time to modify…so we gave him the works! Before the go-fast goodies were installed we addressed all of the car’s issues John discussed with us and ended up with a beautifully clean, well-rounded 300zx.  Our first order of business was in engine bay, correcting the PCV system which had been bypassed/cobbled together:

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Next, we found an injector problem and performed the common late-style conversion. The 1990-1994 Z32TT’s have fuel injector problems because Nissan used a wet coil design. This left the injector coil wire prone to oxidation over time and eventual shorting. The solution? Convert to later style injectors using the early fuel rail. There are several adaptor kits on the market to achieve this, making servicing/removal a breeze without the need for removing the manifolds. For John’s Z we wanted to run 740cc injectors which is only available in the new style:

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More engine work including full timing belt services along with valve cover removal/refinishing:

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Driveline was upgraded with a JWT HD clutch and flywheel. Keen observers may note that the exhaust has changed too!

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Larger downpipes greatly improve flow over the stock manifolds. The best downpipes for your Z32TT (in our opinion) can be found at SpecialtyZ. These are 3″ units:

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The Z was treated to a chassis steam clean, making a clean grime-free backdrop for the new exhaust system!  The downpipes were mated to 3-2.5″ midpipes:

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With wiring and general cleaning the engine bay looks much better!

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A few chassis upgrades included SPL T/C rods and bushings as well fresh rear brakes:

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With the mechanicals sorted John added a few lighting improvements to the interior. The dim stock displays benefitted from new LED sources. Check out the difference:

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Even the climate control display is improved:

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More LED upgrades throughout the cabin:

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All of the work above was completed on John’s first visit. On the dyno the new exhaust clearly makes a noticeable improvement in power. We picked up 31hp/33tq to the wheels:

John Park Z32TT (1)
 

John visited ZCG for the second time for upgrades!  We installed more parts from our friends at SpecialtyZ  like their Selin dual MAF.  To improve breathing we also installed larger Stillen intercoolers and charge plumbing from Ash-spec:

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Finally, low-profile engine mounts from BDE offer more turbo inlet clearance:

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With larger ICs, plumbing and dual MAF’s we tuned John’s Z and it now makes 372hp/360tq to the wheels:

John P Mods to Tune (1)
 

Enjoy The Ride, John!

ZCG 3314 Cam2 004




Putting In WORK: Kevin’s Z32 Slicktop

Filed under: Featured Cars and Projects,Performance
by Alvin G @ 11:55 pm on April 21, 2014

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Kevin M came to Z Car Garage with his gorgeous Cherry Red Pearl 300zx slicktop. We took care of several maintenance items including a new clutch/flywheel, JWT POP charger air filter, A/C sorting, new tach and finally eliminating an annoying hood rattle.
Here is the new filter:

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We installed a used flywheel with a new JWT Heavy Duty clutch:

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The Z also got some new shoes. Kevin has great taste and we applaud his wheel choice: 18″ WORK XD9s!!! The transformation is amazing:

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New Bridgstone tires with 275s in back fill the wheel wells nicely. We love the lip and spoke design on the WORKs.  A slight drop in ride height would be sweet…maybe Kevin will be visit us again for suspension 🙂

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Enjoy The Ride Kevin!

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Rich A lives in Tahoe City and heard about Z Car Garage through fellow Z32TT owner Gary S. After setting up an appointment Rich had AAA drop the Z off with us for repair work. It needed full timing belt services and injectors and since the car had been sitting outdoors the rear tail light panel was in rough shape.

 

The 1990-1994 Z32TT’s have fuel injectors problems because Nissan used a wet coil design. This left the injector coil wire prone to oxidation over time and eventual shorting. The solution? Convert to later style injectors using the early fuel rail. JWT makes an excellent kit that allows later style injectors but also makes servicing/removal a breeze without the need for removing the manifolds:

 

Early vs later(new) injectors:

 

The tail lights on Rich’s car were cracked and faded leading to leaks and deteriorating hatch rubber. The center latch area was on its way to rusting out:

 

Lucky for us ConceptZ has the best replacement lights. J-spec clear lenses look great on the Super White cars. We did a through cleaning before installing the new lights/panel:

 

The fresh tail lights and center panel make a world of difference!

 

From routine maintenance to keeping up the sexy appearance of your beloved Z, how can we help you Enjoy The Ride?




Eric’s 300zx Twin Turbo

Filed under: Featured Cars and Projects,Performance
by Alvin G @ 6:00 pm on November 19, 2013

 

Eric L has been with Z Car Garage since our opening almost 9 years ago. He bought his Z32TT while in college and took great care of his Z for many years. He decided it was time for more traction and braking so we installed a Stoptech big-brake kit up front and new wheels/tires.


Before/after shot of the F/R brakes:

 

The stock rear calipers were matched to the front and treated to new Stoptech rotors with 309 brake pads:

 

We also took care of a few others items like replacing the hood insulation and some general maintenance.

 

Staggered Work Emotion CR-Kai wheels contrast nicely with the with the pearl white paint and allow for some wider tires to be fitted!

Enjoy The Ride Eric!




Balancing the Power: John’s 300zx Twin-Turbo

Filed under: Featured Cars and Projects,Performance
by Alvin G @ 5:04 pm on November 6, 2013


John T or “Taco” as we call him around the shop has been coming to Z Car Garage for several years. In 2008 we installed a built engine in his Z32TT along with some hardware that he had been saving. He visited us recently to have build the rest of the Z to have a more balanced sports car. The stock suspension was old and not up to the task of supporting significantly more power than stock.

 

We installed full suspension including Stance coil-overs and a host of Powertrix parts:

 

Here are the tired stock shocks and the new Stance coil-overs:

 

Powertrix rear control arms:


Powertrix T/C rods, end-links and camber arms:

 

With new suspension John can now enjoy a sports car that can keep up with the increased power!




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