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We are stoked to see our friend Eric Straw and his 1969 Datsun Roadster featured in Speedhunters. Check out the article HERE.
We loved tuning Eric’s RB26DETT powered DR30 Skyline, so look for a dyno report soon as we tune the Haltech ECU on this SR22VET powered beauty!
The 2019 Solvang Datsun Roadster show took place on April 27. Now in its 32nd year, this event continues a tradition of uniting owners from all parts of the world in a little town just outside of Santa Barbara. There is something for everyone here: shopping, food, wine-tasting, outdoor activities, and in the last weekend of April an epic gathering of Datsuns!
This year I did not bring my roadster but I was able to experience it with my wife and three children (now all walking):
On to the cars! Here are some highlights from the day…starting with the “Holy Grail” of Datsun Roadsters: The 1967 2000! This year there were only a handful of these rare (less than a 1000) models. Some of these cars are considered the “cream of the crop” with full restorations or OEM levels of detail like Kurt’s Sora Blue #520:
Interestingly, all of the ’67 2000 models present possessed the fabeled “rivet in the C” on their valve covers. Different body colors as well! Gary Vigil’s SRL #126 was still in the process of being completed, looking brilliant in Beige Grey Metallic:
Arnold’s SRL 485:
The sole “Thunder Black” ’67 SRL:
Solvang showcases everything from pristine to highly modified examples of roadsters. These two examples are exemplary of the “high-windshield” models. John Baker’s ’69 2000: several years of intense restoration by John has resulted in one stunning, concours-level 2000. Finished in Spanish Red with plenty of engine bay details to drool over. Best part is that it is driven, even with the Bias-ply tires!
Mike Ramirez’s ’68 1600 was stored for 32 years before a full restoration in 2014…it is pristine:
There were several early 1600s with chrome-ringed gauges and classy red interiors. Alvin’s ’65 SPL was originally imported to the US by a Naval officer and he found it in a barn with 32k original miles. His goal is to take it back to Japan for a springtime tour!
Like the 510 and Z cars, the Datsun Roadster chassis can accept many engine swaps and this year the show-stopper was Eric Straw’s 1969 SRL.
We have known Eric for many years and he is a talented fabricator with a penchant for high-powered Datsuns. ZCG tuned his RB26-powered Nissan DR30 Skyline and plan on tuning this Haltech-managed SR22VET beast of a roadster.
Backing the SR22VET is a Nissan 350z 6-speed transmission, but there are so many details to be found at the surface like the factory OEM(!) Hardtop, 225 front/245 rear tires, Brembo calipers, Lotus Elise seats and more.
Eric’s fabrication skills are really displayed in this chassis with full coil-over suspension and a Watts-linkage. With guidance from Michael Spreadbury of Spriso Motorsports, the level of chassis development is mind-boggling:
More pictures in the gallery, but this masterpiece deserves its own feature!
Two cars that I really like have a special “JDM” feel to them. Greg’s ‘1968 2000 finished in Gray sitting on 14″ Watanabe wheels looked just right:
Mike’s 1967.5 SPL sports 15″ Watts, a full solex-equipped U20 drivetrain, roll bar, SRL gauges and rare EMPI steering wheel:
A few roadster owners proudly offered their own vintage wine creations alongside their cars. Al’s SPL graces the label of his wine:
This ’70 SRL not only had one of my favorite white/red color combos, the wheel/tire choice was spot on. Beefy sidewalls on the AR Libras and a nice stance looked great:
There were only 2, three-seater 1500 roadsters. Raymond Lim’s 1963 1500 was in amazing condition considering its age. This single-carb, three-seater was remarkably preserved. Best part was watching Ray’s son show off the roadster to everyone! This is why I love the Solvang Show.
Even older than the 1500s were the SPL212s owned by Jeff Silvey:
People. It’s what makes the Solvang Datsun Roadster Show so much fun. Datsun folks in general are cool people and they came from all parts of the world:
Corey’s ’66 SPL had a mighty stroked 1600 engine. Final displacement is 2.3L(!) courtesy of parts from Datsun-specialist Lou Mondello of Australia. We look forward to dyno-tuning this quad-motorcycle carb’d monster soon:
Don’t have a roadster but want to park and enjoy the show? The Solvang show also welcomes Japanese classics that are not roadsters. Lots of cool trucks, Z-cars and 510s joined in on the fun. Brian K drove and displayed his Nissan Patrol. He is also the man behind our Z Car Garage CV Axles. When he’s not enjoying Datsuns, Brian owns/operates KaD Models machine shop in Berkeley, CA making various parts for our cars as well.
The Solvang Show draws roadster owners from all over the US, and world! We can always count on Jim and Susan to make the trek from Mexico in their ’70 SRL with matching trailer:
Adrian Christian made the long journey from New York in his ’70 SRL:
This is the actual car from Nissan’s multi-million dollar Datsun Heritage advertising campaign in the late 90’s. Check it out in this Super Bowl Ad – “The Dream Garage”.
Ted Heaton drove his three roadsters down from Bellvue, Washington. He had help from his son and grandson!
We love this event and hope you have enjoyed our coverage of the 2019 Solvang Datsun Roadster Show. Big thanks to the organizer Harlan Katz and SoCal crew for hosting! Please visit our picture gallery below:
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Photo: Patrick Lauder
Matt O is the lucky owner of this 1991 Skyline GTR finished in (TH1) Midnight Blue Pearl. When we first met he wanted to bring the car in to ZCG for a quick checkup. We looked over it, ran a compression check and also made a plan for his next visit.
Matt acquired this California-legal R32 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.
In March of last year Matt came in for a Haltech Platinum Pro. We have installed many of these and it’s a great foundation for adding power to the R32.
We performed all the prep work and ran a the boost sensor to install the Haltech. Whenever we take on these cars we always run a smoke test to ensure there are no intake leaks present.
On the dyno, results for the baseline run (left) followed by Haltech on 91 octane. Despite having a healthy engine/turbos the power levels were fairly low on this car. The culprit: weak actuators not allowing the car to hold boost. Matt will visit us again for new turbos and acuators so it will get a big jump in power. We are big fans of Haltech and now he’s prepared with the right engine management system.
Next, we installed a few suspension upgrades supplied by Matt followed by a full alignment:
Cusco T/C rods, rack bushings and toe-link/rear control arm setup:
T/C rods
The R32 had a set of SSR SP1 wheels and Matt wanted to change the look with a fresh set of new wheels: 18″ Volk TE37 finished in bronze.
We mounted/balanced his RE071R tires and the Skyline looks sweet:
Photo: Telstarlogistics
Matt has been Enjoying The Ride in the R32. Here he is at Laguna Seca:
We even caught Matt out on a local drive! Here he is parked next to Naveed’s R32 (story coming soon):
Thanks for bringing your Skyline to us Matt. We look forward to more boost! Catch more of Matt’s Th1 R32 on his Instagram
The crew at ZCG worked diligently to ensure the 275/40 front and massive 315/35/17 rear NT-01 tires cleared at full lock and suspension travel.
Our ZCG Big-Brake Kit( 328mm) is framed nicely behind the RS-8 spokes:
We also installed fender mirrors and James’ already hit the roads to Enjoy The Ride!
Enjoy this video of the Z rolling with the new footwork, speakers UP!
Stay tuned for a full report with dyno/tuning!
Frank B has been a Z Car Garage customer for many years. His stable includes an ultra low-vin Series 1 S30 (report soon) and this 1972 Datsun 240z that he acquired in 2005:
Affectionately named “Fuelie Z” this hot rod sports a fuel-injected Rebello 3L running Borla TWM induction. The old-school setup utilized RC injectors, a composite intake plenum and Electromotive Tec3 engine management.
With powerful L-series motivation Frank wanted to improve braking and we installed one of our very first sets of Z Car Garage Big Brakes roughly 8 years ago. These large, 328mm units at all 4-corners performed admirably and fit nicely behind his vintage 17″ Chevlon Racing Mesh wheels:
Frank has enjoyed the Z for several years, attending local ZONC events and fun runs. Below left: The ZONC Blackhawk Museum Show in 2008!
After a recent meeting with Frank we agreed it was time to update this Z car and make it as smooth as we could. He was our first customer to run the new Z Car Garage CV axles. This upgrade really inspired him to continue improving the car:
Next on the update list, we were really excited to install a Nissan 350z 6-speed manual transmission behind the L-series in Frank’s Z. You read that right! S30 owners can now bolt-in this robust, 6-speed manual behind their L-series engine! You might remember our first application of Austin Hoke’s custom 6-speed adapter kit on the OS Giken TC24B1Z-powered 240z:
Using the 6-speed conversion kit from Hoke Performance we installed a new CD009a transmission from the 2003 -2008 Z33 in Frank’s Z:
The kit necessitated exhaust header changes and after testing a variety of headers we found the Pacesetter 6-2-1 unit provided enough clearance:
We changed the exhaust and updated the driveshaft to an aluminum one. The old Spec clutch mated to the L-series transmission was removed and a JWT aluminum flywheel and HD clutch installed for work with the 350z transmission:
The 6-speed bolted in, more pictures of the install in gallery below:
The ZCG CV axles and 6-speed transmission transformed Frank’s Z. You can see the shifter location/operation in this video below. Enjoy!
Frank also asked why not update the engine management system and Rob said, “I’m in!”. Replacing the Tec3 unit we installed an Elite 750 from Haltech. This is a wonderful stand alone ECU company with very user-friendly products we love to use on our S30 builds.
With dyno tuning we improved the drivability of Z in addition to significant power gains. Final numbers were 231hp/210tq to the wheels:
We received great feedback from Frank after 100 miles of mountain roads. His wife could even notice the difference: super smooth, seamless operation with fantastic throttle response and more power. The Fuelie Z has been thoroughly updated, mission accomplished! We love that Frank is Enjoying The Ride in his Z stay tuned for a full report on his Series 1 240z!
LONG LIVE THE Z!
More pictures in the gallery below!
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