We met Kenin in 2012 when he visited ZCG with his Infiniti G37 IPL. After working on the G,  years passed by and Kenin reached out to us having purchased a 2018 Infiniti Q50S sedan. He saw that we were working with other customer’s Q50s and asked if we would be down to tune his. We happily obliged, especially since Kenin’s Q50 was rear-wheel-drive.

Straight from the factory, the VR30DDTT is an impressive motor. The Hi-Output version is rated at 400 hp and 350 ft-lbs tq, underrated as we have seen with dyno testing. With a few bolt-ons and tuning, even more power can be unlocked from the VR30. Kenin’ Q received several parts from AMS Performance including their AMS Heat Exchanger, AMS Coolant expansion tank and AMS Air intakes. We also intalled his strut tower brace:

The new heat exchanger compared to the stock unit and installation:

 

 

AMS air intakes compared to OEM:

 

AMS expansion tanks compared to OEM:

Intakes and expansion tank installed:

Rob was eager to tune the Q using Ecutek. Baseline power was 359hp/374tq at the wheels. With the AMS parts and tuning final numbers were 400hp/449tq, gains of +41hp/75tq:

Enjoy the Boost Kenin!

Special thanks to Seb at SpecialtyZ for helping us!

Irl N. heard about Z Car Garage from our friends at Stillen. He purchased several parts and wanted them installed correctly on his 2017 Q50s Red Sport. We started with the Stillen cat-back exhaust system:

Stock Vs. Stillen:

 

Next, an AMS Heat Exchanger:

  

The suspension received SPC front/rear control arms, lowering springs and a rear sway bar:

 

Braking improvements included new rotors (from Irl) and we provided the Stoptech 309 pads that we love:

 

With just a few upgrades Irl’s Q50 really boogies now!

We have worked on the new Q’s before and now they are beginning to come through our doors often–look for more VR30DDTT goodness on the blog!

Raymond L purchased a few bolt-ons and he needed them installed correctly on his Infiniti Q50 Hybrid. This is the first Q50 Hybrid we have worked on so we were excited. We installed a new front sway bar and cat-back exhaust, both from Stillen.

OEM vs Stillen sway bar:

OEM vs Stillen exhaust system:

A few more detail shots of the exhaust:

   

The front sway bar and Stillen exhaust made welcome improvements!

Z Car Garage is expanding to support our vintage, late model and motorsport work. We are seeking an experienced and skilled automotive technician to join our team.
This is not an average automotive job. The position is for a special candidate that wants to be part of a shop that is growing and always striving to set the bar a little higher. We offer competitive pay/benefits and the best working environment.
Requirements: Experienced with a good set of tools, willingness to learn, and be part of a team.

Interested or know someone who might be a good fit? Please contact rob@zcargarage.com or call us at (408)452-0350.

 

***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! Please note our holiday closure below:

*ZCG will be closed from 12/22 to New Year’s Day. We will re-open for business on  1/2/18*

Before we take a look back at highlights from 2017, check out our exciting plans for 2018 including motorsports events and several customer projects.

Catch us at Road Atlanta in Georgia for the 2018 Classic Motorsports Mitty April 27-29. We will be running pit crew again for John Morton piloting the #46 BRE 240z owned by Randy Jaffe. Nissan is the featured marque!

Just a few of the many customer projects coming along at the shop including full restorations:

Scott W’s 260z is slated for completion in Spring. This Z has a complete color change, ZCG Big-Brakes and a sweet 3.2L with Jenvey ITB fuel injection:

 

Tim N’s 1973 240z will also be getting new paint, a 3.2L with Jenvey ITBs and our ZCG Big Brake Kit:

 

Richard Y’s series 1 240z is fresh from paint:

Tuning of the OS Giken TC24B1Z, turn up your speakers and enjoy!

Several Z32 projects will be completed as well, look for full reports next year!

We are excited about our new Big-Brake kit for small (14″) wheels. Debuting at JCCS earlier this year (report soon) we have performed a few local installations into Z cars and 510s. Look for an official offering early next year for S30s, 510s and other Datsuns.

 

Changes at Z Car Garage

Stay tuned for announcements in 2018 including a new website and business changes!

Highlights from 2017

Enjoy these highlights from 2017 and  Z you in the New Year!

Davids 240z Restoration

OS Giken TC24 Hakosuka

Erics DR30 RB26DETT Skyline

Alvins Datsun Roadster on Petrolicious

Richard Ms 370z on Smoking Tire

Solvang Datsun Roadster Show

Hakosuka Runs Spring Classic at Seca

R32 Skyline featured on Ignition Series

Visiting Spriso Motorsports

Rolex Motorsports Reunion

SEMA Show

ZONC Annual Car Show