Jay H has been our customer since the beginning. He has a Datsun 240z, Mazda (FD) RX-7 and this 1990 Aztec Red 300ZX Twin Turbo that he’s owned for many years. Living in a rural, wooded area the Z’s wiring got chewed on by rodents. We fixed the wiring and got the car running again but more issues surfaced. Jay loves this Z so much and it had 122k miles so he decided it was time give it some serious attention.
Z Car Garage was happy to oblige as we think the Z32 is one of the best Japanese sports car of the 90’s.
Engine Bay and Drivetrain
The engine bay was in need of major cleaning and restoration. First, we performed a compression/leakdown test and the Z passed. With the engine out now we could focus on cleanup:
We installed a new engine room wiring harness. Every coolant hose, bypass hose, vacuum hose was replaced. A new underhood insulator with clips replaced the torn oem piece.
All p/s hoses were replaced and we modified the p/s steering pump to reduce clutter and eliminate the HICAS completely:
The engine was treated to full reseal and timing belt services, more pictures of the engine build in the gallery!
With a clean bill of health we installed several performance upgrades including JWT sport 500 turbos, BDE billet half moons/motor mounts, Ashpsec inlet piping, Selin dual-MAF with HR low-profiles filters/two Z32 MAFs and Nismo 740cc injectors:
No turbo upgrade is complete without the Mike Smith turbo manifolds with EGR ( to pass emissions). Unfortunately we will install the last set of these on Felix C’s 300, and that’s it!
BDE motor mounts:
Nismo 740cc injectors:
Ashspec inlet piping:
Selin dual-MAF with HR low-profile filters:
Before the engine went back in we installed a new JWT HD clutch and aluminum flywheel:
The drivetrain was re-installed with numerous items like a new fan and engine cover:
Exhaust upgrades included a full SpecialtyZ 3″ exhaust with 3″midpipes:
Finally, a GReddy Profec boost controller was installed in the super tidy interior:
Rob dyno tuned the Z, making 384hp/348tq to the wheels:
Exterior
With the engine bay and drivetrain sorted we turned to the body and and exterior trim. Jay wanted to do a full repaint on the car so we had it had it towed engine-out to our man William. Some before shots showing the faded paint and cracked/peeling tail light panel:
At William’s the body got some choice parts to make it look like 1990 again: Wings West Pre-’94 rear wing, JDM front fascia (with shaved license plate mount) and Jspec tail lights. With the freshly painted Z back at the shop we tackled re-assembly of new cowl panels, mouldings and various trim. All of these parts really make this Z pop:
Extensive moulding/trim replacement: T-top trim before/after shown below
Door and window trim:
Jspec rear and front looking sharp!
Icing on the cake are Jay’s super cool set of old WORK Equip 05 wheels. We re-finished and polished/painted them running Bridgestone S-04 tires.
Wheels make the car and this Z looks incredible standing still and on the road:
Suspension
The chassis received a few upgrades including Stillen sways and SPL titanium HICAS delete We also replaced ABS module the clutch and brake master cylinders
One Z Car…Coming Up!
Jay didn’t have a car for the duration of the revival and he was on foot running errands near his home. We handled all of the DMV fees foe him and Rob and Alvin delivered the Z to Jay at his residence.
It was a great experience to pull up in the 510 and Z to present it to Jay, he was all smiles:
Thank you Jay for bringing your 300zx to Z Car Garage. We admire your love for the Z and passion to keep it on the road in top form! Z32s ROCK! Enjoy the extensive photo gallery below:
LONG LIVE THE Z!