This is Christopher’s 1975 Datsun 280Z featuring our Z Car Garage CV Axles, Z Car Garage Big-Brakes and ZCG KW coil-over suspension! He performed a meticulous restoration himself with highlights including an ITB EFI-fed L-Series, CD009 6-speed transmission and Watanabe wheels. Let’s take a look at how Christopher got into Z cars…

 

CHRISTOPHER:  The previous owner of the Z lived less than a mile from our house. I noticed it in his garage one day on the way in to work and immediately went by that afternoon to ask him about it. It was bought new in his family and given to him by his Uncle. It hadn’t ran in over five years and he was hoping to get it back running. I asked him almost every other week for about a year to keep me in mi d if he ever decided to sell it. He eventually moved for work and was forced to sell the car…

 

…My wife was the first to tell me and I was pushing the car to our house that afternoon! I got the car running after a few months and drove it stock for a year or two. After moving down south and the car being exposed to high humidity, I decided to restore the car and take care of the body before things got out of hand. What began as a tear down to have the car repainted, turned into a full nut and bolt restoration that overall took just under six years to complete.

 

Drivetrain

 

Christopher’s fanatic attention to detail really shines in the super-sanitary engine bay. The stock L28 uses Jenvey individual throttle-body fuel injection (MegaSquirt ecu) with parts from Datsunspirit and ProTunerZ. He made a mount for the IAT sensor, installed @fuelinjectorclinic injectors, @robsperformancemotorsport fuel rail, and @radiumengineering bits (fuel pressure regulator, gauge, and two petcock drain valves for the catch cans). More photos in the gallery below!

 

CHRISTOPHER: The goal of the build was to highlight and improve what was already great about the car. I wanted the appearance, weight and simplicity of a 240 with the drivability, performance, and rigidity of the 280. I was inspired by GT3s and similarly was seeking to build a light weight, naturally aspirated car with ITBs and and a quality exhaust. The car now weighs 2400 pounds and I wanted to ensure only quality items were installed (OEM or better).

 

Below: At Moore Performance dialing in the ITBs. Chris plans to re-visit the dyno to squeeze more power with a different CAS sensor.

 

The exhaust includes a Z-story header and custom piping fabricated by Tyler Dorsey. Below, also visible are T3 coil-overs, LCAs, and Z Car Garage CV Axles:

  

Z Car Garage Big-Brakes

  

CHRISTOPHER: I heard about ZCG from various Datsun Forums before I purchased the car. Rob and ZCG were known for their passion with the S30 and the research and development that went into every product offered. I chose ZCG for the lower control arms, brakes, suspension, and coil overs because I wanted a cohesive setup that was developed in a way that ensured every component worked in harmony with each other and improved the S30’s driving characteristics, not change it.

  

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

 

  

CHRISTOPHER: Early on I considered more outrageous options that were popular within the community. But after researching those companies, and the reviews of their products further, it became clear that was not the direction I preferred to take. A lot were over engineered and under tested, over complicated, or unnecessary. Ultimately, I chose ZCG after numerous conversations with Rob where he spent time breaking down his own personal opinion and the shop’s research to highlight where other options may over engineer products to the detriment of the car or may not unlock the full potential of the chassis. I liked that he was honest with what he thought was worth upgrading and what wasn’t necessary. It was obvious he cared and wasn’t out for just a profit. He lives these cars.

 

Big-Brake Kits Available For DIY Install!

Z Car Garage is proud to offer our Big-Brake Kit to Z-Car owners that want to perform the installation themselves. We can ship worldwide and each kit contains everything needed with a comprehensive installation guide. Blog posts documenting all of our customers running the ZCG Big-Brakes can be found HERE. Christopher’s beautiful S30 and his ZCG Big-Brake installation:

 

CHRISTOPHER: The installation was a breeze. Uniquely for this project, Rob and I talked early on (almost five years ago) about testing ZCG’s ability to develop and deliver products beyond the west coast. We began this venture as a means to begin testing the various elements of that process logistically. For this, Rob also wanted to demonstrate how ZCG was capable at recommending, assembling, and shipping complete components to the point that it removed much of the work and guessing from the consumer. Rob’s hope was to prove that if someone wanted the complete setup (engineered and proven by ZCG over years of experience), a customer could essentially order the catalogue and receive a complete solution delivered to their front step. That’s exactly what happened with this.

 

Our ZCG Big-Brake kit ships with everything needed to install and retains the factory parking brake function. Chris successfully installed the BBK on his Z and they look great behind the 16×8 (zero offset) Watanabe wheels with 225/45/16 Toyo tires. Beyond ease of installation and quality components, our Big-Brakes perform by offering superb pedal feel…everyone that drives our demo Z confirms! 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.

   

CHRISTOPHER: The car feels planted like never before. Our family also has a fully restored 73 240 that is an excellent OEM example. Where that car feels stable and drives well, there’s no denying the age of its component and it drives like a seventies sports car.  The 280 feels like a modern sports car and inspires confidence. The brake pedal communicates exceptionally well and the balance of the calipers bring the z down from speed a rate well beyond most cars today. The light weight of the S30 and the size of the ZCG big brakes is an unreal combo!

 

Z Car Garage CV Axles and KW Suspension

  

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 200 CV axle kits on customer cars and we are stoked with all of the positive feedback. Christopher’s ZCG CV Axle set, #0457 installed by himself:

 

Detailed shots, note how clean his work is!

CHRISTOPHER: Not only does ZCG already provide extensive installation guidance (70 plus pages of instructions for the brakes alone that cover everything from torque specs to bleeding procedures), but, for this, he assembled and shipped each corner fully assembled (spindle, wheel bearings, coil over, and camber plates). I was able to install the whole assembly into the strut tower, the lower control arms, and attach the brake lines and the corner was complete! Having this work done by Rob not only saved me time, but also gave me the piece of mind that these critical pieces of the chassis were done right and by someone with decades of experience. From there it was installing the ZCG CV Axles and I was then off to the remainder of the build.

  

KW x Z Car Garage Coil-over Suspension

 

Christopher installed our KW V3 suspension, complementing the ZCG Big-Brakes and CV Axles nicely. Details on our ZCG KW V3 coil-overs will be covered in a dedicated blogpost coming soon.

 

CHRISTOPHER: The KW V3s offered by ZCG are the most valuable investment I’ve made in the car (and I’ve replaced nearly every bolt on the car at this point lol). Nothing has affected the performance and drive of the car as drastically as the coil overs. The Z is smooth on the highway and is able to carry momentum through corners like never before. I can’t wait to get it out on the track this spring. Couldn’t recommend them enough. Wether it’s the brakes or the suspension, ZCG has formed relationships with the partners that matter and have a proven track record in the auto industry. There’s nothing else like it period.

 

Interior

 

Chris’ phenomenal work extends to the interior where original surfaces were refurbished or replaced with OEM parts.

CHRISTOPHER: I chose to put the original luggage riser vinyl back in as I really like the original small diamond pattern better than the newer options. Also installed the rear quarter panels I bought off @sportzwerks and refurbished which never came with the car. Feels good to be bringing it back better than it was. Pretty cool to see the refinished dash frame from @vintagedashes  in the car as well as the dash cowl with @speedhut gps puck installed. The 6-speed shift knob is from @thedavemason:

 

Enjoying The Ride

After a long journey Christopher is driving his Z! Follow his build on Instagram and see it in action in the video below, volume up!

 

CHRISTOPHER: Moving forward I plan on getting the z out to meets and on the road! It’s going to be driven! I found a lot of the suppliers that helped with Nissan’s heritage program when the 350Z was released, and took the time to create what I hoped to be a quality build that maintained the character of the S30s with components that not only perform but will last another 50 years. The result isn’t blistering speed but a visceral driving experience in a truly timeless car.

 

Thanks for your support Christopher we love that you are Enjoying The Ride and Long Live The Z! More photos in the gallery below.

The Last Stop in Braking for your Z

 

Z Car Garage Big Brakes are one of the best systems available for your S30 Z Car with over 200 kits sold worldwide and unanimous positive feedback. See our ZCG Big-Brakes on client cars HERE and enjoy the photos below:

   

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Joseph L recently took ownership of our shop’s 2023 Nissan Z. Before we dive into Joseph’s story, let’s give the RZ34 a proper send-off by chronicling Z Car Garage’s journey with Nissan back in 2021…

From Prototype to Production

  

Our journey with the new Z began in May 2021, when Nissan invited us to their Headquarters in Tennessee to get up close and personal with the Z Proto. We thank Dan Passe and Jonathan Buhler for bringing ZCG along for the ride. We were fortunate to be a part of a series of great events since this inaugural visit.

In August 2021 we were invited to attend the 2023 Nissan Z Global Reveal event in New York:

  

In September 2021 we were guests of Nissan at SEMA:

  

In October 2021 we hosted a 2023 Nissan Viewing Event at Z Car Garage for the public to enjoy:

 

In June of 2022  Nissan kindly lent us a 2023 Nissan Z for five days

 

For Monterey Car Week in August 2022, Nissan gave us a 2023 Z in Ikazuchi Yellow:

  

Yes, Nissan even lent us an RZ34 to be Pace Car at the CSRG Vintage Races and on display at the Velocity Invitational in 2022!

  

We eventually took delivery of our own RZ34 in 2023. This is a 6-speed manual, Performance trim finished in Black Diamond Pearl with Graphite Leather interior. Read all about our experience HERE.

 

The fun didn’t stop there, after receiving our RZ34, Nissan invited us for a 3-day adventure along the Pacific Highway in this Boulder Gray Z:

 

Hooked on the Track: Joseph’s Infiniti G37 Sedan

 

ROB: We met Joseph in 2022 when he had another shop install a supercharger on his G37. There were many things that didn’t work well and he had us resolve them. Once we sorted out this car for Joseph he was really enjoying it and started modifying further. Then he discovered track days, picking up the pace and loving his G37 on road courses.

 

JOSEPH: My journey to Z Car Garage started with a second-hand, unused Stillen Supercharger kit for my 2010 Infiniti G37S sedan. The installation had problems. At this point I’d never heard of a “track day”, so if you’re wondering why I’d buy a supercharger kit, I ask myself the same question. I needed help. I found Z Car Garage. While the repair was being quoted I read Z Car Blog, and figured out that I had stumbled on the top Z shop in the world, in my backyard.

 

When I first met Rob, I will never forget, he was shuffling through files, looking for mine, while signing along with The Doors–pretty loud and pretty good–but he was replacing choice words with “Z Car Garage”. “Z Car Garaaaaagggeee, is calling us”. Z Car Garage not only fixed my beloved G, but they made it Z Car Garage Style. It was a rocket. I would later learn the term “sleeper’. It was the best sounding car I’ve ever heard, like naughty angels having a good time. The only other car I heard with this sound was a 370Z in San Jose that must have been set up the same way.

 

ROB: We started discussing future upgrades when unfortunately the G37 was stolen from his driveway, all captured on video and leaving him heartbroken. A few days later the car was recovered, but not salvageable. Joseph was in a tough spot. While the G37 is a wonderful car, we considered alternative track day cars, like a 350Z or 240Z and then a lightbulb moment…what about the Z Car Garage #49 RZ34! 

  

We were ready to sell since it was sitting idle and not being driven as much. There simply was not as many RZ’s around as we hoped to justify it as a development car. In the two years of ownership we did enjoy it at the track, attending local gatherings and driving events like the Breakfast Club Rally’s Tokyo Calling. It was time to pass on the torch and Joseph was the guy.

 

Long Live Joel Anderson and #49

 

Shortly after taking delivery of the new Z we knew exactly how we wanted to make it special, and that was to honor Joel Anderson’s #49 IMSA GTU Datsun 240Z. The graphics were laid on via wrapping and vinyl decals affixed for the numbering/IMSA stickers:

 

JOSEPH: Rob introduced me to “Hooked on Driving”. Being allowed to drive on real race tracks was a revelation, and I was “hooked”, instantly. After my first track day, we installed a Z Car Garage style suspension. I did three more track days, then the car was stolen. My heart was so broken that I thought about buying a beater and giving up the sport, for six or seven seconds. At this point I am in a simulator most mornings, practicing, so my priorities had changed. I wanted a Z.

 

When Rob offered the shop Z, I did not think about it. I was not even 100% sure which one he meant, nor did I care. It’s like Jimi Hendrix offering to sell one of his guitars. But it was the new Z, with the 49 car livery, a tribute to Joel Anderson. It still chokes me up as I write this that I am entrusted with the livery. Anybody that asks about the car gets a speech about Joel , Z Car Garage, and the 49 car. After one such occasion, the person asked “so, did they sell you this one for a dollar??”. No-I missed that bargaining chip when I had the chance!

 

ROB: Coolest thing of all is that Joseph knew the story of Joel Anderson, and asked us if he could carry on the livery and share Joel’s story. Such a win/win. Joseph has done several track days and gives us great feedback so we can continue developing the RZ34 platform. Thanks Joseph, looking forward to seeing you more and upgrading this Z to see more checkered flags!

 

Track Preparation

When we acquired our new 2023 Nissan Z the very first modification was a Fast Intentions TDX 2.5″ Cat Back Exhaust System. FI makes the best exhaust for late model Nissans/Infiniti sports cars, If you have an RZ34 this is the one to get with high quality, great fitment and a wonderful exhaust note.

 

The Fast Intentions Cat Back exhaust system also provides solid power gains. We performed before and after dyno runs on our 2023 Nissan Z Performance 6MT and saw 388hp/392tq with the OEM exhaust and 399hp/394tq with the Fast Intentions exhaust. Expect even more with tuning, see more photos and exhaust sound video in our product review Fast Intentions Product Review.

 

Before  Joseph’s first track day at Laguna Seca in the #49 RZ34 we installed the following parts, with more installation photos in the gallery below:

KW V3 Coil overs

 

Stock and KW V3 installed:

 

SPC Front Control Arms and Whiteline Sway Bar Set:

 

Nismo Cold Air Intake

 

Yokohama Advan Neova AD09 tires, Front Brake Pads (G LOC R8), Rear Brake Pads (G LOC SG1), Stoptech brake fluid 600f and Stainless brake lines:

  

We received great feedback from Joseph after his Laguna Seca track day (in-car video HERE)

JOSEPH: It was lowered an inch. It handled beautifully! It was very balanced and grippy. It barely understeered. I think most remarkably, going over the hill at turn 1 felt easy, whereas in my G I felt like I was weightless and I was going to lose it. I have learned that the size, weight, and center of gravity of a car are more important than the engine. That said, power delivery was super smooth and there’s a lot of it. You don’t really feel the turbos engaging, it’s just more power. The engine still has the stock tuning and I am still fine with that. The brakes are going to get an upgrade. They performed great but by the end of the day they were pretty cooked. I think we also want an oil cooler as that got pretty close to the red, but I never lost power.

 

What’s next for Joseph?

JOSEPH: I view myself as the sponsor of the car, and the luckiest test driver on the planet. Z Car Garage is the engineering staff and mechanics. Rob is the technical director. We can build the best street-able track car on the road, as Rob sees fit. I will keep working to get better as a driver and push the car as Zs are meant to be.

 

Long Live The Z!

 

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Happy Friday from Z Car Garage! The shop is busy dyno tuning, servicing and upgrading Z cars. Enjoy this brief update from Friday, January 24.

S30 Z Cars

 

In 2021, Larry Chen commissioned Z Car Garage to transform his beloved SR20DET-powered 1970 Datsun 240Z, affectionately known as “Ole Orange Bang”. The Z is now getting a full engine bay and front end restoration. It features our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, Z Car Garage CV Axles, chassis preparation, dyno tuning and more.

 

Hiep’s Datsun 280Z (on lift) getting Z Car Garage Big-Brakes and refreshed EFI, also in the process of getting 240Z bumpers:

  

Mike’s RB25DET-powered Datsun 240Z getting our  Z Car Garage KW coil-over suspension, Z Car Garage Big-Brakes (Stoptech), CD009 6-speed transmission and 16″ Panasport wheels:

 

Our very own Cooper got a new set of 16″ Panasport wheels on his Datsun 260Z. Full story in this rally-proven Z coming to zcarblog.com

 

James’ aka “nasstyZ” aka “Medusa” 1972 Datsun 240Z is getting re-assembled back to its boosted form:

 

Long-time client’s Datsun 240Z getting full suspension,  Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, exhaust system and carb tuning on the older 3L.

  

Nissan 350Z

 

Two Z33 Roadsters at the shop: Gary’s Blue ’07 just got a ZSpeed Performanc CMAK and clutch upgrade and Stillen CARB-legal Supercharger kit. The Black 350z is Joseph C’s with a new engine, Vortech, full suspension, DEFI gauges and upgraded stereo system. These convertibles will hit the street next week!

 

Nissan R35 GT-R

 

James’ and Marcus’ R35 GT-Rs in for maintenance and upgrades:

 

Our client and friend Tom Dockery finally found the right car to roam around in…a Nissan 350Z, Enjoy the Ride!

 

 

 

We are still looking for experienced technicians to join our team, for more details and how to apply please visit our help wanted page  HERE

LONG LIVE THE Z!

 

 

The shop is busy dyno tuning, servicing and upgrading Z cars. Enjoy this brief update from Friday, December 15th.

S30 Z Cars

 

Rashid lives in Dubai and his Datsun 240Z is getting 3.2L L-Series with pH44 Mikuni induction and exhaust header, ZX 5-speed transmission, OS Giken 4.11 LSD, Z Car Garage KW coil-over suspension, our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes (Stoptech) and 16″ Panasport wheels:

 

David’s 1972 Datsun 240Z is getting a Rebello 3.0L, 240SX 5-speed transmission and 4.11 OS Giken LS. It is also getting our Z Car Garage KW coil-over suspension and already has our V1 (328m) Z Car Garage Big-Brakes. Both cars will feature the T3 steering rack that we are big fans of:

 Both Ryan and Beau’s Datsun 240Z cars left the shop recently. Ryan’s Z has LS3 V8 power while Beau’s 1976 280Z has an L28 with stock EFI. Both cars feature our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes (Stoptech), Z Car Garage CV Axles, Recaro Specialist seats, A/C and dyno tuning. Full features on both coming to zcarblog.com!

 

Lou’s Datsun 240Z came in for mechanical sorting. Excited to share his story on zcarblog as Larry also races with us:

 

Nissan 300ZX (Z32)

 

We have several Z32 NA and TT cars currently at the shop. Gary’s Twin Turbo (above) just got a new set of BBS LM wheels. Full update on this car soon! Paul Ferrari returned to ZCG since we completed his Epic Z32 Build in 2017. He’s ready for ethanol, after running this car on race fuel for many years. We will be installing dual fuel pumps, BDE top fuel rail and all the fixings:

Kevin’s Slicktop Z32 is in for a driver’s side window replacement and some touch-up. Love this Z with WORK wheels and Stoptech Big-Brakes:

 

Hakosuka Skyline

 

Sebastian’s Skyline is at the shop and we are doing a suspension refresh, engine work adapting our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes (Stoptech) to this Hako. We hope to offer this in the future for C10 clients. We hope you enjoyed this shop update, stay tuned for more on zcarblog.com and LONG LIVE THE Z!

 

 

Nissan’s Thrill Street exhibit at SEMA in the Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall, booth #52141, features the 2024 Nissan Z NISMO, a Safari-style Z concept vehicle and a replica of the Datsun 240Z rally car that helped cement the Z’s place as a sports car icon with its victory in the 1971 East African Safari Rally.

 

The Safari tribute 240Z is owned by our client Randy Jaffe and Z Car Garage helped prepare this car a few years ago for a Nissan commercial. We installed new 3.0 Rebello street race motor, 1982 280ZX 5 speed transmission and OS Giken 4.11 LSD. Small details were re-created including functional Works-style side jacking points, rear bumper steps and twin-exit exhaust system. View our full report on this build HERE.

 

Photos by Larry Chen

 

Talented photographer and car culture ambassador Larry Chen captured these amazing photos and video of Randy’s Safari tribute and the New Z Safari tribute in action. You can see more photos in the official Nissan Nissan Press Release, and view behind-the-scenes footage on Larry’s Instagram.

 

 

Enjoy this video highlighting Larry Chen’s work:

 

Follow or Facebook and Instagram accounts for more Z car content from the SEMA show!

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