***HAPPY HOLIDAYS From Z Car Garage***

 

2024 marks the 20th Anniversary of Z Car Garage. From all of us at Z Car Garage we thank our friends, family and clients for another exciting and productive year! Enjoy our 2023 recap and upcoming projects. Please note our holiday closure below:

ZCG will be closed from 12/21 through 12/26 and we will re-open for business on 1/2/24

 

Client Updates for 2024

We had a busy year and though the shop will be closed, we won’t leave you hanging for the holidays. Many zcarblog features have yet to be published like our belated race report from the Velocity Invitational in addition to client stories. Before we take a look back at highlights from 2023, here are several exciting projects coming along at the shop:

 

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!

  

Ken’s Series 1 Datsun 240Z (#1762) is getting our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, ZCG CV Axles, KA24 5-speed transmission and Fujitsubo exhaust. The L28 now has Jenvey ITB EFI managed by a Haltech 750:

 

Kevin’s Nismo 350Z got full KW V3 coil-overs and Recaro seats and more:

 

Kurt’s Kenmeri Skyline is in for sorting. We also helped Dirk prepare his ’73 Datsun 240Z. Full reports coming to zcarblog.com, enjoy the photos!

 

ZCG Parts on JDM Legend’s Epic Build

 

We are really excited to see our Z Car Garage parts on the JDM Legends Safari Gold Datsun 240Z build! This S30 features our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, Z Car Garage CV Axles and our Z Car Garage Heat Shield on the 3.2 Rebello L-Series engine. Backing the drivetrain is our CD009a 6-speed transmission kit:

  

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:

  Jim’s 1971 Datsun 240z is now sporting a Rebello 3.2L with triple-Mikuni carbs on a Harada intake, Recaro Specialist seats, CD009a 6-speed transmission, our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes (for small wheels) and Z Car Garage CV Axles! It is now getting a new dash and Jenvey EFI

   

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:

 

Cameron’s Z32 is here for maintenance work and downpipes, inlet piping, larger intercoolers all from Specialty Z. Cameron has been bringing his 300 to us for many years and we we are really glad to have him back.

  

William’s Z32TT is getting 740cc injectors, downpipes and more:

 

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.

 

Rick’s BRE-inspired Datsun 240Z track car is getting a CD009 6-speed transmission, Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, coil-over suspension and track preparation.

  

Datsunworks

 

Z Car Garage is excited to collaborate with Datsunworks and develop their brilliant KN20 dual-overhead cam (DOHC) cylinder head designed for the Nissan inline-6 L-Series engine. You can read all about it HERE. We continue to extract more power and run longevity testing with owner Gary’s Datsun 240Z, who has the pleasure of living daily with this beast affectionately named the “Behemoth”. This car has been sold and we will update you in the New Year

 

Dyno Tuning your 350z/370z/Q/G

We have been dyno tuning your late model Nissan/Infiniti sports car daily. Bolt-ons, UPREV tuning. Our customers leave happy with more performance. Call us to schedule an appointment! Here are just a few cars:

    

R35 and R32 GT-R

R35s in for service and upgrades. Mike and Kurt’s R32 GT-Rs got power and chassis upgrades deserving their own blog features:

 

Race Cars

Several race cars to report on including the Transcendental Racing Datsun 240Z, Glenn Chiou’s Ex-Finn/Harris U2.5L Trans-Am ’68 510 (sporting ZCG CV Axles), the Corky Bell Trans-Am 510 and more!

 

Highlights from 2023

 

Even though 2023 was crazy year for all of us we still managed to have fun on and off the track. The shop made some really great progress as well. Enjoy these highlights from the year and Z you in 2024!

Click on each link or photo to see the full features!

CJ’s 1971 Datsun 240Z

 

CJ’s 1971 Datsun 240Z features our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, Z Car Garage CV Axles, and ZCG Heat Shield! We also installed triple-Mikuni induction and dyno tuned the Rebello 3L engine backed by a 240SX 5-speed transmission.

 

 

Our 2023 Nissan Z

Huge thanks to Nissan for giving us the opportunity to experience the 2023 Nissan Z. We finally took delivery of our Performance 6MT in April:

 

The Bring A Trailer Datsun 240Z

To celebrate their 100,000 listing, Bring a Trailer is auctioning their 1973 Datsun 240Z, prepared by Z Car Garage. Finished in Lime Yellow (#112) paint over black vinyl upholstery, it is powered by a numbers-matching Rebello Racing-built 2.7-liter straight-six with triple Weber 40 DCOE carbs. The total sale amount for the auction will be donated to the Piston Foundation, a nonprofit that will use 100% of the funds to help young technicians build rewarding careers in the collector car industry by funding programs in the skilled trades.

  

Colonel Gary’s 1978 Datsun 280Z

Enjoying The Ride

 

Mike’s 1970 S30

At Z Car Garage we enjoy both modifying Z cars and restoring them back to factory spec. Mike’s 1970 Datsun 240Z came to us from North Carolina and we delivered it in July. This ’69 production VIN#193 is a beautiful driving example of how wonderful these cars were from the factory.

 

Vincent’s 1973 Datsun 240Z

 

Stan K (VIN #511) and Tony H’s Series Datsun 240Z cars came in for mechanical sorting, interior work and Z Car Garage CV Axles

  

We are stoked to see our #49 Joel Anderson IMSA GTU Datsun 240z currently on display at ZCON this week. It’s in great company next to our clients Linda Williams and her OMS Pace Car Tribute and Mike’s Fairlady Z432. Photos by Gary Savage.

   

Mike’s Stillen GTZ

 

Garrett’s 1972 Datsun 240Z

 

Rick’s 1965 Nissan Silvia

 

Bill’s 1973 Datsun 240Z

 

Kim’s 1970 Datsun 240z

 

Alex’s Sunny Truck

 

Adam’s RB25-powered 1971 Datsun 240Z

 

Yousef’s 1970 Datsun 240Z

 

Vince S’ 1973 Datsun 240Z

300zx

 

 510 and Fairlady Roadster

 

350Z

 

370z

R32

Updates on Mike and Kurt’s R32 Skylines!

Racing

 

RACE REPORT: 2023 Charity Challenge with CSRG Sonoma

RACE REPORT: Laps for Laguna 2023

RACE REPORT: Vintage Racing with SVRA 3/4/23

RACE REPORT: David Love Memorial with CSRG 3/25

RACE REPORT: GRIDLIFE Laguna

 

Rallyes/Events

 

EVENTS: Built By Legends Gathering 8.13.23

https://www.zcarblog.com/2023/09/08/events/event-report-tokyo-calling-3-rally.html

EVENTS: 36th Annual Z Car Convention 7/31 to 8/5

https://www.zcarblog.com/2023/06/12/events/event-report-zonc-gathering-6-11-23.html

EVENTS: 2023 Japanese Classic Car Show October 7

EVENTS: Nissan Adventures on the Pacific Coast Highway!

 

Media

Gary’s Datsunworks-powered Datsun 240Z featured in OPTION Magazine. ZCG was featured in Nostalgic Hero Magazine:

 

MEDIA: Sung Kang’s FUGUZ Featured in OPTION Magazine

MEDIA: Z Car Garage in Nostalgic Hero Magazine

MEDIA: Gary’s Datsunworks DOHC 240Z featured in Option Magazine

 

LONG LIVE THE Z! Check out our Instagram story for more updates!

 

 

Z Car Garage routinely services and modifies Nissan’s R35 supercar and today we have two that visited us for transmission work.

Anthony’s R35

Anthony came to ZCG after a dealership pulled a transmission failure code on his 2009 R35 GT-R. There is a common defect in the pressure sensors inside the transmission of specific model year R35s and ZCG can provide a client a little more than a dealership simply replacing a part. If we see something that is a known issue we like to offer an upgraded solution.

After getting a quote for a substantial amount at the dealership, Anthony reached out to us, brought the car in and we confirmed the failure. Jack’s Transmissions out of Colorado is a well-known R35 transmission builder and we had them build a “hot rod” unit with upgraded pressure sensors and clutches.

 

We removed the transmission and sent it to Jack’s. With the upgraded pressure sensors we needed to re-program the ECU and dyno tune to make sure it performed well. Anthony’s R35 made 511hp/478tq at the wheels, enjoy the dyno run video below:

 

 

Hector’s R35

 

Two weeks later, Hector visited us with is R35 having the exact same transmission code issue. We removed the transmission and re-installed the rebuilt unit from Jack’s. In the exhaust area we found downpipe issues… the passenger side turbo had a really terrible repair on the turbo charger housing in an attempt to get it to seal:

 

We removed all of that and repaired it correctly. With the exhaust off we were able to replace the outlet gaskets, all of the turbo studs and nuts plus a missing exhaust bracket. All exhaust system issues were corrected.

  We also dyno tuned Hector’s R35 after the fresh transmission was installed and it made 501hp/494tq to the wheels. Enjoy the dyno video below:

 

 

Both GT-Rs are making great power and driving at full power with beautifully shifting transmissions. This is another great example of why independent specialty shops exist…we take over when the dealership says just replace it with a stock part…Long Live Boost and Long Live the R35!

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We love working on late-model Nissans and Nathan visited Z Car Garage for tuning and bolt-ons for his 2014 Nissan R35 GT-R.

 

We installed our go-to Specialty-Z R35 intake kit, AMS 90mm downpipes and AMS 90mm midpipe with stock flange to the cat back exhaust:

 

The Specialty-Z intake kit replaces the restrictive factory airbox:

 

AMS downpipes and midpipe:

 

Dyno Tuning

Nathan signed on for ECUTEK tuning including his own ECUTEK Bluetooth dongle to check codes and monitor vitals. With Rob’s dyno tuning the GT-R made 553hp/545tq at the wheels, gains of +53hp/82tq:

 

Enjoy the dyno videos below:

 

Nathan was super excited with the results and fueling upgrades are up next. Long Live Boost and Long Live the GT-R!

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The Z Owners of Northern California (ZONC) is one of the oldest Z car clubs in the nation. In its prime they had over 600 members with close ties to Yutaka Katayama (“Mr. K”) and Nissan USA. We had a wonderful time attending their Meet and Greet event at the Blackhawk Museum in Danville, Ca on June 11, 2023.

 

We left Z Car Garage in our 2023 Nissan Z, 1971 Datsun 510 Wagon and  Randy’s 1972 Datsun 240Z (For Sale). Joining the caravan were Alex in his 1968 Datsun 510 Wagon and our friend Geoff in his BMW 2002. Despite some morning fog the turnout was impressive for a relaxed gathering. No judged car show or awards, just Z-Car fans catching up with old friends and meeting new enthusiasts.

Highlights from the show

Still to this day, 240Zs are the most represented model in the club. Expansion over time currently includes all recent Z models and the GT-R, but also reaches back in time to include the Datsun Roadsters and 510s. Both upper and lower parking areas were packed with cars and people having a great time.

  

The New Nissan Z!

 

Linda Williams’  proudly displayed her 1 of 240Z special edition Nissan Z “Proto Spec” in the upper Museum area. Our RZ34 was in the lower lot and we will have a full report on the recently installed Fast Intentions exhaust system!

 

Z’s, 510s, Roadsters and More!

 

Here are a few of my favorite S30 Z cars from the gathering, starting with this flared beauty on custom 17″ early S30 hubcap-inspired wheels. This is the creation of Hoover Chan from Turbohoses R&D and it sports an L28ET. Rob and Hoover go way back many years!

  

We were pleasantly surprised to see many Z Car Garage clients so let’s take a look at what they drove. Garrett drove his 1972 Datsun 240Z featuring our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, Z Car Garage CV Axles combined with a suspension rebuild improved the chassis. Power comes from a Rebello 3L with our Z Car Garage Heat Shield  and in-house dyno tuning to make it sing. His latest addition are new Recaro leather seats!

 

Ken’s 1970 Datsun 240Z also has our Z Car Garage CV Axles:

  

Stoked to see Hazel’s 1970 Datsun 240Z featuring our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, Z Car Garage CV Axles. Looks like Hazel just added a mint set of Watanabe R-Type wheels to her Z!

 

 

It was great to see Steve and Kevin’s Nismo Z33s. Full reports on both coming to zcarblog.com!

 

Here is a video from the event, enjoy!

 

Blow-thru Fantasy

 

We met Francisco and his S30 had a really neat HKS blow-through turbo system. Rob was impressed with his enthusiasm and love for the Z!

Twice the Beauty

  

Joey Bautista drove two of his immaculate Z cars.  The engine bay on this blue car looks factory right? A closer inspection reveals a bespoke factory-style triple carb  air cleaner, complete with OEM-style emissions stickers! The B-speed “LY” vintage valve cover was a nice touch as well. Really love d the aesthetic.

 

 

The silver S30 also sported triple carbs with a vintage SK air box and “triple” emissions stickers:

 

Z32

 The Z32 300ZX was out in full force with both NA and TT examples. We enjoyed seeing familiar faces like Kevin Neely’s TT with fresh TE37 wheels and Joe’s show-winning red Z32:

 

Z33 and Z34

Strong showing of Z34s including V1 and V2 Nismo models:

     

510s

 We love to see Datsun 510s and there were many examples of both stock and modified. Andy’s SR20DET-powered 510 was my favorite with Gotti wheels and rear-mounted A/C system. This was another creation from Hoover at Turbohoses!

 

SSS Bluebird was the only RHD 510 model at the show:

 

 

Jay’s 510 Wagon on Longchamp XR-4 wheels. Jay also has a 510 2-door featuring our Z Car Garage CV Axles.

  

Matt’s 510 with turbocharged KA24DE:

   

Alex’s 1968 Datsun 510 Wagon is a total sleeper with an LS3 V8 drivetrain!

 

Roadsters

The lone Datsun Roadster was John Baker’s ’69 2000. This is a Concours-level restoration with lots of rare, NOS Nissan Competition parts like passenger foot rest and oil cooler.

 
Rare Everwing fog lights and day/night mirror:

R32 Row

 

R32 Skyline GT-Rs in a variety of colors! Race car driver, restorer and Datsun Historian Glenn Chiou displayed his recently acquired Crystal White R32 on BBS LeMans wheels:

 

A familiar R34 GT-R also showed up!

 

 

R35

A handful of R35 GT-Rs

 

People

It’s why we keep coming back to ZONC events. Thank you to everyone that took the time to say hello!

 

Thank You ZONC!

We had a great time spending the day at the ZONC Meet and Greet. It reminded us to (in the words of the late Mr.K), ” Love cars. Love people. Love Life.”  This is a club that keep the Z community together year-round and we are excited for their next events. Don’t forget to check out our picture gallery below!

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Bruno is the owner of this 2015 R35 GT-R and he visited Z Car Garage on referral from the online GT-R forum. We’ve been receiving a steady stream of R35 owners since Boardwalk Nissan’s closure and it makes us happy as we love both vintage and late model Nissans.

 

This GT-R is a limited-production 45th Anniversary Gold Edition featuring a special paint color called Silica Brass, the same hue as the 2001 (R34) Skyline GT-R M-Spec. Available only in the Premium Edition trim level, the R35 included a special emblem on the lower part of the interior center cluster and an exclusive model plate number in the engine compartment. Bruno’s car represents just 1 of 27 in the US and 1 of 79 worldwide, a rare R35 indeed!

 

R35 GT-R Services at ZCG

 

Bruno had 42k miles on the odometer and it was time to service the brakes. We installed DBA front replacement rotors with Hawk HPS pads f/r and bled the brakes with Stoptech fluid. Rotor/pad removal and cleaning:

 

New rotors/pads installed:

 

We also performed a 45k-mile service, replacing all fluids/filters and Nissan drive belt. At Z Car Garage we not only build the wildest vintage cars, we also do anything service related. We often get calls with folks assuming we don’t want to do something simple…ZCG handles the easiest things like oil changes or ensuring you stay on top of your maintenance…to all all-out war builds. Please let us know if we can help you with your R35, 370z, 350z, G37, G35, Q60 or Z32. It was great meeting your Bruno and we loved working on your Gold edition R35. More photos in the gallery below!

 

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