Vintage cars may remain with their loving owners for years, change ownership or even get spotlighted in the media at some point. Our “where are they now” series features past Z Car Garage vehicles with updates on their status. In this fourth installment we catch up with Joe’s 1973 Kenmeri Skyline, now residing in Los Angeles, Ca.
Let’s go back in time to 2017…our client Alex McDowell decided to part with his 2000 GT-X so we listed it on our FOR SALE page. Joe F from SoCal contacted us immediately and jumped on a plane to visit Z Car Garage. Rob picked Joe up from the airport in the Kenmeri, tossed him the keys to enjoy it for a day…and he was sold.
We had great times with this KGC110 Skyline driving to many local events in the Bay Area. JDM Legends did a great job.
Enjoy this video of the Kenmeri driving and on the dyno at ZCG:
Just 4 days after we listed this 1973 Nissan Kenmeri Skyline it found a new owner with Joe in Southern California:
“Just want to say thank to Rob and the guys at Z Car Garage. Had a great experience purchasing my 73 Skyline Kenmeri from them. Class act all around and I would recommend them to anyone looking for a quality top notch classic JDM car!”
Here is the Kenmeri arriving:
Joe immediately started Enjoying The Ride in his Skyline and making appearances at local events!
JDM Makeover
Joe added his own touches to make the Kenmeri his own with 15×10/12 Work Spirit 33 wheels built by Love20Bee, custom suspension and a full repaint in BMW Alpine White:
All the factory chrome parts blacked out along with Mizuno Works rear wing and front spoiler. Joe’s build was showcased Super Street Magazine with photos by Marvin Recinos:
Inside, Joe added Recaro seats. He left the engine alone as it was properly strong making all the right noises when it left Z Car Garage! Ps…we love that Joe also kept the Z Car Garage license plate frame on!
We are happy for you Joe, thanks for visiting us and making the next chapter of the Kenmeri awesome. Always check our FOR SALE listings here on zcarblog.com, FB and IG. Stay tuned as we have a very cool group of cars coming up for sale from the collection of Randy Jaffe!
Filed under: 240z,510,Skyline
by Alvin G @ 2:40 pm on March 22, 2024
Happy Friday from Z Car Garage! We love to see clients Enjoying the Ride in their Z Cars. Jeremy G stopped by the shop with his white Datsun 240Z and snapped the photo above. Tony K took his Z out for nice evening drive in Sacramento. This Z has a long history with Z Car Garage having received upgrades like a 3L with triple-Mikuni ph44s, 280Zx 5-speed transmission, suspension refresh, our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, Z Car Garage CV Axles and Z Car Garage Heat Shield. You can read all about it HERE.
Ryan B is enjoying his LS3-powered Datsun 240Z on the Targa California rally. Expect a full report on this S30 soon on zcarblog.com
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!
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!
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.
We have known Alex for many years and enjoy seeing his Sunny truck on local drives and gatherings. He reached out to Z Car Garage for dyno tuning and we happily obliged. The Sunny was already close to being dialed-in so we just put the sprinkles on with a few adjustments. It is such a cool little RHD truck and drives really well.
Alex’s cars are built to high standard and have a great vibe. His LS-powered Datsun 510 wagon built by Marcus Fry Racing is well-known in the community:
“I met Rob through a mutual friend at the time (Dan from DGR), just about 15 years ago. I helped deliver the Bluebird he has around that time. Throughout the years I have heard great things about ZCG and it only made sense to go to Rob when it was time to get the carbs tuned on the Sunny. My experience was great. The acceleration is now smoother and I got to see numbers. The carbs are now synced and timing adjusted.”
Alex recalls how acquired the Sunny:
“I randomly found the Sunny for sale in Seattle a few years ago and pulled the trigger as I have always wanted one but never seen one in person. It was originally brought to the states by JapaneseClassicsLLC a year prior. A good friend, Marcus of MFR, volunteered to go with me and tow it back. Since then, I have had a blast driving and updating as we all do when we get a Datsun to play with. Rebuilt 5-speed, 0 offset Panasports, new rubber bushings and weatherstripping, and getting the seats reupholstered are just some of the things I have had done to date.”
Dyno Tuning
Alex brought truck to ZCG and we got it on the dyno. Under the hood is Nissan’s 1.2L A12 engine, also used in the B110 series sedans/coupes. This one sports dual Solex-Mikuni induction. It was already close to being dialed so we adjusted the full throttle, smoothed-out the fuel curve and timing. The truck made 54hp/59tq to the wheels:
Enjoy this video of the Sunny on the dyno at ZCG:
Enjoying the Ride
We love that Alex drives the ‘Ute everywhere. He’s a great guy to be around and also an an avid videographer, mounting a Ghostcam on the back of the truck capturing neat driving perspectives. You can see more of his adventures on his Instagram. We’ve had the pleasure of running with him on road rally events like Breakfast Club Rally. I even spotted Alex on HWY 101 S and at a local bar…you can tell how happy he is driving this truck. And yes, seeing a kei car in modern-day Bay Area traffic is quite the sight:
We asked Alex what’s next for the Sunny:
“In the future, I want to up grade the suspension and brakes (maybe I can get something ZCG to fit under 13s lol). Since I “somewhat” over modified my LS510, I decided to keep the sunny mostly stock. Soon, I am getting another A12 to use so I can rebuild the one under the hood to OEM. I have always been a 510 guy, but I can’t help but like to drive the Sunny more.”
We appreciate your support Alex, keep Enjoying the Ride in your Datsuns! More photos in the gallery below
Filed under: 240z,Parts
by Alvin G @ 2:40 pm on November 3, 2023
We love to see owners installing our Z Car Garage CV Axles in their vintage Nissans and Datsuns. Adam D is running a set on his 1971 Datsun 240Z with an RB25DET drivetrain.
Z Car Garage is proud to offer a CV axle conversion kit for your Datsun S30 and 510. We have sold over 200 sets of axles globally, with customers installing and enjoying them on everything from street cars to full-blown IMSA racers. These CV axles will help transmit power to the ground and ensure smoother operation compared to your standard half shafts.
For years we have used aftermarket CV axles that utilize an aluminum adapter prone to loosening up over time. Despite efforts to keep things tight (Loctite, hardware changes) we had to keep an eye on them. We developed a better solution that eliminates the need for aluminum adapters and remains 100% bolt-in like a factory half-shaft. These are the beefiest CV axles on the market. They have been tested on the track by our vintage racing customers and also in high hp* street cars. Each axle has a serial # for peace of mind and the kit comes with everything you need to install on your car.
Datsun 240Z Dreams
Adam shared his Z car history with us:
“I heard about Z car Garage on YouTube. I own a 1971 240z with a Series 1 RB25det and it’s been my dream build since I was a teenager. My neighbor growing up had a 240z and he made his look so sporty I had to have one. I always loved Hondas and Evos which I’ve owned and built,but the 240z for me was my all out build as far as performance since it’s a classic car and I don’t have to worry about emissions. I’ve been building this car since 2013 when I bought it as a rolling shell with the RB for $7500 off Craigslist...”
“I first had the body work done paint and body by Mikes Paint and Body in Fullerton. He molded in my fenders. Then I found Nissan RB engine specialist vendors (Rawbrokerage) built the motor with Animal auto. I recently had fabrication to make custom titanium and other metal work by humble engineering.”
“The car has full T3 suspension and arms with Z Car Garage Axles. I chose these axles since I wanted over kill if I want to push more power. I run a Garret Gen 2 g35 .82 ar. The car runs on a Haltech stand alone rated at 530whp. I am highly satisfied with the axles and I like how when I called and had questions Rob took time to talk to me. Future work is more cosmetics and interior .”
Enjoying the Ride
We saw Adam and his Z at the Japanese Classic Car Show in Long Beach, Ca back in October. Rob was happy to see the Z Car Garage Axles on Adam’s Z…Datsuns Are Driven!
Enjoy this video of Adam’s 240Z in action:
Thank you for your support Adam! Please read below for more information on our ZCG CV Axles:
ZCG CV Axles
Our Z Car Garage CV Axles help transmit power to the ground and ensure smoother operation compared to your standard half shafts. These are 100% bolt-in replacing your half-shafts and does not use aluminum adapters commonly found in aftermarket units. We have over 200+ CV axle kits on customer cars and we are stoked with all of the positive feedback.
For years we have used aftermarket CV axles that utilize an aluminum adapter prone to loosening up over time. Despite efforts to keep things tight (Loctite, hardware changes) we had to keep an eye on them. We developed a better solution that eliminates the need for aluminum adapters and remains 100% bolt-in like a factory half-shaft.
Designed and manufactured locally with KAD Models, the ZCG CV axle kit works in both R180 and R200 configurations.
These are the beefiest CV axles on the market. They have been tested on the track by our vintage racing customers and also in high hp* street cars (powershifting, clutch dumps, etc.). Each axle has a serial # for peace of mind:
The CV axle kit is available now from ZCG for 1595.00 + freight and they come with everything you need to install on your car. Contact us at 408-452-0350 or send Rob an e-mail rob@zcargarage.com to purchase. Installation is just like doing a half-shaft: there is even a marking that shows you where to line up bolts and special hardware:
The ZCG CV Axles in action
The video below demonstrates the “looseness” associated with aftermarket CV axles that use adapters compared to the ZCG axles without adapters. Several customer race/street cars running our CV axles are also shown. Enjoy!
Enjoy this video made by our client Hazel. She installed our ZCG CV Axles on her Hazel’s 1970 Datsun 240Z
Over 200 sets of our ZCG CV Axles are installed in client’s cars all over the world:
