Our Z Car Garage Big Brakes have been winning over Z-car enthusiasts locally and globally. Kim recently purchased a set for his 1970 Datsun 240Z and performed the installation himself at home in Norway. Before we go into his Big-Brake experience let’s hear his Z-story…

 

Like many enthusiasts, Kim started with a Miata…

“After owning a modified Miata for several years it was time for another project car. I still have the Miata, but that is more for track use now. I was not actively looking for a 240z, but I came across my Z car on a Norwegian sales site. I went to have a look and the car was in good shape, and the price was so low that I just had to buy it. It was repainted in 2005. The paint job was ok, but not perfect. All interior panels, dash and seats were re-trimmed in leather.”

 

Modifications include Tokico dampers with Ground Control coil-overs and a Nissan 6-speed CD009a transmission using the Hoke Performance kit. Kim was heading to the track and eventually installed a Datsun Spirit 3.1L engine with Jenvey ITB EFI, ported head and custom exhaust. Yes, that’s Kim’s Z on the Nurburging!

 

You can see the dyno run and acceleration in Kim’s Z in the video below:

See the full video from Misha Choudrin.

Z Car Garage Big-Brakes

  

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

Blog posts documenting all of our customers running the ZCG Big-Brakes can be found HERE.

  

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 (40-page) installation guide. Blog posts documenting all of our customers running the ZCG Big-Brakes can be found HERE. Enjoy these pictures of Kim’s beautiful Series 1 S30 and his ZCG Big-Brake installation:

 

As mentioned, our ZCG Big-Brake kit ships with everything needed to install and retains the factory parking brake. Kim successfully installed the BBK on his Z, and they also look great behind the Work Equip 03 wheels and newly installed fender flares:

 
“I had a brake kit from Silver Mine Motors and used those for several years. With the new engine and higher HP numbers I really needed a brake upgrade. StopTech from Z Car Gar Garage was the way to go. The installation was quite easy. I did have some questions, and I got answers really fast. They feel awesome.”

  

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.

What’s in store for Kim’s Z?

“I take everything as they come, and find a new upgrade I like to try from time to time. Well, the goal is to have a car that works every year and I can modify during the winter. All lights are upgraded to LED from Classic Car Leds. AC from Vintage Air, upgrading the engine wiring harness, and consider some wider tires to fill the arches a bit more.”

 

Thanks for your support Kim 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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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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Our client Randy Jaffe is selling his 1972 Datsun 240Z. This is a one owner, low mileage and very original example.

 

See more photos and video on our FOR SALE page. You can also see it in person this Sunday, June 11 as we drive from San Jose to the ZONC Blackhawk Gathering.

 

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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At Z Car Garage we enjoy both modifying Z cars and restoring them back to original spec. Mike’s 1970 Datsun 240Z came to us from North Carolina for finishing work and now this 11/69 production (VIN#193) S30 is a beautiful driving example of how wonderful these cars were from the factory.

 

We met Mike and his amazing wife Debbie through our client Randy Jaffe. In the 70’s and 80’s Mike, his brother and dad were doing all kinds of Z car stuff and Mike later went on to be a car collector of some of the finest examples of cool Datsuns including a Nissan Fairlady Z432, multiple low-vin # S30s, and a 12-mile 10th-Anniversary 280zx:

 

Mike’s history with VIN#193:

“According to all my research, #193 is the 75th oldest Datsun 240z in existence. I bought this car and started restoration in 2014. I did most of the work myself after dealing with a few people who never should have been in the restoration business. I have over 50 years of working on Datsun Z’s so I knew the car well. After 8 years of sourcing parts and pieces, most of which are pretty rare on 1969 cars, I got to the final stage of finishing the car. I knew of Rob’s expertise on these cars, so I turned it over to him to finish. His reverence for the car was greater than mine. He continually was calling me and proposing things that I never knew.”

 

The Finishing Touch at Z Car Garage

 

Mike had been working alone on VIN #193 and he called upon ZCG to take it to the finish line. The car was shipped to us from North Carolina and we identified many things that were done incorrectly. Mike also had a pick list for us and the goal was to restore this S30 back to Series 1 spec. We sourced all of the parts and with attention to detail to ensure this car could drive anywhere and also showcase the beauty of an unmolested Series 1 Z. Enjoy our detailed photos in the gallery below and let’s start with the interior…

Interior

 

Many parts were missing that are specific to a Series 1 car like turn signal and headlight switches, Series 1 cables and heater bracket tabs. We ensured everything in the dash area was functional:

 

We also restored the interior vinyl and replaced the hatch seals Anything that was not correct on this Z we did everything in our power to make it look like it was 1969 and it rolled off the showroom floor.

 

Scissor jack cover and seat trim:

 

Engine Bay

 

Series 1-specific items were missing or incorrect in the engine bay. Since this was a an 11/69 production car it needed a 1969 Fuel rail. The way the distributor standoff is, SU bowls, plugs, hose clamps and other small items like a black-painted hood prop were corrected. If Mike took this S30 to a Concours event it would do well.

 

An often overlooked detail are the hose clamps around the SMOG equipment. Very early cars like #193 had silver hose clamps instead of matching yellow/gold-plated finishes because smog equipment was added in the U.S. Mike was unaware but appreciative of this.

 

Chassis

 

The chassis was nut and bolted after we went through the hydraulics and checked the braking system. Factory markings like the (R) and (L) stickers on the struts were added:

 

The transmission was wrong so we installed an early Series 1 unit:

 

More chassis photos in the gallery below!

 

Details

 

All of the early series 1 and S30 wheels were date coded. We sourced the correct, 69-date coded wheels that are correct for Mike’s car:

 

Small details: Series 1 lock assemblies, weatherstripping and early day/night “red dot” rearview mirror:

 

 

Dyno Tuning

 

We baseline dyno tested the Z and it made 102hp/113tq at the wheels. With Rob’s tuning it made 114hp/125tq to the wheels:

 

Once all systems were go we performed a road test followed by a full detail. Mike’s car was loaded onto a transporter and headed back home to North Carolina:

 

Enjoy this video of Mike’s 1970 Datsun 240Z in action with dyno runs, in-car driving and walk-around:

Mike was more than satisfied with our work on #193:

“Rob’s Z Car Garage is truly the best place to do any kind of work on any Z car in this country, in my opinion, and he will be the only person to work on any of my cars, ever!!!! When you find the best, now you know the best, so never get too far away from that guy!!!

He wanted Z Car Garage to work on his other Datsuns so he shipped us a few more cars from his collection in North Carolina including this 1977 V8-powered 280Z, 510 vintage race car and RB25DET-powered 240Z. We will have updates on these cars coming to zcarblog.com soon!

 

Auction Bound!

 

Mike will be offering VIN #193 and 7 other cars for auction at Mecum in Monterey on August 17-19. In addition to #193 here is a preview of the exciting Z cars offered from his collection:

1970 Fairlady Z 432

4 valves, 3 carburetors, 2 cams. Only 418 of these cars were built between 1969-73 and only 200 were built in 1970. This car had been restored in Japan as well as London, which is where it was acquired. Slightly modified but all numbers match (number 105) and it has Magnesium Watanabe wheels.

12k mile 280ZX

 

This 1980 10th anniversary 280zx is 1/500 in red/black. In 1980 there were 1250 Datsun dealers in the U.S. so every dealer got a black/gold one. The top 500 dealers got a red/black one. Gerry Ellis Chevrolet-Datsun in Baton Rouge, Louisiana was a top 500 dealer. It was a trophy to him so he put it in a warehouse at his dealership and covered it up. He never would sell it and it sat there for 40 years. Purchased with 12 miles on the clock (now has 26miles!). Check out this video of the 280ZX from this ZCON 2021 and an in-depth look with Randy and Mike below:

 

1972 Datsun 240Z (Vintage Z Program)

  

This 1972 240z is 1 of the 37 factory restorations done in 1996. Nissan was waiting for the 350z to be finished and decided they would find 250 cars in the southwest U.S. that were rust free and they would ship all the spare parts they had at the factory to restore them and sell them as new cars with a factory warranty in select Datsun dealerships. This plan was to keep the Datsun Z name alive to the public. They planned on 250 but it cost so much to restore them that the program ended after only 37 cars. This is one of those 37. Super rare car!

 

Thank you Mike for your support and letting us help you restore #193! More to come from Mike’s Datsun collection and Long Live The Z!
Check the gallery for more detailed pictures:
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