Photographer and car culture ambassador Larry Chen commissioned Z Car Garage to transform his beloved SR20DET-powered 1970 Datsun 240Z from an “ok driver” to a no-excuses, multi-dimensional sports car with power, handling, braking, comfort, reliability and performance to match its eye-catching beauty.
Larry just released a video chronicling his journey with his Z, affectionately known as “Ole Orange Bang”, featuring our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, Z Car Garage CV Axles, chassis preparation, dyno tuning and more. It’s a wonderful video with some killer action of Larry enjoying the Z in the canyons. Check it out below or on his YouTube Channel. Volume up and enjoy!
Thanks for the love Larry! You can see our report of the work ZCG performed on this Z on zcarblog.com HERE and LONG LIVE THE Z!
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!
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!
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:
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:
