We have several exciting projects at the shop that will get full reports on zcarblog.com but today we want to highlight a few cars that we prepared for next week’s ZCON event. Please tune into our Instagram story for more sights and sounds as we have Z32, R35, S30, 370z, 350z, S130 and yes, even some Z31 updates heading your way!

 

ZCON Here We Come!

 

Z Car Garage is proud to be a sponsor for the 34th Annual Z Car Convention (ZCON) hosted by ZCCA in Colorado Springs 8/16-20. This is the largest Z-car event in the US and we are stoked to participate. Here are three client cars destined for ZCON, enjoy!

The OMS Pace Car

 

This is a 1972 Official OMS Pace Car Duplicate. It is at present one of only two known survivors . Fifty were originally produced by Nissan Motors to commemorate the DATSUN 240Z being selected by the Ontario Motor Speedway to Pace the 1972 “U.S.A.C. California 500 Championship”.  It really is a small Datsun world, as the official OMS pace car is none other than our very own Joel Anderson #49 IMSA GTU 240Z .

 

This OMS duplicate belongs to our long time customer and friend Linda. She acquired it from a family in SoCal and tasked ZCG with making it a nice driver. Full report soon but it got loaded up today for its journey to Colorado!

 

Jack’s LS3-Powered Z32

 

Jack and Yolanda have been a part of our lives since the beginning of ZCG. Being long time members of The Z Owners of Northern California (ZONC) and supporting our shop along the way, we are grateful to them. ZCG will be restoring the Primadonna Z back to its former glory this year! We are also helping the couple finish their LS3 V8 engine swap into their “Primadonna” Z32 Convertible. Yes, Jack had to get back in the game after building those 240z cars so he built a Z32 body kit from scratch. Like the S30’s he built, this widebody Z32 has evolved over time:

   

ZCG finished the LS3 swap and dialed it in with road-testing and dyno tuning.

 

It even sports full A/C and OEM shifter for the automatic transmission. The Z was loaded up with the OMS pace car today and heading to ZCON, full report soon!

 

 

Mike’s Datsun 240Z #193

 

Mike’s vin # 193 Series-1 S30 was ZCON bound but needed further work to be truly show-worthy. We love that he’s on board with us to finish the car correctly. It’s a beauty and it will be sensational.

 

Z You There!

This will be an eventful week for us. ZCG will be attending the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion this weekend, then it’s on to New York for the Global Reveal of the New Z and finally we will be in Colorado on Friday for ZCON! We are stoked to see the cars, faces and meet new people. Watch our IG/FB and twitter for updates!

 

More Projects

 

Jas D’s red 300ZX (above) and one of many Z32s we are working on, Steve’s (below) will get a full report soon as well as the Stillen SMZ:

 

Randy’s 1970 Safari Tribute Z returned from its trip to Los Angeles to be filmed for Nissan’s commercials! We installed a new engine and made some suspension changes, full report soon!

   Watch for Randy’s Z running through the desert!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Kigk38DCFs

David’s 240Z

Long-time friend and client David attended a track day at Laguna Seca. This Z was built over 15 years ago and sill running strong. We prepped his Z for the track, full report soon!

 

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:

 

Aaron’s Q50:

   

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

…[read more]

 

The next-generation Nissan Z sports car will be unveiled Tuesday, August 17 at 8pm ET / 5pm PT. Nissan is making this a global reveal so Z car fans worldwide can watch via livestream. You can sign up for reminders at Nissan’s American website.

 

Z Car Garage was fortunate to check out the Z Proto at Nissan Headquarters back in May. We were impressed and can’t wait to see how close the production Z will be…with great styling, twin-turbos and a Six-speed manual transmission sign us up!

 

The global press event for unveiling the new Nissan Z will be at a private event in New York City. ZCG will be attending the event so stay tuned for live updates!

LONG LIVE THE Z!

 

 

 

At Z Car Garage we are huge fans of the Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo, the underdog of 90’s Japanese supercars. Sure the RX7, Supra and NSX get all the attention – but the ’90-’96 Z32 (yes we are biased) represents the best balance of performance, reliability and comfort.  From the intimate feeling of the power leather seats and gauge cluster to the addictive power that evokes a familiar Nissan commercial…

…the Z32 is magical. It is hard to describe how rad these cars are after ZCG has gone through one. Let’s take a look at our customer Patrick’s 1994 Z32 and see of what our 20yrs+ of experience with this chassis can create.

 

Patrick’s Z has been with us for almost a decade, receiving maintenance and upgrades along the way. In 2017 he got into a fender bender and brought it in for repairs. We took this opportunity to replace the control arms, install some loaner Z33 wheels and have William install a full JDM front bumper with sided markers and Powertrix fog light ducts. He also repaired the right front fender and blended existing paint work:

 

Notice the J-spec tail lights, one of our favorite aesthetic mods and it looks so good on the black Z32s.

 

We installed them and the center panel replacing the factory units:

 

William really knocked it out of the park with the paint work.

 

Stoptech Big-Brakes

 

As every Z32 owner knows, the stock brakes just aren’t up to the task. More power exacerbates the issue and you know how we feel at ZCG:  It’s Stoptech Or Don’t Stop At All.  Patrick’s car had larger than factory wheels allowing us to install the 332mm Big-Brake Kit using red calipers and rotors.

 

Stock vs Stoptech

 

At the rear, stock Z32 calipers were paint-matched to the Stoptech red up front.  Sport kit slotted rotors with 309 pads and SS lines throughout:

  

In addition to their function, the Stoptechs look nice too! One of Patrick’s wheels was damaged in the accident we replaced them with a set of SSR GTx-01 18×8.5F and 18.×9.5F. Finished in flat black with center caps running Bridgestone 007a 245/275 tires and Volk Racing lugnuts:

Details

 

Patrick’s interior needed attention with a new passenger side window motor. We also installed new rack bushings and detailed the entire car.

 

Power Upgrades

 

With the front end off it was the perfect time for power upgrades: JWT clutch/flywheel, Ashspec Massive intercoolers,  Selin translator dual MAF and BDE Performance motor mounts to allow for Ashspec 2.5″ inlet piping.

 

Exhaust upgrades included a full SpecialtyZ 2.5″ exhaust with single outlet option:

 

On the dyno Rob tuned the Z making 349hp/375tq to the wheels on 91 octane:

 

Thanks for bringing your 300 to us Patrick and Long Live The (Twin Turbo) Z! More pictures in the gallery below:

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Arsia has been coming to Z Car Garage for over 10 years with his 1994 Z32 Convertible. This was his first car and it has been a pleasure helping him maintain and modify it.

“When I first went to ZCG I was incredibly happy to have found a place that I could completely trust with my Z. Working with Rob is like finding a doctor that you trust and listen to any advice they give.” 

  

“I got the Z in 1996 while I was in high school. My parents were open to me getting a sporty car, but nothing too crazy. I have an uncle in San Diego that sold used cars and he told my parents he had a great deal on a used 1994 Convertible Z. Lucky for me, my parents had no idea what type of car this was, but assumed it was something mild given my uncle was recommending it. In high school the car was used in one of our school parades. Today, the Z is still my daily driver and me and my girlfriend love taking the car out together on weekends for a drive or road trip.”

 

Making It His Own

Over the last decade Arsia would come to the shop for little projects, slowly giving the 300 his personal touch and building a really nice convertible. The body received a KarumaZ rear spoiler and we called upon our man William from William’s Auto Body to mold-in the side skirts and correct paint work.

 

Engine

At 93k miles, routine maintenance and upgrades commenced. We fixed all the little things he asked of us and performed timing belt services. Power upgrades included JWT 400 cams, POP charger, JWT ecu (tuned by Rob) rob tune, aftermarket cat and a SpecialtyZ 2.5″ exhaust:

 

With Rob’s dyno tuning the VG30DE made 206hp/185hp at the wheels. Solid gains of 24hp/34tq from baseline!

Suspension

Early on we installed Tokico 5-way shocks with an Eibach pro-kit, SPL T/C Rods, z32 rack bushings, and Stillen sway bars:

 

In 2015  we upgraded to TEIN Street Flex coil-overs with EDFC and GPS active suspension:

 

More maintenance followed with  a new convertible top, smog, fuel hoses, 02 sensors and oil change in 2016.

 

In 2019 we replaced the injectors,  cleaned up wear and tear. The transmission got tired so we did a Level 1 hot rod unit with torque converter. 10 years had passed so we serviced timing belt:

 

Stoptech Big-Brakes

 

As every Z32 owner knows, the stock brakes just aren’t up to the task. More power exacerbates the issue and you know how we feel at ZCG:  It’s Stoptech Or Don’t Stop At All.  Arsia’s Z got the 328mm Big-Brake Kit using red ST40 calipers and slotted rotors. A Stoptech sport kit in back with color matched stock calipers completes the system:

  

Wheels

Wheels make the car. Arsia had a set of  OEM (’05-09) 18″ Z33 wheels on the 300. After much research, in Fall 2019 we ordered a set of Volk CE28N SL 18×8.5 front, 18x 9.5 rear finished in Pressed Graphite:

“Finding the CE28N wheels was a long hard process that honestly took hours of research over many days (thankfully Rob was there to help). I kept looking through tons of sites and hundreds of wheel options. Wheel after wheel either didn’t fit, had been discontinued, or wasn’t available in the color I wanted. I knew that whatever wheel I chose would be on the car for 10+ years, so I wanted to ensure it was high quality, extremely light and matched the aesthetics of a pearl Z. I was soooo happy with the result and the help from Rob to really perfect the look of the car.”

The CE28N wheels are light, at 17.8 lbs and they they look fantastic against the pearl white and gleaming Stoptech calipers behind those iconic spokes.

 

 

An alignment was performed after wheels/tire installation and we also installed center caps. The SL series wheels are not designed to accept a center cap so we used a hub adapter for that icing on the cake:

“The thing that I’ve loved with my journey with Rob is that not only is the car well maintained after being 26yrs old, but that it just keeps getting better. With the addition of Stoptech brakes, TEIN suspension, new cams, transmission upgrade, etc, the car feels better than new, while still being a capable daily driver. Rob really knows what maintenance and upgrades work best!”

Enjoying the Ride

 

Arsia can be found cruising around the Bay Area backroads, top down Enjoying The Ride. We love that after all these years he’s still passionate about his 300. More pictures in the gallery below!

 

“Rob is always super knowledgeable and understands what your goals are. I love the fact that he knows these cars so well and his top priority is having customers drive away with a smile. Every single time I’ve got the car back after service, I feel the same way I did the day I first drove the car….just grinning ear to ear! I really am thankful for the entire ZCG team, if it wasn’t for them, I truly don’t know if I would be able to still have this car today.”

Thank you Arsia, it’s been an absolute pleasure working with you. Long Live The Z!

…[read more]

 

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

 

One of the real joys this holiday season is the opportunity to say thank you and wish you the very best for the new year. From all of us at Z Car Garage we thank our friends, family and customers again for another exciting and productive year! Enjoy our 2020 recap and upcoming projects. Please note our holiday closure below:

 

ZCG will be closed from 12/23/20 and we will re-open for business on 1/5/21.

 

 

Before we take a look back at highlights from 2020, here several exciting customer projects coming along at the shop:

 

Richard’s Sunshine yellow (#919) 1971 Datsun 240z came to us in 2018 and received a total mechanical restoration with upgrades including a 3.1L with triple-mikuni ph44s, KA24 5-speed transmission, our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes (for small wheels), Z Car Garage CV Axles and Z Car Garage Heat Sheild.

 

We also upgraded the interior with leather Recaro seats and sound deadening. Stay tuned for a full report!

 

Jim’s 1971 Datsun 240z returned for a Rebello 3.2L with triple-Mikuni carbs on a Harada intake and CD009a 6-speed transmission:

    

Dirk’s 1973 Datsun 240z is back for a 3.0L engine and tuning, we can’t wait to show you the dyno results!

 

This historically significant 1970 Datsun 240z was built by a team of Nissan employees to compete at Bonneville in the F/GT class. In 1976 their efforts resulted in a new land speed record of 166.037 mph, which stood unbroken until 1985. This Z resided in the Nissan Museum and is now in the care of Randy Jaffe. Lots of neat details the Z 432R seats and G-nose. More to come! Big thanks to Randy and Nissan for letting us bring this Z back to life.

 

One of many Z32s we are working on, Steve’s will get a full report soon:

 

 

Highlights from 2020

 

Even though 2020 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 2020 and  Z you in the New Year!

 

240Z

Mrs. Butters Shop Series1

PROJECTZ: Jason’s 1971 Datsun 240z

Hard Habit to Break: Bruce’s Two 1970 Datsun 240z’s

PARTS: Z Car Garage Big-Brakes for Jaime’s 1972 Datsun 240z

KAMIKAZ: Randy’s 1970 Datsun 240z

AWESOME Z: Bill’s 1970 Datsun 240z

Yoni’s 1972 Datsun 240z

Greg’s 1973 Datsun 240z

Daisy’s 1972 Datsun 240z

Do It Yourself: Ken’s 1970 Datsun 240z

Dave’s 1972 Datsun 240z

280Z

Life is a Journey, Enjoy the Ride: Cece’s 1977 Datsun 280z

Greg’s 1977 Datsun 280Z

Long Live The Z: Ruth and Larry’s 1978 Datsun 280Z

Triple Six: David’s 1975 Datsun 280z

Rallye With Family: Geoff’s 1972 Datsun 240z

300zx

Love Thy Monster: Paul’s 1991 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo

Jay’s 1990 Nissan 300zx Twin Turbo

Worth the Wait: Chris’ 1992 Nissan 300zx Twin Turbo

 

Silvia, Bluebird, 510, DR30 and Fairlady Roadster

Rick’s 1965 Nissan Silvia

High School Sweetheart: Kevin’s Datsun Bluebird SSS

Mark’s 1972 Datsun 510

TUNING: Eric Straw’s SR20-Powered Datsun Roadster

 

350Z

For The Track: Dan’s Supercharged Nissan 350z

Josh’s Supercharged Nissan 350z

TUNING: UPREV and EcuTek Dyno Tuning For Your Z/G

 

370z

Big Brakes and More Boost for Max’s Stillen Supercharged 370z

 

R32

Mike’s 1991 Nissan Skyline GT-R

Racing

RACE REPORT: David Love Vintage Races with CSRG at Sonoma

RACE REPORT: Datsun 510s Rule at Laguna Seca!

 

Rallyes/Events

Breakfast Club

DWA Rally From home South

Z Car Garage Datsun 240Zs Enjoying The Ride!

Happy 510 Day!

PARTS: Z Car Garage Big-Brakes on Two Datsun 240Zs

EVENTS: Fuel Supply Co. Cars & Coffee 2/29

EVENTS: Cars and Coffee with Driving While Awesome!

 

Media

MEDIA: ZCG Shop Tour with Hoonigan Autofocus

MEDIA: James’ Z Featured on Hoonigan Autofocus!

MEDIA: ZCG-Built Datsun Roadster on Hoonigan Autofocus

 

 

 

Enjoy The Ride!