ZcarBlog fans gather around! We have major developments in Gary R’s 280z restoration! Our first installment in this build chronicled the extensive body rehab, followed by chassis developments and now we can report that the drivetrain is ready along with many body trim pieces.

The engine is a Rebello built 3.1L using the factory fuel injection system. Below you can see how the unsightly stock intake manifold was transformed into a thing of beauty…

Another ZCarGarage modification is the modern 5-speed transmission conversion. The old 280z’s 4-speed is replaced by a late-model  Nissan 240SX 5-spd transmission. To top it all off the whole thing was powdercoated and a JWT aluminum flywheel and JWT HD clutch were installed. Note the beautiful ceramic coated exhaust header:

As we move past the engine and transmission it keeps getting better! The stock rear differential is replaced by a beefy R200 with 4.11 gears and a Quaife LSD unit, that’s one pretty pumpkin!

Sending power to those massive 255-width tires are Wolf Creek Racing CV axles. Why convert to CVs?  CV joints articulate better, reduce unpsrung mass, and transmit power better than stock u-joints:

The power window and door lock conversion is complete! Remember all of those zinc plated nuts/bolts/hardware? These pieces are finding their way back to the Z. The rear quarter windows with trim powdercoated black have been installed too:

The front/rear bumpers needed some love and now they are back on the car looking pretty:

The fuel system is also complete and the Z is at the interior shop. There are many more pictures in the gallery, stay tuned for more updates as Gary’s Z gets closer to completion!
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Ken S came to ZCarGarage several years ago when he just purchased this pretty 300zx Twin Turbo. It had just passed the 60k mark and ZCG performed routine maintenance including full timing belt services. It wasn’t long before Ken got the performance bug and started upgrading the suspension. ZCG installed Tockiko 5-way shocks, sway bars, and StopTech 13″ big brakes. After tackling the suspension naturally Ken wanted more power so a Stage 3 upgrade with supporting mods was installed. Unfortunately the stock turbos had issues so they were upgraded to JWT Sport 500s.

The original front bumper had seen better days with nicks and peeling. Williams worked his magic with new paint and installed new side skirts, JDM front bumper and that trademark vented hood that we have seen on other Z32s.

Recently Ken visited  ZCG for more power upgrades.  Basic performance upgrades included new 2.5″ IC plumbing and SMICs from ConceptZ.  Here you can see the install and how much cleaner the new plumbing is:

Dual JWT POP chargers replace the single merged setup:

With increased cooling capacity and the HKS boost controller total output is now 383hp/378tq at the wheels!

Here is the engine bay before/after the install and detailing. Please check the gallery for more detailed images: it’s easy to overlook all of the work that is performed!

It is impressive to see an iconic 90’s sports car perform and make power that rivals most current sports cars. It is even better when there is still plenty of aftermarket support and enthusiasts willing to continue developing parts!
Long Live the 300ZX TT!
Click below for more photos
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Summer is here and we all know that Datsuns Are Driven! I’ve been seeing more classic cars on the road in this beautiful weather and it feels like Datsun owners are coming out of the woodwork. I drove my Datsun to work the other day and on the way home spotted this tennis ball green 240z:

I took some local roads to avoid traffic and I was at a stoplight when a Datsun roadster drove right past me! I crossed three lanes to catch up and got behind  it at the light. I was very excited to stop and chat with the owner. I assumed he’d pull over but he didn’t so I followed him thinking how terrible am I for being a stalker . That roadster scooted! I had to know what was under the hood.
I followed him all the way to his home and turns out it’s his grandfather’s roadster. He said it’s the only car that made him enjoy driving! It is a ’66 SPL.

He popped the hood open and there was a 1600 engine with dual Mikuni 40’s!!! He made the linkage himself and also fabricated a nifty cold air intake/airbox!

Then I started noticing little details here and there like this oil cooler, elcctronic distributor, water tower conversion, Auto-Meter gauges and split-bumpers!

So get out there and drive your Datsun, you never know what other Datsun owners you may find on the road!

ZCarGarage has plenty of upcoming project updates to share with you so keep checking the blog! Here is Rob with a report on a sleek, twin-turbocharged Infiniti G37 coupe:

Matt and Josiah are cousins in a family filled with Nissans and Infinitis.  Matt had owned lots of American muscle  cars and bought the G37 since it had a great combination of performance yet refined ride and style. The power wasn’t enough though…we have all been there! Matt and Josiah came to ZCG to meet with me and discuss options for increasing the G’s output. We came up with a plan consisting of a GTM Twin Turbo Kit (Stage 2) to make sure we had room to grow should the need arise.

The kit installation was smooth and GTM really makes a high quality package. Note the heat shields that hide the exhaust manifolds and the large front mount intercooler that fits beautifully behind the factory bumper:

With the kit installed, the engine bay appears almost stock with only the polished intake pipes deviating from the tame look . There isn’t much to indicate the magnitude of force-fed power that is now being produced 🙂 On the ZCG dyno the Stage 2 kit turned the rollers to the tune of 428rwhp/369tq!

To keep the newfound power “under the radar” we mounted the Defi link gauge setup in the sunglass holder and out of plain sight:

The G37 is now an entirely different machine with the added power and torque and we know that Matt is enjoying his new Japanese super coupe!

You can see more pictures of the build below:
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Lou S is the owner of this right-hand drive 240z that got the full ZCarGarage performance suspension treatment last year shown HERE. With the handling and footwork sorted the Fairlady has received several improvements that add to both the driving experience and aesthetics.

The Z’s vinyl seats had seen better days with a few rips and tears so new Recaro LXF seats were installed. These are some of the best seats for your Z and a huge improvement over the stock pieces in terms of comfort and grip…letting Lou take advantage of that grippy new suspension!

Another upgrade to the interior was the steering wheel. The tuner-ish “D” shaped wheel was replaced by one of the best period-looking units on the market today: The MOMO Prototipo. I love this steering wheel:

The Fairlady’s tired chrome bumpers got replaced with brand new show-quality pieces and for a cleaner look the over-riders were not installed.:
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