Over the last few years ZCG has been listed as a top tier Vortech dealer. Every few weeks we get calls to install Vortech kits on non-Nissan cars but we rarely get the chance to do this since the shop is usually packed with Z projects. Once in a while though we have the opportunity to build and drive some of that V8 muscle that we all hear so much about.

A few weeks ago ZCG received a call from Jeff in Fresno. He was having trouble getting called back by his local hot rod shop. He owned a 2010 Camaro SS, which is no slouch to begin with but he wanted more power.
Rob and Jeff spoke on the phone about his power needs. We were familiar with the Vortech product and as long as he didn’t mind his American muscle being surrounded by Nissans ZCG was in to help. Jeff placed his order and a few days later his buddies towed the Camaro to ZCG. The car was very nice and we baseline dynoed it that day! It made a solid 374hp/382tq at the wheels.

The next day Fred went to work on the install. Once again Vortech has stepped up to the plate and made a Supercharger kit with great directions and seamless install parts.
One of Rob’s favorite parts of the install was when Fred used his ZCG-style to remove a bracket (as per directions) but going one step futher by finding a matching paint code for the yellow engine bay. Fred removed the bracket, sanded, and made it look like it was never there:

The intercooler looked big enough to cool down two Z engines. Once the install was complete we went back on the dyno for some really amazing results: 495hp/457tq at the wheels!

The next day ZCG and Jeff met in person for the first time. “By the way he held on to the passenger door handle as I gave him his first ride in his Boosted ‘Maro I believe he was pleased,” says Rob.

For more info on the supercharger kit click HERE

Jose E hails from the SF north bay and is the owner of this Jim Cook Racing body kit-prepped Z which is affectionately named, “The Egyptian”. Check out the numerous bodywork details like the front/ rear fenders, rectangular headlights and pinstriping. The interior also sports some very old-school appointments:

 

When the Z came to ZCG it was powered by a really old draw-thru setup. Some of you ZCG blog readers might remember these types of systems from the early Rob Fuller days with his Turbo Tom’s Draw-Thru L20b( shown in a 510 on left ).

These setups can make power. The Egyptian was on its last leg(on right) with an engine that had a blown headgasket.
The setup used a holley carb with a really old Rotomaster turbo and NO wastegate!!! No boost control except the engine and your right foot. Good Stuff!

 

TIME TO MAKE THE CHANGE
We shopped around and found Jose a donor car,  a 1983 280zx turbo. The engine was in good enough shape to be our donor so we removed it and prepped it for break down.
We sent the engine long block to Rebello Racing for a full build. The engine is ready to go in the form of a built 3.0 with forged pistons, a nice set of rods and a street cam to work with our medium turbo upgrade (Specs on this to come later) . We will be using JWT engine controls with upgraded injectors. ZCG will be providing a custom intercooler and piping.
The engine is in the mock up phase outside of the Z. While the engine gets its final details the chassis will receive all new suspension to help cope with the added power and torque.
More updates to come as the Egyptian gets a new heart!

Gary’s 240sx is getting a serious turbo and cam upgrade from Tomei…here is a teaser of the new turbo. Full story shortly