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New Diff for IMSA 240z

Filed under: Featured Cars and Projects,Performance
by Alvin G @ 10:52 pm on October 29, 2012

The crew at ZCG helped Canepa Design re-build the rear differential on the Brad Frisselle 240z IMSA race car.

ZCG installed an OS Giken limited-slip unit and also prepped a spare diff so it could run at the Monterey Historics.

We were stoked to work on such a significant and championship Datsun race car!





VQ35HR Datsun Roadster Lives!

Filed under: Featured Cars and Projects
by Alvin G @ 3:04 pm on October 25, 2012


A few months back we shared the story of Todd Green and his VQ-powered Datsun Roadster. We are happy to report that Todd got the roadster running! Though he is still in the tuning phase here are a few auto-cross runs to share. Listen to that VQ roar!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjK52MEqfBY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_BF-H8TldQ





Twin-Turbo Family Hauler: Scott’s G37 Sedan

Filed under: Featured Cars and Projects,Performance
by Alvin G @ 10:31 pm on October 23, 2012


Scott G came to ZCG with the goal of making his G37 sedan a low-key street sleeper. After all, this 4-door,  AWD, automatic-equipped sedan was his daily driver and kid-hauler so attracting attention was not desired. Read further and we think you’ll agree that Scott has achieved probably the closest thing to a 4-door R35!

To add power we started with a GTM Twin Turbo kit.  Note the factory AWD system:

Turbo smart wastegates for the divorced down-pipes and modified oil pan:


Oil cooler,FMIC and intake details:


Even with the twin turbo kit installed, the engine bay looks surprisingly stock:


A full Stillen cat-back exhaust replaces the restrictive factory system.


The shiny muffler canisters were painted a stealthy matte grey finish to retain a factory-like appearance:


We visited Christian at 034 Motorsport to put the G37 on their awd dyno. The GTM turbos increased power from 278hp/258tq to 413hp/344tq, gains of 135hp and 86tq at the wheels:

Scott enjoyed the newfound boost and taking the kids to school turned into a much more “spirited” experience. With more power on tap he quickly realized that handling and braking needed attention.  BC coil-overs, SPC F/R control arms and Hotchkis sway bars were installed to tighten up the suspension:

In the braking department the G now sports STOPTECH’s huge 15″(380mm) front big-brake kit using the ST-60 6-piston calipers. ST-40 calipers on 355mm rotors are out back:

These gigantic binders are framed behind VOLK’s newest wheel, 19″ HOMURA 2X8GTs in silver. The wheels also demonstrate how much larger the BBK is compared to the stock brakes:

Here are a few before/after shots of the new stance and footwork:

Big brakes and nice wheels aside, it’s hard to tell that this mid-size sedan packs a 400hp+ punch. Scott’s commute and trips to school will always be fun and we have a feeling the kids can enjoy the ride too 🙂





Lennie’s 500hp Honda S2000

Filed under: Featured Cars and Projects,Performance
by Alvin G @ 10:05 pm on October 15, 2012


Lennie came to ZCG to troubleshoot his supercharged AP2 Honda S2000. He even installed the blower himself with the following supporting mods:

SOS S/C kit w/Novi Paxton 1200 oil-fed blower
3″ Reichard Racing UltraGrip pulley
AEM EMS 1052U
ID2000s
FBM hanger (dual FB340 pumps) with stock feed kit
Fuel Lab 6 micron fuel filter
InlinePro fuel rail
AEM FPR
-6AN SS fuel return line
Peterson Breather can
Dual diverter valves (Forge Splitter and TurboSmart Kompact)
Berks test pipe
Stock exhaust
Stock exhaust manifold
Stock internals

Rob and the ZCG crew helped solve the problem, tracing it back to a spark issue. Now it was ready to roll on the dyno:


This little Honda roadster put down some impressive numbers: 491hp/319tq at the wheels! Not bad for a 2.2L 4-cylinder. Gotta love that 8400rpm rev too:

Here is a video clip of the dyno run, enjoy!





Canepa Cars & Coffee Pictures

Filed under: Events
by Alvin G @ 7:27 pm on October 13, 2012

Today we gathered a small group of vintage Datsuns and visited Cars and Coffee hosted by Canepa Design. Our drive started from ZCG and took us through the beautiful winding highway 17 up to Scotts Valley.
We had 12 cars in our caravan including three S30 Z-cars, Matt’s Turbo 510, three roadsters, VW bug, Sprite, TR-6 and Gary’s Skyline.

Here is a short video of the ride capturing most of the cars from inside Rob’s  RB25DET-powered 240z:

When we arrived, Canepa’s parking lot was packed with exotics and plenty of eye candy. A few cars that caught my eye included a Gullwing Benz, Ariel Atom, Hertz Mustang, Peter’s Skyline, and a pretty Alfa Giulietta:

Canepa was kind of enough to open the entire shop and museum to the public. Jaws dropped and minds were blown as folks toured the facility…

This Ferrari-powered Gatto had a sexy body and one of the most exquisite interiors I have ever seen:

Back to the parking lot there were more hidden gems to be found. This Sprite had something different under its bonnet: a 20V Toyota 4AGE drivetrain!

We had a great time visiting Canepa and look forward to more Cars and Coffee events here. Thanks to all that made the drive up to Scotts Valley! Don’t forget to check the gallery for more pictures!

On the drive back I spotted a caged Miata with helmet-wearing drivers…any idea who these masked crusaders are?  🙂

…[read more]





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