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FOR SALE: 1990 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo

Filed under: Maintenance,Performance,z32
by Alvin G @ 2:32 pm on March 4, 2024

 

This 1990 Diamond Black Pearl Z32TT has been maintained and modified by Z Car Garage since acquisition in 2008. With 50k miles, original paint and interior it is ready to be enjoyed. Price: $27k OBO SOLD

 

Performance upgrades include JWT clutch/flywheel, 550cc Nismo injectors, JWT dual intakes, Specialty-Z 3″ down/mid pipes and dyno tuning. Clean interior.

 

See the full listing on our FOR SALE page. For pricing and more details please contact Rob at the shop: 408-452-0350 or e-mail robATzcargarage.com




FOR SALE: 1990 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo

Filed under: Featured Cars and Projects,Maintenance,Performance
by Alvin G @ 5:32 pm on December 1, 2023

 

This 1990 Diamond Black Pearl Z32TT has been maintained and modified by Z Car Garage since acquisition in 2008. With 50k miles, original paint and interior it is ready to be enjoyed.

 

Performance upgrades include JWT clutch/flywheel, 550cc Nismo injectors, JWT dual intakes, Specialty-Z 3″ down/mid pipes and dyno tuning. Clean interior.

 

See the full listing on our FOR SALE page. For pricing and more details please contact Rob at the shop: 408-452-0350 or e-mail robATzcargarage.com




Mike’s 1991 Stillen GTZ 300ZX

Filed under: Automotive History,Featured Cars and Projects,z32
by Alvin G @ 3:00 pm on April 17, 2023

 

We are huge fans of the 1990-1996 Nissan 300ZX and this “Stillen GTZ” example is a unicorn among Z32s. In the early 90’s the GTZ was a limited run, special edition 300ZX Twin Turbo produced by Steve Millen Sportparts Inc. Only 6 GTZs were built in the series, and our client Mike B owns #6 finished in Diamond Black Pearl Metallic. Z Car Garage performed a mechanical refresh with dyno tuning to get it back in fighting form.

 

From Z to Super Z, by Stillen

Photo by Ryan Brackin

Steve Millen took Nissan’s World Class Sports Car and transformed it into the GTZ. Suspension, engine, transmission and aerodynamic upgrades used in developing this special 300ZX Twin Turbo could be found in Stillen’s performance catalog:

 

GTZ-specific parts included 17″ Billet Wheels…designed by Steve Millen and Elite wheels allowing 275mm-width tires:

 

Aerodynamics package highlights included the LeMans-inspired GTZ Rear Wing and GTZ turbo front spoiler that directed air into side-mounted intercoolers. Also shown are the vented front/rear fenders and louvered front panel:

 

Optional GTZ single tip exhaust system, fitting through GTZ Rear Valance opening. Performance upgrades included Brembo front brake calipers, EVC boost controller, HKS Boost and exhaust gas temp gauges. Catalog scans courtesy of Z32 enthusiast Jay S:

 

The GTZ received accolades from the press, with an orange example gracing the cover of  Road & Track Magazine. Their April 1991 issue featured and extensive review of the car:

“It’s and absolute carnival ride to tip into the throttle, hear those twin turbos spool up and hang on as the GTZ reels in the horizon…a tractable, smooth road car that performs, handles and feels like a race car”

 

Motorweek put the Stillen GTZ up against a tuned Mazda RX-7 of the same area in their wonderful road test video, you can see it HERE. The GTZ is not to be confiused with the SMZ which was a special edition of the 300ZX that was produced in collaboration with Nissan to celebrate 25 years of the Z car.

Mike’s Z32 Story

 

Before we get into the mechaincal work let’s hear from Mike and how he acquired his 1991 Stillen GTZ…

“I was working in Phoenix during most of the 90’s in advertising and design for major automotive brands. My job was so stressful but at the beginning and end of each day I had a 30-45 minute drive home. I was driving a 1964 Triumph TR4 at the time and also a 1991 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor.  I wanted a 300 ZX TT in black and then I would add all of the body stuff like wings and front valence etc later. Saw the ad for a Stillen GTZ in Autoweek magazine and bought it in 1994 with about 7,000 miles on it. It was like brand new.”

“I bought the car from a lady who had just moved back to Beverly Hills from Hawaii. While in Hawaii she saw the orange GTZ that was on the cover of the April 1991 cover of Road & Track magazine and wanted to have one built for herself. She called a Nissan dealer while she was in Hawaii that was in San Juan Capistrano, CA and ordered a Diamond Black Pearl Twin Turbo. She paid for it with a credit card. It cost about $40,000. It was then trucked to Stillen in Costa Mesa where the car was turned into a GTZ. She spent somewhere around $45,000 on the car to do that. She also had a car phone installed in the center console. It is still there and works. She also had TeleTrac installed which was a GPS tracking device in case the car was stolen, pretty rare at that time. Once the car was finished Stillen put the car in a wooden crate and it was air-freighted to Hawaii. She moved back to the mainland, got pregnant and decided the GTZ was not the car for a pregnant woman so she bought an Infiniti Q45 and had Stillen trick it out. I had the car serviced by Stillen, for the most part, while I was living in Phoenix.”

 

Mike recalls attending a Stillen Z meet in the 90’s and meeting Steve Millen for the first time with his GTZ. A recent visit to their facility in Orange County in 2022 yielded some great results:

“Steve Millen had sold the company and had moved back to New Zealand, but as I walked up the path to the front door of the shop an older guy was walking out of the building towards me….I was all…that looks like Steve Millen, and it was! We talked for a bit about the car and how he remembered it and the lady who commissioned it. He wrote a short letter for me stating that it was a genuine GTZ, number 6 in a series of 6 built by him. It also stated that my car was most likely the only one still in existence.”

 
 

The GTZ at Z Car Garage

 

We met Mike B  in early 2022. He has owned this Z for 28 years and it was not running correctly so it came down to Z Car Garage from SF. We performed a full inspection, resolved some items while it was here and ordered several parts for it:
“I was getting an oil change at a Nissan dealer south of SF a few years ago. While it was on the rack they noticed a few things that needed to be fixed. They didn’t recommend their dealer do the work and gave me Rob’s number and info.  It was in the middle of covid so times were weird. They said Z Car Garage was one of the best in the country for Z work and I was happy to hear the shop was about 40 miles away from me. I went down to meet Rob and we discussed what should be done with the car to bring it up to snuff.”

 

The Z had an older exhaust system on it in rough condition. Rob had one in his parts stash so we hooked Mike up with a fresh Stillen axle-back exhaust system. We replaced all power steering hoses, rack bushings, valve covers, PCV valve, EGR, O2 sensors and everything under the plenum:

 

We installed Koni Yellow sport shocks F/R, lubed sway bars, and performed a full alignment. The passenger side door window motor failed, NLA but we had one and installed it. The oil was changed and car prepped for smog.

 
 

Dyno Tuning

 

With larger 740cc injectors we made a new chip so we could dyno tune it. It has a Greddy Profec b boost controller, set boost for 91 octane and made 310hp/352tq at the wheels. Solid gains over the baseline of 221hp/236tq:

 

The Stillen GTZ in action: walk-around, dyno runs and in-car driving with Rob and Mike B, enjoy!

 

Mike was really happy with the Z Car Garage service:

“Z Car Garage is great! I feel really confident that Rob does the best work out there and really knows his stuff. I took my car in for the boots etc and when all of the work was completed late last year my car was like a whole different beast! Rob did work on the engine like larger injectors and replaced all the fuel lines etc. He did some suspension work as well which took it to a whole new level. My first trip down to the shop, when the car was ready, Rob took me for a spin. That car had never handled like that before or performed like that. I think he said I got about another 100hp to the rear wheels after time on the Dyno. It was unreal to drive.”


“The engine pulls now like it has never before. The power comes on fast and it just feels like it can go and go! When Stillen first built the car they installed Bilstein shocks and Tokico adjustable struts. Over the years I had those replaced and the car never handled as well. When Rob was done with the car it now corners like it used to…like a road grader!! We took a corner near his shop at about 80, and this is a corner I’d usually take at about 40. It handled that corner like a race car, no body roll and tons of grip.”

 

With the mechanicals sorted, Mike went a step further and had paint and bodywork by our man William. Mike also had the original decals reproduced so the car now looks like it did back when it was built:

 

Mike’s GTZ at home in San Francisco. Although he’s owned it for nearly 30 years it’s time to let it go to another Z enthusiast. The GTZ is up for auction on Bring a Trailer right now! You can view the auction HERE

 

We enjoyed working your special GTZ, thanks for your support Mike and Long Live the Z! More photos in the gallery below:

…[read more]





 

Our client Jas D listed his 1991 Aztec Red 300ZX Twin Turbo for auction on Bring a Trailer. You can view the auction HERE. Below is our blog feature of the Z, enjoy and happy bidding on this stunning Z32.

 

To appreciate the 1991 Aztec Red 300ZX Twin Turbo pictured above we must tell you a story of love, heartbreak, persistance and ultimately satisfaction. Z Car Garage client Jas D has been with us since 2014 when we helped build his 1990 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo. This Super White, 44k original-mile example was treated with all the ZCG touches that make a Z32TT go from wonderful to extraordinary. We dubbed it the “Z Masterpiece” (see more here) as it embodied the total package: Power. Handling. Braking. Aesthetics:

ZCG 82514 CAM 4 087
CAM 2 103114 203 Cam 3 103114 012
 

Jas totally Enjoyed The Ride in this Z, adding 28k thrilling miles with ZCG maintaining it over the years:

“My brother and I have been ZCG customers for almost a decade. I met Rob when I called about getting a PPI on what became Z Masterpiece. At the time, a Super White manual came up on AutoTrader (I LOVE Super White-OMG). It was a low-mile, one-owner, meticulously-maintained time-capsule. Rob actually said WOW after the PPI, and we worked with ZCG over a couple years on a few iterations until we got Z Masterpiece. That car was perfect!  My dream Z; I loved driving that car EVERYWHERE! It is probably my favorite car of all time!”

ZCG CAM4 71314 033 IMG_1615 
 

Unfortunately, in 2016 the Z was stolen.

“On October 29, 2016, Z Masterpiece was stolen. We cried, we laughed, we got angry, we sulked for a couple months, forgot about it, and then my dad found the car driving into SF on January 25, 2017. The car had clearly been driven like it was stolen. But, believe it or not, all the expensive components were still on there. We sent it to Rob right away, and he helped us turn Z Masterpiece into the Red Devil Z (which I purchased on April 20, 2017 with 66,XXX miles).”

From Z Masterpiece to Red Devil

 

Persistance paid off, and Jas found a really clean Aztec Red ’91 Z32TT with only 66k miles. All of the upgrades from the Super White, Z Masterpiece were transferred over:

“Rob pulled the motor from the Super White, re-did all the seals/gaskets, and then put the driveline back together into the red Z32TT.  Coincidentally, both cars and engines had 66,XXX miles when this was done in summer 2017.”

 

 

Let’s take a look at the modifications that turn the already stellar Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo into a superb, balanced sports car.

Engine

 

Though bone-stock with an amazing 44k miles on the clock it needed some attention. We went through the hydraulics and performed full 60k-mile services.

ZCG CAM4 71314 048 ZCG CAM4 71314 043 ZCG CAM4 71314 052
 

Jas wanted to improve power and handling and we happily obliged with a comprehensive list of upgrades this year.  Starting with the drivetrain, the original transmission was replaced with a brand new(!) unit from Nissan:

ZCG CAM4 71314 100 ZCG CAM4 71314 104 ZCG CAM4 71314 102
 

The clutch had seen better days so we replaced it with a JWT unit including their heavy duty aluminum flywheel:

ZCG CAM4 71314 061 ZCG CAM4 71314 099 ZCG CAM4 71314 098
 

A JWT ecu w/boost jets manages uprated NISMO 740cc injectors and the Selin dual MAF. Improved breathing comes from Ash-SPEC inlet piping and dual JWT pop chargers:

Cam 3 103114 007  
ZCG 82514 CAM 4 037 ZCG 82514 CAM 4 047 ZCG 82514 CAM 4 051
 

On the exhaust side, restrictive original downpipes were replaced with these beautiful Specialty Z 3″ downpipes. Note the divorced wastegate piping:

ZCG CAM4 71314 070 ZCG CAM4 71314 091
ZCG CAM4 71314 064 ZCG CAM4 71314 094
 

Following the new downpipes are more parts from SPZ including 3″ mid-pipes and a cat-back exhaust system to replace the OEM setup:

ZCG 82514 CAM 4 009 ZCG 82514 CAM 4 005 - Copy
 

OEM vs SPZ:

ZCG CAM4 71314 055 ZCG CAM4 71314 056
ZCG 82514 CAM 4 007 - Copy ZCG 82514 CAM 4 014
 

More upgrades. We installed 4.08 Leader gears, Ash-SPEC Massive SMICs, 2.5 IC tubing, and  SPZ Hi-5 upgraded clutch. The BDE low-profile Z32 motor mounts are a smart alternative to OEM that allows more clearance larger for intakes:

CAM 2 103114 141 CAM 2 103114 142 
Cam 3 103114 006 ZCG CAM4 71314 079 ZCG CAM4 71314 087
 

Rob recently dyno-tuned the red Z, making 353hp/353tq to the wheels on 91 octane:

 

Stoptech Big-Brakes

 

With all of the speed parts installed next we tackled chassis improvements. Let’s begin with brakes followed by suspension:

ZCG 82514 CAM 4 061

We love Stoptech’s products and use them on our own vehicles.  Z32s are relatively heavy and with higher hp the stock caliper/rotors can be taxed quite easily. Jas took it up a notch and ordered a Stoptech 4-wheel Big-Brake Kit for his beloved Z.  Shown above is the ST40 caliper (front) squeezing 332 mm rotors and at the rear are ST22s on 328mm rotors.

The installation:

ZCG 82514 CAM 4 060 ZCG 82514 CAM 4 080
ZCG 82514 CAM 4 071 ZCG 82514 CAM 4 092
 

Yes, they are pretty but also very functional. Speaking of aesthetics (that are functional, too), the new calipers are nicely framed between the spokes of these sweet VOLK TE37SL wheels, finished in bronze and sized 18×9.5/10.5 in high-pad offset with center caps.  We like your taste, Jas.  The lightweight TE’s were wrapped in Yokohama tires:

 

Suspension

The suspension was gone through completely with all new parts. KW V3s are our favorite coil-over setup, replacing the Stance coil-overs that the Super White Z had. Stillen sway bars are also shown:

 

Stock vs KW V3s installed front:

 
 

Rear:

 
 

Every little nook and cranny of the suspension was handled. New SPL tension rods, upper front control arms, new rear wheel bearings and HICAS removal/eliminator:

 
 

T/C rods, Stillen sway bar, we also replaced the rack bushings:

 

The Z looks great!

 
 

The interior is in great condition as well:

 
 

Jas and his brother love the Z. Thanks for letting us be a part of your journey!

“The Red Devil Z is vicious and so fun to drive. It is the quintessential 1990s Japanese sports car  – red – gold wheels – TTs – exhaust.  It goes fast. It stops fast. It turns fast. Z32TTs are the BEST! We love and respect Rob and the team at ZCG. Rob is a total big brother. He and the team have been with us through the passion and pain.”

**This Red Z32TT will be for sale on Bring a Trailer!**

 

The quest for the perfect Z is almost complete as Jas just found one of the cleanest Super White z32s on Earth. That means the red car is for sale! Jas is listing it on Bring a Trailer. We will update this post and social media when the auction goes live so you don’t miss out! For now, enjoy the extensive photo gallery below, and LONG LIVE THE Z!

 

Lots of pictures in the gallery, enjoy!
…[read more]





 

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.

ZCG 51714 019
ZCG 51714 020 ZCG 51714 032
 

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:

…[read more]




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