***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 2022 recap and upcoming projects. Please note our holiday closure below:

ZCG will be closed from 12/26 through 12/30 for our Annual Holiday Break and we will re-open for business on 1/3/23

 

Client Updates for 2023

We had a busy year and though the shop will be closed, we won’t leave you hanging for the holidays. Many zcarblog features have yet to be published like our belated race report from the CSRG Charity Challenge and Finale in addition to client stories. Before we take a look back at highlights from 2022, here are several exciting projects coming along at the shop:

 

CJ’s 1971 Datsun 240Z features our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, Z Car Garage CV Axles, and ZCG Heat Shield! We also installed triple-Mikuni induction and dyno tuned the Rebello 3L engine backed by a 240SX 5-speed transmission.

 

Jim’s 1971 Datsun 240z is now sporting a Rebello 3.2L with triple-Mikuni carbs on a Harada intake, Recaro Specialist seats, CD009a 6-speed transmission, our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes (for small wheels) and Z Car Garage CV Axles!

   

Jeff and Ryan B’s LS3-powered Z came to us for mechanical sorting. It’s now sporting our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes (for small wheels) and Z Car Garage CV Axles. Ryan successfully ran the Targa California Rallye in blistering summer heat. He recently got a new set of VOLK TE37V wheels full report soon!

 

At Z Car Garage we enjoy both modifying Z cars and restoring them back to factory spec. Mike’s 1970 Datsun 240Z came to us from North Carolina and we delivered it in July. This ’69 production VIN#193 is a beautiful driving example of how wonderful these cars were from the factory.

 

James’s Turbocharged L-series powered S30 will be back after some cosmetic upgrades. We enjoyed making some great power and music:

 

Rick’s BRE-inspired Datsun 240Z track car is getting a CD009 6-speed transmission, Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, coil-over suspension and track preparation.

 

Ken’s Series 1 Datsun 240Z (#1762) is getting our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, ZCG CV Axles, KA24 5-speed transmission and Fujitsubo exhaust. The L28 is now receiving Jenvey ITB EFI managed by a Haltech 750:

 

Beau’s Datsun 280Z coming together. Fresh from paint featuring Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, Z Car Garage CV Axles, T3 suspension and more.

 

Taking care of clients!

 

Z Car Garage takes pride in our ability to handle client’s needs, with same-day service possible. Our parts room with over 1,000 parts on hand allows us to get you in and back on the road. Client Vince S had a clutch hydraulic failure and limped his way in to the shop. We sorted his hydraulics and he was off in 4hrs:

 

Garret and Ken’s Series 1 Datsun 240Z cars both received our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes and Z Car Garage CV Axles!

 

Stan K (VIN #511) and Tony H’s Series Datsun 240Z cars came in for mechanical sorting, interior work and Z Car Garage CV Axles

 

Datsunworks

 

Z Car Garage is excited to collaborate with Datsunworks and develop their brilliant KN20 dual-overhead cam (DOHC) cylinder head designed for the Nissan inline-6 L-Series engine. You can read all about it HERE. We continue to extract more power and run longevity testing with owner Gary’s Datsun 240Z, who has the pleasure of living daily with this beast affectionately named the “Behemoth”.

  

Khang’s 1973 Datsun 240Z was completed in October and he returned with 1,000 miles on the 3.2L L-Series. We adjusted the valves and double-checked power levels.

  

Happy to see both builds healthy and confirm power output. Enjoy the music from the both L-Series engines, sporting Jenvey ITB EFI managed by Haltech 750 Elite ECUs backed by the CD009a Six-Speed transmission.

 

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:

Eric’s Q50:

   

R35 and R32 GT-R

R35s in for service and upgrades. Mike and Kurt’s R32 GT-Rs got power and chassis upgrades deserving their own blog features:

  

Z32

Mike’s 1991 Stillen GTZ. This rare, twin-turbo Z32 300ZX is #6 of 6 cars created by Steve Millen. It featured special 17” billet wheels, Brembo brakes, aero and performance upgrades. Excited to share its story and other client Z32 projects!

 

Race Cars

Several race cars to report on including the Transcendental Racing Datsun 240Z, Glenn Chiou’s Ex-Finn/Harris U2.5L Trans-Am ’68 510 (sporting ZCG CV Axles), the Corky Bell Trans-Am 510 and more!

 

Highlights from 2022

 

Even though 2022 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 the year and Z you in 2023!

Click on each link or photo to see the full features!

The New Nissan Z

Huge thanks to Nissan for giving us the opportunity to experience the 2023 Nissan Z. We really can’t wait to get our new Z!

 

EVENTS: The 2023 Nissan Z Kicks Off Monterey Car Week at Motorlux!

Dyno Testing the 2023 Nissan Z (9-speed Auto)!

The 2023 Nissan Z on the Z Car Garage Dyno!

Return of the 1970 BRE Datsun 240Z

 

Vincent’s 1973 Datsun 240Z

 

Khang’s 1973 Datsun 240Z

 

Richard’s 1970 Datsun 240Z

 

David’s 1972 Datsun 240Z

 

Glenn’s 1972 Fairlady 240Z-L

 

David’s 1972 Datsun 240Z

 

Supermachine’s Datsun 240Z

 

Dirk’s 1972 Datsun 240z

 

Matt’s 1972 Datsun 240Z

 

Linda’s OMS Pace Car

 

Vince M’s 1972 Datsun 240Z

 

Jay’s 1972 Datsun 240Z

 

Mike’s 1970 Datsun 240Z

 

Mark’s 1970 Datsun 240Z

 

Vince S’ 1973 Datsun 240Z

 

Griot’s Garage 1972 Datsun 240Z

 

280Z

 

Where Are They Now: Greg’s 1977 Datsun 280Z

Skyline

Ray’s 1971 Skyline 2000GT-X

 

Julio’s 1971 Skyline

  

Z31

300zx

 

 510 and Fairlady Roadster

 

350Z

 

370z

 

Q60

R32

Updates on Mike and Kurt’s R32 Skylines!

R35

Racing

  

RACE REPORT: David Love Memorial with CSRG 4/1

RACE REPORT: Back to Back vintage racing events with SVRA

RACE REPORT: Laps For Laguna

RACE REPORT: Datsuns and Racing Legends at the 2022 Velocity Invitational

Z Car Garage Trackside Support Services: Todd’s Datsun 510 B-Sedan

 

Rallyes/Events

 

EVENTS: Tokyo Calling with Breakfast Club Rally

EVENTS: DWA Morning Motors Cars & Coffee 7/31

Happy Anniversary: Z Car Garage Celebrates 18 Years!

IN MEMORY: James Glenn Babb 2001-2022

IN MEMORY: RIP Jack Atkinson 1954-2022

The Sung Kang FUGUZ Steering Wheel

EVENTS: ZONC’s 50th Birthday Celebration!

EVENTS: The 2022 Japanese Classic Car Show

EVENTS: Z Car Garage at the Rolex Monterey Reunion and Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

EVENT REPORT: Tokyo Calling 2

EVENTS: New Year’s Day Drive 2022

Media

Gary’s Datsunworks-powered Datsun 240Z featured on Marqued!

 

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

 

 

We love motorsport and it is our pleasure to bring more enthusiasts into the world of vintage racing. Z Car Garage offers full trackside support and race car-preparation so you can focus on driving. Our client Todd R is a great example of ZCG trackside support in action. He’s been racing his Datsun 510 privateer-style for the last few years and hired us for the first time at the Laps For Laguna event back in May.

Z Car Garage had a blast racing and supporting Datsun 510 race cars running in B-Sedan Group 9 (John Morton Cup). We were super proud of Todd: he was able to concentrate on his driving, achieving his highest placing (p6) and personal best lap (1:48.3) time. You can see our full report from this HERE, and let’s take closer look at Todd’s experience with Z Car Garage trackside services.

 

Race Prep for Todd

 

Todd had us prepare his B-Sedan 510 prior to the Laps for Laguna event with standard track-event services including dyno tuning and alignment. He also purchased a set of 13×7 Panasport Wheels from ZCG. We are proud to offer 13×7 Panasport racing wheels in perfect fitment for your B-Sedan/TransAm series Datsun 510 running vintage-class spec 205/60/13 Hoosier R7 (and other) tires:

 

The welded diff was replaced with OS Giken limited-slip (4.38) unit. Diff services are performed in-house at ZCG:

   

We changed the ignition, spark plugs and dyno tuned the L-Series engine for 110 race fuel.

 

Enjoy this video the dyno tuning sessions at Z Car Garage and in-car race footage from Todd, volume up!

 

510 Beginnings

Let’s take a look at how Todd got into 510s…

“My history with the 510 begins in my childhood. We had a 4 Door 510 as a family vehicle and went everywhere in it. I have many memories of tinkering on cars with my dad in the garage. My first car at 15 yo was a Datsun 1200 I bought with my twin brother for $200. Engine was dismantled and all parts in a box under the hood sitting on the engine block. We put it back together w/Dad at night after he got home from work using the Haynes manual. My first car I bought myself in 1988 out of the classifieds was a 1972 Datsun 510, Lowered, L18 and a webber carb, 5 speed painted white. Great car, went everywhere especially to the Santa Cruz Beach. I lived in Livermore at the time. Sadly it got smashed into in front of my parents house and that was the death of it.”

 

“I received my racing license in 2015 in a rented 510 from Larry Oka (The One and Only)( nicknamed the THRASHER) I subsequently bought that car to continue racing for 2015 and 2016 in SCCA ITC SFR region racing at Laguna, Sonoma and Thunderhill. I became the 2015 San Francisco Region Champion in ITC for SCCA that year. At the end on 2016 I was handed an opportunity to purchase a Vintage racing ready 1971 Datsun 510 again thanks to Larry Oka. I made the deal and started racing with CSRG in Vintage sedan racing. This was where my heart was. I had been attending Monterey historics for 30 years and finally was going to be a Vintage racer. I raced and learned with that car but it needed to be better prepped for vintage, its livery was a bit contemporary and the car was Street/ITC built.”

 

“I had the car painted to its current day Black over White #88. I wanted to make it my own. I modeled it after the F.A.R Performance Datsun 1200 Livery of the early 70s to pay homage to the bay area Datsun performance shop in the 70s and 80s. The ZCG of its day. They had a successful racing history with Roadsters, 1200s, 510s and Z cars. I then brought the car to Troy Ermish who performed all the proper B Sedan Upgrades at his shop over the course of a few months. As more 510s started showing up in Vintage racing…Like Troy, I was left in the back. I knuckled down and raced as hard as I could. I reminded my self of a saying by the great Paul Newman..”Its more fun to make a slow car go fast than a fast car go slow”. The prize at the end of the day in Vintage racing is returning home ALL in one piece. I sourced a Rebello L1800 and installed it, and was able to race two races in 2021 after install  at Sonoma and Thunderhill.”

 

“As for Rob…We met at racing school in 2016 when he attended and I was working for Larry Oka racing for the weekend. He had that contagious energy of course and that’s where I learned of Z Car garage. As a Datsun owner racer I knew I I would need his services in the future, and of course we ended up racing together on a regular basis with CSRG. We would always be staged together in the Paddocks since all the 510s typically parked together.”

 

“I have always been a Do it yourself’er and was able to take care of all my needs up to this point, but at that Sonoma race in 2021 I had issues. I sorted out some problems but had a persistent misfire. Thankfully Magic Hands Joshua Corwin of ZCG was providing Track Support to Rob and others that day and my problems caught his interest because he’s a fixer.  Rob had allowed him to step away for a moment and he was able to determine my ignition plate in the distributor was loose and causing a misfire. They also supplied me with a Coil and plugs as part of the fix. Without Z Car my weekend would have been over if not for them. THIS WAS MY AH HA moment. With Rob’s thorough knowledge Datsuns and racing and the skills of his guys, Thats a win.”

 

Success at Laguna Seca with ZCG Race Support

 

Todd’s experience with us at the Laps for Laguna race event was so good we had to share it with our readers and anyone looking to join the fun…

“My first race this year was in May at Laguna Seca. I hadn’t had my car out of storage all winter and because of a crazy busy work schedule I couldn’t do my own prep and services prior to racing. I got my car into Z Car Garage and they more than dialed it in in just a few days. Nut and Bolt check, Dyno tune, alignment, scales. My car had never been better. I also enjoyed track side support that day at Laguna. I had to worry about NOTHING when parked under that ZCG EZ up. It was a difficult adjustment and I didn’t know what to do with myself. Rob told me to worry only about me, the car is covered. That security knowing Z Car was on the job simply made me faster, finally everything was dialed.”

 

“First session I finished 14th, second timed session I finished 10th and For the First Time ever, Sunday afternoon race I finished 6th overall in group 9 B Sedan group. This was possible because ZCG had me covered, the car ran and preformed better than it ever had. I was more relaxed going onto each race, AND iIdiscussed every session with Rob to preform better for the next race to come. Simply the best. I would recommend Z Car Garage Track Support to everyone.”

 

Thanks for trusting us with your race preparation Todd. We are very proud of you and happy to have you part of our group!

Join The Vintage Racing Fun

 

Interested in joining the vintage racing fun? Z Car Garage can help you prepare and support your race car at the track. We can also help you find a vintage race car! Contact Rob at the shop at 408-452-0350 or e-mail rob@Zcargarage.com for more details. Catch all of our race reports on zcarblog HERE and stay tuned for our final 2022 race report from the CSRG race events in November!

 

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Vincent S’ 1973 Datsun 240Z has a long history with Z Car Garage having received upgrades like our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, Z Car Garage CV Axles, full suspension refresh and dyno tuning.

 

The Z came back to us in March of 2022 for more power, drivetrain and interior improvements. Before we explore these upgrades, let’s take a look at how Vincent found the Z car of his dreams…

Z Destiny

 

Vincent: “I’m from Le Mans, France and attended the 24 hours race, or Le Mans Classic numerous times. In 2016, I was on the Le Mans racetrack with the car I had then (a Lotus Elise 220), and one of my very best friends, Fabrice. That day, we saw a gorgeous blue, track prepared 240Z that we loved. I took several pics and videos of it.”

 

A few months later, Vincent saw our friend Dave Scholz’ video on Petrolicious and found his Z highly inspirational. In Summer 2019, Vincent’s job offered him the opportunity to move to San Diego for a few years and he decided this is where he would search for his own Z car, and eventually send it back to France. It truly is a small world, and our client Brian P had listed his ’73 S30 on Bring a Trailer in September of 2000. Vincent saw the Z, bid and won the auction!

 

Vincent: “I bought my Z on BaT, from Brian P, who had Z Car Garage restore it. He loved his car and had to sell it, but the modifications he wanted to do included a Rebello stroker with Mikunis, etc…Living in the US for only 3 years, I decided to continue the story with Rob, and the Z is now what I wanted and what Brian wanted (I’m still in touch with him). Knowing that I was going to relocate to FR, I also became a member of the Datsun Club of France. ZCG was highly recommended by the group, and is a worldwide reference for Zs! The posts on zcarblog.com with all the pics, etc….are also great to see how the work is done.”

 

Back for the Z Car Garage Touch

While previous owner Brian P was a little bummed about selling the car, he was stoked that Vince shared his vision and dream to take it the rest of the way. We spoke with Vince and discussed all the upgrades he wanted to do, knowing it had to be completed before his expatriation June 30, 2022. The Z arrived at Z Car Garage from SoCal on March 1, and it was so good to see it again:

 

Drivetrain

 

When Brian was coming to ZCG it was during the “Butters” phenomenon: our clients wanted a similar setup for their own S30s. Our 1971 shop demo Z Mrs. Butters proudly features our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, Z Car Garage CV Axles, ZCG Heat Shield, 6-speed transmission, full KW suspension (releasing soon) and 3.2L engine with triple-Mikuni induction. While Vince’s Z had the upgraded brakes, CV axles and suspension, the drivetrain was not touched.

We began drivetrain upgrades by replacing the stock L24 with twin-SUs/4-speed transmission with a Rebello 3L, triple-Mikuni induction and KA24 5-speed transmission. ZCG supplied the ph44 Mikuni carbs (jetted) with velocity stacks, ZCG mesh filters, Harada intake manifold, ZCG fuel rail and all of the things we do on the intake/exhaust side of the engine. Spark is provided by an MSD6AL ignition box. We also installed what every triple-carbed L-series needs: a ZCG Heat Shield!

 

A Moroso competition baffled oil pan prevents oil starvation with high cornering loads:

 

The Fujitsubo exhaust system from exhaust header to muffler was installed. These newer units have better fitment.

 

With the engine out we had our man William repaint the engine bay. ZCG engine bay services followed with freshly plated and plumbed hydraulic lines, hoses and general clean-up:

 

The engine bay turned out great and Vince wanted a red, powdercoated wrinkle valve cover. More photos of the engine bay details in the gallery below!

 

Driveline Upgrades

With the 3L engine in we focused on the transmission and rear axle. To handle the power from the 3L engine we replaced the stock 4-speed with a Nissan KA24 (FS5W71C) transmission. This was a common swap (before the CD009a came to market) performed by modifying a 280Z L-series bell housing. When we upgraded the transmission we also installed a JWT HD clutch with aluminum flywheel:

 

Helping put the power down efficiently is an OS Giken LSD. The R180 houses a 4.11 R&P and the assembly is setup in-house (by Joshua Corwin):

 

Our Z Car Garage CV Axles help transmit power to the ground and ensure smoother operation compared to your standard half shafts. We have over 200 CV axle kits on customer cars and we are stoked with all of the positive feedback.

  

Stock half shafts (L) and Vincent’s ZCG units, set #00295. Also visible are the T3 control arms:

     

Dyno Tuning

 

Rob dyno tuned the Rebello 3L engine making a stout 239hp/211tq to the wheels:

 

Enjoy the L-series music in this extended video of Vincent’s Z including dyno runs, test drive with Rob and drive-bys:

ZCG Big-Brakes

We are proud to have several of our ZCG products on Vincent’s 240z. We installed our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes (for small wheels) which have the been standard on numerous ZCG builds.

    We removed the stock brakes and installed our ZCG Big-Brake kit.  We also installed a full coil-over (Koni) suspension from Techno Toy Tuning. T3 finishes the suspension in our signature color and we really appreciate Gabriel and his staff. They make some of the best suspension parts out there for Z cars.

  

ZCG Big-brakes and T3 coil-overs replacing stock setup:

     At the rear, the factory drum brakes were replaced with our ZCG Big-Brakes. New OEM Nissan master cylinder and Factory handbrake functionality IS retained!

   

Panasport Wheels

Complementing the new coilover suspension on Vincent’s Z are 16×7 Panasports and Hankook R-S3 tires in 225/50/16. We wanted the look and feel of Mrs. Butters Z so we obsessed over ride height until we got it exactly where he wanted it. The Z looks fabulous from any angle:

   

Recaro Seats

The stock seats were replaced with Euro-spec RECARO Pole Position in leather:

 

Driving is Believing

Vincent visited Z Car Garage for the first time when he picked up his Z on 6/22. Here is Rob showing Vincent the engine bay and going on a test drive:

  

Vincent:  “Rob and team ended up working 24/7 in the last few days so that this could happen. I picked it up on the 22 of June, early morning, when I believe I also met Alvin. It was amazing to meet you, Rob, and ZCG ! I then drove down the Pacific Coast Highway, to drop the auto in LA, where the logistics/freight company is. They finally put it on a boat 3 months later (and I now live in FR).”

 

Vincent was impressed with the upgrades from Z Car Garage:

Vincent:“What’s it like to drive??! Brian already had the brakes and axles done, so all good there. With the engine, gearbox, clutch, exhaust done + Recaros, it’s a complete different car to drive. Much more lively, direct, raw…the Recaros filter less than the original seats, but are now on par with the global performance and grip of the Z. I feel much more connected to the road.”

 

We are happy to report that the Z is now in France! Vincent picked it up in Le Havre (north of FR) and drove it all the way to Lyon (South east, where he resides). The engine started right away, and trip was a pleasure. He sent us some great photos (above):

Vincent:“Hey Alvin, I believe only 750 240Zs were ever sold in France back in the day…so you can imagine the looks I got! Some people thought it was a Ferrari 275 or a Type E…So grateful to Rob and the awesome job he’s done on the auto, and Brian, to whom I bought it, can be reassured…The Z’s being taken care of!”

 

Since owning the Z Vincent found out that the Blue Z he saw in Le Mans belongs to another member of the Datsun club of France, David Donne. Vincent also has been in touch with Dave Scholz, via Instagram who has been super friendly and helpful.

We enjoyed working with Vincent:

Rob: “All in all Brian would be super proud. Car was scheduled to be put on a container to go back to France and we made it with 1 day to spare. Huge thanks to Brian and Vincent. Super excited about this car and my only regret is that he doesn’t live local so we could enjoy it together.”

Thank you for entrusting us with your S30 Vincent and LONG LIVE THE Z!

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