Frank B has been a Z Car Garage customer for many years. His stable includes an ultra low-vin Series 1 S30 (report soon) and this 1972 Datsun 240z that he acquired in 2005:

 

Affectionately named “Fuelie Z” this hot rod sports a fuel-injected Rebello 3L running Borla TWM induction.  The old-school setup utilized RC injectors, a composite intake plenum and Electromotive Tec3 engine management.

 

With powerful L-series motivation Frank wanted to improve braking and we installed one of our very first sets of Z Car Garage Big Brakes roughly 8 years ago. These large, 328mm units at all 4-corners performed admirably and fit nicely behind his vintage 17″ Chevlon Racing Mesh wheels:

 

  

Frank has enjoyed the Z for several years, attending local ZONC events and fun runs. Below left: The ZONC Blackhawk Museum Show in 2008!

 

After a recent meeting with Frank we agreed it was time to update this Z car and make it as smooth as we could. He was our first customer to run the new Z Car Garage CV axles. This upgrade really inspired him to continue improving the car:

  

Next on the update list, we were really excited to install a Nissan 350z 6-speed manual transmission behind the L-series in Frank’s Z. S30 owners can now install this robust, 6-speed manual behind their L-series engine!  You might remember our first application of Austin Hoke’s custom 6-speed adapter kit on the OS Giken TC24B1Z-powered 240z:

  

Using the 6-speed conversion kit from Hoke Performance we installed a new CD009a transmission from the 2003 -2008 Z33 in Frank’s Z:

 

The kit necessitated exhaust header changes and after testing a variety of headers we found the Pacesetter 6-2-1 unit provided enough clearance:

 

We changed the exhaust and updated the driveshaft to an aluminum one. The old Spec clutch mated to the L-series transmission was removed and a JWT aluminum flywheel and HD clutch installed for work with the 350z transmission:

  

The 6-speed bolted in, more pictures of the install in gallery below:

 

The ZCG CV axles and 6-speed transmission transformed Frank’s Z. You can see the shifter location/operation in this video below. Enjoy!

 

Frank also asked why not update the engine management system and Rob said, “I’m in!”. Replacing the Tec3 unit we installed an Elite 750 from Haltech.  This is a wonderful stand alone ECU company with very user-friendly products we love to use on our S30 builds.

  

With dyno tuning we improved the drivability of Z in addition to significant power gains. Final numbers were 231hp/210tq to the wheels:

 

We received great feedback from Frank after 100 miles of mountain roads. His wife could even notice the difference: super smooth, seamless operation with fantastic throttle response and more power.  The Fuelie Z has been thoroughly updated, mission accomplished!  We love that Frank is Enjoying The Ride in his Z stay tuned for a full report on his Series 1 240z!

 

LONG LIVE THE Z!
More pictures in the gallery below!
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At Z Car Garage we are fortunate to be a part of many Nissan/Datsun enthusiasts lives and here is another amazing story of how we helped one man reunite with his beloved 240z…

To Rob and team of Z Car Garage,

Thank you for being a big part of reuniting me with my 1971 240Z on my 50th birthday.

I’m not sure whether you know, but this was my very first car, purchased for me by my father when I was 16 years old. Did I have a cool dad or what? He paid $4700 for the car in 1978. Although it was about 7 years old when I got it, it was in great shape and probably the most awesome car I could have had during high school. After a year, the seller experienced seller’s remorse and actually contacted my Dad to buy the car back. Of course, there was no way I was giving that car up, and over the next 20 years, my 240Z was my pride and joy.

Besides being a reliable means of transportation, I have numerous fond memories of this car, most notably proposing to my wife in this car 19 years ago. On that night, we had dinner in SF and afterward, I drove to the Marin headlands. With a romantic view of the City, Golden Gate Bridge and some champagne and strawberries, I proposed to my then girlfriend, who might very well have said yes because the car made me so cool.

But, after 20 years, I unfortunately started to notice exhaust fumes seeping into the car, and by this time, it was no longer my primary mode of transportation (more of a weekend car). With the exhaust issue and the fact that I didn’t have room at my new home for three cars, I decided to store the Z at my father’s place. My plan to temporarily store the car until I had time to address the exhaust issue turned into a 12 year separation between me and my 240Z.

For my 50th Birthday, my cousin, Trent coordinated with my wife to get my car running again and secretly moved the car from my dad’s place to your garage. Along with many assorted relatives, they planned to surprise me with the restored car during a party we held at my house. Of course, it was a HUGE surprise to walk out my front door and see the Z sitting on my driveway after 12 years in storage! It’s amazing how good it looks, and I especially appreciate how the restoration is not “over-the-top”- as close to stock as I maintained it.

Everywhere I drive now, someone comments on how good it looks. Besides looking great, it also runs great. The carburetors are perfectly tuned, the clutch is tight, and the suspension has greatly improved the handling. And it’s not bad for my ego either.

It’s great to have my 240Z back and I can’t help but smile whenever I get in it.

Thank you again to you and your team,
Ken M.

As you can imagine we were very eager to help Ken’s family bring the Datsun back to life and back on the road. ZCG focused on making this car sharp looking with an emphasis on driver enjoyment. Cosmetic upgrades included re-chroming and straightening both f/r bumpers with fresh OEM rubber trim:

 

Requisite 16×7 Panasport wheels shod with Bridgestone Pole-Position  re760(225/50/16) tires are at all four corners:

 

Underhood the engine bay received some serious attention with a full clean/detail, all new coolant bypass hoses and upper/lower radiator hoses:

 

The intake manifold was removed, cleaned and de-smogged. New intake/exhaust manifold gaskets installed along with a new header and full exhaust system. Driveability being a priority Rob and the crew tuned the carbs to perfection: steady idle, crisp throttle response, and smooth power delivery in all gears. I drove the car briefly to take photos and even I fell in love with it 🙂

 

The chassis also got some serious love with a complete front/rear suspension rebuild that included new bushings throughout, 5-way Tockicos, Eibach springs, sway bars, and new steering rack bushings. The interior on this 240 is incredibly clean. We added a Kenwood head unit and an MSA rear speaker box: Nothing flashy in this handsome cabin!

Thanks to Ken and his family for letting ZCG be a part of their Z Car passion. This is what we live for!

Check the gallery for more detailed pictures:
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Autoblog has a great feature on Adam Carolla’s car collection. It’s no secret that he is a huge Datsun nut but read further into the article and look at the pictures of his super-clean garage…he also loves classic Lamborghinis! Maybe Adam’s foray into vintage racing has got folks interested in what kind of toys the man has.
We look forward to seeing Adam running his Datsuns hard at the track like he did recently at Laguna Seca.

This year’s Concours was just as incredible as last with an even larger showing of Japanese cars. Thanks to David Swig there was an 11-car lineup in the Japanese Car Exhibit.  The display included an R34 Skyline GT-R, Datsun 510, Datsun 610, three Datsun 240z cars, Datsun roadster, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Celica, Toyota Corona, and a Honda S600 roadster!

The weather was perfect for walking on that famous Stanford lawn with cars from different eras and marques everywhere. The highlight of the Japanese Car Exhibit for me had to be the Datsun 610, Toyota Corona and the Honda S600.  I have not seen a clean 610 in person and this one looked just right lowered over Watanabe wheels and running a front spolier. We wonder what it had under the hood.  I really liked the pillar-less door/window and the rear tail lights:

David Swig showed his 26k original mile Toyota Corona Coupe. This car was a totally un-molested gem with plenty of character. From the hidden fuel filler to the pillar-less windows and detailed hubcaps it was treat to see:

The Honda S600 roadster sported a dual chain-drive system unlike the later S800 with its live axle. The  high-revving motor has a near 10,ooorpm redline, in 1965! The owner said driving it was exhilarating to drive since the powerband starts where most car redline 🙂

The Japanese Car Exhibit was staged… …[read more]

 

Hope everyone had a great July 4!  It is great to see Datsun owners taking their cars out to shows and driving events. It is even better when you can be part of getting these cars back on the road so they can be driven 🙂 ZCarGarage restored this pretty 240z several years ago and the owner was kind enough to send this update. Congrats Andru!

                        

  Hello Rob,
This is Andru Peters from Lake City, MN (formerly of San Jose) whose 240Z
you restored back in 2003.  I entered into a car show over the holidays and
took 2nd place in the class I entered in.  Have attached a photo, trophy and
yours truly.

Thought you’d like to know of this.
Thanks again