We met Kevin E through our client Randy Jaffe out in Georgia. Kevin was here in the Bay Area, Ca for work and wanted Z Car Garage to give his 2008 Nismo 350Z some love. We happily obliged by adding KW suspension and maintenance to an already superb supercharged platform:

 

KEVIN: I heard about Z Car Garage from a local friend, Randy Jaffe. I met him at Z Nationals down here in Georgia a few years back. Randy kept mentioning Rob when talking about his Nissan and Datsun collection, and after seeing  Larry Chen’s videos about Z Car Garage I had no hesitation about Rob working on the car in the future. It’s funny because I was DM’ing Rob on IG about the car before pulling the trigger to ship it there in our earlier conversations!

History

 

Kevin is the original owner of chassis #1508. He wanted a manual car to drive and found the Nismo sitting in a lot..

KEVIN:  This was when the 370z and R35 came out. The car I ended up stalling in the parking lot is the same car you see here today. Purchased new in 2010 and was my first manual car. It will always have a special place in my heart because my father taught me how to drive manual in it. 

 

It’s truly been a car I’ve done everything in from my NASA events, first car I’ve taken to the drag strip, road trips including the drive up from NorCal back to Arizona, enjoying Zcon at Nissan USA back in 2018, and of course the rabbit hole of turning a vision into reality. There have been ups and downs, but the extraordinary experiences and people I’ve met along the way have made it all worth it.

 

Suspension

 

We addressed the suspension to attain Kevin’s overall goal of making his Z a double duty car: one that you can get groceries in and enjoy track/canyon driving.

KEVIN: Rob and the team did a full suspension refresh with KW V3s and the full SPL catalog. I’ve held off on it for quite some time because I didn’t feel the actual suspension was worn out or my skill level had surpassed the balance of the OEM ones. He also performed one hell of an alignment, which felt great the whole way back to Arizona. Taking it up the canyons driving through L.A., the car was a blast and Rob absolutely nailed the feel I wanted out of the car. The car was more communicative and had no more body roll! I felt way more confident pushing the car harder.

 

Full alignment service in-house at Z Car Garage:

 

Details

The small things are what we excel at. The interior was spiced up with some red Recaro RSG Japan seats to match the original Nismo theme:

 

KEVIN: I wanted someone that could roll the rear fenders without cracking the paint and handle small dents from the years. Been through paint and body work and wanted it to be done right from the beginning. After seeing the restoration of Randy’s BRE Datsun 240Z following the Daytona accident, I know the car would be in great hands. During my time in NorCal working, I had Rob install a set of JDM tail lights, which I was on the fence about. They came out fantastic and love how they compliment the whole car:

 

The Tomei titanum exhaust was replaced at Kevin’s request with a custom built Soho system. Tomei below:

 

New Soho exhaust, with more photos in the gallery below:

 

Maintenance

 

The last piece to address was maintenance (fluids/pads/supercharger belt check) and ensuring that the Zcar was ready for its voyage back to Arizona and later Georgia:

KEVIN: What fascinated me was how in depth Rob was with the car. Handwritten notes, small details during the install, and extra care taken during the whole process. That is why I have Rob listed as Dr.Datsun because he truly does take each car in, assesses anything that might need to be addressed, and everything else that the client wants to achieve just like a true doctor!

 

Vortech Power

  

We put the Z on our dyno for a health check, making a stout 491hp/356tq to the wheels:

 

Enjoy this video of Kevin’s Nismo 350Z on the dyno!

 

Driving is Believing

 

Rob and Kevin discussed ideal suspension settings and the result was a balanced car:

KEVIN: The Z feels so good. As soon as Rob gave me a ride, I could immediately tell. The back end was so planted taking a corner on Rob’s test track, lol. It wouldn’t kick out like it did on the OEM Nismo suspension taking the roundabout corner even with a Nismo GT Pro LSD. Just the right amount of stiff, but also very compliant soaking up the bumps like a cobblestone surface. Rob truly is a magician with suspension, evidenced by his driving background. Before the suspension, it just felt a little dull and sluggish in response.  After having more seat time in the car, it just feels very connected and direct.

 

We knew that Kevin wanted a bit more feel, without sacrificing comfort and decided to use poly bushings in the suspension for street use.

KEVIN: Driving through LA, all the bumps were not as harsh as I thought and when the road was smooth, it was like silk, but you could feel the changes in the road surface through the steering wheel. I’m glad I listened despite me wanting to put Clubsports on the car. I spoke to a few people that had Rob install the same setup and they all had nothing but positive feedback. Rob takes his clients in steps rather than large leaps not only to get acquainted with the car again, but also to improve as a driver and become more confident. 

 

Enjoy The Ride

 

While he was out in NorCal, we were lucky to see Kevin Enjoying The Ride at local events like the ZONC gathering ZONC Gathering:

 

KEVIN: All the videos I’ve seen of Rob, he just has so much passion in what does! I thought I was OCD about my car, but Rob is such a perfectionist and wants it to be more than 100 percent when the client picks up the car. It not only has the power, but has the footwork now, which was the missing piece of the puzzle. On a side note, Rob has not only been another caretaker of my Nismo, but he has become like family to me along with the rest of the team at Z Car Garage. Rob, I want to personally thank you again for all the advice and life advice you’ve given me during my stay there! I’m eternally grateful for everything!

 

Kevin’s Nismo 350Z came out really nice and we love his passion. Icing on the cake was seeing him so stoked on having his Z worked on by Z Car Garage. Thanks for letting us be a part of your build. See more of his Nismo Z33 on Instagram and LONG LIVE THE Z!

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Our client Ben’s LS1-powered 1993 Mazda RX-7 is up for auction on Bring a Trailer. This FD features a 6.2L LS1 V8 engine with T56 6-speed transmission, Stoptech big-brakes, 18″ ADVAN Racing wheels, dyno tuning and more. We have enjoyed being a part of this car since 2006 and watching it evolve. From track days to daily driving it does it all. More photos below and happy bidding! Auction listing is HERE

 

 

The 1/24 Scale Model

 

I built this 1/24th scale model to replicate Ben’s RX-7, including the LS1 drivetrain. Enjoy the feature HERE

 

Advan RS Wheels

 

In 2013 Ben got some gorgeous ADVAN Racing RS wheels. Enjoy the before/after HERE

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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

 

We love to see our parts installed and used on client’s cars. Race car driver and Datsun Historian Glenn Chiou is running our Z Car Garage CV Axles in this 1968 Datsun 510 U2.5L Trans-Am race car!

Glenn was preparing to debut his freshly restored 510 for the 2022 Velocity Invitational event at Laguna Seca. A half shaft failure is not something he wanted to worry about while racing so he replaced them with ZCG CV Axles. Glenn installed the set himself with ease:

 

We also provided dyno tuning services to prepare him for the race weekend. The fresh Rebello L18 with Solex/Mikuni 44phh induction and BRE intake made great power.

 

Listen to this 510 make sweet L-Series music on our dyno in the video below. There is also race/paddock action with Glenn behind the wheel:

 

Privateer Spirit

We are happy to report that Glenn successfully raced at the Velocity Invitational event. It’s worth noting like privateers of the period, Glenn builds his race cars, maintains and manages racing efforts himself. Not an easy task so we applaud his passion and work ethic. Glenn builds some beautiful Datsuns and this historically-significant 510 is a shining example.

Photo by Alex Trang

Glenn championed a vintage race group dedicated to the Historic B&C Sedan class and organized a “Celebration of the Two Five Challenge” display at the 2022 Velocity Invitational event. Two of the most iconic cars were present: the ex-Morton #46 BRE Datsun 510 (with Pete Brock below) and ex Kwech #3 Wetson’s Alfa. Yes that is Glenn with the legendary John Morton! Let’s take a look at the history behind Glenn’s Trans-Am 510 before we get into the restoration:

 

The Ex-Finn/Harris U2.5L Datsun 510

 

Glenn has a passion for re-telling the stories of legendary privateer Datsun racers and his penultimate restoration project was this 1968 Ex-Finn/Harris U2.5L Datsun 510, serial number PL510-023047. It is one of very few surviving cars that competed in the SCCA Trans-Am Two-Five Challenge, or more commonly known as the Under 2.5 Liter Series.

 
In 1972, Bob Finn acquired the car from a used car dealership in Santa Barbara, California. The car was sponsored by Bob Nolan Datsun and Chuck’s Shell Service in Santa Maria, California. Competition Street and Rally (CSR) Racing, a shop Finn ran out of Chuck’s Shell Service, prepared the car for competition. It is one of two cars in which an entire package of go-fast parts were purchased from Brock Racing Enterprises in El Segundo, California, as part of their “BRE kit car” program. Mac Tilton, then BRE Crew chief and engineer – later Tilton Engineering, developed the suspension and provided all machine work. Bob Finn and Ron Harris began racing #37 in late 1972.

 

Its first two races were the two final races of the 1972 SCCA Trans-Am Two-Five Challenge season at Laguna Seca and Riverside International Raceway, finishing 15th and 23rd. Unfortunately 1972 would see the end of the Trans Am Two-Five Challenge, but that would not stop Finn and Harris from continuing to race the car. They competed throughout the 1970’s in the SCCA B-Sedan class both regionally and nationally with numerous first place finishes, often beating out factory race teams. While Riverside International Raceway was its home race track, the car could also be seen racing at Willow Springs International Raceway, Laguna Seca Raceway, Sears Point, Portland International Paceway, Ontario Motor Speedway.

  

In that time, Finn and Harris competed against the likes of John Morton, Horst Kwech Harry Theodoracopoulos, Bobby Allison, Walt Mass, Dave Madison, Corky Bell, Norm Balzer, Pat Daily, and many other prominent racers. Bill and Jack Johnston acquired the car in 1979 and would go on to race the car for the next 33 years. Bill Johnston and Steve Dragus shared driving duties, while Jack was the crew chief. Dragus, who was best known for the building engines for Don “The Snake” Prudhomme, prepared the engines. Johnston and Dragus won three regional Cal Club Championships in the 1980’s, and would go on to win the last SCCA GT4 national race at Riverside Raceway before the track closed in 1989. (images and history courtesy of Glenn Chiou)

Restoration

 

The Ex-Finn/Harris Datsun 510 was not always in the orange livery shown above. When Glenn acquired the car several years ago it was red and he ran with this livery at many vintage racing events…until it was time to restore it back to its former glory…

 

Glenn is no stranger to vintage race car restoration. You may have seen Glenn’s FAR Performance 240Z in VIPS Restaurant livery as raced in the 70’s by Loren St. Lawrence. Glenn restored this car himself and it is now back to the Bay Area Datsun Dealers livery as raced by FAR Performance privateer Walt Maas. Glenn also restored the Different Drummer Racing Z raced by Greg Sorrentino. This IMSA GTU Datsun 260Z features our Z Car Garage CV Axles and dyno tuning:

 

The 510 was dissembled for paint and bodywork, using period photos to guide the livery hand-applied by the talented Real Ralph:

 

As usual, Glenn’s painstaking efforts and diligence result in a faithful restoration…where parts are not available he has gone to extraordinary lengths to re-create pieces or use period-correct/surviving parts with archival guidance…shown below: vintage SW oil cooler, BRE remote oil adapter, expansion tank and BRE intake manifold:

 

Glenn assembled the interior with Mil-spec switches & motorsports grade wiring:

 

The fresh Rebello L18 is about to be installed…all done by Glenn himself in his home garage:

 

I was lucky to visit Glenn to see the restoration in-progress and it was simply a feast for the eyes…plated chassis parts, cool bits of history everywhere…plus the BADD 240Z nearby 🙂

 

Datsuns Are Driven!

With the restoration complete, Glenn has been enjoying the Ex-Finn/Harris U2.5L 510 at vintage racing events throughout the year. Follow his racing adventures on Instagram with more photos in the gallery below:

 

Thanks for your support Glenn! Congratulations on the restoration and we love racing with you #racingislife. Learn more about our Z Car Garage CV Axles below:

 

Z Car Garage CV Axles

Our Z Car Garage CV Axles help transmit power to the ground and ensure smoother operation compared to your standard half shafts. These are 100% bolt-in replacing your half-shafts and does not use aluminum adapters commonly found in aftermarket units. We have over 200+ CV axle kits on customer cars and we are stoked with all of the positive feedback.

   

For more information please visit our detailed post our HERE. Below are just a few examples of race cars running out CV Axles:

Race car driver and restoration specialist Jim Froula of Racecraft is running ZCG axles in several of his cars:

Set #246 – installed May 2018 on the “Harry Stewart #52” Datsun 510:

  

Set #247 – installed April 2018 on the 260z

  

Set #248 – installed on Adam Carolla’s “Greg Sorrentino #90” Datsun 510.

  

Supermachine in Tokyo, Japan is running our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes and Z Car Garage CV Axles in their Series Datsun 240Z:

  

Race car driver, restorer and Datsun Historian Glenn Chiou is running our ZCG CV Axles in this IMSA GTU 260z race car!

  

Racer Brad H is running ZCG CV Axles in his IMSA GTU race car:

 
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Our Z Car Garage Big Brakes have been winning over Z-car enthusiasts locally and globally. Jason purchased a set for his 1974 Datsun 260Z and performed the installation himself. Before we go into his Big-Brake experience let’s hear his Z-story…

 

JASON: “I first heard about Z Car Garage by following Larry Chen’s 240z build on his YouTube Channel. I saw his various interviews with Rob Fuller and was really impressed with his knowledge and passion for the Datsun 510 and s30 chassis. Quickly, I started researching more about the pain points of the s30’s, and noted the lack of support from many other companies in the area of suspension and braking locally. The kits available were Wilwood, Endless, Star Road, among others. No complete kits that were torture tested and raced like what Z Car Garage was doing with their ZCG CV Axles , Brake Kits and other components they were selling. Research and development are key to me, and I was thrilled to see ZCG taking this on themselves. In addition, Rob is a real human being who’s on top of answering questions via email and in person at Z car events. That’s a HUGE deal to me, and it’s so rare to meet someone that of course is just as passionate about his cars as the enthusiasts building them.”

 

“My 1974 Datsun 260z is an Early model s30. When I purchased it, a few years ago I quickly removed the stock seats and reupholstered Recaro LX vintage seats in Black. I loved the netted headrest, and the clean recaro stitching at the center of the seat. I also removed the Greddy Oni wheel that was originally in the car and swapped it out with a new old stock Nardi Nismo Deep steering wheel with a Black and Gold finish. I went through the interior and purchased a NOS Datsun center console, and replaced the stock door cards with Skillard flat cards with leather pull straps.”

 

“In addition to the door cards, I added Skillard powder coated heel plates. The car came with BC adjustable coil-overs and Swift Springs which I will be updating in the near future. The BC Coilovers are perfectly fine for the street applications I’m using the car for currently. My suspension underneath the car is the full T3 catalog including the power cradle, control arms, bushings, and even their steering elements. It’s finally sorted, and I really enjoy driving the car the way it currently feels.”

 

“The car is equipped with a L28, ZX 5 Speed transmission, and 44pHH Mikuni triple carbs built by Taka at Kyusha House. The header and exhaust system are Fujitsubo Legalis R. The engine has since been updated in every way from the ignition system, oil pump, spark plug cables, and brake new seals and belt. The oil pan was replaced with a Moroso baffled racing pan with higher oil capacity.” 

  

“I have two sets of wheels and tires for the car. One set is Volk Racing TE37v custom gold 15×9 at 0 offset on Toyo Proxes R888 205/50/15, and the other set is Work Racing Equip 03 15×8.5 at -3 offset custom bronzed lip, and Gold Center on Falken Azenis RT660 205/50/15. The front bumper is a carbon MSA, and the rear tail light bezels are carbon fiber made by Vintage Carbon. The wing is a Carbon Fiber BRE spoiler.”

 

You can see Jason’s Z in action in the video below:

 

Z Car Garage Big-Brakes

  

As fellow S30 owner/racer Glenn C mentioned in his review, on top of braking performance, pedal feel is extremely important and our Big-Brakes deliver. This is a direct result of working with Stoptech to create a totally bolt-in solution requiring no M/C change or additional proportioning valve/adjustments. All fitting behind a 15″ Watanabe or Panasport wheel and retaining factory emergency brake lever! A few details below:

Calipers: Stoptech ST42 4-piston front & rear race calipers (Alum 6061 mil-spec Type III anodized)

Rotors: 280mm x 20.6 with Alum 7075 hats

Pads: Stoptech 309 sport street pads

Blog posts documenting all of our customers running the ZCG Big-Brakes can be found HERE.

  

Big-Brake Kits Available For DIY Install!

Z Car Garage is proud to offer our Big-Brake Kit to Z-Car owners that want to perform the installation themselves. We can ship worldwide and each kit contains everything needed with a comprehensive (40-page) installation guide. Blog posts documenting all of our customers running the ZCG Big-Brakes can be found HERE. Enjoy these pictures of Jason’s beautiful S30 and his ZCG Big-Brake installation:

 

Our ZCG Big-Brake kit ships with everything needed to install and retains the factory parking brake function. Jason successfully installed the BBK on his Z with PitstopMotorTuning, and they look great behind both the Work Equip 03 and Volk TE37 wheels:

    

Beyond ease of installation and quality components, our Big-Brakes perform by offering superb pedal feel…everyone that drives our demo Z confirms! This is a direct result of working with Stoptech to create a totally bolt-in solution requiring no M/C change or additional proportioning valve/adjustments. Jason shares his feedback after replacing his existing Wilwood brakes with the ZCG BBK:

JASON: “The Stoptech ZCG Big-Brakes are really a solid kit. The lead time was pretty rough, but again Rob reassured me every month over the course of a year of waiting that it would be worth it. He was right! These brakes do not disappoint. Once the kit was completely bedded and broken in, I quickly put the brakes to the test on Angeles Crest highway here in Los Angeles. I know this road well, and that’s where I usually push the car at a safe limit, and see where the pain points lie. The ZCG brakes are worth every penny. They are precise, they are confidence inspiring, and also feel great under late braking situations. I had a blast carving around the canyon knowing my brakes would safely hold up. My next test would be to get a couple of track days on them, and see how they hold up under extreme conditions and multiple sessions.”

 
What’s in store for Jason’s Z?

“The goal for the 260z is to refine my current setup. The paint is a bit rough since it was a garage paint job, and I would love to repaint the whole car including the interior. At the moment, I’m building a high compression 3.1L stroker motor with Jenvey 50mm ITB being managed by a Haltech Elite 750 stand alone ECU. My goals long term are for big power, but with street car reliability. I would love to confidently do a track day, but also be comfortable driving my wife to car shows, and even to grab a cup of coffee together. The engine has a custom designed valve cover designed by myself, and commissioned to be created by BSpeed in New Zealand. Big updates to come in the new year!”

 

Thanks for your support Jason we love that you are Enjoying The Ride and Long Live The Z! More photos in the gallery below

The Last Stop in Braking for your Z

 

Z Car Garage Big Brakes are one of the best systems available for your S30 Z Car with over 200 kits sold worldwide and unanimous positive feedback. See our ZCG Big-Brakes on client cars HERE and enjoy the photos below:

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