ZcarBlog fans gather around! We have major developments in Gary R’s 280z restoration! Our first installment in this build chronicled the
extensive body rehab, followed by
chassis developments and now we can report that the drivetrain is ready along with many body trim pieces.
The engine is a Rebello built 3.1L using the factory fuel injection system. Below you can see how the unsightly stock intake manifold was transformed into a thing of beauty…
Another ZCarGarage modification is the modern 5-speed transmission conversion. The old 280z’s 4-speed is replaced by a late-model Nissan 240SX 5-spd transmission. To top it all off the whole thing was powdercoated and a JWT aluminum flywheel and JWT HD clutch were installed. Note the beautiful ceramic coated exhaust header:
As we move past the engine and transmission it keeps getting better! The stock rear differential is replaced by a beefy R200 with 4.11 gears and a Quaife LSD unit, that’s one pretty pumpkin!
Sending power to those massive 255-width tires are Wolf Creek Racing CV axles. Why convert to CVs? CV joints articulate better, reduce unpsrung mass, and transmit power better than stock u-joints:
The power window and door lock conversion is complete! Remember all of those zinc plated nuts/bolts/hardware? These pieces are finding their way back to the Z. The rear quarter windows with trim powdercoated black have been installed too:
The front/rear bumpers needed some love and now they are back on the car looking pretty:
The fuel system is also complete and the Z is at the interior shop. There are many more pictures in the gallery, stay tuned for more updates as Gary’s Z gets closer to completion!
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In addition to full bore restorations ZCarGarage also helps enthusiasts complete their work in-progress. Randy M. restored his Z on his own and brought it to ZCG for the finishing touches. The engine bay required plenty of clean up work and the engine itself needed tuning:
Here are some shots of the teardown before cleanup:
A fresh, tidy engine bay after assembly:
We set the carbs, installed a header and exhaust system:
One of those special details that makes ZCG restorations so nice are our powdercoating and zinc plating services. Randy’s engine bay received both and even little items like the inspection light, hood prop and hood latch got some zinc love:
A new KOYO aluminum radiator was fitted along with new hoses:
Finally, 16×7 Panasport wheels were installed to make this one sexy Z car!
Long Live The Z!
Check the gallery for more pictures of the engine bay restoration
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Although ZCarGarage is in San Jose it doesn’t stop people outside of the Bay Area from bringing their cars in for service, tuning or restoration. Bryan is a transplant from Long Island, NY and his family lives in the Reno area. Bryan and his Dad made the trek down from the Sierras for some tuning time on the ZCG dyno:
We UPREV tuned his Z and gained power throughout the rev range. Nothing like more HP and Torque to help Bryan on those mountain passes! This Z gets stored during the winter but look for more of Bryan’s Z as spring unfolds
Long live the Z
Rob
Never let where you live stop you from performance!!!
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Nissan’s mighty VK56 engine is a powerhouse from the factory and you are about to see how well it responds to modifications/tuning. This 2011 Titan is known as “Red Alert” to owner, Joe E. The big red truck came to ZCG for some extensive NA power upgrades. We started with a throttle body spacer, Doug Thorley long tube headers, Berk Hi-flow cats, and a Stillen cat-back exhaust, followed by Rob’s Uprev tuning.
The quest for more power left us wanting more than 309hp/355tq at the wheels(significant gains over stock, nonetheless) so the cylinder heads were removed and sent to Rebello Racing for some massaging. New Supertec intake valves, ported heads, and higher a compression ratio (9:8:1 to 10:4:1) allow the VK to suck, squish, bang and blow more efficiently.
And you thought Doug Thorley only made headers for Hot Rods and American Muscle cars 🙂 Look how beautiful these pieces are:
Here is the engine with the front end apart preparing to receive the new JWT cams/valve springs
Cylinder head details below from Rebello with the Supertec intake valves, porting and new JWT cams installed:
With more Uprev tuning Red Alert now makes 342hp and 385tq at the wheels, gains of 58hp and 52tq!!!
Joe will always need to use 91 octane but we don’t think he will mind for the newfound hp and tq these mods added to his TITAN…
Uprev or stay at idle!
Rob
Check the gallery for more detailed pictures of the engine work !
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