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Khang D is from Modesto and we first met him in 2012 when he visited Z Car Garage with a green 1975 Datsun 280z. We serviced the car, fixed several items and he enjoyed it for a few years before selling. In 2017, Khang purchased this white 1973 240z from our client Brent B, and returned to ZCG for full suspension upgrades including Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, new OEM mirrors, Panasport wheels and a complete tuneup.

 

It wasn’t long before Khang came back to ZCG with a request for more power to match the excellent chassis improvements. Let’s take a closer look at this fantastic daily driver+canyon carver showcasing our  Z Car Garage CV AxlesZ Car Garage Heat Shield, Jenvey ITB fuel injection, CD009 Six-speed transmission and more.

Suspension

 

In September 2017 we overhauled the suspension. The Z received coil-overs from Techno Toy Tuning including T/C rods and rear control arms. The entire front suspension was re-done with new bushings, wheel bearings, rack bushings, steering coupler, etc.

Struts, OEM T/C rods replaced with coil-overs:

  
 

T3 Rear lower control arms replace OEM units:

120714 Cam 4 098
 

ZCG Big-Brakes

“WOW, what a difference. The feel, modulation, power, sharpness was amazing. Hands down the best brakes I had ever driven on a Z car” -Glenn

As fellow 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 master cylinder change or additional proportioning valve/adjustments, etc. All fitting behind a 15″ Watanabe or Panasport wheel (and some 14″ wheels) 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.

A few closer detail shots of the calipers, rotors and hardware:

 
 

Khang’s S30 got the full 4-wheel brake kit with new OEM Master Cylinder:

 

We also installed the fully functioning parking brake that works with factory linkage/handle:

 

 

Khang loves the ZCG Big-Brakes:

“They are a must have and definitely allows the bigger power. Kind of spoiled actually. I’ve recently checked out another 240z and drove it and then hit the brakes and forgot that they were stock and almost ran through a stop sign.”

Engine Bay Services

Khang’s engine bay was painted black so we took this opportunity to paint it body color and perform re-installing the new engine. As usual William worked his magic to apply the white paint while we zinc’d or powdercoated all parts in the engine bay. The before/after is dramatic, no doubt from the new engine discussed below!

 
 
 

New hydraulic lines/plumbing and wiring harness with general cleanup made this engine bay pop:

 

Engine

 

After a year of enjoyment Khang desired more power. We installed a Rebello 3.2L engine with upgraded cam, Harada intake and Jenvey fuel injection. The old SU-fed L-series was removed:

 

We knew the car would be stopping and handling better than before, so we installed a Moroso oil pan and Koyo aluminum radiator to keep temperatures in check. We are using Pacesetter 3 into 2 header ( to clear six-speed) leading to our ZCG exhaust system with stainless resonator and slash-cut tip.

 
 

Jenvey Fuel Injection

We are huge fans of modern fuel injection on the L-series for it ease of operation, excellent hot/cold start behavior, tuning abilities and all-around driver-friendliness. Khang’s 3.2L engine uses an individual throttle-body induction setup from Jenvey. We have used this setup on several builds, including Scott’s 260Z with stellar results.

 

In-progress shots of the throttle body wiring. We mounted the ignition coil on the firewall to minimize clutter. The valve cover was also changed.

 

The fuel injection system is run by a Haltech Elite 750.  The ECU was mounted in the passenger side footwell:

 

Topping the ITBs off are custom, merged mesh air filters. The sound from the Jenvey EFI is intoxicating. More pictures in the photo gallery!

 

We also installed what every L-series needs: a Z Car Garage Heat Shield!

 

Fueling mods to support fuel injection including in-tank fuel pump. The tank was pulled and boiled out/refurbished before adding EFI:

 

Dyno Tuning

Rob dyno tuned the 3.2L via Haltech.  Baseline was 129hp/131tq with the old engine and with Rob’s tuning the 3.2L made 264hp/231tq at the wheels. Watch the dyno run and listen to those Jenvey ITBs scream in the video below!

 

Beyond performance, Khang is very happy with the Jenvey EFI:

“Best thing I can say is I don’t plan to ever go back to a carb setup again. Knowing that it’ll turn on every time and can be on the road for prolong periods of time without feeling like I need a gas mask on. Carbs were tolerable when I was younger but now a days I like the comfort features of EFI.

Driveline Upgrades

We built Khang an R180 rear diff with 4.11 OS Giken LSD, a perfect upgrade for anyone doing spirited driving. All built in-house with new bearings/hardware by our very own Joshua Corwin:

 
  
   
 

The clutch hydraulics were replaced to work with new aluminum flywheel/JWT HD clutch combo:

 

Six Speed Transmission

Next on the update list, we were really excited to install a Nissan 350z 6-speed manual transmission behind the L-series in Khang’s Z. You read that right! S30 owners can now bolt-in 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, Trevor’s 280Z and Frank’s 240Z:

 
 

Using the 6-speed conversion kit from Hoke Performance we installed a new CD009a transmission from the 2003 -2008 Z33 in Khang’s 240Z:

 
 

Here is the brand-new transmission from Nissan being unboxed:

 

 

The kit necessitated exhaust header changes and after testing a variety of headers we found the Pacesetter 3-2 unit provided enough clearance. Serial 9 provided the shifter relocation assembly and we are really happy with its performance. Also shown is the aluminum driveshaft.

 
 

It fits! More installation pictures in the gallery.

 

It’s a very discreet look from the cockpit…until you feel the amazingly direct and precise feel of the CD009a!

 

Khang is in love with the six-speed, we are as well:

The CD009 Gives the Z such a more modern feel but still plenty of fun at the same time. Retains the rawness but then put it into 6th gear and it cruises like a modern day car. Love the shift knob.”

Enjoy this video of the Z in action with dyno runs, engine and exhaust revs, freeway cruising and acceleration:

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. We have over 140 CV axle kits on customer cars and we are stoked with all of the positive feedback.

 
 

Stock half shafts (L) and ZCG units:

 

ZCG CV Axles installed on Khang’s 240Z shown below with more pictures in the gallery:

 
 

Panasport Wheels

We are an authorized Panasport dealer and lover. Khang’s meshies were replaced with 16×7 Panasports and 225/50/16  Yokohama S-drive tires followed by a full alignment:

 

Details

 
 

We sorted out little things for Khang that make a huge improvement in Enjoying The Ride. One item we are particularly proud of is this custom, OEM-like shift knob displaying a 6-speed shift pattern. Khang is one of the first customers (other than the Behemoth and Butters) to receive this cool shift knob that emulates the factory 4-speed shift pattern and font:

 

The speedo and tach are functional with a GPS box and tach adapter:

 

The interior was treated to a new set of Recaro Specialist seats and our ZCG sound deadening program to eliminate that “tinny” sound.

 

More small details like replacing all coolant and fuel hoses, breather, new battery and cables:

 

Driving is Believing

 

When Khang picked up car earlier this year, he was blown away:

“I’ve had several Z’s over the years. I had a green ’75 280z for about 10 years throughout college and had it worked on by Rob at one point. Sold the car and then just missed it too much and literally bought my current 73 240z about 6 months later in May of 26, 2017 as shown in the picture when I went to pick it up. I knew from my previous experience with Z Car Garage that I wanted Rob to build this new one for me.

 Thank you Khang for allowing us to build you a 50 year old supercar.  We are so fortunate to work with owners that appreciate the Z and believe in our ability to make them better! LONG LIVE THE Z!

 

More pictures in the gallery below:
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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 is 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!
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Panasport Wheels for Jay’s 240Z

Filed under: 240z,Featured Cars and Projects,Parts,Performance
by Alvin G @ 5:10 pm on September 7, 2021

 

Jay M purchased a set of Panasport Wheels from Z Car Garage and recently shared his Z story with us. We are an authorized Panasport dealer and have limited sets available for fitment on your S30 Z car. Before we show you how a set of these 16×7 wheels look on almost every Z color imaginable, let’s hear about Jay’s 240Z…

“The car was from California and made its way to Gainesville FL and was put in storage.I had been looking for a good 240 and this one was taken by the owner to a shop owned by a friend of a friend.The guy wanted to get it running and sell it.  That triggered a phone call to me while on a anniversary trip with my wife to Italy, we were living in St Augustine Florida at the time.  My buddy sent me some pics and a quick video and he grabbed the car for me.  It was all there and very little rust. I had not really considered a Blue one, much less one with white interior.”

The car was restored by Jay and 3 friends minus paint and the head work in his 2 car garage over 3 years. Jay has met so many people in the Z community and learned much about Z cars:

 

Beautiful engine bay with new engine:


Check out the before/after on the interior…great work Jay and friends!

 
 

Jay recalls how he found ZCG and eventually purchased a set of Panasports from us:

“I found the on Z Car Garage videos on YouTube very early on which led me to your website.  I went to Daytona to see Randy Jaffe’s #46 BRE 240z car run and left just before John rolled it. I met Rob at the Amelia Concours earlier this year and bought a set of Panasports from the shop. I also have become friends and an Insurance client of Jim Frederick in Lutz Florida who I believe has the finest collection of low VIN original Z’s in the World!  Jim has also helped me with parts and advice on this build.  I am hoping Larry Chen will make it down to film Jim’s collection.”

 

The Panasports do look fantastic on this #115 Metallic Blue 240Z. Thank you for your support Jay, glad you are Enjoying The Ride!

 

Panasport wheels for your Z car

 
 
 

Treat your Z to a brand new set of Panasport wheels! We special order this offset to enable fitment of a 225/50/16 tire on the 1970 to 1978 S30s.

Contact us: rob@zcargarage.com or call 408-452-0350 Limited availability (pallet pictured)

Wondering how a set of Panasports would look on your Z car? Please enjoy pictures below of ZCG customer cars in jus about every color imaginable with Panasport wheels:

 
 
 




 

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.

 

Datsunworks founder Derek Minetti is the pioneer behind the KN20 DOHC cylinder head. This is a custom (very limited production), 6-cylinder head derived from Honda’s venerable K-series 4-cylinder engine. The KN20 offers superior head flow rates combined with modern valvetrain components to effectively transform your L-series single-overhead cam into a high-revving, dual-overhead cam engine. The power potential is impressive.

Gary’s Datsun 240Z

 

There are ten KN20 heads in the wild with only three installed and currently running in cars. Z Car Garage has two KN20 cylinder heads. This KN20 is serial #SN10 and it has been installed into our long-time client Gary’s Datsun 240Z, affectionately named the “Behemoth”. ZCG is always exploring the boundaries of powertrains and Gary’s Z has seen a few engines including an RB30DET, OS Giken TC24 and now the Datsunworks.

 

Here are few details on the powertrain setup for this Z:

-Rebello 3.1L Engine

-KN20 Cylinder head SN10 (but the performance level goes to 11)

-Induction type: Jenvey ITB EFI with Injector Dynamics injectors

-Engine management: Haltech Elite 750

-Header: Equal-length, custom fabricated by RacecraftNW

-Transmission: Nissan CD009a

-Rear Diff: R180 4.11 OS Giken LSD

 

Pictures of the initial engine installation, with more in the gallery:

 

For further information on the KN20 cylinder head we urge you to visit the Datsunworks blog:
Datsunworks Blog

Performance

 

We are still in the tuning phase so Gary’s car is on a comfortable (conservative) setting. With the Datsunworks head it made 350hp/248tq at the wheels on 91 octane:

 

Even in a testing stage it is absolutely thrilling to drive. Gary’s car is a full ZCG-style restoration so it has the chassis to harness the power. The sound it makes is a sonorous tone only the K-series derived KN20 head creates…with a gnarly exhaust note to match. The ITB induction also provides a healthy wail…it’s a sensory overload and revs seem to climb endlessly.

 

To illustrate the Datsunworks experience we captured some video of what it is like to drive around town…the 6-speed and EFI really allow this car to be docile, especially when cruising on the freeway and at part throttle. Drop a gear and its becomes a wild animal. Not going to lie…it gave me goosebumps both as a passenger and spectator.

Watch the video complete with multiple dyno passes, street acceleration and fly-bys. VOLUME UP!

 

 

Potential

 

Z Car Garage is stoked to be a part of the Datsunworks KN20 development. It is a clever design that pushes the envelope for L-Series engines. Sharing this experience is also part of the fun so we anticipate having a KN20 setup in a dedicated shop 240Z for clients to test drive and further evaluate. Although each application is different, we envision offering a bolt-in setup for your six-cylinder L-Series engine. The power potential is tremendous with the KN20…both NA and forced induction. We thank Derek at Datsunworks for giving us the opportunity to work with this innovative product.

 

Stay tune for more updates and LONG LIVE THE (TWIN CAM) Z!

 

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The stories behind every Z car and their owner play a huge part in our love for keeping them on the road. The Nunes family has owned this 1978 Datsun 280Z 2+2 from new, starting with Gilbert and soon to be passed on to his son Dillon. This S30 was treated to a ZCG-style mechanical restoration including a new drivetrain, engine bay restoration, our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes and Z Car Garage CV Axles, total suspension rebuild and more.

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We admire the 280z cars (see Cece, Greg and the Roth’s builds) and met with Gilbert to discuss his needs. Updating the Z while preserving the exterior patina was the vision. First, let’s take a look at the Nunes’ family history with their Z.

From Father to Son to Grandson

 

Gilbert recalls how he got the Z:

“It was Christmas of 1977 and my parents decided to reward me for doing good during my first year of College at San Jose State. On Christmas Day by surprise I was handed a little box with keys in it. They knew I wanted a sporty car, but they had their own requirements. My dad wanted it to be an automatic, and he wanted a back seat so our whole family could fit in the car. The first attempt at buying a 280z didn’t work because of a dumb salesman at Downtown Datsun…

 
 

…They went there and asked to look at the Z’s however the salesman didn’t want them to buy a Z thinking they were too old for one. So they went to Stevens Creek Datsun and found a salesman who was dying to sell a car since Christmas was close. So in no time at all they found a automatic 280Z 2+2. I had no idea of the color or exactly what I was getting when I pulled up to the dealership, but I was very happy with the car.”

 
 

Gilbert would daily drive the Z that he got from his parents for 30+ years. His son Dillon grew up in the back of the 2+2 and has fond memories:

“My dads 280 is actually still in his possession, it will be left to me some day. I have a lot of stories from growing up in this car, mainly being a little kid and my dad letting me ride in the backseat with no booster seat because the seats are small enough. I remember of my dad driving my sister through a decent sized flood making sure she made it to her piano recital, all in the Z…

 

…I was very excited about getting my Dad’s car restored (it’s something we have literally talked about for 20 years). I’m not sure how he heard of Z Car Garage but I know I have been going there almost all my life. My earliest memory at ZCG was at a Friday car meet (Our 5th Anniversary gathering) where bbq burgers and hotdogs were being served. I was about 12 years old, and loved seeing all the Z’s and other Nissans, especially the GT-Rs.”

The Nunes family dropped off their beloved 280Z at the shop and the transformation started.


 

Drivetrain


Gilbert’s Z received a total engine bay restoration along with upgrades to the driveline for smoother driving and improved torque. Please visit the gallery below for more pictures documenting the engine bay restoration work, it’s where our efforts shine!

Engine

 

A fresh 2.8L  “street” engine with replaced the tired L28 (above), new L28 below:

 
  
With the engine/transmission removed we focused our efforts on restoring the engine bay. Everything was zinc plated or powdercoated. New parts included brand new injectors, all new fuel system, hoses, fuel filter and all the drive belts.

 

Intake manifold cleaned up and powdercoated:

 

An MSA exhaust header was installed. Powdercoated and plated parts laid out for installation. We bag/tag every nut and bolt:

 

All new hydraulic lines, emissions plumbing and more engine bay clean-up (full re-paint by our man William) before/after. More pics in the gallery!

 
 

More detail work:

 

Engine bay restoration, before/after:

 
 

Suspension

 

Gilbert wanted a fantastic driver that was worry-free. We replaced all of the hydraulics and front/rear suspension assemblies to match the new driveline.  All suspension was either zinc’d or powdercoated:

 
 

We installed KYB strut inserts with lowering springs, Suspension Techniques sway bars, Techno Toy Tuning adjustable rear lower control arms, TC rods, and rack bushings, all new wheel bearings and new ball-joints. We do offer a full coil-over setup for track day/performance-oriented customers, and this spring/strut upgrade for those that want a better stance with improved handling without getting beat up.

Suspension refresh with T/C rod and steering rack detail:

   
     

Rear end with T3 lower control arms in:

 

ZCG Big-Brakes and CV Axles

We are proud to have several of our ZCG products on Gilbert’s 280z. We installed our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes (for small wheels) and also upgraded to Z Car Garage CV Axles! These products have been standard on numerous ZCG builds.

    
 

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.

A few closer detail shots of the calipers, rotors and hardware:

 

We went ahead and got Gilbert dialed in with the ZCG big-brake kit for small wheels with parking brake and a new brake booster/master cylinder. More pics in the gallery!

 
 

Front brake installation:

 
At the rear, the factory drum brakes were replaced with our ZCG Big-Brakes. Factory handbrake functionality IS retained!

  
 

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 130+ CV axle kits on customer cars and we are stoked with all of the positive feedback.

 

Gilbert’s standard half-shafts shown on left and ZCG CV Axles on right. Also note plated brake lines:

 

Panasport Wheels

  
 

Our ZCG Big-Brakes also look great behind Panasport wheels in our offset allowing us to run 225/50/16 tires (Bridgestone S-007a). Gilbert really wanted black so we had the spokes powdercoated in black with the polished lips cleared…they look sharp!

 

Details

 

The little things are what we excel at. The rear differential was refurbished. All electrical connections re-done. The original A/C system was retrofitted to use R134a refrigerant and made to blow super cold. New battery cables and wiper blades. We also replaced all of the fuel vapor hoses in the hatch. Please check the gallery below for more detail shots, there are too many to list in this blog post!

Enjoying The Ride

 

Gilbert’s son Dillon came down to ZCG pick up the 280. He was impressed:

 

“As far as how the car performs, its amazing. I have taken the car on a few drives and from my perspective the car corners like its on rails and stops on a dime. I took it up Sierra road and had a blast, still waiting to take it up highway 9. I was also surprised by how smooth it was driving on the freeway to a car meet at the USS hornet. With the stiff suspension I expected an unpleasant ride all the way to Alameda but was pleasantly surprised at how smooth it was cruising at 85mph on 880. My only complaint is the auto trans, I would personally prefer to have it converted to a 6 speed that I have seen on your blog but my dad hates manuals:(“

 

Dillon and the Z at the local VALT Cars and Coffee in Alameda:

 

Here is a short video from Dillon shortly after picking the Z up:

 

Gilbert is enjoying the Z as well!

 

Thank you Gilbert for letting us re-birth your Z car. It makes us happy to see it being driven and soon passed on to your son Dillon. ZCG is honored to help keep the family Z on the road.

LONG LIVE THE Z!

 

   
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