Dwane has been customer since the opening of Z Car Garage in 2004. We installed one of Vortech’s earliest supercharger kits on his ultra low-mileage ’03 Brickyard 350z circa 2005 and he has been enjoying it ever since. Almost a decade later forced-induction tuning and support has tremendously advanced and many boosted applications are abandoning the old Split-Second and FMU-based systems.
At ZCG we love the UPREV tuning platform and it allowed us to maximize gains from a new GT MAF, larger injectors and upgraded fuel pump. We also installed ART pipes on the exhaust side and nice cosmetic addition of LED-based headlights:
On the dyno we picked up 9hp/13tq with smoother delivery throughout the rev range. Mid-to-high gains were significant:
Gary P is a long-time customer and huge motorsports fan. He owns a rally 510 and acquired this 240z from another ZCG customer. While enjoying the Z on his commute Gary noticed a loud humming sound and came to us for diagnosis. We discovered a right-rear wheel bearing failure and replaced them new bearings. The rear suspension was also freshened with new rear lower control arms from TechnoToyTuning (T3):
New wheel bearings followed by pictures of the tired, stock rear control arms/bushings:
New T3 control arms:
The soft brake lines had also seen better days with rubber cracked and seeping. Not safe!
Robert C had such a good time driving his G35 at Laguna Seca that he came back to ZCG for more track preparation! Since adding almost 200whp with a Vortech supercharger, it would prudent to upgrade the braking system. We are big fans of Stoptech’s brake kits and lucky for Robert one of our customers was willing to part with a lightly used ST60 (front) and ST45 (rear) caliper setup:
Stainless steel lines and larger cross-drilled/vented rotors (355mm) were installed at all four corners:
More shots of the front/rear calipers vs OEM:
The obvious difference in rotor/caliper size results in increased heat capacity and pedal feel. More importantly these big-brakes will ensure repeated, fade-free braking while running on the track!
They do look stunning behind the spokes as well:
We also installed a JWT flywheel and clutch:
With fresh brakes and clutch Robert attended his 2nd track day, this time at Sonoma Raceway:
“Hey Rob,
Track day at Sonoma was incredible. Car was great and ran perfectly the whole time. She just loved sweeping up the hill to turn one and running through the esses. Powering and tracking out of the carousel then running her all the way from there to the brake zone for turn 11 is just…all I can think of to describe it is the word “happy”.
I was only doing 2:23 as a best lap but seeing as this is my second track day ever and my first time driving Sonoma, I’ll take it!”
Great work, Robert. We are happy that you can enjoy track days with confidence. The G looks superb out there!
Filed under: Events
by Alvin G @ 6:55 pm on March 2, 2015
ZONC and Z Car Garage are proud to announce the Contra Costa Tour on Sunday, March 15! Enjoy a exhilarating cruise through beautiful backroads. ZONC fun runs are great and we have enjoyed running them many times.
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It is a sad day for Nissan and Datsun owners as we learn about the passing of Yutaka Katayama, father of the Z car. The news has spread throughout the media from NissanUSA to Wall Street.
As many of you know, Mr. K is the father of the Z Car and was honored for his innovative design of the early Z Car that set the bar for others. He helped Nissan to become the best selling import brand in 1975.
He also positioned Nissan to become the 1st automaker to sell Americans on compact pickup trucks and “King Cabs”. Here is Mr. K with the actor (Dale Ishimoto) that portrayed himself in Nissan’s famous “Dogs Love Trucks” ads:
Retired from Nissan since 1977, Mr. K still had a drive for styling. He played a major role in refining the Nissan Z concept car that was unveiled at the North American Auto Show in January 1999. On October 13, 1998 Mr. K was inducted into the Automobile Hall of Fame museum in Dearborn, Michigan.
We have fond memories of Mr. K at our local and national Z-car shows. It always amazed us how enthusiastic and full of verve this man was to come stateside and participate in our love for these cars. Here is Mr. K at a Z show in the Bay Area, circa 2002. Like many Datsun owners I too was humbled when he signed memorabilia/car parts and shook hands. Mr. K was driving a Z well after he turned 100, noting that his driver’s license was good through his 103rd birthday. Amazing individual.
Having excellent communication skills even in is older years he was known for ending emails and conversations affectionately with, “Love Cars! Love People! Love Life!”
Thank you Mr. K for all that you have done for the automotive world. Our condolences go out to your family. You will be missed!
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