Ken S came to ZCarGarage several years ago when he just purchased this pretty 300zx Twin Turbo. It had just passed the 60k mark and ZCG performed routine maintenance including full timing belt services. It wasn’t long before Ken got the performance bug and started upgrading the suspension. ZCG installed Tockiko 5-way shocks, sway bars, and StopTech 13″ big brakes. After tackling the suspension naturally Ken wanted more power so a Stage 3 upgrade with supporting mods was installed. Unfortunately the stock turbos had issues so they were upgraded to JWT Sport 500s.

The original front bumper had seen better days with nicks and peeling. Williams worked his magic with new paint and installed new side skirts, JDM front bumper and that trademark vented hood that we have seen on other Z32s.

Recently Ken visited  ZCG for more power upgrades.  Basic performance upgrades included new 2.5″ IC plumbing and SMICs from ConceptZ.  Here you can see the install and how much cleaner the new plumbing is:

Dual JWT POP chargers replace the single merged setup:

With increased cooling capacity and the HKS boost controller total output is now 383hp/378tq at the wheels!

Here is the engine bay before/after the install and detailing. Please check the gallery for more detailed images: it’s easy to overlook all of the work that is performed!

It is impressive to see an iconic 90’s sports car perform and make power that rivals most current sports cars. It is even better when there is still plenty of aftermarket support and enthusiasts willing to continue developing parts!
Long Live the 300ZX TT!
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If you are a fan of vintage racing come out to Laguna Seca August 18-21 for the Monterey Motorsports Reunion. Once again ZONC is hosting a VIP Car Corral for your Nissan/Datsun/Infiniti. To park in the corral you MUST purchase the corral tickets through ZCG! It is only $10, allows you to park with other Datsun owners, and it’s literally footsteps away from the track and venue, unlike general parking. See you there!

Team Rice Rocket Racing is running their Datsun 240z in the 24 Hours of LeMons this weekend. Officially called the “Lemons Arse-Sweat-Apalooza 2011″, this race is bound to be entertaining! Team captain Wade W along with drivers Scott S, Josh C and Mike O piloted the Z to 11th place at Thunderhill last August and you can read the full report HERE.
The team also ran in the December event at Buttonwillow Raceway with a DNF on Day2 but we still had a blast, event report HERE.
Details on the 1973 Datsun 240z “BRE tribute” build can be found HERE.

The crew at ZCG is lending a hand again with track prep and logistics. Returning drivers are Wade W, Scott S, David O, and Mike O. We have a new driver Walt P, who is no stranger to Zs or racing. Walt used to race shifter carts! Rob, Scott A and others will be running pit duties. We are hopeful for a top-10 finish this year!

DATSUN DOMINATION!

Looking to satisfy your need for speed? An open track day is the safest and most gratifying way to enjoy driving your car at the limit. SpeedTrialUSA has several track days coming up including a Streets of Willow event August 20-21. Check out their website over at http://www.speedtrialusa.com or click on the flyer below for more information on upcoming events!

Take it to the track!

 

Summer is here and we all know that Datsuns Are Driven! I’ve been seeing more classic cars on the road in this beautiful weather and it feels like Datsun owners are coming out of the woodwork. I drove my Datsun to work the other day and on the way home spotted this tennis ball green 240z:

I took some local roads to avoid traffic and I was at a stoplight when a Datsun roadster drove right past me! I crossed three lanes to catch up and got behind  it at the light. I was very excited to stop and chat with the owner. I assumed he’d pull over but he didn’t so I followed him thinking how terrible am I for being a stalker . That roadster scooted! I had to know what was under the hood.
I followed him all the way to his home and turns out it’s his grandfather’s roadster. He said it’s the only car that made him enjoy driving! It is a ’66 SPL.

He popped the hood open and there was a 1600 engine with dual Mikuni 40’s!!! He made the linkage himself and also fabricated a nifty cold air intake/airbox!

Then I started noticing little details here and there like this oil cooler, elcctronic distributor, water tower conversion, Auto-Meter gauges and split-bumpers!

So get out there and drive your Datsun, you never know what other Datsun owners you may find on the road!