The exhibit, called “Shinka”, is an immersive Japanese Automobile Exhibit featuring everything from classic models that laid the foundation to legends of the ’90s and their modern-day successors. The year-long display will showcase both JDM and US market vehicles from a variety of manufacturers, with new cars rotated into the exhibit, so plan to visit frequently!
Thanks for the heads up Greg, we are stoked that you are still Enjoying The Ride! See more of Greg’s Z HERE.
Filed under: 240z,510,Parts
by Alvin G @ 2:40 pm on June 13, 2024
Panasport wheels for your Z car
Treat your Z to a brand new set of Panasport wheels! Z Car Garage is an authorized Panasport dealer with limited sets available for fitment on your S30 Z car. We special order this 16×7 +11 offset to enable fitment of a 225/50/16 tire on the 1970 to 1978 S30s and even S130s.
Price is $330 each or $1320 for a set of 4 wheels + freight. Includes center caps
*We have only 8 sets left. Get yours before the price increases!*
Contact us to order: rob@zcargarage.com or call 408-452-0350.
Wondering how a set of Panasports would look on your Z car? They are timeless just like your Z. Please enjoy pictures below of ZCG customer cars in jus about every color imaginable with Panasport wheels:
Z Car Garage is proud to offer 13×7 Panasport racing wheels for your Datsun 510. These are +3 offset and perfect fitment for your B-Sedan/TransAm series Datsun 510 running vintage-class spec 205/60/13 Hoosier R7 (and other) tires. Price is $250 per wheel.
Shown above: Rob Fuller and Masayoshi Kobayashi, President of Panasport/Mag Formula Inc at Laguna Seca with the 13×7 Panasport wheels we run on our Bay Area Datsun Dealers 510. Here are the 13×7 Panasport wheels featured on a few client 510 race cars:
Kelvin’s Ex-Ted Gruner TransAm 510
Gabe’s B-Sedan:
Todd’s Far Performance 510
Ed’s 510
More photos of the wheels can be seen in the gallery below
Contact us: rob@zcargarage.com or call 408-452-0350 to order your set!
At Z Car Garage we love keeping Z’s on the road. From concours-level restorations to light refurbishments, making a client’s goal a reality is our passion. Beau brought his 1976 Datsun 280Z from Castro Valley, Ca for a full cosmetic and mechanical restoration, ZCG-style.
Our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, Z Car Garage CV Axles along with a new drivetrain, full suspension and body restoration transformed this S30. Before we explore the work performed, let’s take a look at how Beau found the Z car of his dreams…
Z Beginnings
BEAU: I am the second owner of the car – the original owner passed away and the children decided to sell the car. I saw it posted on Craigslist and knew immediately that this was the car for me. My brother-in-law took it on a test drive and it performed great, appeared to be in good condition – no rust, dings or signs of being mistreated. The owners told us that there were several interested buyers but the first person to show up with cash would get the car. We scrambled to quickly find cash at 6 PM in the evening and headed back to purchase.
The Z Car Garage Touch
Shortly after acquiring the car in 2018, Beau joined the Z Owners of Northern California (ZONC) and asked for recommendations on a mechanic.
BEAU: Everyone that I spoke with recommended that I connect with Rob. He is an artist – not just a mechanic. As such, the process takes time and involves patience. That patience is rewarded with a car where all of the details are considered and thought through. Rob listened to all of my requests – a car that looks like it came off the factory floor in 70’s but with performance, handling and upgrades that reflect what is possible today.
Above: The 280Z prior to restoration in 2018. Let’s dive into the transformation…
Bodywork
Following the mechanical restoration in 2018 (below), Beau was ready to build his own custom Z car. As with most folks he started seeing these hot-rodded 240Z cars around, and a full cosmetic restoration started…
BEAU: I wanted the car to appear more like a 240z (which I could not find at a reasonable price) – so, Rob removed and replaced the bumpers and added 240z tail lights. For casual fans of Z cars – it is not easy to tell that my car is a 280Z.
ROB: We made a plan with William to modify the front/rear of car to run 240Z bumpers and side mirrors.Beau was really keen on our client Randy Jaffe’sRocketbunny Z, so the 280Z was finished the same color: Porsche Tangerine Orange:
With fresh trim and bumpers, it really is difficult to distinguish Beau’s 280Z from a 240Z:
BEAU: I wanted to note that we’ve named the car, “Orange Julius” – somewhat inspired by Larry Chen’s Ole Orange Bang and Randy Jaffe’s Rocketbunny Z which I saw at Z Car Garage and was floored by the color. The process took nearly 3 years and I endured a lot of questions from friends and family about when the car would be done – my patience was rewarded! Thank you Rob!
Drivetrain
Beau acquired his 280Z from the original owner with 50k miles. We started a mechanical overhaul so he could enjoy driving it. A 4-core radiator upgrade is something we do anytime a car has an automatic transmission along with cooling line replacement. Beau wanted more power so the stock L28 was bored and stroked to 3.0L by Rebello with forged pistons and light port work:
With the engine/transmission removed we focused our efforts on restoring the engine bay. Everything was zinc plated and powdercoated. New parts included brand new injectors, all new fuel system, hoses, fuel filter and all the drive belts. The 3.0L still utilizes the factory EFI and intake manifold that was cleaned up and powdercoated:
MAF/hose/hardware detail:
Engine bay restoration, before/after:
We installed our full ZCG Exhaust system with slash-cut tip:
Dyno Tuning
Rob dyno tuned the Rebello 3L/Automatic transmission making 161hp/175tq at the wheels, a significant gain over the stock L28:
Enjoy this video of Beau’s 280Z in action including the dyno run, test drive and drive-by:
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 200 CV axle kits on customer cars and we are stoked with all of the positive feedback. Stock half shafts and Beau’s ZCG units shown below:
Suspension
A full suspension refresh was performed, including coil-overs (Koni), T/C rods and control arms from Techno Toy Tuning. T3 finishes the suspension in our signature color and we really appreciate Gabriel and his staff. They make some of the best suspension parts out there for Z cars.
All front and rear suspension parts were powdercoated:
We bagged/tagged every nut and bolt for plating along with fresh hydraulic lines for the chassis:
Z Car Garage Big-Brakes
We are proud to have several of our ZCG products on Beau’s 280z. We installed our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes (for small wheels) which have the been standard on numerous ZCG builds.
Stock disc/drum brakes were removed and we installed our ZCG Big-Brake kit.
At the rear, the factory drum brakes were replaced with our ZCG Big-Brakes. New OEM Nissan master cylinder and Factory handbrake functionality IS retained!
Panasport Wheels
Complementing the new coilover suspension on Beau’s Z are 16×7 Panasports with Bridgestone S-007a tires in 225/50/16. Our ZCG BIg-Brakes also look great behind the wheels!
Interior
With the Z back from paint/bodywork we installed the interior, door panels, windows and all new weatherstripping. A complete dash restoration was performed with full HVAC/ducting using a reproduction piece from Vintage Dashes. ZCG has done several Vintage Dashes installations and we thank Ivan Jaramillo for making a cost-effective product for Z cars.
Recaro Specialist seats in leather are our favorite upgrade to the S30 interior. Beau enjoys modern creature comforts like Bluetooth, back-up camera, power steering and full sound system:
Another upgrade to the interior of an S30 is our ZCG sound deadening package. The result is a less tinny sound and almost Germanic-like “clunk” when you shut the doors. All weatherstripping was replaced:
Details
The little things are what we excel at. Below, fuel cap plating with drip gasket, 240Z OEM mirrors and stainless window trim, microphone for hands-free Bluetooth mounted near steering column. Please check the gallery below for more detail shots, there are too many to list in this blog post!
The Transformation
Beau’s 1976 Datsun 280Z before and after:
Driving is Believing
ROB: This is a full ZCG-style restoration top to bottom and the best part is that Beau has been Enjoying The Ride. The Z has so many details/features in it and we are just happy to make his dreams come true. He comes back for a 1,000 mile checkup soon… and it’s back on the road again.
BEAU: From the exterior, I wanted the car to look as original as possible but I wanted better handling, more power, modern braking and some nice amenities like the back-up camera and power assisted steering. I wanted the car to be as original as possible – so, the engine was restored/upgraded by Rebello, many of the original parts were cleaned and re-plated and I stayed away exterior modifications like fender flares.
BEAU: Right now, I’m just enjoying the car. Nearly every weekend I go on rides with my 10 year old daughter and my son and I just attended the Tokyo Calling 3 and had a fantastic time taking turns driving the car and seeing what others have done to their Zs. At some point in the future, I’d like to replace the 3 speed automatic transmission with a more modern transmission.
We loved seeing Beau driving his Z on the Tokyo Calling 3 event hosted by Breakfast Club Rally. He’s attended a few more of their drives as well:
BEAU: After the restoration was completed, I met up with the children of the original owner to have them see the car and they were floored by the work. It was great to drive in the car with them and hear their memories of growing up with the car. They were delighted to see the car have a new life with me and my family.
More good news…Beau purchased a 2023 Nissan Z to complement his 280Z!
Thank you for entrusting us with your S30 Beau it was a pleasure working with you. LONG LIVE THE Z!
2024 marks the 20th Anniversary of Z Car Garage. From all of us at Z Car Garage we thank our friends, family and clients for another exciting and productive year! Enjoy our 2023 recap and upcoming projects. Please note our holiday closure below:
ZCG will be closed from 12/21 through 12/26 and we will re-open for business on 1/2/24
Client Updates for 2024
We had a busy year and though the shop will be closed, we won’t leave you hanging for the holidays. Many zcarblog features have yet to be published like our belated race report from the Velocity Invitational in addition to client stories. Before we take a look back at highlights from 2023, here are several exciting projects coming along at the shop:
Both Ryan and Beau’s Datsun 240Z cars left the shop recently. Ryan’s Z has LS3 V8 power while Beau’s 1976 280Z has an L28 with stock EFI. Both cars feature our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes (Stoptech), Z Car Garage CV Axles, Recaro Specialist seats, A/C and dyno tuning. Full features on both coming to zcarblog.com!
Ken’s Series 1 Datsun 240Z (#1762) is getting our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, ZCG CV Axles, KA24 5-speed transmission and Fujitsubo exhaust. The L28 now has Jenvey ITB EFI managed by a Haltech 750:
Kevin’s Nismo 350Z got full KW V3 coil-overs and Recaro seats and more:
Kurt’s Kenmeri Skyline is in for sorting. We also helped Dirk prepare his ’73 Datsun 240Z. Full reports coming to zcarblog.com, enjoy the photos!
Rashid lives in Dubai and his Datsun 240Z is getting 3.2L L-Series with pH44 Mikuni induction and exhaust header, ZX 5-speed transmission, OS Giken 4.11 LSD, Z Car Garage KW coil-over suspension, our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes (Stoptech) and 16″ Panasport wheels:
David’s 1972 Datsun 240Z is getting a Rebello 3.0L, 240SX 5-speed transmission and 4.11 OS Giken LS. It is also getting our Z Car Garage KW coil-over suspension and already has our V1 (328m) Z Car Garage Big-Brakes. Both cars will feature the T3 steering rack that we are big fans of:
Jim’s 1971 Datsun 240z is now sporting a Rebello 3.2L with triple-Mikuni carbs on a Harada intake, Recaro Specialist seats, CD009a 6-speed transmission, our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes (for small wheels) and Z Car Garage CV Axles! It is now getting a new dash and Jenvey EFI
Nissan 300ZX (Z32)
We have several Z32 NA and TT cars currently at the shop. Gary’s Twin Turbo (above) just got a new set of BBS LM wheels. Full update on this car soon! Paul Ferrari returned to ZCG since we completed his Epic Z32 Build in 2017. He’s ready for ethanol, after running this car on race fuel for many years. We will be installing dual fuel pumps, BDE top fuel rail and all the fixings:
Kevin’s Slicktop Z32 is in for a driver’s side window replacement and some touch-up. Love this Z with WORK wheels and Stoptech Big-Brakes:
Cameron’s Z32 is here for maintenance work and downpipes, inlet piping, larger intercoolers all from Specialty Z. Cameron has been bringing his 300 to us for many years and we we are really glad to have him back.
William’s Z32TT is getting 740cc injectors, downpipes and more:
Hakosuka Skyline
Sebastian’s Skyline is at the shop and we are doing a suspension refresh, engine work adapting our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes (Stoptech) to this Hako. We hope to offer this in the future for C10 clients.
Rick’s BRE-inspired Datsun 240Z track car is getting a CD009 6-speed transmission, Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, coil-over suspension and track preparation.
Datsunworks
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. You can read all about it HERE. We continue to extract more power and run longevity testing with owner Gary’s Datsun 240Z, who has the pleasure of living daily with this beast affectionately named the “Behemoth”. This car has been sold and we will update you in the New Year
Dyno Tuning your 350z/370z/Q/G
We have been dyno tuning your late model Nissan/Infiniti sports car daily. Bolt-ons, UPREV tuning. Our customers leave happy with more performance. Call us to schedule an appointment! Here are just a few cars:
R35 and R32 GT-R
R35s in for service and upgrades. Mike and Kurt’s R32 GT-Rs got power and chassis upgrades deserving their own blog features:
Race Cars
Several race cars to report on including the Transcendental Racing Datsun 240Z, Glenn Chiou’s Ex-Finn/Harris U2.5L Trans-Am ’68 510 (sporting ZCG CV Axles), the Corky Bell Trans-Am 510 and more!
Highlights from 2023
Even though 2023 was crazy year for all of us we still managed to have fun on and off the track. The shop made some really great progress as well. Enjoy these highlights from the year and Z you in 2024!
Click on each link or photo to see the full features!
Huge thanks to Nissan for giving us the opportunity to experience the 2023 Nissan Z. We finally took delivery of our Performance 6MT in April:
The Bring A Trailer Datsun 240Z
To celebrate their 100,000 listing, Bring a Trailer is auctioning their 1973 Datsun 240Z, prepared by Z Car Garage. Finished in Lime Yellow (#112) paint over black vinyl upholstery, it is powered by a numbers-matching Rebello Racing-built 2.7-liter straight-six with triple Weber 40 DCOE carbs. The total sale amount for the auction will be donated to the Piston Foundation, a nonprofit that will use 100% of the funds to help young technicians build rewarding careers in the collector car industry by funding programs in the skilled trades.
Colonel Gary’s 1978 Datsun 280Z
Enjoying The Ride
Mike’s 1970 S30
At Z Car Garage we enjoy both modifying Z cars and restoring them back to factory spec. Mike’s 1970 Datsun 240Z came to us from North Carolina and we delivered it in July. This ’69 production VIN#193 is a beautiful driving example of how wonderful these cars were from the factory.
Vincent’s 1973 Datsun 240Z
Stan K (VIN #511) and Tony H’s Series Datsun 240Z cars came in for mechanical sorting, interior work and Z Car Garage CV Axles
We are stoked to see our #49 Joel Anderson IMSA GTU Datsun 240z currently on display at ZCON this week. It’s in great company next to our clients Linda Williams and her OMS Pace Car Tribute and Mike’s Fairlady Z432. Photos by Gary Savage.
At Z Car Garage we love keeping Z’s on the road. From concours-level restorations to light refurbishments, making a client’s goals reality is our passion. Gary Roser brought his 1978 Datsun 280Z from Monterey, Ca for a full restoration, ZCG-style. Our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, Z Car Garage CV Axles along with a new drivetrain, full suspension and body restoration transformed this S30.
Our journey with Gary began 15 years ago and blossomed into a strong friendship. Gary and Rob recall their first meeting:
Gary: “In Oct/Nov 2007, after selling my ’99 Corvette I went online looking for Z Car restoration shops. I called Rob and introduced myself and discussed what he could do for me. Obviously he was very cautious in his response and made no promises. He also stated that he would have to see the car before he would consider taking on the job. My next move was to drive to San Jose and meet him in person. Needless to say I was immediately impressed with his shop cleanliness and the scope of his business. He also impressed me with his no-nonsense approach to our discussions and pulled no punches. Also, as a retired Marine, I noted with some degree of amusement his individual shop uniform. Fortunately for me he gave me a thumbs up, had it towed to his shop and off we went!”
Rob: “Gary came to ZCG when I was very young in my business ownership and asked me to restore his ‘78 280z. We were going to restore it as if Nissan didn’t have a budget. At the time we were really into the C8 Panasport wheels, doing 3L engines, KA24 5-speeds, and suspension work etc. I wanted to build Colonel Roser a car that we could both be proud of.”
He bought this Z brand new 1978 and absolutely adores it, being an integral part of his life for decades! Before going into the restoration work let’s take a look at the story behind Gary’s Z and his airborne career…
Fighter Pilot, Z Pilot
Gary: “I bought the car on June 4, 1978 at Terry Allen Autos in El Cajon, CA (just east of San Diego). The original window sticker, faded, but still readable: $9543.00. While shopping to replace my wife’s Ford station wagon with a Datsun 510 wagon I saw my black 280Z in the showroom. I needed that car like a hole in the head, as I already had a 1968 GTO convertible, stick shift, with air conditioning, that I had ordered just prior to leaving Vietnam in June, 1968. Anyway, I made an offer to buy both the Z and the 510. It took a lot of sweet talking to convince my wife that it was a good deal! I drove the Z regularly the first couple of years, putting 13,000 miles on in the first year”
“In February 1980, I received orders to move up the I 5 to MCAS El Toro, and back into a flying billet, flying A-4 Skyhawks. We bought a nice home in Mission Viejo and life was good. Then the winter rains came. We had a two car garage and the Z and the GTO occupied both stalls. It was a hard decision, but I put the GTO up for sale. I took command of Marine Attack Squadron 311 (Call sign Tomcats) in May of 1981. For my birthday, my wife got me the California License Plate: 311 TCATS which remains on the car today!”
“In the spring of 1982 I was approached by Jim Lau, the owner of The Foreign Works auto shop in Lake Forest, CA where I had been getting the Z serviced, about installing a turbo on the car. With 48,500 on the odometer, it was turbocharged with about 10 PSI of boost. I finished up my tour in 311, and then received overseas orders to Japan in July 1983. In July 1984 I returned stateside with orders to Washington, DC. I flew the family and pets to Virginia and then drove the Z across by myself. In 1986, after being promoted to Colonel, I fell in love with the new C4 corvettes, and just had to have one.” Below, Gary with his 280Z and C4 ‘Vette:
“After 4 years in DC, we headed back out to California for my final tour as Commanding Officer of Marine Air Group-42, located in Alameda. The Z Car had about 90,000 miles on her and the trip west was a hilarious adventure. As an aviator I was very used to radio communications, so I equipped all three cars with CB radios: I drove the corvette, my 18 year old son drove the Z, and my wife, daughter, and animals were in the OLDS. Needless to say, radio discipline broke down numerous times on the trip. I tried to keep everyone on a discreet channel, but the ladies liked talking to all the truckers. We safely made it to Alameda, and I spent the last two years(1988-90) flying my ass off. I had several squadrons in the air group, including a helo squadron. Not having any helo time prior to then, as Group Commanding Officer, I was able to get a little over 100 hours of helo flight time and I grew to have great respect and appreciation for their type of flying-it was a great way to finish my aviation career.”
“I retired from the USMC and moved to Monterey, Ca in the fall of 1990 to take a staff position at the Naval Postgraduate School as the assistant Dean of Students for International Affairs. I bought a 1999 C5 Corvette convertible which became my primary driver and while I maintained the Z with regular checks, she sat most of the time. I needed to get rid of one of them and agonized over that decision. The Z car was in bad shape, rust and engine issues, and tired after 113,000+ miles, but my 27 year attachment kept tugging at me, and I just couldn’t let her go. I made the decision to sell the ‘Vette, and started looking into restoring the Z car. And that is how I met Rob Fuller…”
Above: The 280Z prior to restoration in 2007. Let’s dive in to the work…
Body/Chassis
We began the restoration process with body and chassis. Gary’s 1978 Datsun 280Z had severe rust issues. Many would have written this car off due to the extensive repair it needed but Z Car Garage and Williams’ Auto Body were tasked with the job of saving it. Photos below show multiple problem areas including frame rails on both sides, lower and upper radiator support, the quarter panel just under the rear quarter windows, door jams and rocker panels on both sides. More photos of the rust repair can be seen HERE.
Gary wanted the Z painted black and William worked his magic in 2009. The result was stunning, and remains just as slick to this day:
The front/rear bumpers were re-chromed. Following the body repair and paint, PQR-15 was applied to the interior and underside. We bagged/tagged every nut/bolt for plating along with fresh hydraulic lines:
Newly plated parts and suspension being mocked up. We love the gold (hydraulic) and silver (fuel) lines against the gorgeous black paint in the engine bay:
All front and rear suspension parts were powdercoated with struts/coil overs mocked up. Note additional plated hardware:
Drivetrain
Replacing the L28 in Gary’s 280Z is a 3.1L Rebello engine using factory fuel injection. Below you can see how the unsightly stock intake manifold was transformed into a thing of beauty…
Engine bay completed. See more in-progress photos in the gallery below:
To handle the power from the 3.1L engine we replaced the stock transmission with a Nissan KA24 (FS5W71C) transmission. This was a common swap (before the CD009a came to market) performed by modifying a 280Z L-series bell housing. The KA24 unit is significantly stronger than early S30 transmissions.
When we upgraded the transmission we also installed a JWT HD clutch with aluminum flywheel. Helping put the power down efficiently is a Quaife LSD. The R200 houses a 4.11 R&P assembled in-house (by our very own Joshua Corwin). Rounding out the drivetrain upgrades are a set of Z Car Garage CV Axles (shown below)
The factory EFI was updated with a fuel pressure change and custom tuning of the MAF. Gary’s car ripped, with the 3.1L making 190hp/205tq at the wheels… fantastic for a factory EFI car back in 2007. After driving and initial break-in we performed a valve adjustment and it just shined. It was awesome to see the Colonel driving and enjoying it again!
Interior
Following the body/paint restoration Gary visited Z Car Garage and he would find interior upgrades on other client/project cars for his 280Z:
“Over the next 5 years more work was done and “upgrades” became a common occurrence. I was like a kid in a candy store-let’s do Recaro Leather seats, power windows, power door locks, and hey let’s do power steering (absolutely love it). And a whole host of other things, including Autometer gauges recessed into the dash which I saw on another Z in Rob’s parking lot of Z’s.”
A complete dash restoration was performed with full HVAC/ducting and A/C refurbishment:
Autometer gauges, fresh wiring and re-furbished center console:
The power window and door lock conversion with more plated hardware:
Recaro Specialist seats in leather are our favorite upgrade to the S30 interior. Gary enjoys modern creature comforts like Bluetooth, back-up camera, power steering and full sound system:
The A/C compressor was upgraded to a Toyota unit that we like to use. All weatherstripping was replaced:
Suspension
The chassis was treated to a full suspension rebuild with new parts, bushings, Ground Control coil-overs (Koni struts with our spring rates) and ST sway bars front and rear:
Z Car Garage Big-Brakes
Gary has our ZCG Big-Brake kit. Not to be confused with our current Z Car Garage Big-Brakes (for small wheels), this Big-Brake kit was our initial setup from over a decade ago. This 328mm sized kit requires 17″ diameter wheels and the massive ST-42 calipers are finished in bright red. We actually did all the R&D in-house for this setup…using a 280ZX master cylinder and our own mounting brackets.
A few more detail shots of the Big-Brakes, they really pop behind the black Panasport wheels:
Gary also got a set of our custom Panasport Racing C8 wheels. These 3 piece, 17×8 wheels allowed fitment of a 255/40/17 tire under stock fender flares:
When ZCG was starting to build a series of RB-powered S30s, Rob brought in a pallet of C8 wheels destined for the builds. Gary wanted a set so we hooked him up and his desired black spokes with black anodized lip and hardware. They look great on his Z:
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 200 CV axle kits on customer cars and we are stoked with all of the positive feedback.
We built Gary a set of CV Axles, shown below:
Details
The little things are what we excel at. All window trim including quarter windows was powdercoated black at Gary’s request. This general “blacked-out” look was a point of contention:
Rob: “We had so many arguments over it…he wanted everything ‘murdered out’ and I suggested keeping the chrome/stainless, We fought tooth and nail and he always won…Gary outranks me since he’s a Colonel and I’m a civilian.”
The blacked-out theme carried on to many exterior parts like tail light bezels, side marker housings and the Z Car Garage license plate frame…even the white lettering changed to black:
The 280Z’s front/rear bumps did remain chrome after re-finishing. Below: More plating and hardware details:
HID headlights. Please check the gallery below for more detail shots, there are too many to list in this blog post!
Enjoying The Ride
With the restoration completed, we drove down to Monterey and delivered the 280Z to Colonel Gary:
Gary enjoyed driving the Z for a few years. It was hard not to grab attention with this s30…people were intrigued with the wheels, stance and of course that blacked-out look:
Gary: “Let me mention here that I get compliments on the car practically every day, many from thumbs up or yelling from cars and motorcycles in moving traffic. Quite often folks want to see the engine, and when I raise the hood, people remark that it looks like a factory install and are absolutely amazed at how beautiful it is. William’s paint job still looks amazing as well. I constantly get quotes like ” I used to have one of those, I am so sorry I ever got rid of it”; “what a beautiful Z, I just don’t see them on the road anymore”. Best one though, was “Yes, I had one until one night I wrapped it around a tree and almost killed myself, but it was my favorite car”. And when I tell them I am the original owner they are blown away.”
In ~2015 a persistent electrical issue was traced to the wiring harness which led to an unorthodox (but exciting) solution:
Gary: “I was frustrated after the electrical problems. Rob explained to me we had to use a 1978 wiring harness to make everything work. As I recall we changed out 3 wiring harnesses and even sent the computer module to San Diego to be reworked. Rob actually went to the Central Valley and purchased a 280Z for parts, so as to get another wiring harness. At that point I was thinking of other options and approached Rob about doing an engine swap, but that is a story for another day! “
Rob: “We located an unmolested harness and still couldn’t get it sorted. Colonel said ‘I love this car, but since we can’t solve this gremlin I want to do something different with it’. Years ago we were not into V8 Z cars until the LS-based engines came around. Perfect power delivery and balance…it just works in Japanese (and other) platforms. We had done Ben Sutton’s LS-powered FD RX-7 and it worked really well with incredible torque. The Colonel talked us into it… ‘There’s two loves in my life: I love my corvette and I love my Z car.’ We had to bridge the two together for him.”
LS3 V8 Power
Gary: “Well, after three tries I just didn’t see a way forward with the Nissan motor, and asked Rob about doing a V-8 conversion. He had not done an engine swap, so he was cautiously optimistic about trying one. In his typical attention to detail fashion, he did a lot of research, found a way forward, and off we went. Lots of growing pains, and a few curve balls, but the end result has been spectacular!”
Rob: “We did an LS3 swap, our first V8 S30 conversion ZCG performed start to finish. Super proud of it. There were some initial teething issues: a larger twin-fan radiator eliminated cooling problems and our upgraded ZCG CV Axles solved axle issues. We de-tuned the LS3 to give the Colonel a Z car that is fast but but also reliable.”
The LS3-crate motor came with a warranty from GM and weighs less than the L-Series engine it replaced. Engine and 6-speed transmission were installed using the Hoke Performance kit:
The larger, twin-fan radiator and A/C plumbing and wiring:
Ovalized exhaust from headers to catalytic converter help with ground clearance:
Dyno Tuning
The LS3/6-speed T56 drivetrain was dyno tuned after installation, making 405hp/410tq at the wheels, a significant increase of 115hp/206tq compared to the L-Series:
Enjoy this video with dyno run, in-car driving, cruising and fly-by action with Gary’s LS3-powered 280Z:
We love how happy Gary is with his V8-powered Z:
Gary: “The car is an absolute gas to drive. I will tell you up front that it is not a refined ride. The suspension is tight and pretty stiff, but gives you great road feel. The T-56 6 speed transmission, mated to the LS-3, required some getting used to, but is solid and efficient. The turning and maneuvering capability of the car in its two dimensional environment is terrific. It reminds me of when I did aerobatic maneuvering in the A-4 SkyHawk! What can I say about the power and torque the engine puts out-405 HP at the wheels!”
“I have had my way with a lot of other fast cars, and even a motorcycle who tried to take me on, who have no idea what is under the hood of my little Z Car. (Sometimes the wide tires give me away!) Best acceleration is in 2nd and 3rd gear. I don’t like to take it much over 90 mph, because the front end gets a little lifty. (I have over 4000 hours in fighter and attack aircraft, and I know what lift off feels like, so I don’t need to get airborne again!)”
Thank You Colonel Roser
Rob:“We have so many great stories with Colonel Gary. He’s more than a client, somebody we really admire and look up to. Such a fan of his. My father was so proud to be a Marine and Colonel understood this with his Military background.”
Gary: “I will be 81 in May and I don’t see another adventure like this one in my future so let me comment about Rob Fuller and his Z Car Garage. We have been friends now for 15 years. We have been on this journey together, through all the ups and downs and twists and turns. He has been there for me every single time, night or day. I just can’t imagine there is another car guy out there who would have had the compassion and understanding to shepherd me and my Z Car through this adventure.”
Below: Colonel Gary Roser and Rob on May 23, 2023
“Over these 15 years I have watched his business expand and grow, and am amazed at the breadth and width of his knowledge and his reputation in the auto industry. His leadership skills and the way he runs his shop is suitably impressive, and he has good people working for him. And, by the way, he is a pretty topnotch driver as well. With him at the wheel and aggressively putting my Z Car through its paces, I am reminded of my fighter pilot days when I could fly an airplane like he drives my car. In another time and place I would have been honored to have him fly on my wing.”
