Mark your calendars for June 5th to celebrate Z Owners of Northern California (ZONC) 50th birthday at the Blackhawk Museum in Danville!
The Z Owners of Northern California (ZONC) is one of the oldest Z car clubs in the nation. In its prime they had over 600 members with close ties to Yutaka Katayama (“Mr. K”) and Nissan USA. Of the many events and fun runs they host throughout the year, the famous Blackhawk Museum will be the venue for the June 6 birthday party.
Local Datsun specialists/racers Troy Ermish and Rob Fuller will be displaying their race cars. Datsun and Nissan cars will be on the plaza and lower lots for everyone to see. Z you there!
Filed under: 510,Events,Parts
by Alvin G @ 4:55 pm on April 29, 2022
We love to see owners installing our Z Car Garage CV Axles in their vintage Nissans and Datsuns. This 1971 Datsun 510 is owned by Dirk D. and he replaced his failing CV Axle kit with our ZCG CV Axles. You may have seen this Specialty Z-built Dime at events in the SoCal area and we are proud to be part of it!
We saw Dirk’s 510 last year at the Japanese Classic Car Show and noticed he was running ZCG CV Axles with an R200 diff and Quaife (ATB) limited slip differential. Great to hear that these parts earn Sebastian’s approval and he installed them with ease at the Specialty-Z facility in Simi Valley, CA. Dirk is stoked:
“After receiving them I was even more impressed. Sebastian said the installation went very smooth. I’ve been running them now for over 2000 miles and haven’t had any issues. Even after putting the wood to it a few times. And the fact that we put 498 horse power to the rear wheels proves to me that they are high quality”
Datsun 510 Dreams
Dirk has bee working for 10 years perfecting this 510 mechanically and visually. Here is a brief overview…
MOTOR: SR20DET Red top, Mazworx intake, 1320 Injector dynamics, dual scroll exhaust manifold with Garrett 30 GTX twin Scroll, Forged Pistons (CP), Rods (Eagle), ARP Studs, O-Rings, BC Stage 3 Cams (Adjustable cam sprockets), R35 GTR PRP Coil Kit, S15 Oil pick up, High Capacity Oil Pan, Setrab oil cooler, modified Mishmoto radiator, OEM Nissan Fan Clutch, High Capacity Fan, Canton remote oil filter
DRIVE TRAIN: 5 speed, RPS Carbon Fiber Clutch, Pressure Plate & Fly Wheel (billet aluminum), Custom Built Drive Shaft 300ZX Yolk & U Joints, ZCG CV Axles and Power steering.
Sebastian at Specialty Z dyno-tuned the 510 using a Haltech ECU with maps for E85 and 91 octane fuel. It made 369whp at 16psi and 498whp at 20psi. Enjoy this video of the dyno pass:
Interior
Inside, a finished custom interior features carbon fiber and alcantara touches:
Dirk’s 510 was featured in the February 2019 issue of D Sport Magazine:
Enjoying the Ride
Dirk has been driving his 510 everywhere, most recently to the Petersen Museum Japanese Car Cruise-In last weekend. Both Sebastian and Dirk are impressed with the Z Car Garage CV Axles:
“Sebastian from Specialty Z told me about your axles after informing him that I just snapped a set aftermarket CV Axles the first time I put the wood to it. So I decided to upgrade to ZCG CV’s. I thought that weak link was going to be an issue that was unsolvable because prior to your CV’s there was nothing on the market that would hold up to the power that this car has. It’s great you guys have offered this solution to the market.”
Dirk purchased this 510 with the SR20 swap already in it, assuming it was a turn key car. Unfortunately the engine failed due to the previous owner’s tuning and 76 mm turbo. Dirk knew Sebastian for quite awhile and talked him into helping him rebuild the car to its fullest potential.
“I wanted a car that wasn’t only for drags or track but could also be driven as a daily driver and still haul ass. With no cooling or tuning issues whatsoever. With major help from Sebastian at Specialty Z and Jamie @ Fab Tech I’ve got everything I asked for and more out of the car couldn’t be happier.”
We asked Sebastian what his thoughts were on building Dirk’s 510:
“The thing I enjoyed most about Dirk’s 510 project was that it was something that we normally don’t do as far as the platform goes. So it was new and refreshing. We never worked in depth with the SR20 in the past or the 510 chassis. We stuck to high quality (as we usually do anyway) parts for the build so it was hard to leave others out, overall we were happy with the fit and finish of the Mazworx intake and exhaust manifolds. We used a Garrett GTX 3076 for the turbo and Garrett never disappoints. As far as the drivetrain goes, the ZCG axles were a pleasure to install and the quality was second to none. We had issues with the previous axles and immediately noticed the difference in noise (lack of) and even a nicer feel while driving the car.”
We have known Sebastian for many years and Specialty Z is a legendary Z32/late-model Nissan tuning house. Seb is a trusted friend and is always willing to help ZCG. It goes without saying that his shop is top notch with many high-profile projects like tuning pro-racer Chris Forsberg’s TT 370Z. Time flies: (L). Ginash and Eric from JDM Legends at SEMA. (Below) Rob and Seb at Z Car Garage:
You won’t see too much from Specialty Z in regards to Datsun related work, but we frequently refer local clients to Seb that have late-model powerplants. Indeed, we sent Bay Area local Jose P to SPZ for tuning on his SR20-powered Datsun 510! We are also super excited to see Seb restoring our Box-flared Datsun 510 that he purchased it from Rob a few years ago:
Seb plans to run a Rebello 2.2L with dual-Mikuni induction, here are a few photos from fresh paint and assembly:
Thank you Dirk and Sebastian for your support! Happy to see you enjoying the Z Car Garage CV Axles in the Dime. Enjoy The Ride!
We have many more photos in the gallery and please read below for more information on our ZCG CV Axles:
ZCG CV Axles
Our Z Car Garage CV Axles help transmit power to the ground and ensure smoother operation compared to your standard half shafts. These are 100% bolt-in replacing your half-shafts and does not use aluminum adapters commonly found in aftermarket units. We have over 200+ CV axle kits on customer cars and we are stoked with all of the positive feedback.
For years we have used aftermarket CV axles that utilize an aluminum adapter prone to loosening up over time. Despite efforts to keep things tight (Loctite, hardware changes) we had to keep an eye on them. We developed a better solution that eliminates the need for aluminum adapters and remains 100% bolt-in like a factory half-shaft.
Designed and manufactured locally with KAD Models, the ZCG CV axle kit works in both R180 and R200 configurations.
These are the beefiest CV axles on the market. They have been tested on the track by our vintage racing customers and also in high hp* street cars (powershifting, clutch dumps, etc.). Each axle has a serial # for peace of mind:
The CV axle kit is available now from ZCG for 1595.00 + freight and they come with everything you need to install on your car. Contact us at 408-452-0350 or send Rob an e-mail rob@zcargarage.com to purchase. Installation is just like doing a half-shaft: there is even a marking that shows you where to line up bolts and special hardware:
The ZCG CV Axles in action
The video below demonstrates the “looseness” associated with aftermarket CV axles that use adapters compared to the ZCG axles without adapters. Several customer race/street cars running our CV axles are also shown. Enjoy!
Enjoy this video made by our client Hazel. She installed our ZCG CV Axles on her Hazel’s 1970 Datsun 240Z
Over 150 sets of our ZCG CV Axles are installed in client’s cars all over the world:
Filed under: 510,Events,Racing
by Alvin G @ 5:10 pm on April 20, 2022
Z Car Garage is excited to go vintage racing two weekends in a row! On April 21-24, Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) will host the Trans Am SpeedFest at Laguna Seca. On April 28 to May 1, SVRA will host the Sonoma Speed Tour at Sonoma Raceway.
Details for this weekend’s Trans Am SpeedFest at Laguna Seca are HERE. Come out and watch some exciting B-Sedan/Trans Am race action!
Here is a video of the race cars we prepared this week with dyno passes and a walk around the shop. Enjoy!
Z Car Garage Racers
Z Car Garage will be racing and supporting several client cars at both events:
We love to see owners installing our Z Car Garage CV Axles in their vintage Nissans and Datsuns. This 1971 Datsun 510 is owned by Carlo O and the old half shafts were replaced with our ZCG CV Axles. You may have seen this TSR Fabrication-built Dime at events in the SoCal area and we are proud to be part of it!
We saw Carlo’s 510 last year at the Japanese Classic Car Show and noticed he was running ZCG CV Axles with an R200 LSD. Great to hear that these parts earn Mario Lozano’s approval and he installed them with ease at the TSR facility in Gardena, CA. Carlo is stoked:
“The ZCG CV Axles were recommended by Mario of TSR Fabrication and we chose them based on anticipated power levels as well as reducing the vibrations associated with my half shafts. Installation was smooth as butter and easy as it gets. Performance has been great, they are quiet and definitely substantially reduced vibrations.”
Datsun 510 Dreams
Carlo dreamed of having a Datsun 510 and it had to be built by TSR Fabrication.
“I purchased my 510 in 2004 right after I graduated from high school. I was 17 and I remember searching for months, waiting every every week for a new Auto Trader. No online tools or social media like today. I would check DimeQuarterly every night. Finally found one about 7hrs from home. My Dad and I had a great adventure trying to get it, and no matter what condition I going to buy it!”
In addition to the upgraded ZCG CV Axles this is a full TSR Datsun 510 build. As a young enthusiast, Carlo worked several jobs and saved up to enlist the help of Mario Lozano at TSR Fabrication in 2016. Years later the result is a full, TSR Datsun 510 with SR20DET-power and all the goodies they are known for.
The body color is Nissan (350Z) LeMans Blue with 17×8 forged AG wheels. More pictures in the gallery below!
Photo by Ricardo Hernandez
Inside, a custom interior from Fast Ed’s features Recaro EVO seats wrapped in Aston Martin leather, Mercedes grey carpet, suede headliner, limited edition S15 gauge cluster, roll cage and custom billet parts like the sun visors:
The engine bay and chassis sport a full list of TSR specialty parts like their titanium heat shield, full stainless exhaust, JRZ suspension, Brembo 13″ brakes, TSR custom airbox, overflow tank, intercooler, radiator, turbo plumbing, stainless fuel lines and full adjustable rear crossmember:
Datsun 510 enthusiasts worldwide are very familiar with Mario Lozano, owner of TSR Fabrication in Gardena, CA. Mario has been creating high-quality, functional and artistic parts for Datsuns over the last few decades, but that is just scratching the surface of his accomplishments and project scopes. We have known Mario for many years and recently caught up with him to discuss his passions (not just Datsuns), current work and future offerings:
Time flies: (L) Rob and Mario at the 2021 JCCS, (R). Alvin and Mario at the 2005 All-Datsun Meet at Mt. Shasta
Mario was a track athlete in school, heading for competitive (Olympic) levels until injuries sidelined that trajectory. Academics then became his focus and this is where a passion and love for Industrial Design was founded. Cars came second and Mario loves 510s, building them for fun while helping the Datsun community. Mario’s personal, SR20DET-powered Datsun 510:
While he is synonymous for fabricating high-end Datsun parts, Mario does so much more! From working directly with major OEMs (like Ford and their Mach-E wheels) to F1 and Indy cars…even helping senior citizens with their welding projects! Mario’s favorite material to work with: stainless steel (RathGibson US Mil-spec only).
We asked Mario what his favorite part on Carlo’s 510 was, starting with the full stainless exhaust system. He is truly an artist:
The custom airbox and titanium heat shield (It’s 13 years old!)
Mario is especially proud of the JRZ suspension and Brembo brake systems he designed and fabricated:
“I worked closely with JRZ (we are on V.4) and it transforms the car. Carlo’s wife would refuse to ride in his 510 before the suspension upgrade as it was too bouncy. Afterwards she said it rides like a Camry but handles and brakes…now she wants the same for her 510 Wagon! Smoothest 510 that simply does not feel like a 510.”
What can we expect from TSR for Datsun owners? Mario has been offering Carbon Fiber hoods since 1999, but materials have come a long way. These parts are like jewelry and CF trunks are next. A new rack and pinion steering setup, engineered for 510 use with electronic power steering. Finally, Mario is really excited to offer active JRZ suspension!
Thank you for your support Carlo and Mario, it was great seeing you at JCCS! Please read below for more information on our ZCG CV Axles:
ZCG CV Axles
Our Z Car Garage CV Axles help transmit power to the ground and ensure smoother operation compared to your standard half shafts. These are 100% bolt-in replacing your half-shafts and does not use aluminum adapters commonly found in aftermarket units. We have over 200 CV axle kits on customer cars and we are stoked with all of the positive feedback.
For years we have used aftermarket CV axles that utilize an aluminum adapter prone to loosening up over time. Despite efforts to keep things tight (Loctite, hardware changes) we had to keep an eye on them. We developed a better solution that eliminates the need for aluminum adapters and remains 100% bolt-in like a factory half-shaft.
Designed and manufactured locally with KAD Models, the ZCG CV axle kit works in both R180 and R200 configurations.
These are the beefiest CV axles on the market. They have been tested on the track by our vintage racing customers and also in high hp* street cars (powershifting, clutch dumps, etc.). Each axle has a serial # for peace of mind:
The CV axle kit is available now from ZCG for 1595.00 + freight and they come with everything you need to install on your car. Contact us at 408-452-0350 or send Rob an e-mail rob@zcargarage.com to purchase. Installation is just like doing a half-shaft: there is even a marking that shows you where to line up bolts and special hardware:
The ZCG CV Axles in action
The video below demonstrates the “looseness” associated with aftermarket CV axles that use adapters compared to the ZCG axles without adapters. Several customer race/street cars running our CV axles are also shown. Enjoy!
Enjoy this video made by our client Hazel. She installed our ZCG CV Axles on her Hazel’s 1970 Datsun 240Z
Over 150 sets of our ZCG CV Axles are installed in client’s cars all over the world:
Filed under: 240z,510,r32,Z31,z32
by Alvin G @ 9:42 pm on March 25, 2022
On Saturday, March 19 we attended the Tokyo Calling event hosted by Breakfast Club Rally. Z Car Garage participated with a group of client cars and enjoyed a wonderful day of driving through the foothills of Sonoma, Ca. The event also featured 200 Japanese classics and 90’s-era wonders to appreciate during the morning social gathering and rest stops. Enjoy our report with mega-photo gallery and video!
Breakfast Club Rally
The Breakfast Club Rally (BCR) started almost 2 years ago, now running its 27th rally event. What started out as a small group enjoying weekend drives blossomed into a full-on Cars and Coffee (still unofficial) meet just before rally participants head out according to run group (rally map available to pre-registrants only). The monthly BCR is always free/open to all makes and I highly recommend it for anyone looking to enjoy the beautiful Northern California roads and scenery. You can see my previous BCR reports HERE!
The BCR: Tokyo Calling event was a little different: this was an all-Japanese, mostly-vintage rally and we did not want to miss it. I assembled a group of Z Car Garage clients to participate and we left the shop at 5:45am to make the 7am starting point in Sonoma. Our cars:
Linda’s 1972 Official OMS Pace Car Duplicate. Fifty were originally produced by Nissan Motors to commemorate the DATSUN 240Z being selected by the Ontario Motor Speedway to Pace the 1972 “U.S.A.C. California 500 Championship”. ZCG made it a runner, full report soon!
Our guest Jonathan Buhler (Sr. Specialist Corporate Communications at Nissan) piloted “Mr. C”, our stock, one-owner Series 1 Z.
Photo by Vijay Sankar
Leading the caravan to Sonoma was yours truly in this 1965 Nissan Silvia. Huge thanks to our client Rick K for giving us the opportunity to enjoy this gorgeous (and rare) specimen. Full update on this Datsun Roadster-based gem soon!
Tokyo is Calling before the Rally!
Our crew arrived at the rally start in Sonoma and it was already filled with fabulous J-Tin. BCR hosted a “social gathering” from 7-9am (usually 1 hr) so we could take in all the glorious cars. The vibe was tremendous, despite a 5-minute drizzle and cloudy sky.
I am always on the lookout for Nissans and Datsuns:
First up, this 1967 Datsun 2000, owned by Ian S. One of the most sought after Datsuns, these “half-year” models were introduced mid-1967 offering a 5-speed transmission and 150hp twin-Mikuni carb’d 2L engine…hot stuff for the era. This is SRL #601 (out of ~1000 cars) and it was fully restored years ago by Les Cannaday in San Diego. Ian is meticulous about maintaining this car, but it is no garage queen. The (655) Off-white paint with red interior is one of my favorites. Yes, it even sports a factory Nissan hardtop with all the stainless trim!
I counted 6 roadsters. Pat S. owns this 1970 Datsun 2000. He had it dyno tuned at Z Car Garage, full report soon!
Alex’s Datsun 510 Wagon (LS-powered!), 520 and 620 trucks:
So many cool cars please check the gallery for more photos! Next, let’s check out some non-Nissan/Datsun action…
Honda
Honda was well-represented from Kei cars to late model DC2 Integras and S2000s. A few NSXs, CRXs and EF hatches rounded out the display:
Will’s clean EF hatch:
Toyota
Supra (A60 and A80) and even first gen MR2s, a lone Celica and AE86s!
Trucks and Vans
Mitsubishi and Toyota 4×4 vans galore! Let’s not forget everyone’s favorite little red firetruck: Todd Lapin’s Daihatsu Hijet
This was the wildest truck….2JZ-powered and S550 IRS:
Rally On!
Photo by Alex Nibyt
The rally started at 9am and I was tasked with leading our group. There was no cell phone reception but I was armed with a turn-by-turn rallye printout. I managed to hustle the little Silvia through the vineyards and foothills to our half way point of Calistoga…RHD and rarity aside this thing was a blast to drive.
One of the perks of BCR events is their team of professional photographers at various stages capturing epic rolling and detail shots so people can focus on enjoying the drive. I encourage you to visit each of these photographer’s photo albums to see shots of your rides :Alex Nibyt, Gregory Veizades, Blaine Olguin, and Vijay Sankar.
Arriving at Calistoga was another opportunity to see cars I missed at the starting point. The sky cleared and it was sunny. Folks took a snack/coffee break here in the quaint town. I was just admiring each vintage ride cruise by…like this FD RX-7 with Greddy AeroHatch!
Caught up with our friend and fellow racer Glenn Chiou who chose to drive his FD RX-7 with co-pilot Ricky Silverio of Japanese Nostalgic Car magazine. Spotted our client Mark in his Z32TT as well:
It was JDM overload at this halfway resting point…Ricky helped me spot a Lancer EVO 2!
After chatting with folks we resumed the rallye. This final stage was mostly forested ending with a cruise through vineyards. Jonathan managed to drive a “D” hubcap off the Mr. C 240z…he heroically recovered it mountain side…a picture captured the proud moment!
The rally concluded at renown Sonoma Raceway. Total mileage for our San Jose crew thus far was 220miles. BCR arranged parking for participants in the paddock right next to the cafe for lunch, as their clever motto is #DoneByNoon. Even better: we were treated to live drifting and road-course action. It was a superb venue to enjoy cool cars and great company.
I could not resist to get a Z Car Garage client group photo:
Here is a video we captured from the day, enjoy!
Thanks BCR!
Many thanks to the organizers, we had a blast and I urge you to register for their next event, especially if you are in the South Bay area like me and want to see what driving bliss lies North. Here are a few thoughts from Rob re-capping the Tokyo Calling event:
“With the shop so busy it good to be out to enjoy Bay Area car events like DrivingWhileAwesome (DWA) Cars & Coffee and now BCR. I had a blast. Great organization of the event and some of friendliest people. Exceeded my expectations. Jonathan Buhler from Nissan came out to enjoy the rallye with us. We put him behind the wheel of Mr. C, our one-owner Series 1 Z. It was fun to have both Safari Gold cars together. I loved the vibe at all of the rally stops and seeing the non-Nissans….super cool. MR2s, Subarus, CRXs, just so much good stuff, Happy I went and will make it out to another BCR event.”
The Drive Home
Our adventure was not over as we had to travel another 90 miles South to the shop. We caravanned back, traveling through the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and through San Francisco. I’m sure traffic had a field day with our group of Datsuns/Nissans:
At the shop, Jonathan took Mrs. Butters for a test drive and he had a great time before catching his flight back to Nashville. Below (right) is the GO Green RB25DET-powered 240Z that inspired Jonathan to build one of his own…we had to grab a shot with the model I made 🙂
Rick’s Silvia is safe and sound after completing the 300+ mile road trip. Thank you to all of the Z Car Garage clients that made the journey with us. Huge thanks to BCR for extending their hospitality to our crew, everyone was thrilled. Here’s to the next rally and always, always #DoitInADatsun!
