Filed under: 240z,Events,Racing
by Alvin G @ 5:10 pm on October 28, 2021
The Sonoma Speed Festival is now the Velocity Invitational
Join us November 11-14 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for some historic sports car racing hosted by the Velocity Invitational. Z Car Garage will be participating and providing support for several client cars. We are excited to be racing in Group 7A (1966-1977 IMSA GT):
We will be supporting our client Randy Jaffe who recently acquired the Transcendental Racing Datsun 240Z. This famous 1976 IMSA-GTU Championship-winning 240z will be driven by ex-driver Brad Frisselle’s son, Brian Frisselle:
Check out www.my240z.com. Our friend Glenn Chiou created this website to document the racing provenance for previous owner David Martin (RIP):
Look for a full update on the Frisselle Z as it just got fresh paint and livery!
#54 Glen Klemik IMSA GTU Z
Our friend Larry Oka’s Z will also be running with Jeff Francis behind the wheel.
Fresh off a full restoration performed himself, you might remember our previous blog post highlighting the ZCG CV Axles Glenn installed and dyno tuning session before this year’s Rolex event.
RADWOOD is at the Velocity Invitational!
The weekend of racing also includes the popular RADWOOD car show. On November 13th and 14th, they are taking over the famous island in the center of all the action at Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca with a curated display of 50 of the most iconic, unique, and RADical rides of the era.
Visit the Velocity Invitational website for ticket and event information. You can enter the code DRIVER20TIX for a special discount. Z you at the race track!
Love for the Z is strong in Northern California as hundreds of enthusiasts visit Z Car Garage to see the 2023 Nissan Z.
Z Car Garage opened our shop to the public to see the new Nissan Z sports car on 10/23. This was the first public showing of the new Z in Northern California since its 9/17 Global Reveal in New York.
ZCG had several vintage Z cars on display to celebrate the lineage. A representative from Nissan was present to answer questions and it was the perfect opportunity for photography of the new Z. Enjoy our report from the event with plenty of photos and video below.
Two DayZ With The New Z
Although the event was officially on 10/23, we were given the opportunity to spend time with the Z beginning on Friday 10/22. The itinerary:
Friday 1-4pm: Nissan held a media slot with high-profile automotive journalists including Jason Cammisa:
Friday 4-6pm: ZCG shop team got to spend some alone-time with the new Z
Friday 6-9pm: Private viewing of new Z…
An Intimate Setting With the New Z
Photo: Lane Skelton
On Friday evening from 6pm to 9pm we hosted a private viewing of the new Z. Close friends, family and clients of Z Car Garage were able to sit inside the Z and enjoy it without security ropes. We had light refreshments, our famous popcorn machine running and plenty of time to hangout.
This was our way of showing gratitude to our clients—while alleviating foot traffic and crowding for the following day’s public viewing. We wanted everyone to have chance to see the Z without wading through a sea of people. Mission accomplished.
A Display For Enthusiasts to Enjoy
The New Z was the center of attention but make no mistake we wanted give everyone a chance to explore our shop and see some really cool Nissans and Datsuns. More than “just a viewing”…inside the shop we staged our client cars to show a range of old to new. Surrounding the 2023 Z were historically significant Datsun racing 240Z’s, Z32 300ZX’s (tail light inspiration for the new Z), R32 and R35 GT-Rs, S30 VIN# 193 and James’ turbocharged L-Series 240z:
IMSA GTU Corner!
These two Datsun 240Z race cars are historically significant. The #49 IMSA GTU Z was built and raced by our friend, the late Joel Anderson and the #47 Transcendental Racing IMSA GTU Z was raced by Brad Frisselle (currently owned by Randy Jaffe). Both cars will be racing at the Velocity Invitational Nov. 11-14 at Laguna Seca. Rob Fuller is eager to be in the driver seat again behind the wheel of the #49 IMSA GTU Z. (Below) The BRE Datsun 240Z, also owned by Randy Jaffe:
Saturday’s 10am to 4pm public showing of the Z was a huge success. We had a steady flow of people throughout the day with 400+ attendees enjoying the company of fellow enthusiasts inside and outside the shop.
Huge thanks to Nissan for making Z Car Garage the premier venue for sharing the new Z. It really gave us some 2008 vibes when our shop was chosen to host the first stop on the “Follow The Z” Tour of the then-new 2009 Nissan 370Z:
It is hard to capture the energy and vibe of the two-day event so I made this video showing a few highlights: from loading the new Z into the shop, private event, preparing for the public event, parking lots gems and more. Enjoy!
Parking Lot Gems
While the spotlight was on the new Z inside the shop there was a constant rotation of cool Nissans and Datsuns outside. We had VIP parking for our clients and anyone with a Nissan or Datsun. A few notables:
With the shop lot full it made us happy to see attendees finding nearby street parking. Check out this Datsun Violet 710!
If parking was difficult to find we had an overflow lot provided by Bay 101 Casino just a short walk away. The lot turned out to be quite useful, though it was only at 30% capacity. We even spotted some Z’s and a B210 in the parking lot!
More pictures in the gallery!
New and Old Friends
It’s been so long since we could gather in public and mingle with fellow enthusiasts. We treasure our relationships built over the years through Z Car Garage. Many long-time clients visited us and we also met new Z-car fans, all with stories we love to hear.
Speaking of friends, fellow racer and client Glenn Chiou and I could not resist taking some photos of our Datsuns next to the new Z 🙂
Long Live The Passion
The 6hr long event came and went too soon! Just before 6pm we were loading up the shop and sending the new Z off when the most amazing thing happened to Rob. You may have seen the motto on our ZCG license plate frames “Performance with Passion”… It’s the passion of enthusiasts that drives us. Jose Magana had just got off work when he heard about our event. He knew he as going to miss it but he took a chance and stopped by the shop anyway. He was lucky as the new Z was still outside, staging to leave:
Jose greeted Rob and began telling us all how he got his Datsun 240Z…
“You may not remember me but YOU are the reason why I have this Z! In 2013 I visited your shop with my Dad. I didn’t even have a Z at the time but I remember you were so humble and kind to us. You even let me sit in your race car.”
Rob, listening to Jose tell him this story said let’s go inside, and showed him the very same race car that Jose sat it in, the #49 Joel Anderson IMSA GTU Z. It was a special moment for Rob, myself, Meghan and Jose. We had to take a picture with Jose. He continued:
“It because of you I saved up enough money to buy my own Datsun Z, and I had to tell you this and how you inspired me, even if I couldn’t make the event on time, so thank you!”
We were so overwhelmed with joy. Thank you Jose for your passion and giving us some wonderful inspiration on top of an already incredible weekend.
Thank you!
Thank you to everyone that made the trip down to Z Car Garage to spend some time with the 2023 Nissan Z. The outpouring of love on social media about our event and your thoughts on the new Z mean so much to us. We appreciate it deeply.
Thanks to Nissan for letting ZCG host the new Z and hanging with us for event. Lastly, none of this would be possible without the help of our small, but invaluable ZCG team including Joshua Corwin, Nick Filip, Rob and Meghan Fuller. The event was an overwhelming success, thoughtfully planned and executed.
Please continue to share your thoughts and love for the new Z…it’s a homerun from Nissan and we are excited to see them in the hands of current and next generation Z-car enthusiasts. Don’t forget the photo gallery below and LONG LIVE THE Z!
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 Axles, Z 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:
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!
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!
Dear Z-car enthusiasts we are excited to announce the new 2023 Nissan Z will be at Z Car Garage on Saturday, October 23 from 10am to 4pm. This will be the first public showing of the new Z in Northern California since its 9/17 Global Reveal in New York. Join fellow Z car fans at our shop and see the new Z in person! Bring your friends, family and please spread the word.
ZCG will also have several vintage Z cars on display to celebrate the lineage. A representative from Nissan will be present to answer your questions and this is a perfect opportunity for photography of the new Z. Big thanks to Larry Chen for sharing these photos with us.
We know this is a busy time of the year so mark your calendars for 10/23 to spend some time with the new Z! More details to follow (like parking suggestions) with updates on our social media outlets including Instagram, Facebook and here on zcarblog.com.
Huge thanks to Nissan for making Z Car Garage the premier venue for sharing the new Z. It really gives us some 2008 vibes when our shop was chosen to host the first stop on the “Follow The Z” Tour of the then-new 2009 Nissan 370Z:
Z Car Garage is proud to bring this record-setting 1970 Datsun 240Z Bonneville Salt Flat car back to life for our client Randy Jaffe. In 1976, a team of Nissan employees set out to break the land speed record for the stock body F/GT class. They built this Z in their spare time, setting a new record at Bonneville of 166.037 mph which stood for almost a decade. A monumental achievement considering they had no factory parts support.
Join us as we revive this historically-significant Z from its slumber with chassis and engine work. We will also look at the story behind the Salt Flat program, with an exclusive account from Bonneville crew member and former Nissan Parts Manager Tom O’Connor.
History and Acquisition
This Datsun 240z set the F/GT class record of 166.037 mph at Bonneville with Nissan USA field engineer Bob Stockman behind the wheel. The old record of 153 mph was held by a Mercedes 300SL. Datsun actually set several records at Bonneville prior to ’76, starting in 1974 with a B-210 Hatchback (121.8mph, driver Mike Jones) and twice in 1975 with a 280Z 2+2 (164.3 mph, driver Milan Micka) and 164.6 mph with Nissan Competition Department head Tom O’Connor.
A team of six Nissan USA employees, working in the Nissan Technical Center, Competition Department and Service Departments built the F/GT 240Z. From left to right: Frank Honsowitz, Matt Bornyasz, Milan Micka, Tom O’Connor, Bob Whitehead and Bob Stockman. O’Connor was responsible for building the engine, Micka worked on the suspension and created the paint scheme and graphics. Bob Whitehead, National Service Manager, was the man who originated the Bonneville idea at Nissan USA in 1974. Check out the period, Nissan Employee Newsletter chronicling the Bonneville efforts (PDF) by clicking on this link.
Bonneville-As Remembered by Tom O’Connor
How did they do it? We reached out to Bonneville crew member and driver Tom O’Connor to gain insight. The team volunteered time after-hours to build the cars and successfully run them. Tom was a Nissan Parts Manager and also built all of the Bonneville racing engines…their success depended on his skills/knowledge and we thank Tom for this exclusive, first-hand account of the F/GT record-setting effort.
Bonneville 1974, 1975, 1976 – As remembered by Tom O’Connor
“The story of the record breaking 240Z in the F/GT class at Bonneville in 1976 really began in 1974. Bob Whitehead the VP of the Technical Engineering and Service Support, a hot rodder and Bonneville fan, approached the employees in his department with the idea of running a Datsun B210 at Bonneville. Several of the employees including myself were currently SCCA club racers and we were all ecstatic about building and racing cars without having to spend our own money. We would have to work on the project after hours but the Datsun Technical Center facility was at our disposal and somehow Bob hid our expenses in his budget. The B210 went 121.8 MPH capturing the I Production class record.”
“After this first trip to Bonneville the team realized that it was harder to go fast at Bonneville than we thought. It’s over four thousand feet elevation, the salt and skinny Bonneville tires makes it difficult to get traction, and you only have two miles to get up to speed before entering the timed third mile. If you can go over 200 MPH on the three mile “short course” you can then use the five mile course for your record run. After considering all of this and looking at what classes the Datsun cars could fit into, we came up with the ambitious plan to return the following year with a 280Z 2+2 that was allowed to run as a production car, not a GT car. The plan was to build two different engines, one that would fit into the G Production class and one that would fit into the F Production class. What made this plan so ambitious was that to make a record run you must qualify one day by running the course in one direction and break the existing record for the class. You then come back the next morning to make the official record breaking attempt. This time you run in both directions, the two runs are averaged thus eliminating any advantage or disadvantage a wind would give a one way run.”
“Our problem was the number of days available to make two record attempts. Luck was on our side and the weather was perfect, the car passed technical inspection and we went to work changing the engine so we could be back the following day to make our qualifying run for the second record attempt. I was fortunate enough to be the driver for the F Production record. The car was so stable and you are so far from any objects that the sensation of speed is not there, but I became a big believer in aerodynamics when I turned off the engine at 165 MPH and the car slows to 90 MPH in what seems like a second. I really realized how much power it takes to push the air. The 280Z 2+2 broke both the F and G Production records. 164.6 and 164.3 MPH”
As soon as they came home, the team started looking at what they would do in 1976. They realized the 240Z that Datsun had loaned to famous cam grinder Racer Brown in 1972 to break the F/GT class record was sitting in a warehouse. The red paint can still be seen under the current livery.
Tom recalls preparing the 1970 “Racer Brown” Z for the F/GT class:
“The engine we had built for the G Production class was also the correct displacement for the F/GT class. We installed a “G” nose, added a few tricks we had learned, put the distinctive stars paint job on the car and went back to Bonneville to claim our fourth record in three years. It was great fun and really showcased how much talent was in the Datsun Technical Center in the mid seventies. Some evenings we could have as many as ten guys working on different systems that required their particular talent. I think that it is telling that three of us on the team went on to careers in motorsports. Frank Honsowetz would became the Nissan Motorsports Manager, Max Jones would spend much of his career at Rousch Racing and then become the Competition Director at Ganassi Racing and yours truly would finish out his career as a Competition Manager at TRD. Bob Whitehead would move on to Subaru where he used the same model of using enthusiast employees to build cars that broke records. It was also great, back in the day, to have many old Bonneville racers be so open and generous with their encouragement and suggestions to a group of 20 year olds entering their world.”
Out of the numerous trophies that Tom and the Bonneville team of Nissan employees earned, this one stands out:
“Alvin, this is it!! The trophy from ’76 hung in my shop for years, I don’t even remember how I ended up with it. The plaque was given to each member of the team by Mr. Katayama. I have given these to Randy so they will stay with the car.”
Tom is doing well, and we even saw him at the 2021 Amelia Concours (details below). Here is Tom with his ’72 240 that he got as a Christmas gift from his wife. He is excited about Z Car Garage reviving the F/GT Datsun 240Z:
“Fast forward forty five years and I get a call from Randy Jaffe telling me he has acquired the F/GT Datsun 240Z and that he is going to restore it and add to his collection! What great news to have a guy like Randy decide that the car and its story is worth preserving.”
Acquiring a Legend
Randy Jaffe has built a few notable cars with Z Car Garage including the Rocketbunny Series1 240Z and #46 BRE Datsun 240Z driven by John Morton. We were stoked to hear that he was able to add the Salt Flat Z to his collection. Here is how it all happened:
“The record setting Z sat in the Nissan Heritage Museum from circa 1977 thru 2020 in a non running state. Of course all Z cars catch my eye – but this super low mileage (2329 miles) Series 1 car with a Nissan Comp G-Nose on it with records set in both 1972 and 1976 – well I drooled over it after visiting the Nissan facility in Nashville several times. The guys who run the Heritage Museum and I have a relationship so we were discussing several cars in their collection and they mentioned they may want to see that Z in my hands.”
Indeed, big thanks are in order for the great people running the Nissan Heritage Museum including Jonathan Buhler (Sr. Specialist Corporate Communications at Nissan) and industry veteran Dan Passe (Director, Corporate Communications). Both gentlemen are hardcore automotive enthusiasts (see Jonathan’s personal Datsun 240Z) that proudly wave the flag for Nissan. They also do it on a volunteer basis, much like the F/GT Datsun Bonneville team. Randy’s plans for this historic Z car:
“Of course my immediate plans were to get the car mechanically sound with a new race motor and aesthetically get the car as good as it can be! Not until I got the Z back to my shop did I realize after scrutinizing old photos with placed decals on the car that this was same Z raced at Bonneville by the famous cam grinder RACER BROWN out of Virginia where he set the record of 152+ MPH in an orange paint scheme that was still visible in certain places all of the car. I understand at one point the car was ordered to be crushed by Nissan but the Nissan Parts and Competition Team somehow skirted that issue, added the G-Nose, painted the car and put it back on the Flats in 1976 with the record that held up for 9 years.”
Z Car Garage Revival
Randy shipped the Z from Georgia to our shop in San Jose, CA where we were tasked with bringing it back from its 44-year slumber. We admired the many details throughout the car, all designed and implemented by that famed team of six Nissan employees. This is probably the lowest mileage (not sold to the public) S30 in existence with about 2300 miles on the chassis. Immediately we noticed how preserved and rust-free the chassis and bodywork was for being a Salt Flat racer.
As you may recall, the standard front nose was run in Racer Brown trim: The F/GT team added this prominent “Grande Nose” for improved high-speed aerodynamics:
The “G-nose” was a factory-made, 5-piece kit made for the JDM-only Fairlady ZG (HS30-H). Created for Group 4 racing, it became a dealer option so it was common to see the G-nose on JDM and export market S30s. Check out the stock ducting:
One might expect a full roll cage for a Z car destined to run 166mph…here the stripped interior houses a simple roll bar with integrated headrest. It gets better as the steering wheel and seats are straight from the uber-rare Fairlady Z432R (shown as reference below)!
Keen observers may note that the steering wheel is an “Ura Mach” unit. This leather/aluminum steering wheel was an available option to all S30s from Nissan sports/race, with the stock wheel being wood composite made by Izumi. Though available as optional parts, these seats and steering wheel were removed from a 432R and installed on the F/GT car as delivered from Japan by Nissan!
Chassis
With respect to the ultra-low mileage of this chassis and provenance we performed a “sympathetic” refresh to make it road-worthy. The entire suspension was removed and powdercoated, with all hardware re-plated. Before/after shots below with more in the gallery.
We rebuilt and replaced all factory brake components including new calipers, rear drums/shoes+wheel cylinders, new wheel bearings front and rear:
New drum brake components:
Freshly powdercoated suspension and undercoated chassis:
New tie-rods, rack bushings an engine mounts:
The tubes inside the original wheel/tire setup were replaced. We built another set of wheels with Vredstein Classic tires in stock size with Mooneyes covers for display.
Engine
Randy wanted to proudly display this historic vehicle in his collection, but more importantly (also why we love him), he wanted to drive it so people can see and hear the F/GT in action. The stock L24 wasn’t going to cut it, this Z was getting the Jaffe-treatment with a famous engine to give it some go…
“John Caldwell had just built us a back up race motor for the 46 Z and it was on an engine stand in my shop so I decided that would go in the Salt Flats Z. The original record setting motor was prepared by Tom O’Connor and his team at Nissan but was long gone. The original 1976 raced motor and the Caldwell motor both L28’s were built almost identical with 44mm Mikunis and very high compression so it would be back similar to its 1976 build. A motor was in the car when I got it but it was a 1973 L24 with flat top carbs and it was not plumbed up – just sitting in the engine bay. There was no question that the car would go immediately to Z Car Garage to receive its heart transplant along with an overall inspection to get the Z road worthy and running strong! Rob went thru the brakes, hydraulics and made sure the car was prepared to drive as if it was going back to Bonneville.”
We installed the Caldwell-built backup engine that was prepared for the BRE 240Z from The Mitty. Randy purchased a set of ph44 Mikuni’s from ZCG complete with Harada intake, velocity stacks, linkages and Z Car Garage Heat Shield. We tried to replicate as much as we could in the engine bay from period photos and history told by previous team members:
More drivetrain goodies. The exhaust system includes a ceramic-coated header and side/rear exit all painted white. The engine is backed by a low mileage 280zx close-ratio 5-speed from Rob’s stash of parts with a JWT aluminum flywheel ad HD clutch. Power is sent through an R180 with 4.11 gearset complete with new bearings and hardware:
New radiator hoses and cooling system refurbished. Notice the large hole in the driver’s side radiator support? This chassis was fitted with a Nissan race carb inlet ducting kit! The fuel system got some love as well with all new lines and refurbished fuel tank. More detailed photos in the gallery:
The fuel pump assembly was updated while remaining faithful to original system. Before/After:
We hid the hid the MSD box by building a bracket and running the wiring into the engine bay. Inside the cabin we cleaned up gauges and made everything functional:
A Museum Piece that Moves!
How does the reborn F/GT Salts Flat Z sound and feel to drive!? Randy loves it:
“With a 13.5+ compression L28 race motor and straight pipes – well it’s music to a motorsports guy. The car has such little mileage and had several tricks added by the Nissan team that it drives amazing and is a total visceral experience!”
Photographer and ZCG client Larry Chen visited us and did an in-depth look at the Z on Hoonigan Autofocus. We made this video below complete with a dyno run, driving on the street and a few clips to give you an idea of the Salt Flat Z experience, enjoy!
We asked F/GT team member Tom O’Connor what power the Z made to achieve 160mph+ at Bonneville:
“I don’t remember exactly but it was a little over 300. Frank Honsowetz and I have discussed it and he can’t remember either, but 300 was our goal and I remember we beat it. We also can’t remember what diff ratio we used but I remember spending a lot of time with the gear ratio/tire size speed calculators.”
Rob dyno-tuned the Caldwell-built BRE motor, making 254hp/212tq to the wheels, not far off from the 300hp mark of ’76 while making all the right noises! Don’t forget to watch the dyno run in the video above!
Salt Flat Z wins at Amelia Concours!
Z Car Garage finished reviving the F/GT Salt Flats car and shipped it back to Randy in Georgia, just in time for the Amelia Island Concours. This event, like many Concours gatherings are heavy on Euro/US entries with little Japanese classic representation. Randy mentioned the Z to the guys at Amelia and they accepted it!
“After that first call to Rob I tracked down Tom O’conner in the LA area and he was thrilled to know that the car may run again and was kind enough to take the winning plaques off of his garage wall that were there since 1976 and shipped them to me! I then was talking to guys at Amelia about the Z and they said immediately – we want the car on the grass in 2021. The event is usually in early March but was pushed out until early May because of the Covid restrictions. Tom O’conner and I spoke several times and he said he would like to attend the Concours with his wife Sharon. This was huge to me to reunite the team leader back in the day with this car!”
Indeed, it was great to see Tom reunited with the record-breaking Z he was part of.
Rob Fuller was also present, meeting several iconic racing legends like Trevor Harris and Peter Brock. Icing on the cake…Randy Jaffe won two awards!
What a sight to see (and hear) the Z on the grass of the Concours. Here is a video showing it in action and revving up to accept the award. Randy also talks a bit about the Z:
Thank You!
ZCG thanks Randy for his unwavering support. We love your passion Randy and how you wave the flag for Nissan/Datsun history. The Salt Flat Z is in great hands for the next generation to appreciate. Stay tuned readers as we feature another cool Z from Randy’s collection on zcarblog. LONG LIVE THE Z!
