Mike R acquired this gunmetal (KH2) 1991 Skyline GTR from Toprank International Vehicle Importers in 2019. Z Car Garage is familiar with the Norcal Skylines group and fellow R32 owner Kurt W referred Mike to us in addition to an endorsement from Top Rank. Mike’s first round of upgrades included a Project Mu Big-Brake kit, Ohlins coil-over suspension, Haltech ecu, Greddy FMIC, sorting and dyno tuning. All of this work is documented in our 2020 blog post:

   

More Upgrades

 

Following that initial visit, Mike added R34 GT-R Seats, and a sweet set of Volk Racing TE37 SL custom gloss black wheels (18×10.5 +15), wrapped in Michelin PS4S tires (265/35/18). A Haltech IC7 digital dash was added to monitor vital engine parameters, tying into the CAN box of Elite system:

 

Add More Boost

 

Mike was happy with the upgrades we made but like many of us the desire for more power inevitably hits:

“The car has been running flawlessly and the goal with these mods is to support the addition of a single turbo kit that ZCG will be installing this August. The turbo kit consists of a Full Race Twin scroll T4 manifold that will be mated to an EFR 8474 turbocharger. Twin Tial 44mm external wastegates will bleed off the excess exhaust gasses.”

 

(Below)Borg Warner EFR 8474 0.92 with T51r mod and Full Race T4 twin scroll Exhaust manifold:

 

Remade in USA throttles and Nismo plenum. Fully built cylinder head with GSC S1 cams, SuperTech valves, springs, retainers, guides:

 

PRP crank trigger kit, Radium Dual Catch cans, Custom Intercooler piping with Tial q50 bov and Nismo oil cooler:

 

HKS Super Turbo Titanium exhaust:

 

Mike’s R32 came back to ZCG in 2022 for a few more items including:

ATS Carbon twin disk clutch (shoutout to @wubbs18)
New oem timing belt and pulleys
PRP alternator kit
Kansai Service Towhook
OEM Valley cover powder coated with R34 ornament plate
Mines Alcantara shift boot, parking brake handle and boot

 

VIDEO

Enjoy this video of Mike’s R32 GT-R in action with dyno runs, in-car and drive-by footage. Volume up!

 

Dyno Tuning

 

Several dyno tuning sessions were performed during the upgrade period. 515hp/437tq on 91 octane was achieved with significant mid-range gains:

  

Mike was pleased:

“Big thanks to @zcargarage for seeing this project through to the end and making the car come to life. We had a lot of headaches and setbacks over the past 11 months, but they did an incredible job end result speaks for itself! Couldn’t be happier. 🤘”

 

E85 Fuel

 

“Ethanol delivery is handled by a full Radiumengineering fuel system. Fuel hanger surge tank using twin 525lph to feed the rail and a 340lph to feed the hanger. All new hoses with a -8 feed line. Radium fuel rail with Rail mounted adjustable fuel pressure regulator. All feeding Injectordynamics ID1700XDS injectors. Haltech Flex fuel Sensor and Bosch Fuel pressure/temp combo tied into Haltech Elite to bring it all together.⁣”

 

On the dyno with E85 the R32 put down 624hp/479tq at the wheels, and Mike continued to enjoy the car:

 

“So the car has been on flex fuel for a few months now. Made 600 whp and 480tq. Still just keeping the boost around 20psi. Tons of room left in the setup. Been enjoying the shit out of the car is it currently sits. Maybe some minor cosmetic stuff in the near future, but for now….just drive.”

 

Enjoying The Ride

 

We were happy to see Mike Enjoying the Boost and spotted his R32 in action at the Tokyo Calling and Breakfast Club Rallies in Northern California:

   

Catch more of Mike’s R32 on his Instagram. Overview of major work is below with more photos in the gallery. Thanks for your support Mike!

. Custom 4” intake
. Full Race T4 twin scroll Exhaust manifold
. Borg Warner EFR 8474 0.92 with T51r mod
. Turbosmart gen4 twin port IWG
. Custom Intercooler piping
. Greddy 29f Intercooler
. Tial q50 bov
. Nismo plenum
. @remade_in_usa_ restored throttles
. Radium fuel filter, fuel rail, afpr, and pulse damper
. ID1050x injectors
. Hellcat fuel pump
. Fully built cylinder head
. GSC S1 cams
. SuperTech valves, springs, retainers, guides
. Greddy adjustable Cam gears, timing belt
. PRP crank trigger kit
. Fluidamper
. Two six engineering power steering pump kit.
. RHD Auto power steering reservoir
. Nismo Oil Cooler
. PWR radiator with Samco hoses
. Haltech Elite 2000 pnp
. Haltech WB1 canbus wide and 02sensor
. Haltech IC7 digital dash
. Haltech 3 port boost solenoid
. Radium Dual Catch cans
. HKS Super Turbo Titanium exhaust

…[read more]

 

***HAPPY HOLIDAYS From Z Car Garage***

 

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!

 

ZCG Parts on JDM Legend’s Epic Build

 

We are really excited to see our Z Car Garage parts on the JDM Legends Safari Gold Datsun 240Z build! This S30 features our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, Z Car Garage CV Axles and our Z Car Garage Heat Shield on the 3.2 Rebello L-Series engine. Backing the drivetrain is our CD009a 6-speed transmission kit:

  

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!

CJ’s 1971 Datsun 240Z

 

CJ’s 1971 Datsun 240Z features our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, Z Car Garage CV Axles, and ZCG Heat Shield! We also installed triple-Mikuni induction and dyno tuned the Rebello 3L engine backed by a 240SX 5-speed transmission.

 

 

Our 2023 Nissan Z

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.

   

Mike’s Stillen GTZ

 

Garrett’s 1972 Datsun 240Z

 

Rick’s 1965 Nissan Silvia

 

Bill’s 1973 Datsun 240Z

 

Kim’s 1970 Datsun 240z

 

Alex’s Sunny Truck

 

Adam’s RB25-powered 1971 Datsun 240Z

 

Yousef’s 1970 Datsun 240Z

 

Vince S’ 1973 Datsun 240Z

300zx

 

 510 and Fairlady Roadster

 

350Z

 

370z

R32

Updates on Mike and Kurt’s R32 Skylines!

Racing

 

RACE REPORT: 2023 Charity Challenge with CSRG Sonoma

RACE REPORT: Laps for Laguna 2023

RACE REPORT: Vintage Racing with SVRA 3/4/23

RACE REPORT: David Love Memorial with CSRG 3/25

RACE REPORT: GRIDLIFE Laguna

 

Rallyes/Events

 

EVENTS: Built By Legends Gathering 8.13.23

https://www.zcarblog.com/2023/09/08/events/event-report-tokyo-calling-3-rally.html

EVENTS: 36th Annual Z Car Convention 7/31 to 8/5

https://www.zcarblog.com/2023/06/12/events/event-report-zonc-gathering-6-11-23.html

EVENTS: 2023 Japanese Classic Car Show October 7

EVENTS: Nissan Adventures on the Pacific Coast Highway!

 

Media

Gary’s Datsunworks-powered Datsun 240Z featured in OPTION Magazine. ZCG was featured in Nostalgic Hero Magazine:

 

MEDIA: Sung Kang’s FUGUZ Featured in OPTION Magazine

MEDIA: Z Car Garage in Nostalgic Hero Magazine

MEDIA: Gary’s Datsunworks DOHC 240Z featured in Option Magazine

 

LONG LIVE THE Z! Check out our Instagram story for more updates!

 

 

Z Car Garage is proud to be a sponsor for the 36th Annual Z Car Convention (ZCON) hosted by ZCCA  and Group Z Sports Car Club in Ontario, Ca July 31 to August 5. This is the largest Z-car event in the US and we are stoked to participate.

 

ZCON Here We Come!

 

Z Car Garage will be traveling to Southern California to attend the People’s Choice Car Show on Saturday 8/5 held in the Ontario Convention Center. We will have a vendor booth onsite featuring parts we sell including our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, Z Car Garage CV Axles, Z Car Garage Heat Shield and Panasport wheels:

 

We will also have a Nissan CD009a 6-speed swap for you to see, touch and feel. Don’t forget to pick up some ZCG swag/merchandise!

 

Highlighting the Z Car Garage booth will be our client Gary’s S30 with the Datsunworks KN20 twincam cylinder head. Our #49 Joel Anderson IMSA GTU Datsun 240Z will also be on display in the convention center lobby entrance all week:

The Datsunworks KN20-powered 240Z

 

Gary’s 1971 Datsun 240Z with the Datsunworks KN20 twincam cylinder head. Supporting the 3.1L engine are our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, Z Car Garage CV Axles, Jenvey ITB EFI with Haltech Elite management, Nissan 6-speed CD009s transmission and OS Giken 4.11 LSD.

 

Enjoy this video showing the KN20 Datsun 240Z in action:

The #49 Joel Anderson IMSA GTU 240Z

 

The #49 Joel Anderson IMSA GTU Datsun 240Z has a rich racing history and actively runs in vintage race groups with Rob Fuller behind the wheel. It is a fitting car to be displayed in the lobby as it has ties to the Ontario Motor Speedway Pace cars that Nissan/Datsun campaigned in the 70’s.

 

Enjoy this video showing the Joel Anderson IMSA GTU Datsun 240Z in action:

 

Z You There!

We are excited to share the passion and check out everyone’s Z cars at the show. Hope to Z you there and LONG LIVE THE Z!

 

Z Car Garage routinely services and modifies Nissan’s R35 supercar and today we have two that visited us for transmission work.

Anthony’s R35

Anthony came to ZCG after a dealership pulled a transmission failure code on his 2009 R35 GT-R. There is a common defect in the pressure sensors inside the transmission of specific model year R35s and ZCG can provide a client a little more than a dealership simply replacing a part. If we see something that is a known issue we like to offer an upgraded solution.

After getting a quote for a substantial amount at the dealership, Anthony reached out to us, brought the car in and we confirmed the failure. Jack’s Transmissions out of Colorado is a well-known R35 transmission builder and we had them build a “hot rod” unit with upgraded pressure sensors and clutches.

 

We removed the transmission and sent it to Jack’s. With the upgraded pressure sensors we needed to re-program the ECU and dyno tune to make sure it performed well. Anthony’s R35 made 511hp/478tq at the wheels, enjoy the dyno run video below:

 

 

Hector’s R35

 

Two weeks later, Hector visited us with is R35 having the exact same transmission code issue. We removed the transmission and re-installed the rebuilt unit from Jack’s. In the exhaust area we found downpipe issues… the passenger side turbo had a really terrible repair on the turbo charger housing in an attempt to get it to seal:

 

We removed all of that and repaired it correctly. With the exhaust off we were able to replace the outlet gaskets, all of the turbo studs and nuts plus a missing exhaust bracket. All exhaust system issues were corrected.

  We also dyno tuned Hector’s R35 after the fresh transmission was installed and it made 501hp/494tq to the wheels. Enjoy the dyno video below:

 

 

Both GT-Rs are making great power and driving at full power with beautifully shifting transmissions. This is another great example of why independent specialty shops exist…we take over when the dealership says just replace it with a stock part…Long Live Boost and Long Live the R35!

…[read more]

 

We love working on late-model Nissans and Nathan visited Z Car Garage for tuning and bolt-ons for his 2014 Nissan R35 GT-R.

 

We installed our go-to Specialty-Z R35 intake kit, AMS 90mm downpipes and AMS 90mm midpipe with stock flange to the cat back exhaust:

 

The Specialty-Z intake kit replaces the restrictive factory airbox:

 

AMS downpipes and midpipe:

 

Dyno Tuning

Nathan signed on for ECUTEK tuning including his own ECUTEK Bluetooth dongle to check codes and monitor vitals. With Rob’s dyno tuning the GT-R made 553hp/545tq at the wheels, gains of +53hp/82tq:

 

Enjoy the dyno videos below:

 

Nathan was super excited with the results and fueling upgrades are up next. Long Live Boost and Long Live the GT-R!

…[read more]