Kevin M visited Z Car Garage last year for a new clutch/flywheel, JWT POP charger air filter, routine maintenance items and new WORK wheels on his beautiful Slicktop 300zx. Although the XD9 wheels were a definite upgrade aesthetically, a slight drop in ride height would do wonders for its stock suspension “off-road” stance.  We were happy to see Kevin return in October to upgrade the suspension and install a bunch of other goodies!

 

To dial in a lower ride-height and firm up the ride we installed Stance coil-overs. While coil-overs were being installed we also replaced several suspension parts that were either worn or could be upgraded like Z1 front control arms and SPL T/C rods:

 

New steering rack bushings:

 

Shown below is the modest ride-height drop that looks great but remains functional especially for those treacherous San Francisco roads.

Before/After:

 

Before:

 

After:

 

Stillen sway bars round out the suspension upgrades:

 

Peeking behind the lovely spokes of those WORK wheels is a Stoptech 332mm Big-Brake Kit with black calipers.

 

The rear calipers were color-matched, and treated to Stoptech rotors with our favorite 309 pads:

 

Here’s a few details that we admire Kevin for addressing: Window moldings and front cowl pieces! These are items often overlooked or neglected. With age/weathering window trim can eventually peel back and reveal bare metal underneath. The cowl can fade and crack. Fortunately ConceptZ makes a full replacement kit. We also replaced the A/C compressor and drier with new Nissan units:

 

Here are before/after shots of the molding and cowl:

Kevin’s slicktop Z is well-preserved with just the right amount of personal touches to make driving and owning one fun!

 

Nissan’s Z32 Twin Turbo is a sportscar that has truly stood the test of time. Its curvaceous lines have aged gracefully and the venerable VG30DETT powerplant is still capable of producing impressive numbers today. We love them and specialize in keeping these beauties on the road and in the hands of proud owners like Jas D. He picked up this 1990 300zx Twin Turbo last summer and visited Z Car Garage for a thorough inspection.

 

Though bone-stock with an amazing 44k miles on the clock it needed some attention. We went through the hydraulics and performed full 60k-mile services.

 

Jas wanted to improve power and handling and we happily obliged with a comprehensive list of upgrades this year.  Starting with the drivetrain, the original transmission was replaced with a brand new(!) unit from Nissan:

 

The clutch had seen better days so we replaced it with a JWT unit including their heavy duty aluminum flywheel:

 

A JWT ecu w/boost jets manages uprated NISMO 740cc injectors and the Selin dual MAF. Improved breathing comes from Ash-SPEC inlet piping and dual JWT pop chargers:

 

On the exhaust side, restrictive original downpipes were replaced with these beautiful Specialty Z 3″ downpipes. Note the divorced wastegate piping:

 

Following the new downpipes are more parts from SPZ including 3″ mid-pipes and a cat-back exhaust system to replace the OEM setup:

 

OEM vs SPZ:

 

 

With all of the speed parts installed next we tackled chassis improvements. Lots of goodies here so let’s begin with brakes followed by suspension:

We love Stoptech’s products and use them on our own vehicles.  Z32s are relatively heavy and with higher hp the stock caliper/rotors can be taxed quite easily. Jas took it up a notch and ordered a Stoptech 4-wheel Big-Brake Kit for his beloved Z.  Shown above is the ST40 caliper (front) squeezing 332 mm rotors and at the rear are ST22s on 328mm rotors.

The installation:

 

Yes, they are pretty but also very functional! Speaking of aesthetics(that are functional, too), the new calipers are nicely framed between the spokes of these sweet VOLK TE37SL wheels.  We like your taste, Jas.   The lightweight TE’s were wrapped in Bridgestone S-o4 tires:

 

Several suspension upgrades improve handling and replace old/deteriorated parts. Stance coil-overs were installed while Stillen sway bars front and rear help reduce body roll:

 

OEM vs Stillen sway bar mount/bushing and end-link details:

 

More suspension parts include SPL T/C rods,   Z1 upper control arms and new steering rack bushings:

 

The Z looks fantastic with the new footwork:

 

Jas came back to Z Car Garage in Septemeber for a few more upgrades. We installed 4.08 Leader gears, Ash-SPEC Massive SMICs, 2.5 IC tubing, and  SPZ Hi-5 upgraded clutch. The BDE low-profile Z32 motor mounts are a smart alternative to OEM that allows more clearance larger for intakes:

 

After the addition of larger intercoolers and piping we re-tuned Jas’ Z picking up power throughout the rev range for a total of 369hp/387tq to the wheels:

 

We think Jas’ 300zx Twin Turbo is the perfect addition to his stable. It is now a balanced sportscar with just the right personal touches. Long Live the Z32!

Lots of pictures in the gallery, enjoy!
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Raj visited us in 2009 for the usual ZCG bolt-ons: intake, exhaust, springs and sway bars and after 36k miles he wanted more power. To satisfy his craving we installed a full GTM Stage 2 Twin Turbo kit and JWT HD clutch/flywheel. We also installed the DEFI-link gauges hidden from plain view. Raj wanted his G to look stock and we think he’s achieved that inside/out.

 

After putting 30k miles on the GTM kit Raj came back to us this year for a Blitz boost controller upgrade…nothing like more boost to satisfy your inner power junkie!  Before the controller and tuning at 7lbs of boost the G made 369hp/322tq to the wheels. At 9.5lbs those numbers jump to 409hp/376tq!

 

Stock wheels and a slightly larger exhaust still maintain a low-profile for this 400whp sedan. Enjoy The Boost Raj!

Kevin M came to Z Car Garage with his gorgeous Cherry Red Pearl 300zx slicktop. We took care of several maintenance items including a new clutch/flywheel, JWT POP charger air filter, A/C sorting, new tach and finally eliminating an annoying hood rattle.
Here is the new filter:

 

We installed a used flywheel with a new JWT Heavy Duty clutch:

 

The Z also got some new shoes. Kevin has great taste and we applaud his wheel choice: 18″ WORK XD9s!!! The transformation is amazing:

 

New Bridgstone tires with 275s in back fill the wheel wells nicely. We love the lip and spoke design on the WORKs.  A slight drop in ride height would be sweet…maybe Kevin will be visit us again for suspension 🙂

 

Enjoy The Ride Kevin!

 

Alfredo D is a new customer that met us on the ZONC Canepa Design fun run in 2013. After visiting Z Car Garage he wanted to improve the fun factor on his Z33 roadster with bolt-ons. We gave him the ZCG essentials: Bassani exhaust, JWT POP charger, Eibach springs and control arms.

We know the OEM exhaust system on a 350z is mellifluous…few can mistake that undeniable VQ-burble. Why not accentuate that sound and gain a few hp in the process? The Bassani cat-back exhaust system is one of the best no-compromise setups available!

  

The JWT intake helps with breathing and gives a nice growl under throttle:

 

Firming up the Z’s handling are Eibach springs and SPC adjustable control arms. Full alignment follows.

 

 

Enjoy the new sound as you carve through the twisties Alfredo!