Joseph L recently took ownership of our shop’s 2023 Nissan Z. Before we dive into Joseph’s story, let’s give the RZ34 a proper send-off by chronicling Z Car Garage’s journey with Nissan back in 2021…
From Prototype to Production
Our journey with the new Z began in May 2021, when Nissan invited us to their Headquarters in Tennessee to get up close and personal with the Z Proto. We thank Dan Passe and Jonathan Buhler for bringing ZCG along for the ride. We were fortunate to be a part of a series of great events since this inaugural visit.
In August 2021 we were invited to attend the 2023 Nissan Z Global Reveal event in New York:
In September 2021 we were guests of Nissan at SEMA:
In October 2021 we hosted a 2023 Nissan Viewing Event at Z Car Garage for the public to enjoy:
In June of 2022 Nissan kindly lent us a 2023 Nissan Z for five days
For Monterey Car Week in August 2022, Nissan gave us a 2023 Z in Ikazuchi Yellow:
Yes, Nissan even lent us an RZ34 to be Pace Car at the CSRG Vintage Races and on display at the Velocity Invitational in 2022!
We eventually took delivery of our own RZ34 in 2023. This is a 6-speed manual, Performance trim finished in Black Diamond Pearl with Graphite Leather interior. Read all about our experience HERE.
The fun didn’t stop there, after receiving our RZ34, Nissan invited us for a 3-day adventure along the Pacific Highway in this Boulder Gray Z:
Hooked on the Track: Joseph’s Infiniti G37 Sedan
ROB: We met Joseph in 2022 when he had another shop install a supercharger on his G37. There were many things that didn’t work well and he had us resolve them. Once we sorted out this car for Joseph he was really enjoying it and started modifying further. Then he discovered track days, picking up the pace and loving his G37 on road courses.
JOSEPH: My journey to Z Car Garage started with a second-hand, unused Stillen Supercharger kit for my 2010 Infiniti G37S sedan. The installation had problems. At this point I’d never heard of a “track day”, so if you’re wondering why I’d buy a supercharger kit, I ask myself the same question. I needed help. I found Z Car Garage. While the repair was being quoted I read Z Car Blog, and figured out that I had stumbled on the top Z shop in the world, in my backyard.
When I first met Rob, I will never forget, he was shuffling through files, looking for mine, while signing along with The Doors–pretty loud and pretty good–but he was replacing choice words with “Z Car Garage”. “Z Car Garaaaaagggeee, is calling us”. Z Car Garage not only fixed my beloved G, but they made it Z Car Garage Style. It was a rocket. I would later learn the term “sleeper’. It was the best sounding car I’ve ever heard, like naughty angels having a good time. The only other car I heard with this sound was a 370Z in San Jose that must have been set up the same way.
ROB: We started discussing future upgrades when unfortunately the G37 was stolen from his driveway, all captured on video and leaving him heartbroken. A few days later the car was recovered, but not salvageable. Joseph was in a tough spot. While the G37 is a wonderful car, we considered alternative track day cars, like a 350Z or 240Z and then a lightbulb moment…what about the Z Car Garage #49 RZ34!
We were ready to sell since it was sitting idle and not being driven as much. There simply was not as many RZ’s around as we hoped to justify it as a development car. In the two years of ownership we did enjoy it at the track, attending local gatherings and driving events like the Breakfast Club Rally’s Tokyo Calling. It was time to pass on the torch and Joseph was the guy.
Long Live Joel Anderson and #49
Shortly after taking delivery of the new Z we knew exactly how we wanted to make it special, and that was to honor Joel Anderson’s #49 IMSA GTU Datsun 240Z. The graphics were laid on via wrapping and vinyl decals affixed for the numbering/IMSA stickers:
JOSEPH: Rob introduced me to “Hooked on Driving”. Being allowed to drive on real race tracks was a revelation, and I was “hooked”, instantly. After my first track day, we installed a Z Car Garage style suspension. I did three more track days, then the car was stolen. My heart was so broken that I thought about buying a beater and giving up the sport, for six or seven seconds. At this point I am in a simulator most mornings, practicing, so my priorities had changed. I wanted a Z.
When Rob offered the shop Z, I did not think about it. I was not even 100% sure which one he meant, nor did I care. It’s like Jimi Hendrix offering to sell one of his guitars. But it was the new Z, with the 49 car livery, a tribute to Joel Anderson. It still chokes me up as I write this that I am entrusted with the livery. Anybody that asks about the car gets a speech about Joel , Z Car Garage, and the 49 car. After one such occasion, the person asked “so, did they sell you this one for a dollar??”. No-I missed that bargaining chip when I had the chance!
ROB: Coolest thing of all is that Joseph knew the story of Joel Anderson, and asked us if he could carry on the livery and share Joel’s story. Such a win/win. Joseph has done several track days and gives us great feedback so we can continue developing the RZ34 platform. Thanks Joseph, looking forward to seeing you more and upgrading this Z to see more checkered flags!
Track Preparation
When we acquired our new 2023 Nissan Z the very first modification was a Fast Intentions TDX 2.5″ Cat Back Exhaust System. FI makes the best exhaust for late model Nissans/Infiniti sports cars, If you have an RZ34 this is the one to get with high quality, great fitment and a wonderful exhaust note.
The Fast Intentions Cat Back exhaust system also provides solid power gains. We performed before and after dyno runs on our 2023 Nissan Z Performance 6MT and saw 388hp/392tq with the OEM exhaust and 399hp/394tq with the Fast Intentions exhaust. Expect even more with tuning, see more photos and exhaust sound video in our product review Fast Intentions Product Review.
Before Joseph’s first track day at Laguna Seca in the #49 RZ34 we installed the following parts, with more installation photos in the gallery below:
KW V3 Coil overs
Stock and KW V3 installed:
SPC Front Control Arms and Whiteline Sway Bar Set:
Nismo Cold Air Intake
Yokohama Advan Neova AD09 tires, Front Brake Pads (G LOC R8), Rear Brake Pads (G LOC SG1), Stoptech brake fluid 600f and Stainless brake lines:
We received great feedback from Joseph after his Laguna Seca track day (in-car video HERE)
JOSEPH: It was lowered an inch. It handled beautifully! It was very balanced and grippy. It barely understeered. I think most remarkably, going over the hill at turn 1 felt easy, whereas in my G I felt like I was weightless and I was going to lose it. I have learned that the size, weight, and center of gravity of a car are more important than the engine. That said, power delivery was super smooth and there’s a lot of it. You don’t really feel the turbos engaging, it’s just more power. The engine still has the stock tuning and I am still fine with that. The brakes are going to get an upgrade. They performed great but by the end of the day they were pretty cooked. I think we also want an oil cooler as that got pretty close to the red, but I never lost power.
What’s next for Joseph?
JOSEPH: I view myself as the sponsor of the car, and the luckiest test driver on the planet. Z Car Garage is the engineering staff and mechanics. Rob is the technical director. We can build the best street-able track car on the road, as Rob sees fit. I will keep working to get better as a driver and push the car as Zs are meant to be.
Long Live The Z!
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