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PARTS UPDATE: Z Car Garage Big-Brake Kit V.2

Filed under: 240z,260Z,280Z,Parts,Performance
by Alvin G @ 2:40 pm on July 13, 2026

 

One of ZCG’s greatest achievements is the development of our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes in collaboration with StopTech. Many satisfied clients are running these brakes on their S30s. Unfortunately, due to supply issues, we no longer offer that kit. The good news is that we’re excited to introduce our new Big Brake Kit!

 

Version 2 has a slightly larger rotor with 4-piston calipers front and rear. It is in final testing, and will be released soon. Here are a few photos from our test drive last weekend in “Mrs. Butters”, our 1971 Series 1 240z shop demo car fitted with the V.2 Big-Brake Kit:

 

Stay tuned for more photos, details and pricing.

 
 

 

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RACE REPORT: 2026 Corkscrew Classic Laguna Seca

Filed under: 240z,510,Events,Racing
by Alvin G @ 5:10 pm on July 2, 2026

 

On June 12-14, Classic Sports Racing Group (CSRG) hosted the Corkscrew Classic vintage race at Laguna Seca. Z Car Garage supported several client’s Datsun 510 race cars running in B-Sedan Group. It was a great weekend filled with competition, camaraderie and plenty of Alfas, BMWs and Datsuns sharing the track. ZCG clients running at the Corkscrew Classic included:

#6 Noah’s Bluebird Coupe

 

#88 Todd R.

Todd and his B-Sedan Datsun 510 have enjoyed our Z Car Garage Trackside Services for several years. He had a great time at the Corkscrew Classic:

 

#52 Kelly McCarty

Kelly recently acquired this 510 from Jim Froula. It features our Z Car Garage CV Axles and race preparation.


Here is Rob with a race report, enjoy the photo gallery below!

ROB: The ZCG team for the weekend covering for Joshua Corwin was Rob, Cooper and Meghan. Cooper is an absolute rockstar. We made it to Laguna Seca hassle-free and got the cars tech inspected. We had Todd in his Datsun 510, Kelly and his new 510 (formally the 52 car of Jim Froula) and we had Noah in the Bluebird and everybody had a good time.

 

The cars worked flawlesly until the end of the weekend when Todd’s 510 had a fuel starvation issue from the FuelSafe. Need to refresh, but will handle that before the Charity Challenge. Great job to Troy Ermish and the Hoosier 2.5 Challenge out there and everybody seem to be behaving and going pretty quick. Lots of cool cars in the paddock, lots of cool friends and perfect weather. The peanut butter pretzels were delicious. The red vines were divine and good times racing.

 

Hoosier Tire 2.5 Challenge

 

CSRG featured the Hoosier 2.5 Challenge TA/BS. This is an action-packed race group with B-Sedans battling for points in the series!

 

Vintage Spec Miata

 

The Classic Sports Racing Group (CSRG) is excited to welcome Vintage Spec Miata (1990-1997) to all of their events! This is a fun, affordable way to get into vintage racing.

ROB: “Little Butters”, our 1991 Vintage Spec Miata that will be available for rental throughout the vintage race season. Contact Rob at ZCG for details. Since this is a new build for I drove it for the weekend to make sure it was sorted and ready to rock for any client that wants to enjoy it. It has a competitive race engine, Penske shocks which are the current suspension for SCCA Spec-Miatas. Just to pay tribute to how wonderful Mrs. Butters Z (our Series 1 shop 240z) is, we painted it Safari Gold. It’s nickname is Little Butters,  Josh likes to call it “I can’t believe it’s not Butters” and then we picked the number 23 because we are Nissan dorks.

 

ROB: Newcomer Steve Albert rented Little Butters for the Corkscrew Classic. He had never been in a Miata before and we had a wonderful weekend with him and his wife hanging out getting to know the Z Car Garage crew. Steve did a great job in Little Butters, picking up nine seconds from start of the weekend to the end. He had some epic battles with the Porsche 912 of Mario M and it was Battle of the Butters 🙂

 

Join us for the 2026 Vintage Racing Season!

Z Car Garage is amped for more racing this year. Please check the CSRG website and zcarblog.com for upcoming race events. Do not miss the next event: The Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca August 12-15th.

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Z Car Garage presents five cars for sale from our client Randy Jaffe’s collection. The Datsuns consist of three Series 1 240Z cars and one 1979 280ZX Race Car. Also for sale is a 1966 Mustang R-style Fastback Race Car. Below is a preview of the collection with links to each car’s individual listing containing build details, photo galleries, driving videos and more.

Serious inquiries only, please contact Rob: 408-452-0350 or rob@zcargarage.com

 

3.2L-Powered 1971 Datsun 240Z 5-speed Rocketbunny

 

 

 

 

 

Randy Jaffe’s 1971 Datsun 240Z Series 1 S30 started as a project car with paint/bodywork performed by Bryson Richards of Classic Livery. The Z was shipped to us from Georgia for finishing his vision of a wild show/go race car. Inspiration for the Tangerine paint color and Jagermeister livery came from Randy’s obsession with Porsche, and the Max Moritz Racing Porsche 934.

Providing room for the 275/315-width tires and custom Panasport C8 wheels is an authentic Pandem Rocketbunny aero kit. Randy channeled his passion for racing into this build and the chassis is virtually identical to his #46 BRE Datsun 240z, using zinc-plated DP Racing suspension parts. The engine is a dyno-tuned 3.2L L-series running 13:5:1 compression, triple-Mikuni ph44s, a Fujitsubo header and glorious BRE-style exhaust. Running gear includes a close-ratio 5-speed ZX transmission, R180 OS Giken LSD, our ZCG CV Axles and ZCG Big-Brake Kit (race version). Continuing the race car theme is a stripped, body-color interior with Sparco race seats, steering wheel and custom Alcantara custom dash. BRE/vintage details throughout.

Car is is pristine condition with zero chips, scratches or defects. Approx. 400 miles on build. 1st Place Winner Best Datsun 240Z at the Japanese Classic Car Show.

Full build details with photos, video and more can be found here: 3.2L-Powered 1971 Datsun 240Z 5-speed Rocketbunny

 

3L-Powered 1970 Datsun 240Z 5-speed Safari Tribute

 

 

 

 

 

Randy’s 1970 Safari Z is a tribute to the original #11 car piloted to victory by Edgar Herrmann and Hans Schuller in the 1971 East African Safari Rally. Nissan campaigned three of these S30s in the rally, finishing 1, 2 and 7th place while handily beating Porsche’s and other marques along the way. This is an early 4/70 production (VIN 03227) Series 1 car and Randy shipped it from Georgia to our shop to prepare it for the “60 Years in 30 Seconds” commercial as part of “The New Nissan” ad campaign starring actress Brie Larson.

The drivetrain includes a new, dyno-tuned 3.0 Rebello street motor using a 10.5:1 head for pump gas, triple-Mikuni ph44 induction (as the original #11 Safari Z ran) complete with Harada intake, velocity stacks, linkages and Z Car Garage Heat Shield covering the Fujitsubo exhaust header. All backed by a new, 1982 280ZX 5 speed transmission and OS Giken 4.11 LSD.

The interior features period touches like navigator’s equipment including 70’s route map, microphone headsets, rally timers and reproduction vintage race seats. Small details remain faithful to the original car inculding functional Works-style side jacking points, rear bumper steps and twin-exit exhaust system. Car was featured by Nissan at SEMA and by Larry Chen in his YouTube video series.

Full build details with photos, video and more can be found here: 3L-Powered 1970 Datsun 240Z 5-speed Safari Tribute

 

2.8L-Powered 1970 Datsun 240Z 5-speed Bonneville Salt Flat Race Car

 
 

 

 

 

This 1970 Datsun 240z set the F/GT class record (1976) of 166.037 mph at Bonneville with Nissan USA field engineer Bob Stockman behind the wheel. The car was stored in Nissan warehouses for decades until our client Randy acquired it from Nissan in 2020. The Bonneville Z-car is chassis HLS30-05834, built in June 1970. Never sold to the public, with only ~2300 miles.

The exterior features the “G-nose”, a factory-made, 5-piece kit for the JDM-only Fairlady ZG (HS30-H) and created for Group 4 racing, The stripped interior houses a simple roll bar with integrated headrest. The steering wheel is a rare, “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!

In 2021 we performed a sympathetic restoration of the Bonneville Salt Flats Z. The original record setting motor prepared by Tom O’Connor and his team at Nissan was not available, so we installed a high-compression L28 built by BRE team member John Caldwell. It features triple-ph44 Mikuni’s with Harada intake, velocity stacks and Z Car Garage Heat Shield. The exhaust system includes a ceramic-coated header and side/rear exit all painted white. The dyno-tuned engine is backed by a low mileage 280zx close-ratio 5-speed with a JWT aluminum flywheel ad HD clutch.  Power is sent through an R180 with 4.11 gearset complete with new bearings and hardware. Original Firestone Bonneville tires, and 15 inch steel wheels that were used during the record setting events are included in sale.

Car was featured by Larry Chen in his YouTube video series, and won the Amelia Award in the 1961-’89 race car class at the 2025 Amelia Island Concours.

Full build details with photos, video and more can be found here: 2.8L-Powered 1970 Datsun 240Z 5-speed Bonneville Salt Flat Race Car

 

Ex-Jim Fitzgerald 1979 Datsun 280ZX Race Car

 

 

 

 

 

This 1979 Datsun 280ZX was raced from 1980 through 1983 by Jim “Fitzy” Fitzgerald, Paul Newman’s close friend and teammate. Fitzy remains the winningest driver in SCCA history and campaigned this 280ZX in C Production as well as IMSA GTU.The car has belonged to Adam Carolla (2009 to 2017), then our client Alex McDowell who raced it the Monterey Motorsports Reunion and many Laguna Seca vintage events from 2018 to 2021.

Z Car Garage refreshed and prepared the ZX for racing in 2018. The drivetrain includes a dry-sump 3.2L Rebello race engine (approx 5 hrs) with triple-Mikuni ph44 carbs on a Nissan Competition intake manifold, Nissan Competition exhaust header with straight pipes into exhaust megaphones, 3.9 OS Giken LSD, ZCG CV Axles and 5 Speed Nissan Comp 2 Transmission. Suspension consists of Koni race shocks, period disc brakes and 16×10 Panasport C8 wheels.

The interior features a full roll cage, fire suppression system and Sparco race seat. This is a very significant historical race car with easy entrance to Vintage Events. Race ready. Additional Body Molds included with sale.

More details with photos, video and more can be found here: Ex-Jim Fitzgerald 1979 Datsun 280ZX Race Car

 

1966 Ford Mustang Fastback R-Style Race Car

 

 

 

 

This 1966 Ford Mustang fastback was built as a B Production race car in 1991 by Historic Race Engineering of Costa Mesa, California and has competed in VARA, SVRA, VDCA, and HSR events since. It is a period-correct homage to the Shelby GT350R, featuring Shelby-style bodywork along with an upgraded suspension and brakes, larger wheels and tires, and safety equipment.

The small-block Ford V8 is backed by a Toploader four-speed manual transmission was purchased from Cobra Automotive. The car was reportedly built to FIA specifications and is currently configured for SVRA Group 6, VDCA Group 6, and HSR Group 3 competition. This GT350R replica is now offered by the current owner with service records, a letter from Carroll Shelby, a logbook, timing sheets, old racing photos, spare parts, a car cover, and a clean GA title.

More details with photos, video and more can be found here: 1966 Ford Mustang Fastback R-Style Race Car

 

All cars from the Randy Jaffe’s Collection are listed below:




EVENTS: ZONC Gathering at the Blackhawk Museum June 14!

Filed under: 240z,260Z,510,Automotive History
by Alvin G @ 2:40 pm on June 2, 2026

 

Join us on Sunday, June 14 for the Z Owners of Northern California (ZONC) gathering at the Blackhawk Museum! See flyer below for more details:

 

We had a blast at this ZONC event with a fantastic turnout. See our report from the 2023 event HERE, and Z you at Blackhawk!

 

 

 

 




EVENTS: Velocity Invitational at Sonoma May 29-31

Filed under: 240z,510,Events,Racing
by Alvin G @ 5:05 pm on May 22, 2026

 

Z Car Garage is excited to participate in the Velocity Invitational at Sonoma Raceway May 29-31. This is a must attend historic racing event for Nissan/Datsun fans with IMSA GTU Z cars, exotics and more to enjoy. Tickets are still available, to purchase simply click HERE, and read below for a preview.

 
 

Z Car Garage Racers

Z Car Garage is excited to be racing and supporting 6 cars in the 1972-1980 IMSA GT, GTX, AAGT and 1966-1979 Historic SCCA B & C Sedan groups. We are stoked for the return of the #49 Joel Anderson IMSA GTU Datsun 240Z, driven by Rob Fuller:

 
 

The Corky Bell U2.5L Trans Am 510

 

Z Car Garage restored it back to its former glory with Trans Am livery and Corky drove it for the first time in 52 years at the 2024 Velocity Invitational. This year, Rob Fuller will pilot the Corky Bell 510! Full feature coming to zcarblog.com

 

#68 Noah’s Datsun 510

 

#72 Tom Dockery

We have helped Tom build and prepare his Ex-Norm Balzer/Koobation 510 for several years. Z Car Garage restored this 510, making a triumphant return to this year’s Velocity event.

 

#64 Kenny Tse

Kenny is a steady ZCG trackside support client, running the Ex-Ted Gruner 510.

 
 

Friday Night Meet with Sung Kang and Larry Chen

 

Lifelong car guys Sung Kang  and Larry Chen are bringing the spirit of Daikoku PA to Sonoma Raceway for a one-of-a-kind Friday night meet. Bring your ride, or just revel in the atmosphere. Z Car Garage will also have #49 Joel Anderson IMSA GTU Datsun 240Z and Corky Bell U2.5L Trans Am Datsun 510 on display!

 

SUNG KANG
Star of DRIFTER, Fast & Furious, and Lifelong Car Guy

Sung will be on-hand at Velocity Invitational Friday during the day (and well into the evening) to meet fans, and show off Lola, his AE86 Trueno drift car, his co-star in DRIFTER.

Sung will be presenting the Northern California debut preview of his upcoming feature film, DRIFTER, at Velocity Invitational, and will be doing a special Q&A with fans following the preview.

Formula Drift champion and Hollywood stunt driver Dai Yoshihara will be on hand as well to meet fans and do demo drift laps in Lola.

LARRY CHEN
Automotive Photographer, Hagerty Personality

With more than two decades of experience documenting car culture around the world, Larry’s work captures the people, passion, and stories behind the machines.

Larry is the host of Capturing Car Culture on the Hagerty YouTube channel, where he explores the global car scene through in-depth features and behind-the-scenes access. He is also a contributor to Turnpike, where he shares long-form editorial pieces focused on automotive lifestyle and culture.

Larry is known for his longstanding role as an official photographer of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and Formula DRIFT series.

As a veteran photographer of Velocity Invitational, Larry will be on-hand to both capture the 2026 event, as well as meet fans, and host the Friday Night Meet with Sung Kang.

Friday Night Meet Details

Load in starts at 5pm!

Sonoma Raceway – 29355 Arnold Dr, Sonoma, CA 95476

Get your tickets HERE

Historic B & C Sedan

Photo by Kris Poulin

Historic B&C Sedan has partnered with Velocity Invitational to gather a collection of 30+ real historic B and C sedan cars this upcoming weekend! Several cars among them have real Trans Am Under 2L and Two-Five Challenge history like the Datsun 510s of Corky Bell and Bob Finn.

 

The Historic B and C Sedan race is one of the most exciting run groups so don’t miss out! Race car driver and Datsun Historian Glenn Chiou will be racing his Ex-Bob Finn U2.5L Trans-Am Datsun 510! This car features our Z Car Garage CV Axles

 

We also provided dyno tuning services for the fresh Rebello L18 with Solex/Mikuni 44phh induction and BRE intake:

 

Listen to this 510 make sweet L-Series music on our dyno in the video below. There is also race/paddock action with Glenn behind the wheel:

 

See you at the Velocity Invitational!

 

View the Race schedule (TBD)

 

Join us for the 2026 Vintage Racing Season!

 

Z Car Garage is amped for more racing this year. Please check the CSRG website and zcarblog.com for upcoming race events. Do not miss the next event: CSRG’s Corkscrew Classic June 12-14.

 




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