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The Works: John’s 300zx Twin Turbo

Filed under: Featured Cars and Projects,Maintenance,Performance
by Alvin G @ 4:45 pm on August 23, 2014

ZCG 3314 Cam2 003
 

John P is a new Z car owner and found this Z32TT in the Pacific NW.  When we first met John his Z had 110k miles on the clock and he decided it was time to modify…so we gave him the works! Before the go-fast goodies were installed we addressed all of the car’s issues John discussed with us and ended up with a beautifully clean, well-rounded 300zx.  Our first order of business was in engine bay, correcting the PCV system which had been bypassed/cobbled together:

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Next, we found an injector problem and performed the common late-style conversion. The 1990-1994 Z32TT’s have fuel injector problems because Nissan used a wet coil design. This left the injector coil wire prone to oxidation over time and eventual shorting. The solution? Convert to later style injectors using the early fuel rail. There are several adaptor kits on the market to achieve this, making servicing/removal a breeze without the need for removing the manifolds. For John’s Z we wanted to run 740cc injectors which is only available in the new style:

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More engine work including full timing belt services along with valve cover removal/refinishing:

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Driveline was upgraded with a JWT HD clutch and flywheel. Keen observers may note that the exhaust has changed too!

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Larger downpipes greatly improve flow over the stock manifolds. The best downpipes for your Z32TT (in our opinion) can be found at SpecialtyZ. These are 3″ units:

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The Z was treated to a chassis steam clean, making a clean grime-free backdrop for the new exhaust system!  The downpipes were mated to 3-2.5″ midpipes:

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With wiring and general cleaning the engine bay looks much better!

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A few chassis upgrades included SPL T/C rods and bushings as well fresh rear brakes:

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With the mechanicals sorted John added a few lighting improvements to the interior. The dim stock displays benefitted from new LED sources. Check out the difference:

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Even the climate control display is improved:

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More LED upgrades throughout the cabin:

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All of the work above was completed on John’s first visit. On the dyno the new exhaust clearly makes a noticeable improvement in power. We picked up 31hp/33tq to the wheels:

John Park Z32TT (1)
 

John visited ZCG for the second time for upgrades!  We installed more parts from our friends at SpecialtyZ  like their Selin dual MAF.  To improve breathing we also installed larger Stillen intercoolers and charge plumbing from Ash-spec:

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Finally, low-profile engine mounts from BDE offer more turbo inlet clearance:

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With larger ICs, plumbing and dual MAF’s we tuned John’s Z and it now makes 372hp/360tq to the wheels:

John P Mods to Tune (1)
 

Enjoy The Ride, John!

ZCG 3314 Cam2 004




Sleeper Sedan: Raj’s Twin-Turbo G35

Filed under: Featured Cars and Projects,g35,Performance
by Alvin G @ 11:47 pm on June 4, 2014

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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.

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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!

Raj K G35S TT with Boost controller
 

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

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Eric’s 300zx Twin Turbo

Filed under: Featured Cars and Projects,Performance
by Alvin G @ 6:00 pm on November 19, 2013

 

Eric L has been with Z Car Garage since our opening almost 9 years ago. He bought his Z32TT while in college and took great care of his Z for many years. He decided it was time for more traction and braking so we installed a Stoptech big-brake kit up front and new wheels/tires.


Before/after shot of the F/R brakes:

 

The stock rear calipers were matched to the front and treated to new Stoptech rotors with 309 brake pads:

 

We also took care of a few others items like replacing the hood insulation and some general maintenance.

 

Staggered Work Emotion CR-Kai wheels contrast nicely with the with the pearl white paint and allow for some wider tires to be fitted!

Enjoy The Ride Eric!




Chris’ GTM G35 Coupe

Filed under: Featured Cars and Projects,g35,Performance
by Alvin G @ 11:49 pm on October 10, 2013

 

Chris B is a long time ZCG customer and we have been with him through various stages of his build. Affectionately called “Lucy”, this beautiful G35 coupe has won numerous awards at shows including Hot Import Nights. Chris fanatically detailed the engine bay with polished and stainless parts abound. Even the Cosworth intake manifold was customized with candy-red carbon fiber to match the valve covers and huge Brembo calipers at all 4 corners.

 

 

Low compression in one cylinder and a feeling that he’d reached the limits of the Vortech supercharger sparked a call to ZCG. Rob and Chris discussed the next stage of boost for Lucy and it would be in the form of two turbos courtesy of a GTM Stage 2 kit! Parts arrived and the drivetrain was removed.

 

The built VQ was re-assembled with care and attention to detail considering how Chris insanely polished parts like the entire front end.

 

Behold the shine. Once you start polishing it is hard to stop!

 

With the engine buttoned down the GTM twin-turbo kit was installed. Note details like the manifold heat shields and insulation protecting oil/wiring lines near downpipes.  The fresh GTM stage 4 automatic transmission is a prudent upgrade to handle big power:

 

Twin-turbo VQ, welcome home!

 

Polished hot/cold pipes feed the GTM FMIC:

 

Rob’s conservative 91 octane tune yielded 450hp/421tq to the wheels. More power to come!

 

We love working with Chris and look forward to turning up the wick when the urge arises! Enjoy the boost and that wonderful engine bay!


Lots of pictures of Chris’ build in the gallery below so don’t forget to click after the jump!
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Black S130: Daniel’s Turbo 280zx

Filed under: 280Z,280zx,Featured Cars and Projects,Performance
by Alvin G @ 12:25 pm on July 14, 2013


Daniel R owns this 280zx with a turbo swap and it developed a leak from the exhaust manifold. We repaired broken studs in the manifold, injector connections, oil feed to the turbo, replaced the oil dipstick and breather hose.

The valve cover was treated to wrinkle coat red finish:

The engine bay in Daniel’s 280ZX looks better and is fully functional!




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