Zccm issue jan feb 3 1 3 2

2ND ANNUAL FRIEND’S OF MR. K FUN RUN

Z CAR CLUB MAGAZINE

The

Search Perfection for

when buying a used Z32 JAN/FEB 2017 • ISSUE 3.1/3.2

ZCARCLUBMAG.COM

Contents

zcarclubmag.com • jan/feb 2017 • issue 3.1/3.2

Features

eight

12 The Price is Right And the timing couldn’t be better for buying a used 1990s 300ZX (NA or turbo). The price is right for those looking for a second, third or fourth Z.

Departments 5 From the Editor 8 Events 2nd Annual Friends of Mr. K Fun Run February 17-20, 2017 - Laughlin, NV

11 Classifieds 19 Out of the Garage How to: Installing a fuel pressure guage

20 Around the Curve twelve

Illustration by Jim Smith

publisher: Nelson Ackerman, nlackerman1@aol.com editor-in-chief: Art Singer, arts.zccm@gmail.com managing editor: Keelan Murphy, keelan.zccm@gmail.com advertising: call 505.835.9170 for a media kit operations: Printing: Starline Printing, distribution: Lita Singer

Z

CAR

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MAGAZINE

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Z Car Club Magazine is a monthly digital publication and a printed version comes out three times a year (April, August and December).

No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without the expressed written permission of the publisher. This publication is distributed with the understanding that the information presented herein is from various sources for which there can be no warranty or responsibility by the publisher as to accuracy, safety, or completeness. Unsolicited material will not be returned. PRINTED IN U.S.A.

FROM THE EDITOR • Spring is here!

By: Art Singer, EIC (ZCCM), Albuquerque Z Car Club Okay, maybe not for everyone, but here in the southwest the temperatures are in the high 70s and the juniper is going crazy. I’m off the charts allergic to it and this season has been absolutely miserable. Two more weeks and I will be back to normal. Hey, I heard that!

It’s time to get those Z’s out from under the covers, except for everyone in the northeast. Looking forward to some good car shows this year. We’re still waiting to hear what day Z Bash 2017 will be on. My guess is somewhere between Late April and mid May. I plan on flying into Atlanta and spending a day at ZDayZ, the first time for me in about 4 years. Branson Z fest is back for its 12th year (I think). This years event starts on May 31st and runs through June 3rd, 2017. I’m crossing my fingers, no torrential downpours this year.

I had to make a big decision this year about going to Nismo Fiesta. Since this years ZCON is in Austin, TX, I decided to conserve my trip taking and make the trek to Austin. I would like to think I’m going to see a lot of the Z’s I would have seen at Nismo Fiesta. Theres always next year. I’m really hoping to drive a 350Z (my own) to this years convention. I’m starting to look now and hope to find an older 350Z that I can do a lot of modifications to. It will really be nice to drive a Z with creature comforts for the first time in my life. Yes, Chris Karl from the Cleveland Z Club let me drive his 370Z Nismo to New

Hampshire. And even though I enjoyed every minute of it, it still wasn’t my car.

It will be great to have ZCON back in my neck of the woods (a very long neck).

There have still been quite a few readers wanting to send in articles on their Zs. The problem (if you want to call it that) is, they are mostly coming from the S30 crowd. I would love to see some later model Z owners (280ZX, 300ZX, 350Z and 370Z) get involved and start submitting some articles on their cars.

As much as I love the S30, I would like to see more variety, including the newer models in the pages of ZCCM. A few good pictures and a good story behind the car is all it takes to make it happen. Even the 510 and Roadster owners are welcome to submit an article.

ZCCM is still in search of Z-cars for the "Behind the Wheel" section of the magazine. If you own a nice Z and would like to see your car gracing the pages of the magazine and don't mind writing about it then send me an email at arts.zccm@gmail.com to get the ball rolling. Who knows, it might turn into a feature (see above) if there is a really good story behind it! Most BTW's only need between 400 to 700 words and about 5 to 8 hi-res images. This is your chance to see your car in print and it also looks nice displayed in the rear hatch area of your Z at your local car show. So get out from behind the wheel and show the world what you got.

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What we design and build we use ourselves.....and for those of you concerned with sending your hard-earned Z dollars to someone you’ve never meet, we offer a 100%, no question asked refund policy.

Email: john@baddogparts.com Z CAR CLUB MAGAZINE

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EVENTS • 2nd Annual Friends of Mr. K Fun Run By: Art Singer, EIC (ZCCM), Albuquerque Z Car Club This year’s Friends of Mr. K Fun Run was based in Laughlin, NV at the Aquarius Casino Hotel. Some of us got in on Friday afternoon, including Johnnie Gable and her son Kenny Ueda, the organizer of this event.

Kenny and Johnnie to honor the great Mr. Yutaka Katayama, the father of the Z, put on the event. During his time with Nissan, Mr. K had traveled the roads in Nevada and Arizona many times and especially enjoyed his travels along Route 66.

This year was a little different. When everyone else arrived on Saturday, we as a group headed north to Henderson, NV to spend some time with Peter and Gayle Brock at BRE headquarters. Thanks to John Moran from Empire Z (he contacted the Brocks and set this up) we were able to spend a couple of hours at the BRE store and were also given a tour of their shop where they produce covered car trailers called the Aerovault. We were also offered a 10% discount on anything in the store to go along with

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Z CAR CLUB MAGAZINE

some already discounted items. I myself left with a couple of die cast cars and five autographed posters. It ended up being a great addition to the event.

Sunday was spent driving along a portion of the old Route 66 highway. We drove to Seligman, AZ via I-40 to begin our drive on Route 66. We made a stop at the Hackberry General Store for some picture tasking and then headed on to Kingman and Mr. D’d Diner for lunch.

After lunch, we walked across the street to the Route 66 Museum. For a small donation ($4.00) you could learn more about the historic Route 66 and see some of the electric cars and trucks they have on display.

From there it was on to Oatman, AZ. The stretch of road leading into Oatman is a Z car

Z CAR CLUB MAGAZINE

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BEHIND THE WHEEL

owners dream. A very twisty, curvy, narrow road that will test the skills of any driver. There are no guardrails (okay, there might be three, but they won’t stop you from going over the side of the cliff) and the lane is the edge. No three or four foot runoffs to make you think you have a chance. You could almost consider this the West’s version of the Tail of the Dragon.

Oatman is a blast from the past. It still has that old western feel to it. Donkeys walking around looking for anyone to feed them, reenacted gun fights in the street and all kinds of stores line each side of this one road town. Be prepared to spend a few hours there since it can get very busy with all the tourists coming through.

This was my first time attending the event and I must admit I had a great time. I will now make this a yearly thing as long as Johnnie and Kenny are willing to host it. I hope to see more Z enthusiasts from around the southwest joining in on the fun.

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Z CAR CLUB MAGAZINE

CLASSIFIEDS Sell your parts and accessories, street vehicles, and anything else Datsun or Nissan related. Rates start at $35.00 for 40 words with one picture. Contact Art Singer at 505-835-9170 or arts.zccm@gmail.com for more information.

1987 Nissan 300ZX 2+2 1987 Nissan 300ZX 2+2 Affectionately known as the California Mistress is officially retired in Northwest Arkansas and is "Up for Adoption". Automatic trans, (rebuilt 2007), a/c works great, entire cooling system updated 09/2015 at a cost of $3860. Ice Blue Silver Metallic with two-tone blue interior, T-tops, louvers and full service manual on USB and a 1-yr subscription to Alldata. 149K original miles, Original owner since 1989, was a Dealer demo at Culver City Nissan in Southern CA. Always garaged. Trailer queen from 2004-2010, too many awards to list (also goes with vehicle) from Southern and Northern CA, to Arizona to Branson, MO to Northwest Arkansas, To see more detailed photos, an in-depth write-up and certified service history (CARFAX) all in PDF, please email; ronkalter@aol.com. Vehicle is located in Arkansas near the Oklahoma and Missouri state lines. This Z is in pristine condition, but not perfect. If you want perfection, l’d go see Jesus.

Asking only $9,349.00 or nearest offer.

Z CAR CLUB MAGAZINE

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THE

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Z CAR CLUB MAGAZINE

STORY BY ART SINGER, COVER AND OPENING SPREAD PHOTOS BY DIEGO PERRI

IS

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A USED SECOND-GENERATION 300ZX Z CAR CLUB MAGAZINE

13

I

t is generally accepted in the Z car world that a well-

cars for many years to come.

maintained 240Z is an extremely fun, reliable, and

So what should you look for when buying a 25-year old

economical ride. However, it has been 44 years since

sports car? Did the previous owner keep good maintenance

the last 240Z rolled off the assembly line, making it

records? How many miles are on the car? Not that miles matter

very difficult to find a worthy example of the original Z car.

if the car has been well maintained, such as tune-ups, driveline

Suffice it to say that, if you don’t already own one, you should

fluid changes, timing belt changes, radiator service, brake work,

be prepared to pay a significant amount of money to acquire a

suspension alignments, and tire rotations were performed when

solid car. But there is an alternative for the budget minded Z-

specified. Then there is preventive maintenance that includes

enthusiast—the 1990-96 300ZX.

periodic injector cleaning, electric connector cleaning, computer

An alternative to the 240Z? Most original Z owners would

diagnostic analysis, and exterior/interior detailing.

never think of getting behind the wheel of a Z32. But, when you

The cars maintenance records will tell you if the car has been

look more closely at the second generation 300ZX, you will see

reliable in the past and is a strong indicator of what you can

that although the lines are different, both styles of the Z possess

expect in the future. If the cars you are looking at have no main-

the same qualities: performance, reliability and a look that was

tenance records, be prepared to spend some extra money to

way ahead of its time.

In 1989 the first of the second-generation 300ZX’s arrived in the United States. Upon its introduction, the Z32 was hailed by

make sure everything is up to date when it comes to maintenance. The usual 60,000, 120,000, 150,000 and 180,000 service work is always in play.

the automotive press as an exceptional sports car with “super-

All vehicles, even the first-generation 240Z’s, have known

car” styling, performance, and handling. In normally aspirated

areas of weakness that can lead to significant repairs and

(NA) or twin turbo form, this 300ZX set the standard in sports

headaches down the road. The Z32 is no exception. That being

14

BRANDON TILGHMAN, WILMINGTON, NC - 1994 300ZXTT Z CAR CLUB MAGAZINE

THE PRICE IS RIGHT

RYAN THIBODEAU, MANCHESTER, NH - 1993 300ZX NA said the fourth generation Z has very few documented weak-

777599), and turbo models produced prior to 1/90 (engine num-

nesses, making it relatively easy to make an informed decision.

bers below 619550), may be subject to this problem. To deter-

Here are three known problems you should look for.

mine if the car you are looking at could have this problem, check

Valve-train:

the hood for date of manufacture and engine serial numbers.

the data tags riveted to the drivers side door jam and look under Some early production cars may experience problems with

The early Z32’s are not alone when it comes to this weak-

“soft” valve seats that can lead to a loss of compression and a

ness. The 240Z, 260Z, and early 280Z have had similar issues

rough idle. NA Z’s produced before 7/90 (engine number below

with softer valve seats. In addition to the valve seat problem,

TIM DAVIS, ZROC - 1991 300ZXTT Z CAR CLUB MAGAZINE

15

JONATHAN BROBST, BIRMINGHAM, AL - 1996 300ZX SLICK TOP some very early production Z32’s had weaker valve springs.

for an ignition system power unit. When it goes bad, the car

Listen for a tapping noise once the engine is fully warmed up.

stalls and will not restart. Back in the day, Nissan fixed this prob-

Chances are no damage will have been done, but you should

lem for free. Another problem can be with the ignition coils (6)

replace them the next time the timing belt is changed. It will only

that can occasionally fail. They can be identified by a “fried elec-

cost a few extra bucks.

trical” smell coming from the defective unit. These can be replaced in about five minutes. The ignition problem in the Z32

Ignition recall:

was similar to the common failure reported in early 240Z’s

There was only one recall during the entire production run. It was

involving a “meltdown” of the fuse box wire. Anyone with a

PHOTO BY ALEX TRUJILLO 16

CAESAR SANDOVAL, TURLOCK, CA - 1990 300ZX NA Z CAR CLUB MAGAZINE

THE PRICE IS RIGHT

CHAMROEN BOU, RICHMOND, VA - 1991 300ZXTT 2+2 240Z knows what I’m talking about.

like to use them as an upgrade on their cars.

Now it’s time to look at some of the normal things when buy-

Aluminum calipers:

ing a used sports car. Examine the car thoroughly. Make sure it

There were some complaints related to the aluminum brake

is as rust free as possible (especially at the bottom of the spare

calipers that could fail due to the extreme temperatures generat-

tire well), that the paint and body are in decent shape and the

ed under heavy braking. From what I can tell it is not a major

interior isn’t completely trashed. This may sound crazy, but ask

issue considering what people are willing to pay (on Ebay) for an

the owner to run water over the t-tops to see if they leak or take

original set. And the demand is quite high now that 240sx guys

it to a carwash and see what happens under pressure. Again, as

BOB BREITWEISER, POWDER SPRINGS, GA - 1990 300ZX NA Z CAR CLUB MAGAZINE

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THE PRICE IS RIGHT

JUAN MARTINEZ, MODESTO, CA - 1990 300ZX NA for maintenance records, if they can’t produce them, think twice

sioner. If it’s something you can’t live with, buy another car or

about buying the car unless you have no problems wrenching on

change the timing belt early.

it yourself. Listen for clutch bearing noise. It’s okay if it makes a

And last, but not least check that all the electronics are in

little noise, but if it gets louder, chances are you will need to

good working order. Lights, radio, windows, turn signals,

replace the clutch. A clutch that isn’t abused can last 100,000

wipers, gauges, air conditioning, etc. The last thing you want to

miles or more. But come on, this is a sports car right? Make sure

be doing is chase electrical gremlins.

the alternator is in proper working order. For some reason, it

So if you are in the market for another Z car, take a look at the

seems like all 90’s Nissan alternators have an expected life of

Z32. This Z was so far ahead of its time that it still looks like it just

about 50,000 miles. The cost to replace it will run you a couple

rolled off the assembly line yesterday. And due to the passage of

hundred dollars. If you hear a squeaking noise from the front of

time, a nice example of a Z32 can be bought from anywhere

the engine when it is cold, chances are it’s the timing belt ten-

around $4,000 to $10,000 dollars. Not bad for a “supercar”!

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ADAM GRAVES, LONGVIEW, TX - 1995 300ZX Z CAR CLUB MAGAZINE

OUT OF THE GARAGE • how to: Installing a fuel pressure gauge By: Curt Wheeler, Group Z Installing a fuel pressure gauge is very

best as far as the orientation of the ‘T’ and the

easy and a great ‘bang for the buck’ modifica-

gauge. Attach the gauge to the ‘T’ with the

tion for your car. For fuel injected cars, some-

thread sealer and wrench it tight. Disconnect the

times it’s not easy to troubleshoot and quickly iso-

fuel hose from the fuel filter outlet (this is a good

late a problem to the ignition, the MAF and air

time to replace the fuel filter). Cut a small piece

intake delivery, or the fuel delivery system and a

of new fuel hose (3” or so) and press it on to the

fuel pressure gauge can help you in this regard.

fuel filter outlet and then install the ‘T’ fitting

You’ll need the following items: fuel pressure

w/gauge to this hose (make sure you slip the

gauge, 5/16” in line ‘T’ hose fitting, a section of

clamps onto the hose first). Trim the existing hose

5/16” fuel hose (rated for fuel injection), a hose

as needed to properly mate with the ‘T’ fitting

clamp, and pipe thread sealer. Typical stock fuel

and attach it with a clamp. Recheck all fuel hose

pressure is 4-10 psi for a carbureted motor and

clamps and secure the hose (w/gauge) if possi-

30-45 psi for a fuel injected motor.

The gauge should be installed just upstream of the fuel filter as shown in the picture. It’s very important that you bleed the pressure from the

ble (in the picture it’s secured to the return hose).

Reinstall the fuel pump fuse, start the motor, and check for leaks.

I installed a gauge from Summit Racing (PN#

fuel lines first and this is best done by pulling the

SUM-800160) and a 5/16” inline ‘T’ fitting from

fuel pump fuse (assuming you have an electric

Performance Automotive Warehouse (PN# B&B-

fuel pump) and then start the motor and let it stall

B10400). Also shown in the picture is a 3/8” fit-

suitable thread sealer at any auto parts store or a

by starvation. First, trial place the gauge in the

ting from Summit (PN# SUM-G1710) but you

good plumbing outfit (Teflon tape is not recom-

location where it’s going and see what suits you

really should use a 5/16” fitting. You can get

mended in a fuel system application).

NEW VENUE, same old Ozark Mountain Madness at the Honeysuckle Inn and Conference Center

Scheduled Events (subject to change): • Car Show • BBQ • Dyno Day • Drag Racing • Funcross • Daily Drives

Z-FEST

2016

May 31- June 3,

Become a Repeat Offender

Registration opens March 17 at 7:00 am central time.

Go to www.bransonzfest.com/ and register TODAY! Z CAR CLUB MAGAZINE

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AROUND THE CURVE ZCCM is for car clubs and their members. We encourage you to join your local club or consider starting one of your own— it’s a great way to grow the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun community. If you already belong to a club and you don’t see it listed contact Art Singer at arts.zccm@gmail.com or 505-835-9170 for more information on how your club can become a partner.

• Partner Club Directory Arizona Datsun Southwest Location: Tucson, AZ Contact: Jon Figueroa - President Email: speedgato@yahoo.com Phone: 520-208-7212 Website: datsunsouthwest.com Facebook: facebook.com/BanzaiDattoSouthwest Desert Z Association Location: Phoenix, AZ Contact: Jack Saxton Email: dza@desertzassocation.com Website: desertzassociation.com California Group Z Sports Car Club Location: Southern California Contact: Ian Stewart - President Email: ian@groupz.com Website: groupz.com Z Club of San Diego Location: San Diego, CA Contact: Chuck Golden Email: chucksbarandgrill@cox.net Website: zcsd.org Z Owners of Northern California Location: Northern California Contact: Jason Green - President Email/: zoncpres@gmail.com Phone: 707-681-8717 Website: zonc.org Connecticut Connecticut Z Car Club Location: Connecticut & surrounding area Contact: Ross Williams Email: officers@ctzcc.com Website: ctzcc.com

Illinois Windy City Z Club Location: Chicago Metro Area Contact: Ty Ozgen Email: tyozgen@gmail.com Phone: 630-910-3616 Website: windycityzclub.com Indiana Indy Z Club Location: Indianapolis, IN Contact: Steve Bumgardner Email: s_bumgardner@comcast.net Website: indyzcarclub.org Kentucky Bluegrass Z Car Club Location: Louisville, KY Contact: Bill Edens - President Email: bzcc@bellsouth.net Phone: 502-241-3812 Website: bluegrasszcarclub.com Maryland Maryland Z Club Location: Finksburg, MD Contacts: Mark Lambert - President JoAnne Gardner - VP Email: mdzclub@mdzclub.org Phone: 410-857-4320 Website: mdzclub.org New Hampshire Z Car Club of New England Location: New Hampshire Contact: John Jeffries - President Email: john@baddogparts.com Phone: 617-510-2694 Website: zccne.org New Mexico Albuquerque Z Car Club Location: Albuquerque Metro Area Contact: Nelson Ackerman Email: nlackerman1@aol.com Phone: 505-239-6833 Facebook: Albuquerque Z Car Club

New York Z Association of New York Location: Upstate New York Contact: Mike Roth Email: rothm@srgarch.com Phone: 518-857-5026 Website: zanyz.com North Carolina Triad Z Club Location: Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point Contact: Matthew Ragan - President Email: president@triadzclub.com Phone: 336-399-0961 Website: triadzclub.com Triangle Z Club Location: Raleigh, NC Contact: Bud Hansen - President Email: budhansenus@hotmail.com Phone: 919-215-2698 Website: trianglezclub.com Ohio Cleveland Z Club Location: Northern Ohio Contact: Brent Heath Email: Zaddict96@gmail.com Phone: 216-408-0105 Website: Clevelandzclub.com Z Car and Roadster Owners Club Location: Central Ohio Contact: Lee Bivens Email: lbivens@insight,rr,com Phone: 614-582-5281 Website: zroc.org Oklahoma Oklahoma Z car Club Location: Tulsa and Oklahoma City Contact: Pete Pitchford Email: petepitchford@gmail.com Phone: 405-612-1146 Website: okzcc.com South Carolina Upstate Z Club Location: South Carolina Contact: Greg Groppe - President Email: bluez280@afo.net Phone: 864-884-7001 Website: upstatezclub.com Tennessee Middle Tennessee Z Club Location: Central Tennessee Contact: Robert McGehee Email: rmcgehee22@gmail.com or mtzclub@gmail.com Phone: 615-361-4574 Website: middletennesseezclub.com

Smokey Mountain Z Car Club Location: Eastern Tennessee Contact: Tony Price Email: tonyprice1@yahoo.com Phone: 865-681-7986 Website: smokymountainzcarclub.com Texas Cowtown Z Club Location: Ft Worth and Arlington Area Contact: Mike Brunner Email: mtbrunner14@hotmail.com Phone: 817-441-6471 Website: cowtownzclub.com Z Club of Texas Location: Dallas Metro Area Contact: “Mad” Mike Taylor Email: zmadmike@airmail.net Phone: 214-533-0922 Website: zcluboftexas.org Virginia Tidewater Z Car Club Location: Eastern Virginia Contact: Todd Wagner Email: zfixers@cox.net Phone: 757-851-8098 Website: tzccva.org Z Car Association of Richmond Location: Richmond, VA Contact: Chris Grigg Email: President@richmondzcar.com Phone: 804-467-5067 Website: richmondzcar.com And we're on Facebook!

Z Car Club of Northern Virginia Location: Tysons Corner Contact: Bernie Bilski Email: yugobernie@cox.net Website: zcarclubnova.org Washington Z Car Club of Washington Location: Washington State Contact: Marty Molloy Email: twin.turbos@yahoo.com Phone: 425-367-9065 Facebook: facebook.com/DatsunClub Web Based Z Car Clubs Classic Zcar Club Location: Internet Contact: Mike Gholson Website: classiczcars.com

UPCOMING EVENTS Z Bash 2017 Date: TBD Location: Orange, CA Details: zcarparts.com ZDayZ Date: May 18-21, 2017 Location: Fontana Village, NC Details: zdayz.com

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Z CAR CLUB MAGAZINE

Branson Z Fest 2017 Date: May 31 - June 3, 2017 Location: Branson, MO Details: bransonzfest.com