Reputable shop to rebuild L-series engine in the Bay Area?

[spitz17]

So the exhaust smoke of my car (#11651) has slowly turned blue. I am banking on the o-rings, valve seals, or piston rings being shot... I will not know till further diagnosis but my spark plugs are covered in oil. Constant blue exhaust smoke (o-rings) is what I think is the problem.

Does anyone know a reputable shop that can rebuild a l-series engine in the bay area, or in northern California? I'm looking for a shop that has handled pristine/show-condition cars, not the kind of shop that will leave your car in the corner covered in dust and parts sitting on the body. If you look at my blog, you'll see the condition of my car, and I wouldn't want to hurt her

Any info would be greatly appreciated. I have considered Z Car Garage, but I'd like to explore more options before I go to them.

Thank you!

Edited May 31, 2010 by spitz17

[Mike B]

Rebello? http://www.rebelloracing.com/

[spitz17]

I'll have to check, my friend said Rebello prefers working on cars that they put their engines in. Thanks!

[WingZr0]

Call Dean Nakatsu at 530.632.2761 at Nakatsu's Garage in Yuba City, CA 45 miles north of Sacramento where i'm at . He's my engine builder and he does great work! And you can buy and bring in your own parts for cheaper if you can find them. He used to race Z's and is currently a pit crew chief for 3 teams that race ex current / previous generation NASCARS. He can do stock or race builds to your like. I'll send / post some pics of my engine from my photo bucket tomorrow when i get to the hotel. When you call tell him ISAIAH sent you and ask about his shop if you like, it's very capable to say the least ! You got my number, text me if you like. Heh how much you want for that Z btw

Edited June 5, 2010 by WingZr0

[Bruce Palmer]

Rob Fuller at Z Car Garage gets my vote, but I'm sure motor builders are plentiful for a street application.

[spitz17]

Thanks for your help guys. Unfortunately Nakatsu's Garage seems very far for me... but if he does a good job, I would not mind renting a trailer to get the car there. It drives now, but I don't know how safe it is to drive.

I will look into Rob @ ZCG.

[Oiluj]

I'll have to check, my friend said Rebello prefers working on cars that they put their engines in. Thanks!

Rebello built my engine. I took it to them and put it in mayself. Give them a call...

[spitz17]

Built it to stock specs?

[WingZr0]

Hi Bro, it was great talking with you on the phone yesterday

Yep, it's definately time for a rebuild.

Heres pics of my engine that Dean Nakatsu of Nakatsu's Garage built which

you asked for, for future reference.

Some of the many things he did was clean out my gas tank and installed my

K&N Cold Air Intake, new Aluminun Rad, Elec Fan and also set the

thermostate to it also.

ARP Rod bolts, new bearings, polished the crank, honed the rods, new rings,

new rebuilt cylinder head from me which he installed on the original block,

soldered on all new connectors for every sensor and fuel injector, all new fuel

injectors, modified a stock oil pump into a performance higher flowing

one, new dizzy and cap, painted the engine block factory blue and the intake

silver, etc etc etc.

And all for a good price.

Later I'll be taking it apart again to add forged pistons, rods and such.

He wanted to paint the valve cover red or black but I told him to

leave it alone cause 1 I liked that vintage peeling paint look from the 70's

and 2 I didn't want him to touch the vintage Thrush Muffler sticker I

added on, thank you ebay

Heres the photobucket link now being found.

Engine pics

More info on the build is at this thread here.

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28830&page=4&highlight=state+things.

~Z~

Edited June 5, 2010 by WingZr0

[spitz17]

Thanks Z, I definitely be considering Nakatsu as one of my build options. The photos look great! Boy, does the 280Z have a lot of wiring and tubes running everywhere!

[bob m]

My vote goes to Rob at Z Car Garage, He knows what he is doing with these cars. He is located in San Jose, CA. phone 408 452 0350. Clean shop, well organized, professional operation

Bob M

[spitz17]

Thank you for all your help guys.

At this point I may be going the "while I am at it route..." and purchasing a engine from Dave Rebello. A 3.0L Stroker is the kit I am prospecting right now.