Like SCCA- and SCCJ-winning Nissan S30s of the late '70s, Noriaki-san's utilizes FRP ZG-style flares and a BRE front air dam, complete with provisions for brake cooling ducts. But more in tune with American pro-touring cars, it rolls on comparatively large alloys-in this case, 18x8.5 and 10.5 -17mm offset SSR MS1s-even though cambered a bit and covered by stretched Japanese rubber in the Bosozoku tradition. Noriaki-san also shaved the hood handles and locks, badges, front and rear bumper uprights, and antenna, and sprang for the USDM 240Z's mirror-less front fenders for that ultra-clean look of "import" mini-trucks. He also did away with the grille-who needs one when you've got a massive HKS front-mount that looks better than any faux billet piece? Inside, things are even more eclectic. An R33 GT-R dash, center console, and seats were fitted in the old-school Z, while sharing space with Simpson four-point harnesses and a Fuel Safe racing cell (an homage to U.S. Z racers like Bob Sharp, Bob Bondurant, and Peter Brock? See sidebar). Kicker audio components were throw in for, um, kicks.
Like any true performance builder, Noriaki-san relied simply on what works in keeping this creation planted: 12kg/mm springs and Bilstein dampers front and rear, Cusco front and rear strut bars, Project Mu brake pads and fluid, and for a little more parts interchangeability, Z31 front spindles, hubs, and rotors. Final power numbers weren't disclosed-an unstated Japanese custom-but with its Greddy Profec-B keeping boost at full potential and Tomei Reytec ECU controlling its full Sard fuel system, we'd estimate output at right around 400 whp and 350 lb-ft of torque.
Mixing in elements of his passion for the roots of American muscle cars, the contemporary styling and performance of mini-trucks and pro-touring machines, along with more than a bit of Japan's own automotive production/competition heritage, Noriaki-san has taken seemingly misguided ambition and succeeded in creating a functional, comfortable machine at which enthusiasts from every corner of the automotive world would be hard-pressed not to crack a smile. There's a good chance the hypothetical introduction of this story couldn't be further from Noriaki-san's true life. But in the event that we were spot on with it, we're sure even his dad would be proud of this Fairlady.
Behind The Build
Name.
Noriaki Miyamoto
Age.
Old school
Hometown.
Iga, Mei prefecture, Japan
Occupation.
Performance tuning, fabricating, body work
Build time.
Three Years
Feedback.
www.commonsnapper.com
Hobbies.
Import trucks, lowriders
Quote.
"I like turtles."
'74 Nissan S30 Fairlady Z
Output: 375 whp; 325 lb-ft of torque (est)
Engine 2.6L RB26DETT engine; Common Snapper tuning, cylinder head porting/polishing, balanced rotating assembly, radiator diffuser, polished valve cover, spark plug cover, hard lines, silicone vacuum lines, oil catch can, full stainless 90mm exhaust; Tomei cams, valve springs; Naprec valves; Sard fuel pressure regulator; Bosch fuel pump; Greddy fuel rail, oil pan, oil filler cap, boost controller, radiator, overflow reservoir, modified intercooler piping, couplers; Samco hoses, couplers; Tomei turbo manifold, Reytec ECU; NGK plugs; HKS blow-off valve, modified front-mount intercooler, modified piping
Drivetrain R33 RB25DET transmission; R200 3.9:1 LSD rear differential; OS Giken STR2 twin-plate clutch, flywheel
Suspension Bilstein dampers; 12kg/mm springs; Common Snapper rear lower control arms; Cusco front and rear strut tower bars; Z31 front spindles, hubs
Wheels/tires SSR MS1 wheels (18x8.5 front, 18x10.5 rear, -17mm offset); Yokohama Advan A048 tires (225/40-18 front, 255/40-18 rear)
Brakes R31 front and rear brake conversion; Endless brake pads; custom stainless steel braided brake lines; Motul brake fluid
Exterior LED taillights; USDM 240SX front fenders; custom-relocated small side markers; shaved door handles, locks, badging, antenna, bumper uprights; ZG-style FRP fender flares; vented BRE front air dam; Mystery Sportbike carbon fiber side mirrors; Common Snapper Super Pearl White paint
Interior R33 front seats, dashboard, center console; Simpson four-point racing harnesses; Nismo shift knob, white gauge faces; custom upholstered door panels; Fuel Safe ED115-A racing cell; custom fuel line plumbing
Electronics Alpine head unit; Kicker ZX650.4 amplifier, speakers