SP Rides: The Datsun Z Effect
PHOTOS BY JERRETTE KAMAKA
Any hardcore Z enthusiast should be familiar with the name Yutaka Katayama. Often referred to simply as “Mr. K,” Katayama was a Japanese automotive executive who became the first president of Nissan Motor Corp. USA in 1960. His profound passion and enthusiasm for auto racing is what drove him to bring the 240Z to the United States.
One such beneficiary of Katayama’s influence is Mike Tengasantos, co-founder and current president of the local car club VQ INC. Originally a Honda enthusiast up until his Civic was stolen right out of his garage, Tengasantos never imagined that he’d one day his own Z. Today, he rides around in this sick 2007 350Z.
“When I got this Z, it was a birthday present to myself and I was a member of the Oahu Z club. Then I met a G35 owner and together we came up with the name VQ INC, and that was four years ago,” said Tengasantos. “VQ is the engine code so people who own Frontiers, Altimas and Maximas can join our club, but Z’s make up the majority of members. The INC stands for Infinity Nissan Club. So we look forward to expanding to other VQ models.”
The dual tube intakes made by Stillen increases the O2 flow into the VQ engine and the Berk high flow cats insure the extra horsepower isn’t restricted. A Mishimoto radiator, that needed some fabrication to the e-fan shroud, keeps this daily driven Z’s engine cool even on the hottest day in pau hana traffic.
“I’ve been an avid auto-crosser and learned that high horsepower means nothing unless the car can handle cornering,” says Tengasantos. “So within a month of getting this Z, I began installing Stillen suspension parts and coil-over shocks which has made all the difference in handling.”
This Z took first place in the Best Nissan category at last month’s inaugural Aloha Custom Car Show & Cruise at Aloha Stadium. He plans to paint or wrap his Z and install a super charger when funds become available. Of course, every car enthusiast is always open to upgrading to the next model, but information on the next Z seems to be sketchy at best.
“All I can confirm about the rumors regarding the next generation Z is that the rumors are exactly that, rumors,” said Francis Hoang, sale consultant at New City Nissan. “The turbo charger, engine size and price have not been officially released by Nissan Motor Corp., although you’ve got to wonder how these rumors started.”
Regardless of what’s being said or not said about the next generation Z, one thing is for sure: Z enthusiasts can’t imagine America without the Z. And they can thank Katayama for that. Mr. K, who was 105 years old when he passed away in February, will be fondly remembered as the “Father of the Z” for generations.
Vehicle Modification List
OWNER – Michael Tengasantos
YEAR – 2007
MAKE – Nissan
MODEL – 350Z
ENGINE
Stillen Duel Long Tube Intakes
Berk High Flow Cats
Apexi N1 Duel Catback Exhaust
Mishimoto Radiator
Custome Painted Engine Cover
Carbon Fiber Battery Cover and Fluid Cover
DRIVETRAIN
Z1 Motorsports VQ35HR Clutch and Light Weight Fly Wheel Combo
Wilwood Clutch Master Cylinder
Upgraded Clutch Slave Cylinder
SUSPENSION
Tanabe Sustec Pro 5 Coilovers
Stillen Front Sway Bar
Stillen Rear Sway Bar
SPC Full Camber Kit
Stillen Core Support Bar
Factory Strut Tower Bar
Z1 Motorsports Slotted and Drilled Rotors
Hawk HPS Brake Pads
WHEELS & TIRES
Volk Racing GT-C in Top Secret Gold
19×9.5 +17 Fronts & 19×10.5 +14 Rears
Ohtsu FP8000 255/35R19 FRONTS AND 285/35R19 REAR
IN CAR ENTERTAINMENT
Alpine W505 Touch Screen Head Unit
Custom Alpine Type R Subwoofer Enclosure (Trunk) w/ Accent Lightin
Alpine Door and Rear Speakers
INTERIOR
Nismo Bucket Seats
Arc Shift Knob
Carbon Fiber Accents
EXTERIOR
Trial Try Force Full Body Kit
Varis Carbon Fiber Front Bumper Intake Ducts
Spyder Headlights
Limited production Paint Code: BW5 San Marino Blue
