1974 Datsun 260z - Aldo Montenegro

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1974 Datsun 260z

Aldo Montenegro

Instagram: @koukimuncher

Photographer: Marvin Recinos -  @mr2mivin

My name is Aldo Montenegro. I am 27 years old. I'm from South Los Angeles, California. I am an automotive technician at a Porsche Dealer. In my spare time, I tend to find myself tinkering with cars regardless of being my profession. Whether it's friends, family or my own car. I do enjoy getting out and going camping and offroading on my long time off. it balances the life between work and family. 

Growing up my dad would buy used cars, fix them and sell them. I naturally was around that my whole life growing up. My dad sparked that hobby up for me. As I grew older, playing video games and watching movies, such as the Need for Speed, Midnight Club, Grand Turismo, and Fast and Furious all further influenced my passion for cars. I bought my first car in high school, a 1995 240sx automatic with a rod sticking out the block. this was my first project, however being in high school, money was a but issue. I was able to find a used engine and pieced together a manual swap and got to work! Working on this car really sparked my interest in JDM cars, specifically Nissan. Going to car events and races kept me in a rhythm of wanting to do more. 

Why did you choose this car?

After selling my 240sx I bought a reliable daily and instantly started regretting selling the 240sx. I knew I wanted to get into another JDM car but didn't want to go through the hassle of having to smog the vehicle and I wanted something classic. Being into Nissan growing up, I looked at the 240z, it was sexy, timeless, and just overall a beautiful car. doing research I felt more and more involved with it. I bought a 1974 260z that just nearly ran. At this point, I was looking for something as rust-free as possible within my budget and landed a score on this rust-free 260z for $3400! Unheard of nowadays. After physically seeing the car for the first time, I fell in love and knew this was the car! I went through so many ideas before starting the restoration process and I found myself sitting in the car a lot. I knew this car was the right choice. 

What made you decide to modify this car?

At the very beginning, the idea was to restore the vehicle to bone stock. however, it wasn't a series 1 or a 240z in general so I decided to add my own flare to it. I decided I wanted a fun car to drive whether it was on a random weekday, a weekend cruiser or a track day. In order to do this, I had to buy modern components and keep the vehicle reliable. I decided to keep the original motor but up the hp a bit with triple webers, headers and exhaust. I wanted the old-school fun to drive spirit in the car. With new adjustable suspension components, the car was going to handle better than the factory and it was going to be an all-around great car for me. I was building the perfect car in my eyes. 

What is it like Owning and Driving this car?

Owning this car is a feeling like no other! When driving this car, you need to have time. It's a head-turner for sure and you need to have time to talk to people. It seems it is a car many people love whether they are into cars or not, many people have stories with an old Z, it attracts people from all walks of life, and it's a car that brings people together and sparks conversation. owning a car like this knowing I did all the work myself for the most part is extremely satisfying as you know everything you went through to make this car come to life and be what is it now. There are many cars like this but no two cars are the same and I think that is what makes these Zs so special. 

What do you think makes your car Unique?

So many Zs out in the wild and everyone is so different. I tailored mine to my taste. Growing up a Nissan fan I of course love the GTRs and fell involved with the millennium jade on the R34. Knowing I cannot afford that car I decided to bring little of the GTR into my Z and painted it Millennium jade. I hadn't seen another Z that colour and so I decided it was a perfect choice. With the carbon accents around the car, I think it's a good combination and sets mine aside from others making it unique. I get compliments all the time about paint colour and carbon pieces.

If you enjoyed this car story why not read this ONE HERE

Spec List

ENGINE: 

• Inline 2.6L
• Triple weber 40DCOE Carburetors 
• 280zx 5-speed transmission
• Champion 3-row radiator
• Flex-a-lite radiator fan
• TechnoToyTuning Tri-strut brace.

EXTERIOR: 

• Millennium Jade paint
• MotorsportAuto Carbon front bumper
• Motorsport Auto Carbon rear spoiler
• Datsun Garage Carbon hood vents
• Datsun Garage Carbon tail light panel
• Dapper lighting OE7s
• Custom Photo Z-inspired front grille
• Shaved side markers and rear bumper panel.

INTERIOR: 

• SpeedHut Gauges
• Painless wiring throughout the entire car
• Recaro LX-LS seats
• Recaro seat sliders
• TechnoToyTuning rear strut brace
• MotorsportAuto Short shifter
• NRG quick release short hub with NRG steering wheel. 

WHEELS:

• Volk Te37vsl 16x8 +0 all around
• Falken RT660 225/50 16 all around

SUSPENSION/BRAKES: 

• TechnoToyTuning Front coilovers
• TechnoToyTuning GTX2 Front lower control arms and tension rods
• TechnotoyTuning Tierod ends
• Rear Eibach lowering springs with Tokico Illuminas
• OEM rebuild front callipers
• Maxima rear disc brake conversion

I did most of the work myself. Rewired the entire car, cleaned up and original parts used and restored them to like-new condition, Disassembled the entire car several times whether it was to rewire the car, replace parts and for paint. Polished all the chrome, cleaned all the hubs, rear suspension, and underbody, Installed new gaskets where ever a gasket is needed including body/window gaskets, and essentially installed every piece on the car myself. I let the professionals handle the engine machining as well as paint and bodywork. Aside from those things, everything on this car was done by me. I took a stab at upholstery for the first time and it shows it was done by me but this car has taught me a ton not just about the car itself but about my capabilities. 

Future Plans

Sometime in the future, I do want a modernized rear suspension with CV axles, a locking differential, rear coil overs and adjustable control arms and a proper brake setup, possibly a Z car garage brake upgrade all around. If the time and money allow it, who knows, maybe a stroked motor with larger carbs. This is a forever car and it will always be changing. Definitely do want to enjoy it out on the track more and enjoy all the time and effort I've put into it. 

Tips/Advice

If you are thinking of buying an old Z, be prepared to spend! I say do it once and do it right. I went in all directions building this car until I finally got it to where I wanted it. A car like this is never done, but it is nice to have a plan of attack and execute it. It will save you time and money in the long run. Have patience and everything will work out! You will not regret it!

Car scene

The car scene has brought me many friendships and knowledge. Lots of good times with people who have a passion for the same thing as you. It has taught me a lot about other cars and my capabilities. 

Dream Car

My dream car is a Porsche Carrera GT. The style is beautiful, the sound is sexy and the car is as raw as it gets. 

What do you think?

Please leave your comments in the comments section at the bottom of the page

'The future is bright as long as we can still Smell the Fumes'

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