{"title":"Past Projects","description":"\u003cp\u003eA portfolio of builds ZSM Custom has worked on — from differential rebuilds and suspension tuning to full chassis builds on classic Japanese platforms. Each project represents our commitment to engineering quality, OEM+ fitment, and performance that's built to last.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"ken-meri-skyline-c110-past-project","title":"Ken Meri Skyline (C110) — Past Project","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Kenmeri Skyline — Nissan's iconic C110 generation, produced from 1972 to 1977 and named after the \"Ken and Mary\" advertising campaign that made it a cultural touchstone in Japan. This particular example is a clean white coupe running a set of period-correct deep-dish wheels, sitting low and purposeful on the tarmac.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eZSM worked on this build as part of our ongoing commitment to preserving and improving classic Japanese performance cars. The Kenmeri represents everything we love about this era of Japanese automotive engineering — clean lines, rear-wheel drive, and a character that no modern car can replicate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAbout the Kenmeri Skyline\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNissan Skyline C110 generation (1972–1977)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuccessor to the legendary Hakosuka (C10)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvailable with the S20 inline-6 in GT-R spec\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIconic Japanese classic — increasingly rare in the US market\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eInterested in a similar build or service for your classic Japanese car? Contact ZSM Custom.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ZSM Custom","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59723693752401,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1020\/0868\/4625\/files\/Past_Project-_Ken_Meri_Skyline_1.jpg?v=1782867050"},{"product_id":"motoiq-mike-kojima-s13-racecar-past-project","title":"MotoIQ Mike Kojima S13 Racecar — Past Project","description":"\u003cp\u003eZSM Custom had the privilege of working on Mike Kojima's S13 racecar — a no-compromise competition build from one of the most respected engineers and journalists in the Japanese performance car world. Mike is the founder of MotoIQ, a publication known for its deep technical content and engineering-first approach to motorsport. This car reflects exactly that philosophy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe build is a full-on racecar — stripped to bare metal, fully caged, and built to compete. Every decision on this car was made with performance and reliability in mind, with zero compromise for street use or aesthetics. The result is a machine that looks exactly like what it is: a purpose-built weapon.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBuild Highlights\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull multi-point roll cage with X-brace and triangulated rear structure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStripped and seam-welded chassis — bare metal prep with epoxy primer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCustom fabricated battery relocation box — laser cut, CAD designed, riveted in place\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCarbon fiber hood with integrated vents for engine bay heat extraction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWide-body S13 coupe with aggressive aero stance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull interior strip — no carpet, no trim, no weight\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTitanium hardware throughout (purple anodized fasteners visible on suspension towers)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAbout MotoIQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eMotoIQ is one of the most technically rigorous automotive media outlets in the industry. Founded by Mike Kojima — an engineer with decades of experience in professional motorsport and OEM development — MotoIQ covers real engineering, real testing, and real results. Having ZSM involved in this build is a testament to the quality of work we bring to every project.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eInterested in a similar build? Contact ZSM Custom to discuss your project.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ZSM Custom","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59741994942545,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1020\/0868\/4625\/files\/Past_Project_-_MotoIQ_Mike_Kojima_S13_racecar_1.jpg?v=1783144637"},{"product_id":"nismo-infiniti-usa-sema-qx80-r-spec-past-project","title":"NISMO \/ Infiniti USA SEMA QX80 R-Spec — Past Project","description":"\u003cp\u003eZSM Custom is honored to have been part of one of the most ambitious builds ever brought to SEMA — the Infiniti USA QX80 R-Spec project, led by MotoIQ and built with NISMO Parts USA. This wasn’t a show car with a pretty wrap. This was a full engineering exercise: a GT-R VR38DETT engine transplanted into a full-size luxury SUV, fabricated to function, not just impress.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMost of the work happened after hours — starting at 6 PM and running until 3 AM or later. Night after night, the ZSM team pushed to meet the SEMA deadline without cutting corners. The result speaks for itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eZSM Fabrication Scope\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEngine mounts:\u003c\/strong\u003e Removed OEM QX80 motor mounts from the frame and fabricated new custom mounts to position the R35 GT-R VR38DETT engine in the chassis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTwin turbo system:\u003c\/strong\u003e Modified the OEM GT-R manifold to accept aftermarket Garrett turbos; fabricated high-flow wastegate recirculation back into the custom exhaust\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFull custom exhaust:\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed and TIG welded a complete stainless steel exhaust system, back-purged throughout for maximum weld quality — inspired by the R35 GT-R layout\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntercooler end tanks:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fabricated from scratch using Garrett cores; designed and built the entire cold-side intercooler piping\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSymmetrical intake system:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fabricated twin air intakes feeding both turbos, designed for symmetry per the MotoIQ vision\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSteering rack relocation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Modified the chassis to clear the VR38 engine, then relocated the steering rack and corrected steering geometry by modifying the uprights\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrame modification:\u003c\/strong\u003e Modified the frame rails to clear the one-off NISMO Parts USA 24” wheels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eElectronics integration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Welded and modified engine components to ensure full OEM-compatible electronics function with the QX80 interface\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eThe Team\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis build was a collaboration between ZSM Custom, MotoIQ (led by Martin G. and guided by Mike Kojima), Infiniti USA, and NISMO Parts USA. Garrett Motion supplied the turbocharger and intercooler cores. Presented at the SEMA Show.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eInterested in a custom fabrication project? Contact ZSM Custom to discuss what’s possible.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ZSM Custom","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59742032527441,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1020\/0868\/4625\/files\/Past_Project_-_NISMO__Infiniti_USA_SEMA_QX80_project_1.jpg?v=1783145893"},{"product_id":"mikes-car","title":"Mikes Car","description":"\u003cp\u003eSome photos of Mike looking over our work on a customer's S13 build. It's difficult to express the amount of work that has gone into this build — there are too many photos to post and a mental exhaustion even thinking about how to explain the details in all the parts.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe will continue to post photos as we get closer to wrapping it up. For an in-depth look at the process, head over to \u003cstrong\u003eMotoIQ\u003c\/strong\u003e to read the full article — the first in a series documenting the build process of this track-purpose S13 Silvia.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe have done a lot of fabrication on this car already with a bit more to finish up. This build is exciting because it will end up on track, being pushed hard and refined through suspension and damper tuning.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThank you for the opportunity and support, Mike. Thank you for the photos — that was a fun day. Next time, let's go to the canyons in the Z.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBuild Highlights\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtensive custom fabrication by ZSM Custom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrack-purpose Nissan S13 Silvia build\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuspension and damper tuning focus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeatured on MotoIQ — full build series in progress\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"ZSM Custom","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59792782426193,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1020\/0868\/4625\/files\/Screenshot2026-07-11225906.png?v=1783832565"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1020\/0868\/4625\/collections\/image_2c5ecb9c-f092-457d-b4f6-a13eebd3a902.png?v=1782867507","url":"https:\/\/zsmcustom.com\/collections\/past-projects.oembed","provider":"ZSM Custom","version":"1.0","type":"link"}