gunser

iTrader: (3)

This post is a review of Hills Garage in Pasadena, Maryland (https://www.hillsgarage.net). My car is a 2005 350z touring (VQ35DE 6-speed) with 85,000 miles. Due to a progressively failing rear differential, and mid-life responsibilities, the car hasn’t been driven much in the past 5 years. In addition to a failing diff, the car also suffered from a mushy non-returning clutch pedal, and detonation down low in the rev range with a canned UpRev/Osirus tune. Here’s what we did to bring it back to life:

Existing modifications:

• JWT Intake
• Kinetix Upper Plentum
• Failing 4.09 rear differential
• Canned Tune for UpRev/Osirus

Hill’s Performance Upgrades:

• OS Giken differential
• Differential Ring Pinion Gears 3.9
• Z1 Poly Urethane Rear Differential Bushing
• ZSpeed Stage 2 HD Quiet Clutch Kit
• COMP Ultra Lightweight Steel Flywheel
• OEM Clutch Master cylinder
• OEM Clutch Slave
• OEM Pilot Bushing
• ZSpeed SS Clutch hose
• Osirus Dyno Tune

Hill’s Interior:

• New Drivers Side Window Motor/Regulator
• OEM Upper Center Gauge/Nav Surround
• OEM Lower Center Console and Shift Boot
• OEM Shift ****

I am blown away by the the modifications and level of service I received from Frank and the team at Hills Garage. The upgrades have returned drivability and feel and I’m as excited about the car as when I drove it of the lot in 2005. I’m most impressed with the clutch pedal feel and resistance to turning to mush when the car gets hot.

All this was accomplished over three visits to Hill’s Garage in 2020. Frank and team’s expertise, passion and attention to detail have greatly impressed me and it has been a memorable experience to share with my son. For me, Frank and the Hill’s Garage team represent the best of what being a car enthusiast is all about. I will be back for upgrades and maintenance in the future.

If you’re on the fence about any of these upgrades - especially the clutch / master cylinder – find a way to do it - it’s like getting a new Z back.

I shared thoughts on the difference between the 4.09 and 3.9 gearing on this post.

A mid-life refresh just in time for my mid-life crisis. Thanks again to Frank and the Hill’s Garage team!

bealljk

iTrader: (13)

what did you put down on the dyno?

good write-up

gunser

iTrader: (3)

Thanks @bealljk, here is a picture of the dyno run. The torque number is off because the dyno was in the middle of a calibration. I asked Frank to tune for drive-ability, and our focus was ironing out the lean spot that caused audible detonation down low. Still with stock cats and exhaust the feeling is there is another 5-10 hp there, but I'm happy with all the mods and will probably focus on suspension and tires from here.

SonnyWu

I was there in October and saw Frank working on a OS Giken diff. If you look closely that might be yours on the work table between the cars. Great shop and good folks.


Hills Garage