Nissan Motorsports Project Clubsport 23 debuts at SEMA

At first look, the Nissan Motorsports Project Clubsport 23 project car would not seem out of place in the parking lot of any weekend gathering of Datsun and Nissan Z car enthusiasts. However, take a closer look at the Project Clubsport 23, and you'll discover an amazing amalgamation of OEM, aftermarket and bespoke fabricated parts that may appear someday alone or packaged together at Nissan dealership parts departments.

In building Project Clubsport 23 project, the Nissan Motorsports and MA Motorsports started just like any Z enthusiast would - finding a donor body and engine.

In this case, the project started with a 2012 Nissan 370Z Nismo. The original 350bhp 3.7-litre VQ37VHR engine was replaced by a factory 3.0-litre VR30DDTT twin-turbo V6 rated at 400bhp.

To fully engage sports car enthusiasts, it was decided to keep the 370Z Nismo's six-speed manual transmission.

This was a challenge due to the fact a VR30DDTT has never been coupled to a manual transmission. MA Motorsports managed to develop a clutch disc, cover and flywheel assembly to complete the transition all the way back to the Nismo GT LSD Pro-Carbon two-way differential, which is cooled by an MA Motorsports differential cooler.

Much time was spent to ensure the VR30DDTT engine properly communicated with the manual transmission. The refinements continued, starting with an AMS Performance cold air intake kit and Z1 Motorsports blow-off valves.

MA Motorsports fabricated a bespoke dual-exhaust system measuring 76mm in diameter to ensure there was no disruption in air flow from the VR30DDTT engine. The exhaust exits through the rear license plate body panel, which gives the Project Clubsport 23 a unique, motorsports look and feel.

To help keep the VR30DDTT powerplant running cool, the factory cooling and steering systems were upgraded with an AMS Performance heat exchanger, MA Motorsports power steering cooler and Z1 Motorsports radiator and intercooler silicone coolant hoses.

The braking system was upgraded using soon-to-be released Nismo HC Street/Track brake pads, Z1Motorsports two-piece slotted rotors and Nismo stainless steel brake lines. The suspension modifications included a combination of newly released Nismo front and rear suspension components, Nismo three-piece body brace set, KW Variant 3 coilover shock kit and Eibach rear springs.

Topping off the project's go-fast parts are Nismo-branded Rays cast aluminium-alloy wheels and Hankook RS4 high-performance tyres. The wheels utilise the latest in Rays 'flow-forming' technology for high quality, strength, durability and affordability.