Nissan 300ZX

Nissan 300ZX is the name of a sports car applied in non-Japanese markets to the "Z31" and "Z32" generations of the Nissan Z that were manufactured from 1983 to 2000. As with all other generations of this platform, these cars were marketed in the Japanese domestic market as the Fairlady Z.[1]

Sold on the Japanese market exclusively at Nissan Bluebird Store locations from 1983 through 2000 and in the United States from 1984 through 1996, the 300ZX name followed the numerical convention initiated with the Nissan S30 that was marketed in the U.S. as the 240Z, as suggested by Yutaka Katayama. The "X" designation had debuted with the previous generation Z car, the 280ZX, to signify the presence of luxury and comfort oriented features. The Z31 model of 1983 through 1989 was the more popular model, with over 100,000 more units sold than the later Z32. The Z31 continued the old S30 market positioning as a mid-priced sports car, but the target market for the Z32 generation changed by having a higher price and with consecutive increases each model year.

Car and Driver placed the Z32 on its Ten Best list for 7 consecutive years, each model year of its availability in the United States. Motor Trend awarded it as the 1990 Import Car of the Year.[2] The Nissan 350Z, officially the Z33 generation Z-Car, succeeded the 300ZX in 2003.

Contents  [hide]
1 Z31
1.1 Japanese market
1.2 European models
1.3 Australian models
1.4 Chassis
1.5 Special Z31 releases
1.6 Style and evolution
1.7 Recalls
2 Z32
2.1 Style and evolution
2.2 Advertising
3 Motorsports
4 Awards and recognition

Z31[edit]
Z31
White300ZX.jpg
Overview
Also called Nissan Z31
Production
1983–1989
number produced: 329,900
(for export: 294,516)
(for JDM: 35,384)
[3]
Designer Kazumasu Takagi[4] (1982)
Body and chassis
Body style
2-door coupe
2+2
Powertrain
Engine
2.0 L VG20ET V6 (200Z, 200ZG, 200ZS)
2.0 L RB20DET I6 (200ZR)
3.0 L VG30E V6 (300ZX)
3.0 L VG30ET V6 (300ZX Turbo)
3.0 L VG30DE V6 (300ZR)
Transmission
5-speed FS5W71C manual
5-speed FS5R90A manual
5-speed FS5R30A manual
4-speed Jatco E4N71B automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase
2,320 mm (91.3 in) (SWB)
2,520 mm (99.2 in) (LWB)
Length
4,410 mm (173.6 in) (SWB)
4,605 mm (181.3 in) (LWB)
Width 1,725 mm (67.9 in)
Height 1,260 mm (49.6 in)
Curb weight 2,888–3,027 lb (1,310–1,373 kg)
Chronology
Predecessor Nissan 280ZX
The Z31 chassis designation was first introduced in 1983 as a 1984 Nissan/Datsun 300ZX (the hatch lid had both a Datsun and a Nissan badge) in the U.S. market. The 300ZX, as its predecessors, was known as a Nissan in other parts of the world. This continued in the U.S. until 1985 model year when Nissan standardized their brand name worldwide and dropped the Datsun badge. All publications for the Z31 chassis 300ZX and its predecessors were copyright Nissan North America. Designed by Kazumasu Takagi and his team of developers, the 300ZX improved aerodynamics and increased power when compared to its predecessor, the 280ZX. The newer Z-car had a drag coefficient of 0.30 and was powered by Japan's first mass-produced V6 engine instead of an inline 6. According to Nissan, the V6 engine was supposed to re-create the spirit of the original Fairlady Z.[4]

The Z31 generation featured five engine options. A turbocharged dual over head cam 2.0 L straight-six (RB20DET, used in the 200ZR), a turbocharged single over head cam 2.0 L V6 (VG20ET, found in 200Z/ZS/ZG), a naturally aspirated single over head cam 3.0 L V6 (VG30E, found in 300ZX), a turbocharged single over head cam 3.0 L V6 (VG30ET, used in 300ZX Turbo) and a naturally aspirated dual over head cam 3.0 L V6 (VG30DE, used in 300ZR). The Z32 had a naturally aspirated dual over head cam 3.0 L V6 (VG30DE) or a twin turbocharged dual over head cam 3.0 L V6 (VG30DETT). The Z31 and Z32 had electronic fuel injection (EFI), and were rear wheel drive. They were available in either left or right hand drive.

Two Special Edition versions of the Z31 generation model were produced; a 50th Anniversary Edition celebrated the company's semi-centennial in 1984 and offered additional luxury features, and a "Shiro Special", released four years later, with performance-oriented upgrades.[5][6][7] Unlike its predecessors, the Z31 featured a V6 engine in the 200Z/ZS/ZG, 300ZX and 300ZR, and the only Z31 to come with an Inline 6 cylinder engine was the Fairlady 200ZR which was only available in Japan. The new V6 (2960 cc) Single overhead cam engine was available as a naturally aspirated VG30E or a turbocharged VG30ET producing 160 hp (119 kW) and 200 hp (150 kW) respectively. The engine was either a type A or type B sub-designation from 1984 to March 1987, while models from April 1987 to 1989 had a W sub-designation. The W-series engines featured redesigned water jackets for additional cooling, and fully floating piston wrist pins. The 1984 to 1987 turbo models featured a Garrett T3 turbocharger with a 7.8:1 compression ratio, whereas 1988 to 1989 models featured a low inertia T25 turbocharger with an increased 8.3:1 compression ratio and slightly more power—165 hp naturally aspirated and 205 hp (153 kW) turbocharged. Finally, these engines were equipped with self-adjusting hydraulic valve lifters. The transmissions were a 5-speed manual or an optional 4-speed automatic (all Z31 automatics were the E4N71B equipped with torque-converter lockup INCLUDING turbo models.) All Z31's were equipped with a Nissan R200 rear differential, April 1987 and later turbo models received an R200 clutch limited-slip differential except 1988 Shiro Special's which had a Viscous-type limited slip. There were three trim models available: SF, GL and GLL. The SF model was only available in Canada.

Similar to Chrysler's electronic voice alert, the 1984-1986 Z31 GL and GLL models featured a voice warning system.

In racing trim, the 300ZX achieved several victories, including wins in the 1986 Trans Am series and 1994 24 Hours of Daytona. However, auto sports politics and a GTS-1 class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans that same year[8] prompted the International Motor Sports Association to declare the twin turbo engine illegal for future competition.[9] The 300ZX also holds the E/BMS land speed record of 419.84 km/h (260.87 mph) from the 1991 Bonneville Speed Trial.[10]

Japanese market[edit]
The 200Z, 200ZG, and 200ZS used the VG20ET engine while the 200ZR came with the RB20DET. The 300ZX came with the VG30ET, with the same spec as the USDM model. The only factory Z31 variant to use the VG30DE engine was the 300ZR.[11] It continued to be marketed as a companion fastback to the more formal appearance of the Nissan Skyline-based Nissan Leopard coupe at Nissan Bluebird Store Japanese dealerships. Starting with this generation, the Fairlady ZX, as it was known in Japan, no longer complied with Japanese Government dimension regulations, which Japanese buyers were now liable for additional yearly taxes that affected sales. Japanese consumers who wanted a sports car that was in compliance had the Gazelle that shared much of the technology with the larger ZX, but at lower cost.

European models[edit]
The European models made 240 hp (180 kW)[12] in turbo form due to a better camshaft profile, also known outside of Europe as the Nismo camshafts. Some models were also equipped without catalytic converters. All European turbocharged models received a different front lower spoiler as well, with 84-86 models being unique and 87-89 production having the same spoiler as the USDM 1988 "SS" model.

Australian models[edit]
All Australian model Z31 300ZX's were 2+2 T-top body. The cars sold in 1984 and '85 were all naturally aspirated with no catalytic converter, while the turbocharged version was the only model available from 1986 to 1988. There was only one trim level in Australia, with the digital dashboard and climate control being an optional upgrade package, and leather seats only available in the redesigned series 3 "Californian" models. The Australian factory service manual provides camshaft measurements which do not match any of the known USDM or EDM camshaft profiles, the FSM states the exhaust valve has an open duration of 252 degrees, but the specified opening and closing angles add up to 258 degrees.[13] All Australian publication content express that N/A versions possess 166 hp (124 kW), along with the turbocharged versions as 208 hp (155 kW).[14] The Australian 50th Anniversary Edition was more basic than the US version, the 50th AE was a normal n/a 300ZX with the digital dash package, a black interior, black velour seats and a 50th AE badge on the exterior. The exterior badge was fixed to the cars by dealerships, so the position of the badge is not the same on all models. There was no Shiro Special in Australia, and no models featured the adjustable shock absorbers.

Chassis[edit]
The Z31 chassis was based on the 280ZX. Although the newer chassis had the same wheelbase and MacPherson strut/semi-trailing arm independent suspension, it handled and accelerated better than the 280ZX it replaced. Turbocharged models, except for the Shiro Special edition, had 3-way electronically adjustable shock absorbers.

Special Z31 releases[edit]

1984 50th Anniversary Edition 300ZX
Nissan manufactured two special Z31 models. The 1984 300ZX 50th Anniversary Edition, released to celebrate automaker's half-century, was a turbocharged model with a Silver/Black color scheme. All 50th Anniversary Edition came equipped with a digital dash including MPG and compass readouts, in-car electronic adjustable shocks, Bodysonic speakers in the seats, cruise and radio controls in the steering wheel, mirrored t-tops, embroidered leather seats, embroidered floor mats, sixteen-inch (406 mm) aluminum wheels, rear fender flares, different front fenders, and 50th AE logo badges on the body. The only option available to the 50th Anniversary Edition was the choice between an automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission. 5,148 AE models were produced for the U.S. market. The 1984 model year was the last year of turbochargers cooled entirely by oil. The 1985 turbo models are equipped with coolant passages. In 1988, the turbocharged Shiro Special debuted with pearl white paint, stiffer springs and matched shocks, heavy-duty anti-sway bars, a unique front air dam, paint matched wheels, Recaro seats with matching door panels, painted bumperettes, white painted doorhandles and a viscous limited-slip differential. No options were available for the Shiro. It was the fastest car out of Japan, capable of 153 mph (246 km/h) speeds, as tested by Motor Trend with the electronic speed limiter disabled.[5] A total of 1002 Shiro Special Z31s were produced for the U.S. market between January and March 1988.[6]

Style and evolution[edit]
The Z31 body was slightly restyled in 1986 with the addition of side skirts, flared fenders, and sixteen inch wheels (turbo models only). Many black plastic trim pieces were also painted to match the body color, and the hood scoop was removed. The car was given a final makeover in 1987 that included more aerodynamic bumpers, fog lamps within the front air dam, and 9004 bulb-based headlamps that replaced the outdated sealed beam headlights. The 300ZX-titled reflector in the rear was updated to a narrow set of tail lights running the entire width of the car and an LED third brake light on top of the rear hatch. The Z31 continued selling until 1989, more than any other Z-Car at the time. Over 70,000 units were sold in 1985. Cars produced from 1984-1985 are referred to as "Zenki" models, while cars produced from 1987-1989 are known as "Kouki" models. The 1986 models are a special due to sharing some major features from both. They are sometimes referred to as "Chuki" models, but are usually grouped with the Zenki models because of the head and tail lights.[7]

Recalls[edit]
On December 12, 1983 Nissan recalled 9,858 MY 1984 300ZX models for a misaligned secondary hood latch.
On May 1, 1984 Nissan recalled 11,909 MY 1984 300ZX models for an improperly assembled brake master cylinder.
On June 29, 1987 Nissan recalled 183,519 MY 1979-1983 280ZX models and MY 1984-1987 300ZX models after a NHTSA investigations of sudden acceleration - cars with automatic transmission were modified requiring drivers to depress the brake pedal before shifting out of the "park" position.
On November 1, 1995 another recall (although not classified as a safety recall), all Z31s from 1984 to 1989 had dealers replace the entire fuel injection system.
Owners of Z31s with leather seats received vouchers to be redeemed at Nissan dealers for service or parts, because the entire seat was not all leather as advertised.
Z32[edit]
Z32
300ZX.jpg
Overview
Also called Nissan Z32
Production
1989–2000
number produced: 164,170
(for export: 99,286)
(for JDM: 64,884)[3]
Designer Isao Sono & Toshio Yamashita (1987)
Body and chassis
Body style
2-door convertible
2-door coupe
Powertrain
Engine
3.0 L VG30DE V6
3.0 L VG30DETT V6
Transmission
5-speed RS5R30A manual
4-speed RE4R01A Automatic
4-speed RE4R03A automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,450 mm (96.5 in) 2 seater[1]
2,570 mm (101.2 in) 2+2[1]
Length 4,305 mm (169.5 in) 2 seater[1]
4,520 mm (178.0 in) 2+2[1]
Width 1,790 mm (70.5 in) 2 seater[1]
1,800 mm (70.9 in) 2+2[1]
Height
1990-92: 49.2 in (1,250 mm)
1990-92 T-Roof Turbo & Convertible: 49.4 in (1,255 mm)
1993-98: 48.4 in (1,229 mm)
1993-98 T-Roof 2+2: 48.1 in (1,222 mm)
1993-95 Convertible: 49.5 in (1,257 mm)
1996-98 Slicktop: 48.3 in (1,227 mm)
1996-98 Convertible: 48.7 in (1,237 mm)
Curb weight
3,186 lb (1,445 kg) 2 seater non-turbo T-top
3,373 lb (1,530 kg) 2 seater twin-turbo T-top
3,310 lb (1,501 kg) 2 seater twin-turbo hard top
3,432 lb (1,557 kg) 2 seater convertible
3,313 lb (1,503 kg) 2+2 non-turbo T-top
3,602 lb (1,634 kg) 2+2 twin-turbo T-top
Chronology
Predecessor Nissan 300ZX (Z31)
The Z32 was a new design. The body was wider with a rounder profile and fewer hard edges. It had a marginally increased drag coefficient of .31 compared to the Z31's .30. Twin Turbocharged Z32s also featured a then-new active rear wheel steering systems called "Super HICAS", which was actuated hydraulically until 1994 when Nissan switched to an electric actuator. Nissan designated the final 300 units earmarked for North American sale in 1996 as "Commemorative Edition" cars, although nothing new or exclusive to the model was included. The 1996 model years vehicles did not feature Nissan's NVTC variable valve timing system, which had been present on all previous Z32 models. Production continued in Japan until August 2000, with styling updates and the addition of HID headlamps in 1998.[4]

Unchanged from the previous generation 300ZX was the displacement of the 3-litre engine, now with dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), variable valve timing (VVT) and producing a rated 222 hp (166 kW) and 198 lb·ft (268 N·m) in naturally aspirated form. The turbo variant was upgraded with twin Garrett turbochargers and dual intercoolers producing 300 hp (224 kW; 304 PS) and 283 lb·ft (384 N·m) of torque.[15] Performance varied from 0-60 times of 5.0-6.0 seconds depending on the source, and it had a governed top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h). Also running the quarter mile at the 14 second mark.

The Z32 300ZX was the first car to be marketed following the introduction of the 280 PS (206 kW) power ceiling imposed by JAMA that remained until 2004.[16]

American Z-car sales reached one million sales during the 1990 model year, making it at that time the best selling sports car.[17]

Nissan utilized the Cray-II supercomputer to design the new 300ZX with a form of CAD software[18] making it one of the first production cars to utilize this tool. On the twin turbo models, four-wheel steering was available under the name Super HICAS (High Capacity Actively Controlled Steering).

Like previous generations Nissan offered a 2+2 model with the Z32. In 1992, a convertible version was introduced for the first time, as a response to aftermarket conversions. All 300ZXs now featured T-tops as standard.

The 300ZX faced the same fate of many Japanese sports cars of the time. The mid-1990s marketplace trends toward SUVs and the rising Yen:Dollar ratio contributed to the end of North American 300ZX sales in 1996 with over 80,000 in sales. However, production for other markets continued until 2000. While the 1989 300ZX was priced at around $30,000, its final model year price increased to about $50,000. A Commemorative Edition for the final 300 units shipped to America included decals and certificates of authenticity). In Japan, the 300ZX continued until 2000, with a face-lift in 1998 that featured a new fascia, tail lights, head lights, rear spoiler, and other minor changes.

In 1995 and 1996, Steve Millen Motorsports (Stillen), developed a SMZ model with Nissan North America that were sold throughout the U.S. and Canada through designated Nissan dealerships. The performance upgrades were covered by the factory warranty. Each vehicle was numbered in the engine bay and interior. A total of 104 SMZ's were produced at $14,000 more than the standard Nissan 300zx Twin Turbo.

Style and evolution[edit]
The Z32 chassis underwent some changes during its production run between 1989 and 1996. Among the safety additions are the inclusion of standard driver and passenger-side airbags and true pillar-mount seat belts. The Z32's extended model year sales in 1990 reached 39,290 units.[19]

1991 Manual climate controls and the ambient temperature gauge were discontinued, while new electronic climate controls allowed control over air flow direction. The air conditioner evaporator valve was also changed from aluminum to steel. A driver's airbag was now optional. A CD player option was added for both the TT and NA; it was previously only available in the NA, while the Bose stereo head unit changed. The naturally aspirated model's front brake rotors were changed to Turbo units. The previous front rotors were 4 mm thinner. The brake master cylinder was changed to a new unit in February 1991. A Nissan logo appeared on the front fascia. Twin Turbo sales were 17,652 units.[19]

1992

Driver's airbag made standard
Dashboard and door complementary material changed from fabric to suede
Separate mirror heater switch eliminated (combined with rear defroster switch)
Power adjustable driver's seat standard on TT
Twin Turbo Sales: 6,708 units[19]
1993

Turbo oil line insulation changed
Convertible option added
Brake caliper material changed from aluminum to iron
New style fuel injectors for the non-turbo, (except convertible)
Upgraded Bose stereo made standard
AIV system eliminated
Non-turbo model, (except convertible), ECUs changed from 8-bit to 16-bit by Japan Electronic Control System Co.
Twin Turbo Sales: 11,599 units[19]
1994

Rear spoiler design changed to a taller, pedestal-type
Seat belts redesigned; attachment moved from door mounts to pillar mounts
SuperHICAS system changed to an electrically actuated unit (previously power steering actuated)
New style fuel injectors for the convertible
Passenger's side airbag introduced and made standard
Keyless entry added
Titanium keys discontinued in November 1994
'Reset' button removed from clock
Off-white 'Pearl' color is dropped. Future 'Pearls' are more of a semi-metallic white
Twin Turbo Sales: 5,320 units[19]
1995

New style fuel injectors for the twin-turbo
Front fascia became body coloured instead of gray strip
Twin-turbo model ECUs changed from 8-bit to 16-bit (in late-1994 model year)
Twin Turbo Sales: 3,135 units[19]
1996

Variable cam timing (NVTC) dropped
OBD II electronics introduced
Driver's seat back rest no longer included adjustable side bolsters[19]
Twin Turbo Sales: 2929 Units total, The last 300 of which are the "Commemorative Edition"[20]
Advertising[edit]
Nissan aired a commercial during SuperBowl XXIV in 1990 advertising the new Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo. The 60 second commercial was directed by Ridley Scott and only aired once. Executives at Nissan pulled the commercial after the initial airing when they became concerned the commercial would promote street racing since the commercial features the 300ZX being faster than a sport bike, a formula one car and a fighter jet.[21][22]

Motorsports[edit]

Paul Newman's 300ZX won the 1986 Trans Am at Lime Rock for Bob Sharp Racing
The 300ZX was campaigned during 1984 and 1985 in showroom stock racing. The car scored a Trans Am win in 1986 at Lime Rock by Paul Newman for Bob Sharp Racing.[23] This would be the only Trans Am win by a 300ZX.[citation needed]

From 1985 to 1987, the Electramotive-developed GTP ZX-Turbo was raced in the IMSA GT Championship's GTP class and also the All Japan Sports Prototype Championship, badged as a Fairlady Z, using a Lola T810 chassis and a VG30ET engine. Following development through 1987, the car would become dominant in IMSA GT in 1988. Additional factory endorsement, combined with a new chassis, transmission and more reliable Goodyear tires contributed to the team's success. The SOHC VG30ET was making upwards of 1,000 hp (700 kW), with a power band that extended from 4000 to 9000 rpm on a single turbo.[24]


The Clayton Cunningham Racing 300ZX which won the 1994 24 Hours of Daytona
From 1990 to 1995, Steve Millen drove the twin turbo 300ZX for Clayton Cunningham Racing. The car dominated the IMSA in its GTO, then later GTS categories due to its newly designed chassis and engine. Millen would rank as the #1 Factory Driver for Nissan for 7 years and earn two IMSA GTS Driving Championships and two IMSA GTS Manufacturer's Championships. Among enthusiasts and the team themselves, the biggest triumph for the race Z32 was the victory in the 24 Hours of Daytona. In the same year at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 300ZX ranked first in the GTS-1 class and 5th overall. In an attempt to level the playing field in the GTS-1 class by reducing the allowable horsepower, the IMSA declared the twin turbo VG engine ineligible.[9] The 1995 GTS 300ZX car would debut with the V8 Nissan VH engine at Daytona[25] and would place first in the GTS-1 class at the 12 Hours of Sebring and Mosehead Grand Prix in Halifax.[26]

The JUN-BLITZ Bonneville Z32 holds the E/BMS class land speed record of 260.87 mph (419.84 km/h) set at the 1995 Bonneville Speed Trial. The vehicle was built as a partnership between JUN Auto and BLITZ. In 1990, JUN's first Z32 went 210.78 mph (339.2 kph) at their Yatabe test course and hit 231.78 mph (373 km/h) after some tuning at Bonneville.[10]

Awards and recognition[edit]
1990: The 1990 300-ZX Turbo is named Motor Trend's "Import Car of the Year". Motor Trend also names it, "One of the Top Ten Performance Cars". Automobile Magazine selected the 300-ZX/300ZX Turbo as its "Design of the Year", and named the 300ZX Turbo to its "All Stars" list. Road & Track picked the 300ZX Turbo "One of the Ten Best Cars in the World". Car and Driver included the 300ZX Turbo "One of the 10 Best Cars"
1991: The 300ZX Turbo is listed in Car and Driver's "10 Best", and is again one of Automobile Magazine's "All-Stars"
1992: Car and Driver includes the 300ZX Turbo in its "10 Best", and Automobile Magazine names it to its "All-Stars" list
1993: The 300ZX Turbo is included in Car and Driver's "10 Best", and one of Automobile Magazine's "All-Stars".
1994: The 300ZX Turbo is listed on the Car and Driver "10 Best" and on the "All Stars" list by Automobile Magazine
1995: The 300ZX Turbo is included in the "10 Best" list by Car and Driver
1996: For the seventh straight year the 300ZX Turbo is on the Car and Driver's "10 Best" list, this is also the final year of U.S. sales
2004: Automobile lists the Z32 as one of the 100 greatest cars of all time
2006: Automobile lists the Z32 on both the "20 Greatest Cars of the Past 20 years" and the "25 Most Beautiful Cars in History"
2010: GQ Magazine lists the Z32 as one of the most stylish cars over the past 50 years
From the year it was introduced, the Z32 has also won many comparison tests against similar sports cars such as the Mitsubishi 3000GT/Dodge Stealth, Mazda RX-7, Chevrolet Corvette, Toyota Supra, Dodge Viper, and the Porsche 968.[27]