| Also called | Nissan Z31 |
|---|---|
| Production | 1983–1989 number produced: 329,900 (for export: 294,516) (for JDM: 35,384) |
| Predecessor | Nissan 280ZX |
| Body style |
2-door coupe |
| 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 Transmission 5-Speed FS5R90A Manual Transmission 5-Speed FS5R30A Manual Transmission 4-Speed E4N71B Automatic Transmission |
| Wheelbase | 2320 mm (91.3 in) (SWB) 2520 mm (99.2 in) (LWB) |
| Length | 4410 mm (173.7 in) (SWB) 4605 (181.3 in) (LWB) |
| Width | 1725 mm (67.9 in) |
| Height | 1260 mm (49.7 in) |
| Curb weight | 2,888–3,027 lb (1,310–1,373 kg) |
| Designer(s) | Kazumasu Takagi (1982) |
The Z31 chassis designation was first introduced in 1983 as a 1984 Nissan/Datsun 300ZX (the hatch lid had both a Datsun badge and a Nissan badge) in the US only. The 300ZX, as its predecessors, was known as a Nissan in other parts of the world. This continued in the US until 1985 model year when Nissan standardized their brand name worldwide and dropped the Datsun badge. A note can be made that 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 I6. According to Nissan, the V6 engine was supposed to re-create the spirit of the original Fairlady Z.
This 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 (contrary to popular belief, 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, called "Bitchin' Betty" by Z31 enthusiasts.
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