Nissan 300ZX
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| Nissan 300ZX | |
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| Manufacturer: | Nissan |
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| Production: | 1984–1996 |
| Predecessor: | Nissan 280ZX |
| Class: | Sports car |
| Layout: | FR layout |
| Similar: | Chevrolet Corvette Mazda RX-7 Toyota Supra |
| Z31 | |
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| Production: | 1984–1988 |
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| Body style: | 3-door hatchback |
| Engine: | 2.0 L VG20ET V6 2.0 L RB20DET I6 3.0 L VG30E V6 3.0 L VG30ET V6 3.0 L VG30DE V6 |
| Transmission: | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase: | 91.3 in (2-seater) 99.2 in (2+2) |
| Length: | 173.7 in (2-seater) 181.3 in (2+2) |
| Width: | 67.9 in |
| Height: | 49.7 in |
| Curb weight: | 3163 lb |
| Designer: | Kazumasu Takagi |
| Z32 | |
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| Production: | 1990–1996 |
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| Body style: | 2-door convertible 3-door hatchback |
| Engine: | 3.0 L VG30DE V6 3.0 L VG30DETT V6 |
| Transmission: | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase: | 101.2 in. 96.5 in. |
| Length: | 178 in 169.5 in |
| Width: | 70.5 in |
| Height: | 48.3 in 48.4 in 48.1 in 48.7 in |
| Curb weight: | 3494 lb |
The Nissan 300ZX, also known as the Nissan Fairlady Z, was a sports car produced by Nissan. It comprises the third and fourth generations of Nissan's Z-car line-up, respectively given the chassis designations Z31 and Z32.
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[edit] Z31
The Z31 chassis designation was first introduced in 1983 as a 1984 model and the third-generation Datsun/Nissan Z-car. The car was designated as a Datsun/Nissan 300ZX in its 1984 premiere, but the Datsun badge was dropped in 1985 when Nissan standardized their brand name worldwide. The car was designed by Kazumasu Takagi and his team of developers, and featured a new, more aerodynamic body than its 280ZX predecessor. It also had a more powerful lineup of V6 engines instead of the old I6 used in the 280ZX. According to Nissan, "the V6 engine was supposed to re-create the spirit of the original Fairlady Z." (Datsun 280 Nissan 300ZX, p.65) This new V6 (2960 cc) SOHC engine was available as a naturally-aspirated VG30E or a turbocharged VG30ET producing 160 hp and 200 hp respectively. The VG30E(T) engine was either a type A or type B sub-designation from 1984 to April 1987; models from May 1987 to 1989 had a W-subdesignation. The W-series engines featured redesigned water jackets for additional cooling, as well as fully floating piston wrist pins. W engines were rated at 165 hp (naturally-aspirated) and 205 hp (turbocharged). 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, and increased compression (8.3:1) to produce the 5 extra horsepower. Finally, these engines were equipped with self-adjusting hydraulic valve lifters.
[edit] Japanese market
On the home market, the list of models included the 300ZX and the Z, ZG, ZR, and ZR II specs, which all used a 2.0 L V6 instead of the 3.0 L V6 used in the 300ZX. The 300ZX in Japan was not subject to tough emissions regulations as in the US, therefore producing 230 hp. The four-cylinder models used either a VG20ET, then later the RB20ET engine and developed between 170-180 hp. This was to, "make the most of the local taxation laws." (Datsun 280 Nissan 300ZX, p.69)
[edit] Chassis
The chassis remained similar to the 280ZX, with the same 91.3 in (2319 mm) wheelbase and MacPherson strut/trailing arm independent suspension, however the 300ZX both handled and accelerated better than the 280ZX it replaced. All turbocharged models (except for the SS special edition) featured 3-way electronically adjustable shock absorbers.
[edit] Special Edition Z31
There were also two special models produced. In 1984, the 300ZX 50th Anniversary Edition was released in celebration of the company's 50th anniversary. In 1988, Nissan released a pearl white 300ZX "Shiro Special" (SS) with stiffer springs, matched shocks and no available options. There were no stellar differences setting the SS apart from a regular 1988 model 300ZX Turbo except for the pearl white paint, a unique front air dam, paint matched wheels, Recaro seats, unique springs and a viscous limited-slip differential in place of the clutch type. A limited run was produced in 1989 in Japan.
[edit] Style and evolution
Due to its aging design, the Z31 body was slightly restyled in 1986 with the addition of side skirts, and the removal of the hood scoop for a much smoother look. The old rubber spoiler was replaced with a more durable fiberglass one, and a third brake-light was incorporated within the unit to comply with US safety regulations. The car was given a final makeover in 1987 that included more aerodynamic bumpers, fog lamps within the front air dam, and replacement of the sealed beam style headlights with more modern 9004 bulb-based lights. The "300ZX" reflector in the rear was replaced by a narrow set of taillights running the entire width of the car, and an LED third brake light located on the top of the rear hatch. The car continued selling until 1989 and sold more than any other Z-car made to date with over 70,000 units sold in 1985 alone. In 1990, Nissan replaced the Z31 with the Z32, and was a complete redesign version of the Z31. It was also titled the 300ZX because it retained a 3.0 L V6 engine.
[edit] Z32 changes
1990: NA Z32 production begin in spring 1989, while the TT did not begin until the fall.
- Extended model year sales: 39,290
1991: Manual climate controls discontinued (except in convertible).
- New electronic climate controls allowing control over air flow direction, but no more ambient temp gauge.
- Nissan logo put on the front fascia of the car.
- Driver's airbag now optional.
- Air conditioner evaporator valve changed from aluminum to steel for better sound insulation.
- North American brake rotors changed to NA units. Previous NA rotors were 4 mm thinner.
- CD player option added for both the TT and NA; it was previously only available in the NA.
- Bose stereo head unit changed.
- Logo on floor mats changed from "300ZX" to "Z".
- Hardtop coupe available at mid-year (NA only).
- Brake master cylinder changed to new unit in February 1991.
- Keyhole on driver's door and interior light illuminated when driver's door handle was pulled.
- Sales: 17,652
1992: Driver's airbag made standard.
- Brake caliper material changed from aluminum to iron, to help warpage/shimmy problems.
- Dashboard and door complimentary material changed from fabric to suede.
- Separate mirror heater switch eliminated (combined with rear defroster switch)
- Mirror heaters made standard.
- Power adjustable driver's seat standard on TT.
- Sales: 6,708
1993: Turbo oil line insulation changed for better heat dissipation.
- Seat belts redesigned; they were moved from door mounts to true pillar mounts.
- Convertible option added.
- Upgraded Bose stereo made standard.
- AIV/reed valves removed.
- Sales: 11,599
1994: Rear spoiler design changed to a higher and bigger pedestal one.
- Super HICAS system changed to an electrically-actuated unit (previously oil pressure actuated).
- Passenger's side airbag made standard.
- Keyless entry added.
- The convertible's manual air conditioning was replaced by automatic climate control.
- 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.
- Sales: 5,320
1995: Front fascia became body colored instead of gray strip.
- Sales: 3,135
1996: Variable cam timing 'quietly' dropped due to smog regulations, reducing engine output to 280 hp. Different cams were installed to compensate for lost power (total still at only 280 hp).
- OBD II electronics introduced.
- Driver's seat back rest no longer included adjustable side bolsters.
[edit] Awards
The Z32 300ZX Turbo was on Car and Driver magazine's annual Ten Best list every year it was available, from 1990 through 1996. The Z32 Turbo was also Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1990. It was critically acclaimed by many magazines as being a complete turnaround from the Z31, which many critics felt was a sloppy-handling GT, far from the agile, sporty 240Z of years past. From the year it was introduced, it won many comparison tests against similar sports cars such as the Mitsubishi 3000GT/Dodge Stealth and the Mazda RX-7, as well as the Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Thunderbird, Toyota Supra and the Porsche 968. In some comparison tests for the prototype 1991 Dodge Stealth R/T Twin Turbo, the Stealth came out on top.
The Z32 300ZX also made it to Automobile Magazine's list of 25 Most Beautiful Cars in August 2006 and 20 Greatest Cars in April 2006.
[edit] Safety
In Australia, the 1990 to 1995 Nissan 300ZX was assessed in the Used Car Safety Ratings 2006 as providing "average" protection for its occupants in the event of a crash.[1]
[edit] Racing
In 1984 to 1985 showroom stock racing, the 300ZX captured wins on numerous occasions. The car scored its only Trans Am win in 1986 at Lime Rock by Paul Newman for Bob Sharp Racing.
From 1985 to 1987, the Electramotive-developed GTP ZX-Turbo was raced in the IMSA GTP class and also the All Japan Sports Prototype Championship, badged as a Fairlady Z, using a Lola T810 chassis and a VG30ET engine. A series of crashes attributed to tire blowouts combined with difficulty of working on the T810 chassis caused less than stellar performance for both seasons.
Later on between 1988 and 1989, the Nissan GTP ZX-Turbo dominated in IMSA GTP racing. Additional factory endorsement, combined with a new chassis, transmission and more reliable Goodyear tires contributed to the team's success. The VG30ET was making upwards of 800 hp, with a power band that extended from 4000 to 9000 rpm.
From 1990 to 1995, as well as dominating the GTP category, now with a newly-designed chassis and engine, the 300ZX, which was campaigned by Clayton Cunningham Racing, was championed by Steve Millen in the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) and its GTO and GTS classes. He was ranked as the #1 Factory Driver for Nissan for 7 years, as well as two IMSA GTS Driving Championships and two IMSA GTS Manufacturer's Championships before the car became banished from competition altogether.
The Z32 also holds a land speed record in the E/BMS class. A joint effort between JUN Auto and Blitz was able to produce a 300ZX that reached 419.84 km/h (260.932 mph) at the Bonneville Speedway.[2] This record remains unbroken.
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| V8 | Y | VH | VK | |
| See also: Infiniti division | Edit this template | |
