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ZBUM's Z31 FAQs The FAQs are divided into several categories. Buying a Z31 Common Z31 problems Basic Z31 questions and answers More advanced Z31 questions and answers Commonly asked for upgrades Generally accepted as stupid questions always asked anyway Buying a Z31: What are the models of Zs? How were the models named? What are the visual differences in the years of the US Z31s? Are there any special editions? How much power does the Z31 have? What are the trim levels? What should I look for when buying a Z31? I just bought a Z31, what should I do first? What's this I hear about a fuel injector recall? Are there any other recalls I should know about? Z31 production information. Common Z31 problems: Climate control issues. Digital Dash issues. Oil Pressure issues. Fuel Level issues. Clutch Pedal issues. Head Light issues. Brake and Tail Light issues. Cruise Control issues. Water Leaking issues. Squeaking fan in headliner. Basic Z31 questions and answers: How do I decode my VIN? How do I decode my model plate info? How do I know what trim level my car is? Why doesn't the hatch pop open when I pull the lever? Why doesn't the gas door open when I push the lever? How big is the Z31 gas tank? How do you calculate mileage? Why does my automatic transmission take a while to shift into overdrive in the morning? How do I hook "Bitching Betty" back up? What transmissions came with the Z31? What are the gear ratios? What differentials came with the Z31? What size wheels/tires came on the Z31? What fluid would be leaking down from my steering column? How do I run the ECU self-diagnostic? How do I calibrate the compass? How do I get the headlights to stay down while they are on? How do I fix the headliner? Why is my steering so loose? Why does my rear end squat so much? Why does my car bounce all over the place? How do I remove the heater core? What shocks are available? How do I disable the speed limiter? How do I disable the rev limiter? What does it mean when the lights on the adjustable suspension switch blink? What size speakers are in the Z31? More advanced Z31 questions and answers: How do I correct the excessive rear camber problem? How do I install an aftermarket stereo? I swapped differentials, how do I get my speedometer to read accurately? What options are available for bigger injectors? What parts do I need to swap the 87-89 front end onto an 84-86? How do I swap the digital dash to an analog dash? How do I convert from auto to manual tranny? How do I install the Z32 fuel pump? How do I install the Z32 brakes? How do I install an A'PEXi AVC-R? Commonly asked for upgrades: Maxima Alternator Larger Throttle body Fuel Injectors Fuel pumps Turbos Body Kits Wheels Generally accepted as stupid questions always asked anyway: Why are there so many ass holes on this message board? Why are you such ass holes? Why are you making fun of me? Will these wheels fit my car? Can I swap a digital dash into my analog car? Why do you use such a crappy message board? Will you update the message board any time soon? What are the best places to get replacement parts? Can I put a turbo in my non-turbo? Can I put a Supercharger in my Z31? Can I put a Z32/newer 300ZX/VG30DETT in my Z31? Can I put XYZ motor in my Z31? What's the best motor to put in my Z31? What color should I paint my car? How do I make my NA fast? Which belt is squealing? How do I use the 87-89 tail lights in my 84-86? How do I use the 84-86 tail lights in my 87-89? How do I disable the rev limiter? How much is my car worth? Why do my posts get deleted? What is goatse boy or tubgirl? Why won't my car start? Where do I get a cold air induction (CAI) system for the Z31? How much boost can I run? How do I install a manual boost controller? How do I install an aftermarket ignition? How do I install Prothane bushing kit? How do I install an intercooler? Buying a Z31: What are the models of Zs? * Note these are US designations S30 240Z = 1970-1973 260Z = 1974 280Z = 1975-1978 S130 = 280ZX = 1979-1983 Z31 = 300ZX = 1984-1989 Z32 = 300ZX = 1990-1996 Z33 = 350Z = 2003-???? How were the models named? They are the internal model designations used by Nissan during the design process and then carried over into the production to keep track of different models. Contrary to some peoples beliefs, the Z31 is NOT named because it's the first generation of the 300ZX. In Japan, the Z31 also came with a 2.0 liter motor and was called a 200Z, 200ZG, 200ZS (VG20ET) or 200ZR (RB20DET). The later years also included a VG30DE in the 300ZR. What are the visual differences in the years of the US Z31s? The Z31 can be classified in 2 major groups. 1984 to 1986 year models (Zenki) Sealed headlight (6054 style) with thinner fog/driving light next to it. Two row tail lights (brakes on top, turn and reverse lights on bottom) similar to 280ZX. Rear license plate between the tail lights with plate lights in thin logo strip above it. Edgier lines (hood, bumpers) 1987 to 1989 year models (Kouki) Wider solid headlights with fog/driving lights moved to low in bumper. Single narrow "UFO" looking tail light assembly Rear license plate located in rear bumper with plate lights in bumperettes. Smoother lines (hood, bumpers) Some people may call the 86 the Chuki year as it was a truly unique year for the North American marketplace. It featured the flared fenders of the 87-89 models and also posessed the side skirts of the AE while maintaining the head and tail lights of the 84/85 models. More changes can be seen on the differences page. Year General Non-Turbo Turbo SF GL GLL 1984 Defined edge for wheel arches. Trunk hatch has "DATSUN" emblem on driver side. All model plate light strip says 300ZX. No spoiler front or rear. 15x6.5" wheels. 4 lug wheels. Hatch has "NISSAN" emblem on passenger side 3.7 rear end. Spoiler on front and rear. 15x6.5" wheels. 5 lug wheels. Hatch has "NISSAN/TURBO" emblem on passenger side 3.54 rear end. Functional hood scoop. Garrett T3 oil lubricated turbo. In car electronically adjustable shocks. Injector cooling fan mounted just behind driver headlight. Dual core radiator. Auxiliary electric pusher fan mounted to AC condenser. Black window trim and mirrors. Canadian Models only. Not available in turbo. 2 seaters only. 14x5.5 Steel wheels with hubcaps. Cruise Control. Power Windows. Passenger Assist lock (driver lock controls passenger). Power Steering. Tilt Steering Wheel. Power Mirrors. Illuminated Entry. Digital AM/FM/Cassette. Air Conditioning. Digital Instrumentation. Power Leather Seats. Automatic Climate Control. Headlight washing system. Cargo shelf and retracting toneau cover. 1985 Visually indistinguishable from the 1984 models. Trunk hatch has only "NISSAN" emblem on driver side. No changes. Turbo is now water cooled. Plate light strip says "300ZX TURBO" and is gray. Tail lights are smoked. All turbos have t-tops. No changes. No changes. Stereo control functions added to steering wheel. Cruise control functions moved to steering wheel. Stereo gains 9 band Equalizer. Leather becomes an option on GLL models. 1986 Wider fenders remove the edge for the wheel arches. (except SF) All models have rear spoiler with integrated 3rd brake light. (except SF) All models have side skirts. New 15x6.5" 5 lug wheels. (except SF) Injector cooling fan mounted on pasenger side of engine. New 16x7" 5 lug wheels. No more hood scoop. Power seats standard. No more injector cooling fan. Steering wheel changes to 3 spoke. Steering wheel changes to 3 spoke. Steering wheel changes to 4 spoke. 1987 Smoother lines on hood and bumpers. Vented rear rotors. New 15x6.5" wheels. Injector cooling fan lost. New smoke/black 16x7" wheels. Larger front rotors. Later models (after Apr 87) get limited slip differential. Same 5 lug wheels. Cruise control now an option. Digital instrumentation now an option. Headlight sprayers optional 1988 Both models get 5 more rated horsepower. No changes. Wheels are gray. Garrett T25 turbo. No changes. No changes. No changes. 1989 No changes. Monochromatic paint (similar to turbo models) an option. No changes. No changes. No changes. No changes. Are there any special editions? 1984 Nissan 50th Anniversary Edition 1988 Shiro Special Edition How much power does the Z31 have? Year Engine Horsepower Torque 1984-1987 VG30E 160 @ 5200 173 @ 4300 1988-1989 VG30E 165 @ 5200 173 @ 4300 1984-1987 VG30ET 200 @ 5200 227 @ 3600 1988-1989 VG30ET 205 @ 5200 227 @ 3600 What are the trim levels? SF (Canada only) GL GLL SS (1988 only) What should I look for when buying a Z31? Same things to look for when buying any car. Here are the specific points to check. I just bought a Z31, what should I do first? If you don't know when it was done last, change the timing belt. It's also a good idea to give it a tune up (plugs, rotor, cap, wires, PCV valve). What's this I hear about a fuel injector recall? It's technically not a recall. It's called a service campaign. Click here to read about it. Are there any other recalls I should know about? No. Only a select few of the first year of the Z31 have any recalls at all and this was for a head light switch problem. The chance your car actually still qualifies for this recall is slim to none, so don't worry about it. Z31 production information. Year # made 1984 70,203 1984 AE 5,148 1985 74,551 1986 62,113 1987 33,621 1988 19,278 1988 SS 1,002 1989 4,228 back to top Common Z31 problems: Climate control issues.Climate Control Digital Dash issues.Digital Instrumentation Oil Pressure issues.Oil Pressure Fuel Level issues.Fuel Level Clutch Pedal issues.Clutch Pedal Head Light issues.Headlight Issues Brake and Tail Light issues.Taillight Issues Cruise Control issues.Cruise Control Water Leaking issues.T-Top Leaks Squeaking fan in headliner.Headliner Fan back to top Basic Z31 questions and answers: How do I decode my VIN? VIN Number Arrangement: JN1 C Z 1 4 S * G X 000101 JN1 = Nissan Pass Vehicle C/H = Engine Type: C=VG30ET(turbo) H=VG30E(non turbo) Z1 = Nissan 300ZX Z31 4/6 = Body Type: 4 = 2 seater 6 = 2+2 seater S = No meaning 0-9 or X = Check Digit E-K = Model year: E=1984 F=1985 G=1986 H=1987 J=1988 K=1989 X = Manufacture Plant: Hiratsuka, Japan 000101 = Vehicle Serial Number How do I decode my model plate info? Base model is: No T-Tops 2 seater SF trim Manual Transmission Look on the model plate located on the driver's strut tower in the engine bay. Read the model information line. Write this information down. Use the following to decipher the model information. "K" = T-Tops "H" = VG30 engine. "L" = Left Hand Drive. "G" = 4 seater "Z31" = Car model designation "X" = GLL trim "J" = GL trim "S" = Shiro trim "A" = Automatic transmission "T" = Turbo "N" = Canada "V" = California "U" = Rest of the United States "C" = Manual Climate Control "G" = Automatic Climate Control "L5" = 50th Anniversary Model "W" = Leather Seat (Japan Made) "Y" = Leather Seat (US Made) "D" = Digital Instruments (used after Feb '87) "F" = Monochromatic (paint - used after Jun '88) i.e. A basic model plate may say: "KHLZ31JTVC". This means the car has t-tops, a VG30, is left hand drive, has 2 seats, is GL trim, 5 speed turbo with California emissions and manual climate control. How do I know what trim level my car is? Look at the model plate located on the driver's strut tower in the engine bay. Read the line that has MODEL INFORMATION. Note the letter after "Z31". J = GL trim. X = GLL trim. S = SS trim. anything else means you have the SF trim. Why doesn't the hatch pop open when I pull the lever? The most common reason is the holder in the trunk broke. Open the trunk. Lift the carpet. Remove the tool kit from the driver's side. Inspect the cable. Use whatever means you deem appropriate to make the cable function properly. Why doesn't the gas door open when I push the lever? See above. How big is the Z31 gas tank? 19 gallons. Yes, I'm sure. Your owners manual says the same thing. How do you calculate mileage? Fill your gas tank to full. Reset a trip odometer (or write down miles). Drive the car a while. Fill your gas tank to full. Note miles driven. Mileage is miles per gallon. Divide miles driven since the last time you filled by the number of gallons the car took. Why does my automatic transmission take a while to shift into overdrive in the morning? It's supposed to do that. There is a temperature sensor in the automatic transmission that prevents overdrive from engaging until the transmission is fully warmed up to prevent damage. How do I hook "Bitching Betty" back up? Please note this only applies to the 84-86 GL and GLL models. The easiest way is to use the original wire for the front left speaker. Simply run the output of the stereo or amplifier to the origin of the speaker wires (84 and GL = behind the stereo, 85-89 GLL = under passenger seat). Then reconnect the original speaker leads in the door to your speakers. What transmissions came with the Z31? Click and read: ZBUM's Z31 Transmission Information Page What are the gear ratios? Click and read: ZBUM's Z31 Transmission Information Page What differentials came with the Z31? Click and read: ZBUM's Z31 Differential Information Page What size wheels/tires came on the Z31?   1984 AE 1984-1985 1986 1987-1989 non-turbo   215/60 on 15x6.5+30 215/60 on 15x6.5+10 215/60 on 15x6.5+20 turbo 225/50 on 16x7+20 215/60 on 15x6.5+30 225/50 on 16x7+20 225/50 on 16x7+30 What fluid would be leaking down from my steering column? If you are asking this question, you have an 84-86 with the analog dash. The speedometer pinion gear is leaking at the transmission. Simple fix. Replace the seals. Drain the speedometer cable. Clean out the instrument cluster. How do I run the ECU self-diagnostic? ECCU Diagnostic Procedure with Codes How do I calibrate the compass? How to calibrate digital compass How do I get the headlights to stay down while they are on? Click here for instructions with pictures. How do I fix the headliner? My Headliner replacement page. Why is my steering so loose? Because you need a new steering rack, steering column, or tie rod ends. Why does my rear end squat so much? Because you need new rear springs. Why does my car bounce all over the place? Because you need new shocks. How do I remove the heater core? Pull the dash and everything behind it. My Z31 Dash Removal Procedures. What shocks are available? A lot of different shocks and springs are available. All model/motor/trim springs will interchange. All rear shocks will interchange. All shocks made for non-adjustable (usually called NA or not for turbo) shocks will work in non-adjustable strut tubes. All shocks made for adjustable (usually called turbo) shocks will work in adjustable strut tubes. For instance: To use Tokico Illumina shocks on an NA, you would need the turbo strut tubes. Be careful. Understand that the 84-86 models have a slightly different angle than the 87-89 models. Purchase accordingly. Click here for more shock and spring information. How do I disable the speed limiter? Only the turbos have a speed limiter. And they all came with one. Disabling the speed limiter How do I disable the rev limiter? Buy a different ECU. The stock ECU limits the RPMs to 6500. A JWT ECU moves the limit to 7000 RPMs. What does it mean when the lights on the adjustable suspension switch blink? It means there's a problem with your electronically adjustable shocks. They could be blown. They could be not hooked up. The control unit could be bad. etc. What size speakers are in the Z31? All four corners are 6-1/2" speakers. Be aware that there are oversized 6-1/2" speakers that will NOT fit. Most of the time, these will actually be labeled 6-3/4" speakers. The measurements for the 6-1/2" speakers are taken from edge to edge with the grills installed. back to top More advanced Z31 questions and answers: How do I correct the excessive rear camber problem? You need to slot the rear crossmember. Nissan 84-89 300ZX(Z31) Adjustable Rear Camber How do I install an aftermarket stereo? You need to understand a little on the stock wiring. ZBUM's Nissan Z31 300ZX Aftermarket Stereo Installation Guide I swapped differentials, how do I get my speedometer to read accurately? Be sure you understand what gear ratio your differential is. Also, keep in mind any changes to stock tire size. Then read: the Z31.com speedometer calibration page. What options are available for bigger injectors? Possibilities are limitless. NISMO has/had bigger injectors available. But other people are using injectors originally intended for other vehicles. Shop around. What parts do I need to swap the 87-89 front end onto an 84-86? hood headlight assemblies (including light wiring pigtails) bumper cover bumper bracing How do I swap the digital dash to an analog dash? ZBUM's Z31 300ZX Digital to Analog Dash Conversion How do I convert from auto to manual tranny? How do I install the Z32 fuel pump? Z31.com's TT fuel pump upgrade how to install How do I install the Z32 brakes? How do I install an A'PEXi AVC-R? back to top Commonly asked for upgrades: Maxima Alternator ZBUM's Alternator Swap Page Larger Throttle body Until you start making a ton of power, you won't notice any improvements from this mod. If you insist on knowing more about it, click here. Fuel Injectors There are a lot of options. Most of them use the top feed style found on the 84-86 NAs and 84-85 turbos. Any modifications to the fuel injectors will require a different ECU to control them. Fuel pumps The two most common swaps are to the Warlboro pump designed for the 240SX or the Z32 fuel pump. Turbos The options are limitless. Decide what you want to do with the car and buy the book "Maximum Boost" by Corky Bell. Body Kits Inqui-Z-tor's Body Kit page. Wheels Inqui-Z-tor's Wheel Show page. back to top Generally accepted as stupid questions always asked anyway: Why are there so many ass holes on this message board? To make your life miserable. Why are you such ass holes? Why are you so fucking stupid? Guess we'll just never know. Why are you making fun of me? Because you didn't take your thumb out of your ass and finger out of your nose long enough to even try to figure out what your problem is. Will these wheels fit my car? If you don't provide year of your car and size of wheels (including offset or backspacing), we can't help you. Can I swap a digital dash into my analog car? Yes. Get a parts car with a working digital dash. Why do you use such a crappy message board? Just to piss you off. Will you update the message board any time soon? Fuck no. It works. If it ain't broke, don't fuck with it. What are the best places to get replacement parts? The store that sells them cheapest or has the best customer service. Can I put a turbo in my non-turbo? Yes. The trunk is quite large. You didn't even bother to read the FAQ you section, have you? Can I put a Supercharger in my Z31? Yes. You can probably put it next to the turbo. UPDATE: A 15 year old kid actually did it. Can I put a Z32/newer 300ZX/VG30DETT in my Z31? This one is iffy. You'd have to disassemble it to get it in the trunk. Can I put XYZ motor in my Z31? Given enough time and money and intelligence (or just more money) anything is possible. See: ZBUM's Z31 300ZX Engine Swap Page What's the best motor to put in my Z31? One that fits and requires very little effort to install (i.e. the stock motor). What color should I paint my car? Day glow orange. How do I make my NA fast? Push it off a cliff. Which belt is squealing? The one that is too tight/loose/old. How do I use the 87-89 tail lights in my 84-86? Sawzall and duct tape. *Correction. Someone was crazy enough to have done it! How do I use the 84-86 tail lights in my 87-89? Sawzall, duct tape, and bailing wire. How do I disable the rev limiter? Get a different ECU. How much is my car worth? $5.00, not a penny more. Your cars worth will be defined by what someone is willing to pay for it. You set a price. If someone buys it for that price, then it was worth that. If no one buys it for that price, then it probably wasn't worth it. You can get an idea of what your car is worth by looking at similarly equiped vehicles in the AutoTrader, e-bay, newpaper. Also, you can get approximations by visiting: Kelly Blue Book Edmunds Nada Guides Why do my posts get deleted? Select from the following: Because you're a fucktard and can't follow directions. Because you obviously didn't even open the hood/door/trunk, look under the car, etc to figure out what your problem is. Because you typed in all caps. Because we don't like you, your girlfriend doesn't like you, and your parents don't like you. Didn't you get the memo? What is goatse boy or tubgirl? You really don't want to know. Trust me. Why won't my car start? Because you're a fucktard and can't follow directions. Try turning the key in the ignition. Where do I get a cold air induction (CAI) system for the Z31? Quit listening to the Honda boards. This is a Z31. The air is already fresh/cold. How much boost can I run? Eleventy billion. Seriously. Depends on (but not limited to): engine condition - includes: pistons rods valves spark plugs wires fuel injectors fuel pressure fuel pump etc octane fuel used air density temperature (air and engine) How do I install a manual boost controller? Remove the hose that connects the turbo to the wastegate actuator. Install the boost controller inline with this hose. You might want to use longer hose so you can adjust it more easily. If you need more detail than this, you will be labelled a "-fucktard". How do I install an aftermarket ignition? Follow the instructions that should be included with the ignition system. How do I install Prothane bushing kit? Remove old bushings. Install new ones. How do I install an intercooler? Are you sure you need an intercooler? Do you even know what it does? Use bolts to hold it in place. They're stronger than zip ties. back to top