WikiPortallus: Nissan 300ZX.html

The Nissan 300ZX, also known as the Nissan Fairlady Z, is a sports car that was produced by Nissan. It comprises the third and fourth generations of the Z-car line-up, respectively given the chassis designations Z31 and Z32.¹

The 300ZX name followed the numerical convention initiated with the 240Z, put forth by Yutaka Katayama, the one time president of Nissan Motors USA. The "X" was added to the model name by its predecessor signifying "luxury". The name was used in most markets with the exception of a few including the Japanese home market, there the car like all previous Z cars was sold as a "Fairlady Z".

The Z31 and Z32 feature a 3.0 litre, V6 naturally-aspirated and single (z31) or twin (z32) turbocharged engine. Although both motors are from the same VG series and have the same displacement, the output of the Z32's VG30DE and VG 30DETT is greater than the Z31. The VG30DE series is also double overhead cam and variable valve timing variable valve timing.< while the older VG30 is a single overhead cam design. The naturally-aspirated Z32 has 222 hp (166 kW) and 198 lb·ft (268 N·m) of torque versus the Z31 with 160-165 hp and 174 lb·ft (236 N·m) of torque. Similarly, the twin-turbo Z32s have 300 hp (220 kW) and 283 lb·ft (384 N·m) torque versus the single turbo Z31, which has 200-205 hp and 227 lb·ft (308 N·m) of torque. The Z32's twin turbo motor is also intercooled unlike the z31 turbo.

The Z31 chassis was designed after the previous Z-car, the Nissan 280ZX, and had two special editions based on it. The 50th Anniversary Edition focused on luxury to celebrate the company's semi-centennial in 1984, while the Shiro Special, released 4 years later, boasted performance-oriented upgrades.²³ Styling would be completely redesigned with the release of the Z32, tending toward finer curves and more efficient aerodynamics. The newer chassis also featured hydraulic 4 wheel steering called HICAS (in 1994 changed to an electric actuator called SuperHICAS), in its top-of-the-line models. Although it was not a special edition, in 1996 Nissan designated the final 300 American units the Commemorative Edition. Production of the Z32 ceased outside of the home market and continued in Japan until August 2000.⁴

Z31

The Z31 chassis designation was first introduced in 1983 as a 1984 Datsun/Nissan 300ZX. This continued until 1985 when Nissan standardized their brand name worldwide and dropped the Datsun badge. 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."⁴

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 April 1987, while models from May 1987 to 1989 had a W sub-designation. The W-series engines featured redesigned water jackets for additional cooling, fully floating piston wrist pins, and more power--165 hp naturally-aspirated and 205 hp (153 kW) turbocharged. 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. Finally, these engines were equipped with self-adjusting hydraulic valve lifters.

Japanese market

On the home market, the Z31 also came with a 2.0 liter motor. The 200Z, 200ZG, and 200ZS used the VG20ET motor while the 200ZR had the RB20DET. The only factory Z31 variant to use the VG30DE engine is the 300ZR.⁹ The Japanese 300ZX Turbo makes the same 200 hp (149 kW) as the USDM VG30ET, outperforming the 2.0 liter Z31s as their engines only made 170-180 hp. This was to "make the most of the local taxation laws."⁴

Australian & European models

The Australian & European models made 230hp in turbo form due to a better cam profile, also known 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.

Chassis

The Z31 chassis was based on the 280ZX, but improved upon it. 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 an additional innovation: 3-way electronically adjustable shock absorbers.

Special Z31 releases

Nissan manufactured two special Z31 models. The 1984 300ZX 50th Anniversary Edition, released to celebrate Nissan's half-century, was a fully-loaded 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 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. Notably, 1984 also marks the last year of turbochargers cooled entirely by oil. 1985 turbo models are equipped with coolant passages to ensure turbo longevity. 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, and a viscous, limited-slip differential. No other options were available for the Shiro, meaning all Shiros were identical. 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.² A total of 1002 Shiro Special Z31s were produced for the US market between January and March 1988.³

Style and evolution

The Z31 body was slightly restyled in 1986 with the addition of side skirts, fender flares, and sixteen inch wheels (all directly from the 1984 50th Anniversary Edition). Many black plastic trim pieces were also painted to match the body color, and the hood scoop was removed to provide a sleeker look. 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 alone.^{citation needed}

Z32

In 1989 Nissan replaced the Z31 chassis with the Z32. Production of the naturally aspirated versions began in the Spring, followed by the twin-turbo in the Fall. The twin-turbo Z32 was publicly underrated at 276 horsepower so as to preserve a gentlemen's agreement among Japanese automakers. The Z32 was also titled 300ZX because engine displacement remained unchanged. However, since the engine had dual overhead cams, the engine code was revised to VG30DE. The twin-turbo model had the VG30DETT engine.

The twin-turbo 2+2 (four seat model) was never sold in the United States. Buyers in the U.S. who desired a four seat twin-turbo either had to legally import the foreign model, or convert a domestic NA 2+2 model to use a twin-turbo engine. The conversion process, which usually costs less than $10,000, can be performed by mechanics familiar with the Z32. The conversion entails switching many parts in the engine bay to the twin-turbo versions as well as making some slight engine bay alterations to fit certain parts such as the radiator.¹⁰

Style and evolution

The Z32 chassis would likewise undergo several changes throughout its production run between 1989 and 1996. Among the milestone 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.¹¹

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.^{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 tyres 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.¹³

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.⁶ The 1995 GTS 300ZX car would debut with the V8 Nissan VH engine at Daytona¹⁴ and would place first in the GTS-1 class at the 12 Hours of Sebring and Mosehead Grand Prix in Halifax.¹⁵

The JUN-BLITZ Bonneville Z32 holds the E/BMS class land speed record of 419.84 km/h (260.87 mph) set at the 1995 Bonneville Speed Trial. The vehicle was built as a partnership between JUN Auto and BLITZ. This record remains unbroken. In 1990 JUN's first Z32 went 339.2 km/h at their Yatabe test course and hit 373 km/h after some tuning at Bonneville.⁷

Awards

Even after production stopped magazines have continued to rave and award the 300ZX years later.

"once again beautiful, so sleek and tight and shimmering that it still looks great ten years after it went away" -Automobile, 2006

Safety

In Australia, the 1990 to 1995 Nissan 300ZX was assessed in the Used Car Safety Ratings brochure as providing "average" protection for its occupants in the event of a crash.¹⁷ The 300ZX was also reported by the United States Department of Transportation to be safer than other popular sports cars like the RX-7, Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, and the new Nissan 350Z in the event of a crash. This is due mainly to the advanced placement of the seatbelt being mounted on the door instead of on the body of the car (90-93 models).

References

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (December 1990 (05)). Nissan 300ZX 1991 Service Manual. Tokyo, Japan: Nissan Overseas Service Department. Publication No.: SM1E-0Z32U0.
^ ^a ^b Z-Club Hungary. "Nissan 300 ZX - Z31". Retrieved on 2007-02-20.
^ ^a ^b ZBUM. "US 1988 300ZX SS Registry and Information". Retrieved on 2007-02-20.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Long, Brian (October 1999). Datsun/Nissan 280/300 ZX. Dorchester: Veloce Publishing, 66-69. ISBN-13: 978-1-901295-06-1. ISBN 1-901295-06-0.
^ WSPR Racing. "24 h Le Mans". Retrieved on 2007-03-05.
^ ^a ^b Konik, Michael (1995). "On the Edge". Cigar Aficionado Online. Retrieved on 2007-03-05.
^ ^a ^b Tanaka Industrial Co., Ltd. (1997-2005). "JUN Demonstration Cars". Retrieved on 2007-02-08.
^ ^a ^b Long, Brian (2004). Nissan 300 ZX/350 Z. Dorchester: Veloce Publishing, p. 203. ISBN-13: 978-1-904788-04-1. ISBN 1-904788-04-1.
^ ZBUM. "ZBUM's Z31 FAQs". Retrieved on 2007-03-13.
^ "Z1 Motorsports NA to TT Conversion Guide". Z1 Motorsports. Retrieved on 2008-04-06.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g TwinTurbo.NET (1998-2007). "FAQ: What are the differences between model years?". Retrieved on 2007-02-08.
^ Paul Hillman. "The US 300 ZX Production Numbers". Retrieved on 2008-03-14.
^ RedZ31 Dyno Charts. "Electromotive VG30ET Power Band". Retrieved on 2007-06-20.
^ STILLEN. "Racing Heritage 2". Retrieved on 2007-03-05.
^ WSPR Racing. "IMSA 1995". Retrieved on 2007-03-05.
^ Motor Trend (April 1992). RX-7 vs. 3000GT vs. Corvette vs. 300ZX, PRIMEDIA Magazines, Inc.. pp. pp. 46-52.
^ Australian Transport Safety Bureau; Land Transport New Zealand, New Zealand Automobile Association, National Roads and Motorists' Association, Royal Automobile Club of Victoria, Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia, Road Safety Council, Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales, Transport Accident Commission, VicRoads (2006-06). "Passenger vehicles built 1982-2004, 2006 update" (PDF). Used Car Safety Ratings (Land Transport NZ): 17. ISSN: 1176-9890, http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/A84147E8-69ED-488D-8E0C-3C447112AC5E/0/GDS01655UsedCarSafety_FA.pdf. Retrieved on 21 February 2007.

Nissan 300ZX.html

Contents

Z31

Japanese market

Australian & European models

Chassis

Special Z31 releases

Style and evolution

Z32

Style and evolution

Racing

Awards

Safety

References

External links