Nissan (Datsun) 300ZX

Source

1985 Datsun 300ZX

The Nissan 300ZX, also known as the Nissan Fairlady Z, is a sports car 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 put forth by Yutaka Katayama, the then President of Nissan Motors USA, which was used in the North American, European, and Australian markets. In the Japanese home market, the official name Fairlady Z is used.^[2][3]

The Z31 and Z32 feature a 3.0 liter, V6, naturally-aspirated or turbocharged engine. Although both motors are from the same VG series and have the same displacement, the output of the Z32 is greater than the Z31. The naturally-aspirated Z32 has 222 hp and 198 lb-ft of torque versus the Z31 with 160-165 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. Similarly, the twin-turbo Z32s have 300 hp and 283 lb-ft torque versus the single turbo Z31, which has 200-205 hp and 227 lb-ft of torque. The main difference in the newer motor is the addition of dual overhead camshafts, and for the turbocharged version, dual intercoolers and variable valve timing.^[1]

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.^[4][5] Styling would be completely redesigned with the release of the Z32, tending toward finer curves and more efficient aerodynamics. The newer chassis also featured four-wheel steering, called Super HICAS, 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 of 2000.^[6]

True to its heritage, the race-only 300ZX cars had several notable victories, including the 1986 Trans Am series and the 1994 24 Hours of Daytona. However, auto sports politics and a controversial GTS-1 class win at the 24 Hours of LeMans that same year^[7] prompted the International Motor Sports Association to declare the twin turbo engine illegal for future competition.^[8] The 300ZX also holds the E/BMS land speed record of 419.84 km/h (260.87 mph) from the 1991 Bonneville Speed Trial.^[9]

Throughout its life, the 300ZX has been praised by critics. Car and Driver placed the car on its Ten Best list for 6 consecutive years and Motor Trend awarded it as the 1990 Import Car of the Year. In 1996 Automobile Magazine reflected upon their years of experience with the Z-car with a single statement:^[10]

“The 300ZX Turbo is a dance; it's a song; it's rolling, roaring automotive art.
There is no color that doesn't suit it. There is no mood-lifting chemical substance it can't replace.”

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 used Japan's first ever V6 engine instead of an I6. According to Nissan, "the V6 engine was supposed to re-create the spirit of the original Fairlady Z."^[6]

This new V6 (2960 cc) single overhead cam engine was available as a naturally-aspirated VG30E or a turbocharged VG30ET producing 160 hp and 200 hp 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 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 to produce the 5 extra horsepower. 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 litre motor. The 200Z, 200ZG, and 200ZS used the VG20ET motor while the 200ZR had the RB20DET. Other than the 300ZX, the only other factory Z31 variant to use the VG30DE engine is the 300ZR.^[11] The Japanese 300ZX Turbo was not subject to the tough emissions regulations found in the US, allowing it to produce 230 hp, outperforming not only its North American counterpart, but the 2.0 liter Z31s as well--their engines only made 170-180 hp. This was to, "make the most of the local taxation laws."^[6]

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 edition Z31 releases

Nissan manufactured two special edition Z31s. In 1984, the 300ZX 50th Anniversary Edition was released to celebrate Nissan's 50th anniversary. These cars were all fully loaded turbo models with a Silver/Black colour scheme. In 1988, the turbocharged Shiro Special debuted with pearl white paint, stiffer springs and matched shocks, 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 speeds, as tested by Motor Trend with the electronic speed limiter disabled.^[4] A total of 1002 Shiro Special Z31s were produced between January and March of 1988.^[5]

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 fibreglass 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 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.

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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 Z32 was also titled 300ZX because it had a the same displacement engine. However, since the engine had dual overhead cams, the engine name was revised to VG30DE. The twin-turbo model had the VG30DETT engine.

Style and evolution

The Z32 chassis would likewise undergo several changes throughout its production run between 1989 and 2000. 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.^[12]

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 (nose panel).
• Driver's airbag now optional.
• Air conditioner evaporator valve changed from aluminium 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 units.^[12]

1992

• Driver's airbag made standard.
• Brake calliper material changed from aluminium 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 units.^[12]

1993

• Turbo oil line insulation changed for better heat dissipation.
• Convertible option added.
• Upgraded Bose stereo made standard.
• AIV/reed valves removed.
• Sales: 11,599 units.^[12]

1994

• Front fascia became body coloured instead of gray strip.
• Rear spoiler design changed to a taller, pedestal-type.
• Seat belts redesigned; they were moved from door mounts to true pillar mounts.
• Super HICAS system changed to an electrically-actuated unit (previously oil pressure actuated).
• 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' colour is dropped. Future 'Pearls' are more of a semi-metallic white.
• Sales: 5,320 units.^[12]

1995

• Sales: 3,135 units.^[12]

1996

• Variable cam timing (NVTC) dropped. Factory HP rating remains at 300hp as seen on original 1996 model year window stickers and third-party dyno testing shows 300 hp.
• OBD II electronics introduced.
• Driver's seat back rest no longer included adjustable side bolsters.^[12]
• Sales: 2929 Units total, 300 of which are the "Commemorative Edition." ^[13]

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 International Motor Sports Association's (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 SOHC VG30ET was making upwards of 1000 hp, with a power band that extended from 4000 to 9000 rpm on a single turbo.^[14]

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.^[8] The 1995 GTS 300ZX car would debut with the V8 Nissan VH engine at Daytona^[15] and would place first in the GTS-1 class at the 24 Hours of Sebring and Mosehead Grand Prix in Halifax.^[16]

The JUN-BLITZ Bonneville Z32 holds the E/BMS class land speed record of 419.84 km/h (260.87 mph) set at the 1991 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.^[9]

Awards

• 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 honours the 300-ZX/300-ZX Turbo as its "Design of the Year", and names the 300-ZX Turbo to its "All Stars" list. Road & Track names the 300-ZX Turbo "One of the Ten Best Cars in the World". Car and Driver names the 300-ZX Turbo "One of the Ten Best Cars".
• 1991: The 300-ZX Turbo is named to Car and Driver 's "Ten Best" list, and is once again one of Automobile Magazine's "All-Stars".
• 1992: For the third straight year, Car and Driver names the 300-ZX Turbo one of its "Ten Best", and Automobile Magazine names it to its "All-Stars" list.
• 1993: For the fourth straight year, the 300-ZX Turbo is named a Car and Driver "Ten Best", and one of Automobile Magazine's "All-Stars".
• 1994: For the fifth straight year, the 300-ZX Turbo is named to the "Ten Best" and "All Stars" lists by Car and Driver and Automobile Magazine, respectively.
• 1995: For the sixth straight year the 300ZX Turbo is named to the "Ten Best" by Car and Driver.
• 1996: For the seventh straight year the 300ZX Turbo is named to the "Ten Best" by Car and Driver, this is also the final year of production in the US.

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

• 2004: Automobile lists the Z32 as one of the 100 coolest 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".

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

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.^[17]

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.^[18] 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.