Opinions/Experience with Z31 300zx

bigsix

Have you or a friend owned a Z31 300zx? What was good, what wasn't?

eastwest2300

Nope, cant say I have, sorry bro.

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280z/300zx

I've owned my 84 since I was 17, so total amount of 13 years now. It's been great. Aside from regular maintenance I've never really had a problem with it. At this point in time they are old cars and will need more attention than newer cars so keep that in mind. Also most now and days are beat to **** so be sure to find one that isn't. Mine for example has 86k original miles, original paint, and original interior. I've added a few mods along the way but nothing crazy. There are still a few out there that have been cared for; just have to keep your eyes open.

Also I recommend getting a turbo version. Mine is a non-turbo and even with my mods it's dirt slow. Stock the non-turbo runs 16.4 which any civic/kia/hyundai can match or beat in todays world. The turbo isn't much faster at 15.2-15.4 but with a turbo it has much more potential. You can get it to run 13's with very little money.

So what specifically do you want to know about the Z31?

bigsix

I just want to know how good they are to drive and if it's affordable to own and maintain one in the year 2012. Or should I just focus on attaining a 370z when the time is right?

280z/300zx

They are fun to drive but the stock suspension leaves a lot to be desired. Mine currently only has F&R sway bars and front sturt bar. It's decent but compared to my friends old 300x it sucks. My friend had his 300zx with lower springs, sway bars, poly bushings all the way around. He also had the toe and camber set up for a cross between street driving and auto-x. let me tell you, that car was sick around a turn. I mean the car has potential, you just have to put the time into it. Stock for stock it will not compare to a 370z. Modified to stock, it will be hard to compare. Even though both are Z's the 300zx is vastly different in feel compared to the 370z. It comes down to what you prefer. Then again I'm one of the odd Z people that loves the Z31, while most Z enthusaist hate the Z31.

As for maintenance in 2012, it's hard to say. It's honestly going to come down to how good of shape you buy one in. As with all old cars the better the shape the car is the less you will have to worry about. I mean you can tell by the amount of miles I have on my 300zx that I don't drive it often but I've never had to sink major money into it. Over the last 13 years I've had to replace the valve cover seals, rear main seal, oil pan gasket, heater went out and bypassed, a/c connections replaced, hoses replaced due to age, fuel sending unit replaced, new shocks, tires, oil, filters, power steering pump, alternator, starter. Thats about it. Not bad considering the cars age. I'll also say, knock on wood, that in the last 5 years she hasn't needed anything.

Lastly it helps if you are mechanically inclined or have a mechanic familiar with older cars. Most mechanics now and days really don't know much about the Z31. Not that the Z31 is special in any case, it's a car like most others, but you don't want a mechanic using your Z as his first attempt.

Like I said, spend the time and extra money to find a Z31 thats been cared for. From there things should be pretty easy, that is unless you start to modify. Adding mods you start to find out quickly that it's a slippery slope to repalcing everything as support for the previous part. I found that out with regards to my 280z. Finally one day I said I had to stop. Before mods it's always best to have a game plan from the begining so you know just how far you want to go so you can prepare the best.

Anything else, let me know

280z/300zx

One other thing. I love my 370z and think it's vastly superior to my 300zx and 280z in their current states. That said, there is nothing like cruising in a Z31 or S30 (240,260,280z) because you just don't see them anywhere. Not to mention most people don't even remember or know what you are driving. I mean the 370z is unique enough but it's a new car and expected. A Z31 is unique and old, gives it a bit more mystique, or at least thats my opinion.

370Ztune

I've had about 5 of them over the last 10 years, and they're great DD cars. Reliable engine and they're cheap makes them a good option for a cheap sports car. As mentioned, the suspension design isn't fantastic; the car handles well, but significant upgrades are tough.

Rust can be a big problem depending on where the car has been for its life. Anything in the engine bay is easily accessible, so repairs aren't too much of a headache. If the car has the digital dash package, expect problems with the dash failing.

As mentioned, get a turbo model if possible. Best option would be a 88-89 turbo model as they're easiest to find significant upgrades for like brakes etc. Since you're in Thailand, look for a 300ZR or 200ZR model from Japan since these have the most aftermarket following in Japan. The 200ZR has the RB20 from the Skyline in it, which allows it to either be upgraded or replaced with an RB25, which is a fantastic motor with lots of upgradeability.

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bigsix

Thanks for you guys' replies. . . i can tell you have experience with the car.

All I'd be looking for is a good(fun) daily driver. No mods mechanically.

Before getting into the 370z, I never knew about the Z31 or Z32. Then i started to notice Z32 300zx's on the street; but, I've never seen a Z31 300zx.

As long as the suspension can keep up to 7/10th's, it should be Ok.

Just the north american models... i'll buy it in Colorado when I get home this spring.

280z/300zx

Just watch for rust. Being that there is a lot of snow in Colorado you might run into a few rust buckets. Even though you are just looking for a nice DD I would still get a turbo. Trust me, the turbo is worth it. Then just get your self some nice tokico's (you can buy the combo set off ebay for pretty cheap), MSA sway bars, Cusco front strut bar, and poly urethane bushings all the way around. I know you said no mods but chances are a car of this age will need most of this stuff replaced anyway. My theory with old cars is, if the stock part needs replacing you might as well spend the extra and go with performance parts.

bigsix

Thanks for the advice. . . i'll look out for rust. The air is dry in CO so rust might not be too big a problem.

Yea, turbo is the way to go. If it's affordable to modify the suspension, I'll go ahead and do it. Are the tools needed to work on the car in Metric measurement? Is there a shop online that you recommend buying parts from?

HKYStormFront

my dad had an '86 model and other than a seemingly random overheating issue (i'm still thinking it was either thermostat or an air pocket that just wouldn't go away), it ran great and was very reliable overall. he traded it plus cash for a '76 merc SL450... it's been a disaster since he got it and he kicks himself for getting rid of the Z

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280z/300zx

zcarparts.com is the most popular place to buy parts for old Z's. There are a few other places to get things but for the most part MSA (zcarparts.com) has it all. Also check out z31.com for a message board dedicated to 300zx's as well as zcar.com. Both are good resources. Just becareful, they don't like noobs. Make sure to use the search feature first before posting or be prepared to be flamed.

bigsix

Lol.. ^ ^ I'll research first. Everyone on this site has been helpful with any questions I've asked. It's a nice, thriving community here