Nissan Z31 powered by a RB28DE that revs out to 12K RPM

[@McLaffel]

Larry no don't let people find out about the Z31 it's the 80's best kept secret

[@MMK86]

Good luck to anyone looking for a decent one. Most of the ones around here rusted out and were sent to the junkyard a long time ago. I'm more likely to find a 70's Z or a R32 GTR around here than a Z31. With that said, Brandon's Z is such a beautiful build...if he used the 88' rear lights it would be the chef's kiss lol

[@raverdave9125]

Had to sell mine last year... gutted really.. just had loads of rust in the firewall and around the windscreen... oh.. and about 10 other things not quite right... but had it 4 years on the road ... I prefer the zenki/chouki front end.. but then what do I know?

[@dancearoundtheworld5360]

@@raverdave9125 sad that you couldnt cut out the spice and add new metal but not many people would

[@bearrett50kal17]

@@MMK86 Z31 Zenki rear is better than Z31 Kouki rear fight me. I have an 84 50thAE though so I'm kinda biased.

[@mmarchmonte88]

Let people find out about the z31, the value of mine will go up and hopefully more manufacturers will start making cool shit for the z31 and the SOHC VG.

[@impslap7620]

Great feature. This has to be the best executed Z31 right now and probably will be for some time. An absolute masterpiece.

[@dieseldabz7104]

It's definitely clean and nice I'll give him that much

[@Malibus_Most_Wanted]

Not really tru master piece is the turbo version is just a completly different car it’s meant to be a turbo car with a vg not to mention the vg30et makes 500hp on a stock block n doesn’t have rb oiling issues

[@EK-np4nx]

@Groovy Panda. Who gives a damn about power. Power doesn’t matter when you have godly sounds, immediate throttle response, and reliability. Not everything is about Power.

[@kylerobinson9748]

It's a good build. But it's not the best z31 build. It's not even top 5 stateside.

[@kylerobinson9748]

@@EK-np4nx yea... that doesn't hold water with how much he spent for that engine to only produce 250hp... and he already blew the engine

[@mackster196]

I'm not really a fan of z31s but this was still my favorite build of sema 2021.

[@adamtoepfer5565]

Same. This is perfect. Even down to the color choice.

[@timocallaghan4408]

Man I am loving this sudden appearance of cool N/A straight sixes. I really love the sound and smoothness

[@dposney]

It’s not a common platform aside from bmws but I love how they feel revving.

[@anydaynow01]

Yeah I've been thinking of building a RB30 block with a RB26 head for a while now, maybe if the market picks up in a couple years. It's power won't the best, especially for the weight of the motor but it will make all the right sounds and in a clean Z32 or Z31 with H pattern shift it will be one hell of a fun track day toy. But if power was everything I would just get a souless EV.

[@philipwilliams3427]

They have similar structure as the LB and same sound

[@MrElpajita]

Lmfao, where did you hear it???😂😂😂

[@dangerousfox8538]

Clicked to hear 12000 rpm, by the end I didn't even care about 12000 rpm, the description of the build was mesmerizing. Absolutely beautiful

[@termonostruman]

12000 lies

[@CurzonB]

When I bought my 350Z 3 1/2 years ago, the salesman at the Nissan dealership had a red Z31...can't remember what year, but he had over 400,000km on it. Bought it new and treated it well...from the outside it looked like it had no more than 100,000km. Completely bone stock, but I was amazed at the condition it was in...original engine, never been rebuilt, same with the transmission, and only on it's second clutch...if you take his word for it. I did see the odometer, and it was at 411k and change.

[@hunterjones4357]

I friggin love z31s but never get to see them modded like this. Thanks for putting in the work to make this beautiful z into a beast!

[@blkferrari355]

Man, that Z31 is super clean. I think it’s the tightest one I’ve ever seen. Kudos to the owner and to you Larry for picking this one.

[@RDSAlphard]

I remember seeing the progress of this build on Instagram, bits by bits... it's amazing!

[@introdark9625]

what's the account where I can see it? Thanks in advance!

[@PolitiCars]

@@introdark9625 rvae38 is the account. He has built some great cars through the years.

[@introdark9625]

@@PolitiCars thanks mate, I will give it a look for sure.

[@yoitsraul15]

@@PolitiCars thank you very much for the plug!

[@cgray5559]

What of my favorite memories as a kid was changing gears for my dad in the Z31. Seeing that radio just took me back. Great build

[@kaiisla9433]

The radio buttons look so classic

[@sarahwood8943]

It revs out to 12 but he doesn’t rev it out to 12. You can’t put that in the title and then only show us a 5 second clip of him blipping it to 4 and a half thousand, disgrace.

[@RebeccaKenworthy]

It's probably B.S, that's why... As an Australian RB turbo owner this whole thing confuses me. The investment to build an RB/RD that revs to 11 - 12,000 RPM is substantial, but the end result is so- so without boost... You could spend a lot less money and make much more power at tamer RPM levels of around 8,500 - 9,000 and control where it makes power and how responsive it is through careful turbo and cam selection... Sure, it'll redline 2,000 RPM lower, but it'll be making more than twice the power even on a medium frame turbo these days

[@Deep42Thought]

@@RebeccaKenworthy sometimes it's not about power

[@timothyiorlano1996]

​@@Deep42Thoughtno.....it's definitely always all about power.

[@Deep42Thought]

@@timothyiorlano1996 sounds like a kids words, grow up a bit more often than expected less power makes car faster

[@duomaxwell1743]

​@Deep42Thought in this case it definitely doesn't. Sooo... don't know where you're going with that.

[@renownusa]

EPIC. Glad to provide a small piece of one of my fav builds ever, DEF #1 Z3X Ever!

[@mg_streetkandi]

If you have never seen this build in person.. trust me when I say it's everything and more..The car is absolutely perfect..I wish the U.S. market had a stronger liking to them..Great Build!

[@MafiaboysWorld]

When you compare the lines on this Z31 to other Z31s, it looks more full and complete in the body compared to others. Part of it is due to the paint and where it's been painted compared to OEM, part of it is the smoothness of the lines. 👍 Added edit: The other thing is he should've used the RB30 block and 3.2L Nitto crank to get his 300hp goal. 👍

[@uras1]

the head is the issue not the capacity

[@rollingking10]

@@uras1 same as the 1jz to 2jz battle which birthd the 1.5jz. IYKYK

[@Archetype_Datsun]

The Neo RB25 would have been a better choice.

[@MafiaboysWorld]

@@uras1 With that current setup, a simple capacity increase would suffice for 300hp, not a head change. No need to reinvent the wheel.

[@MafiaboysWorld]

@@rollingking10 Which has been already disproven by The Skid Factory, 2J flows heaps more than 1J. It's just people that blow up 1J's find it easier and quicker to get a 2J block vs a 1J block to make a 1.5J, especially in the USA. 👍

[@MaIagoli]

What a gem of a project! Looks so beautiful and balanced, glad you took your time to make and post this video... it deserves some 'light' for sure!

[@ptzish]

I had one of these in high school. This brings back a lot of great memories. Mine was a one-owner super clean example too but I see so many (cosmetic) problem areas that mine had that this one addressed. The glued-on black velvet that lined the roof was very prone to shrinkage. It was hard to source fog lights and t-top parts in 1995 so I'm sure it's next to impossible now. Thanks guys! She's a beauty.

[@timfitzgerald109]

Absolutely the best Z31 I have ever seen! Such an amazing build with attention to detail and I personally would not be chasing any more HP as it is perfect just the way it is. Thanks for the feature Mr Chen \"/

[@G_Ozare]

Ive been following this build for a long time on IG. So hyped Larry featured this epic machine. It’s IMMACULATE. The carbon/Kevlar, the parts, the Watanabes… this guy has impeccable taste. EDIT: Had to add this halfway through the video where he mentions his daily is a twin turbo AMG wagon 700+hp… this guy is my HERO 😅 PS: This car makes me feel the way I used to feel when I was a teenager flipping through Super Street back in early 2000’s. Not many cars in the past few years have made me feel this nostalgic and inspired.

[@bhop0073]

I've never really liked the Z31s all that much until now.. this thing is perfection.

[@dancearoundtheworld5360]

I never will because i want one car forever but this one is a perfect example and that engine rpm is worth a good long look, ITBS make it sound like a L- Series.

[@TheOhsemix]

I like my z31 with a gt35r turbo its a blast and the interior is amazing for its time.

[@dancearoundtheworld5360]

@@TheOhsemix cocaine white with a red interior

[@jackblack2153]

Listen, I love that Z31. But I can't see anything but that GS300 behind the builder at 3:52. Oh my days.

[@spiritofmotorsport]

The underrated Z31! Hope to see it rebuilt and back on the road asap! 🔧

[@IAmUndersteer]

Good dude, better car. Brandon did such an epic job building this machine! Can’t wait for it to rise again.

[@TheTdl1581]

@Larry Chen thank you so much for showcasing a z31. I have an all original, 2 owner, 1987 z31. It is not the turbo and not the 2+2, but is a 5 speed and is fun to drive with the t-tops off. I can't quite figure out why the z31 gets no love. Every car show I go to, the car gets a ton of attention, because they are becoming rare and the younger generations have no idea what it is, but think it is cool.

[@Megacatares]

the 2+2 is not what to have the 2 seater is!

[@dieseldabz7104]

@@Megacatares Says the guy who owns neither

[@Megacatares]

@@dieseldabz7104 incorrect sir.

[@andycsurka9235]

My Z31 has been in the build process for over 10 years. Kudos to your 4 year build Larry.

[@fairladyttz567]

Hands down the best Z31 build I've seen!

[@octanemotorsportengineering]

I had started out with a 1985 Z31 2+2 Turbo, these cars are awesome. I've owned several over the years but not nearly as pretty as this one. Makes me wish I would have built mine right. This car is a perfect Z31 hands down.

[@jakeparrott9096]

Love this color!!! This build and car are amazing. Love the whole thing.

[@JDMEXforme]

Finally a Z31. These are super rare. And this one is by far the cleanest an coolest of them all.

[@shingoose6197]

I've been waiting for this! As a 200ZR owner, I adore this Z31.

[@boerharms2209]

200ZR Damn! Thats awesome. Best engine IMHO

[@shingoose6197]

@@boerharms2209 It's rad

[@darkj3di336]

I bet you do!

[@rjaybruhh]

*_High revving street care are just always so mind blowing and beautiful to listen to see!_*

[@loverboy8476]

The rev limit is set to 9100rpm and doesn't make power after 8600rpm. Wtf is up with the clickpait title Larry. Cheap. Hats off the builder though.

[@ebf1003]

It's a shame that the system requires clickbait and even more shameful that people obey it. Gotta feed those mouths.

[@wrighty338]

One of the best cars iv ever seen, follows no trend and is perfectly executed. The complete package just slaps 80's

[@averyingegneri5983]

That side shot at 1:07 🔥🤯 perfection right there

[@phillipwhite9254]

been following this build for a bit over a year. Honestly the z31 is such a beautiful car

[@ScarKnoturbed]

Ouff probably the most beautiful Z31 I've seen yet 💎💯 The sound is amazing solid build 🔥💯

[@icedstar]

What a beautiful build, the ammount of knowledge this guy has is what makes this car so good. All the right parts and the right ammount of flare.

[@EdgeAutosport]

One of our favorite builds at SEMA this year, glad we got to see it in person! Great video going over it all and sharing the story

[@micahgerdis1008]

Z31 was my first car and I loved it so much. It was so much fun on the back twisty roads. I loved the popup headlights and t-tops. Its was so much fun.

[@zyv5503]

I love this! not enough Z31 content out there

[@ApexwithDavin]

Agreed. So many Z31s started out as cheap builds, and then just die. I wish there was more Z31 content.

[@spankeemcnuggets]

This is pure motor vehicle perfection. The color, accents, stance, motor, integration of modern features, etc. I'm speechless.

[@1willttwill1]

Kind of weird how Larry’s channel is becoming what Hoonigan used to be. Or has arguably already become it.

[@dieseldabz7104]

Hoonigan who?

[@1willttwill1]

@@dieseldabz7104 🤣 agreed

[@arcadiagreen150]

@@dieseldabz7104 whoonigan?

[@Pelleministeri]

One thing i don't like about Hoonigan is the ad/hd attitude and yelling. These car reviews are gold!

[@moose6790]

@@Pelleministeri I agree, they're so loud and it gets old after a while

[@ashenonezero4060]

I've waited SO LONGGG for this video ,I'm building a z31 ,this is a MASSIVE inspiration

[@JRgamerrz]

I'm sad this thing had an engine failure, was a badass build and hope he can rebuild it better

[@madmaverick5017]

i loved seeing this build i found his Instagram just after my friend bought a 85 n/a 5 speed 2+2 Z31 I've wanted a early Z31 for a number of years and when my friend sent me photo's of the 85 he bought i told him if he ever thought of selling it id be the one to buy it and me knowing him he'd be looking for something else in a few months it's just how he is he's been through 80 cars and he's only been driving for almost 10 years he either trades or sells but low and behold 3 months later he wanted to get rid of it i bought it the next day i wanted a 83-86 Z because i prefer those year tail lights and more angular front bumper's. Watching this video is giving me ideas for my car it is not perfect with 256k KM's and a fair bit of rust underneath (including big holes in the trunk just behind the rear wheels) but im not deterred i want to do a north American 200ZR clone and ever since i dived into the Z31 pool I've been seeing a nice rise in popularity for the forgotten Z

[@steelgator412]

If you follow the owner on Instagram you already know that the engine is prematurely coming out of the car. Really sucks to spend that much time, effort, and money to have it break so soon but no doubt it will be just as awesome when it’s back together again. Brandon always has incredible builds and this one is no exception

[@hatchpatch29]

He should be going turbo for the next set up!

[@dieseldabz7104]

Ya no different than that idiot Rob Dahm...

[@dieseldabz7104]

@@hatchpatch29 Ya cause everyone runs turbos right

[@EBBluey]

@@dieseldabz7104 lol what did Rob do to hurt you?

[@focussport]

@Thor Odin son it dropped a valve due to keeper failure. And if you actually watched the video, you'd know that this is an RB25DE... NON-TURBO with a 26 head. With that said, turbo motors are designed for high artificial compression, so handling NA compression should be a cake walk. Ive NEVER heard of turbo>NA having any problems related to compression, and I'd love to hear a failure model that represents what youre talking about.

[@expeditionjay]

Underrated car and I dont get why. Collectors are sleeping on these. The build was awesome. Great find Larry Chen

[@MikeValencia]

wth I was really counting on hearing this car scream to 12k rpms...

[@MindDezign]

Larry is as much of an ambassador to Nissan and classic/vintage Datsun. Nissan needs to award him ! He has and is, always, lifting the Nissan/Datsun Brand. Larry you found another under dog...to push into the fore front , for all Enthusiasts to see ! Thank you Larry Chen ,for ALWAYS being the best ,enthusiast you can be !

[@mastercc4509]

Zs in general had a very bad reputation in the 80s because of rust. We have seen an evolution of how people perceive the 240s-280s while that stigma has stuck with z31s. In a few years these will take off like the rest as there arent that many left that survived the rust.

[@bruhsoundeffect8455]

I just don’t think people enjoy the body style, rn 90s is in style and it’s the boomer who enjoy the 80s. 280zx owners/fans aren’t the same as the rest of the z owners/fans they’re usually boomers who thought they were cool back in the day. I owned a 280zx turbo for a few months but sold it bc of the market and I wasn’t the biggest fan of the body style compared to z32s and s30s. I didn’t even get the 280 running I sold it for 3k as a rot box with 86k miles lolol

[@dieseldabz7104]

@@bruhsoundeffect8455 I can gaurantee you are in your early to mid 20's after reading your comment...Boomer... You have any idea who that actually refers to or you just like the rest of kids your age who calls every adult older than yourself a "Boomer?"

[@bruhsoundeffect8455]

@@dieseldabz7104 baby boomers were born after ww2 and I think a little before Vietnam started. I’m not even 20. I’m making a comparison of old guys who own corvettes to old guys who own 280zxs.

[@mosswine5417]

@@dieseldabz7104 calling someone a “boomer” sounds like someone ancient would say. For me, it’s along the lines of saying “dag nabbit” or “nincompoop”

[@colubrinedeucecreative]

What a brilliant build. It really shows that his dad had those 280s and he just wasn't down with them the same, and he built the next generation maybe better than his dad ever did. Growing up my dad's love for the 65 mustang kind of had me preferring the 70 mustang much in the same way. So it is a bit extra special and I have to agree, this has the look. They did rework a lot of what makes the z31 obscene though. Way too big of parts in much too big of gaps fittment, protrusions, has me wondering what all is better, need a side by side. Great feature! Thanks Larry!

[@fastec5]

R.I.P this car. 2 weeks ago it dropped a valve and destroyed piston 5.

[@dieseldabz7104]

So who cares DOESN'T mean the entire cars trash now does it? He's already building the replacement engine..

[@jasonstilgebouer565]

That color, the build, the wheels, the details are incredible

[@JaredR1996]

That is one beautifully sounding and looking ride 😍

[@beefravioli4031]

This is, no lie, one of the most beautiful cars I've ever seen in my life, online or off. Amazing Job to Brandon!

[@Dan_AYP]

Damn that channel name though 👌😎

[@alpinevicemotorsports1805]

That makes me happy

[@hummingasser4227]

Best z31 i have and will ever see. Awesome attention to detail. Perfectly executed build!

[@dustynmartin3806]

I'm truly bummed for Brandon after hearing the engine died recently. But I am excited to see what he does with the platform in the future! This is by far one of the nicest Z31's I've ever seen, and I'm hoping the setback won't deter him from continuing on, but will only inspire more creative solutions from him in the future. From one Z31 guy to another, I wish you the best Brandon, and look forward to what you come up with! And as always, thank you for the awesome coverage, Larry!

[@blaqlabspodcast5816]

I hate to say it but I think the mistake he made was screwing around with the quench pads in the head. I've done that a few times and had it go wrong also. It tends to screw up the burn in the combustion chamber hence why his horsepower was low

[@blaqlabspodcast5816]

But besides that I love the build and hope mine can at least come close

[@13geeky]

Thanks for the coverage, miss seeing these videos pop up on my feed. Keep em coming, can never get enough

[@rickybobby7660]

12krpm! I call bull*shit😂 at 9krpm the the maths on RB geo make it a grenade. Sweet car though, great build

[@dougshaw2944]

Larry, I think that the best way to put it is that you feature the cars for the people! So many people like to focus on the high dollar/exotic cars, but those get boring after a while (how many times do I want to see a McLaren that's a world away from anything I'll ever afford?). This Z's rad, and yours are the first images that I, for one, have seen of it. Thanks & please keep 'em coming.

[@AsylaGrows]

Could've easily made 300+ if he kept it VG, even as an N/A. ;)

[@jamiesonfilmz3994]

The point is being different, Na Rb26 bored to 2.8 is way more badass

[@Parelogy]

@@jamiesonfilmz3994 not rly being different as there were Z31s that came with an rb20. They were only sold in japan. still a dope ass build tho and it is pretty interesting that the Rb is bored and NA

[@B_M_A]

Man what a nice job this guy and his team did on this car, looks like no corners were cut and done how he wanted it. Beautiful car top to bottom. Truly.

[@williamebrahim2612]

So is it 9k rpm or 12k !?

[@JimmyInKona]

thank you Larry for picking up what hoonigan dropped and actually giving us build breakdowns again!

[@chubscub]

So boring when a builder shows off his car and then tells you all the people he payed to build his car for him. i.e bought not built

[@RaneMP2016]

Love it. I had a hand-me-down 1986 Z31 2+2 in college back in the mid-90’s. Then graduated to a hand-me-down Z32 2+2. I miss T-Tops

[@darksidetize5183]

good lord... This has been one of my dream cars for YEARS!!! But this one is just..... Drop dead gorgeous, by far one of the most clean, and beautiful Z31's I have EVER seen🤤🤤🤤🤤

[@hori_ink82]

Been following this build from the start on IG and so good to see more in-depth on the radical z31

[@AngeloZ32]

This is such a Beautiful Build! Made a good looking Z31 even better!! Such a Beautiful Machine!! Props to the Owner and Builders!

[@fishneck7366]

I love Z31s and they are going to get really popular soon

[@gureno19]

I owned several Z31 turbos back in the day and a Z31 200ZR back in the early 2010s with an RB25DET.... Was truly a beautiful car and i regret selling it more then my JZA80 Supra.

[@hamie63_m]

OMG I drooled over so many builds under that tent. This was top 5 . I hope there more

[@xdventrer2631]

I've watched the z31 car get more and more attention after about 6 years of ownership; and I am incredibly thankful.

[@BronkStang]

84 300zxs with the digital gforce dash and t tops will always have a special place in my heart.

[@robstephen4326]

sweet, let's put 12k rpm in the title, then make an 18 minute video where no one gets to hear it rev past 6. awesome show, great job.

[@samuelstringer3252]

The owners put a bit on Insta recently about the engine blowing up a couple weeks back. This things gonna come back 10x stronger and gonna be even more insane

[@MikeOrkid]

The fitment is perfect. No poke. No stretch. What a beaut.

[@chuki_Z]

Love this build and its kind of the inspiration for the build im doing with my z31 thins thing is just so well executed props to this crazy man

[@adriangale]

F’n sweet Z car!! Beautiful!! Def bump that compression up dude. Makes a significant difference

[@SporeZoo]

Another great JDM build, I love this channel. 😎

[@air-headedaviator1805]

Its crazy how much industry maneuvering this guy did to be able to build this. Custom parts, bespoke pieces, rare to now inexistent pieces from the original production, and all because he just wanted to build a sweet ride.

[@joshchavers7053]

This car is just a big example of knowledge. This is what happens when a man expresses his passions. It’s literally art.

[@teamces]

My first car I ever owned was a 280 ZX Datsun 1980 anniversary my second car was in 1985 zx300 Turbo. Bought it for $500 off of a guy that did not know what it was. Car was an Immaculate shape I just needed new injectors. All this was about 25 years ago, but One of my ultimate favorite cars I've ever owned. Awesome video.

[@jm361]

Awesome build Mr Miller, I to have the Mako Motorsports cluster insert for my wife's 240sx (near done build) Ic7 display, awesome work they did (paint and body) and what a sweet ride! Ain't nothing wrong the South Eastern part of the US (West of Louisiana showing off some talent/dream/great taste out in Vegas)!! Pretty sick!! Great work, hard labor and a ding in your wallet = a beauty! The fact you got a car that had 56 original miles on a non transferred Nissan/Datsun MSO is really awesome/rare (hope you kept copies/or at least get them from the DMV)!

[@AjJabaay]

What a great build. So glad you featured it sir

[@jake3689]

Z31 300zx is one of my favorite cars. I owned the one back in ‘91 as my first car. Same face same rear end but not RB 26 in it😁

[@ImCodyReyna]

This is the first Z31 I've seen that I've liked. Nice work man

[@jasontroglin8070]

Just a simple yet unique ride beautiful car and amazingly well built

[@Le_Floffy_A92]

man, this Z31 is so mint that I would hesitate to daily it clean and beautiful, 20/10

[@gabrielcazares594]

I own a z31 and been told to sell it but I know it’s true worth. It’s priceless to me

[@ActualFactsRacing]

Glad to have you back Larry, missed u 😘

[@LarryChenPhoto]

Thank you so much for your support!

[@alexdunch903]

@@LarryChenPhoto for president !!! Hands down best of the best behind the lense and editing & can I get the outro song plz plzz tried everything possible help plzzz

[@exoticbeast25]

I was working on this exact thing, I have the z, standalone ecu and wiring harness for it. This is definitely the dream

[@yaffajaff]

What a BEAUTIFUL build. Can't think of any way anyone could have done it better 😍

[@brianl8983]

Ooh baby. I’m a sucker for the older Nissans.

[@christopherbellisario9195]

Beautiful build...caught my eye at SEMA for sure....excellent work

[@DSPNWtoCali]

Used to own one and that thing was a thing of beauty. Z31 and z32 were it. Never liked the 350 or the 370z. Even the 400z kind of miss it. But I will definitely ride this model vs the 350 and 370. Old school Z, can be my next shopping list.

[@MikeHood-g2m]

Finally a decent Z31. Never thought the originals were very good cars

[@frankiefresh420]

Best KZbinr ever!! Always loved what u doo!!

[@michaeldigiorgio]

Just so crisp and cleanly executed. Gorgeous car

[@nikytamayo]

Gets sticker shock from a built L-series. Builds an insane bored and stroked RB25 with one-off custom pistons that does 12k rpm. Respect.