The Nissan 300ZX Turbo is an affordable new-wave classic with boost and style

Today we're searching Facebook Marketplace for some Z31 Nissan 300ZX Turbo listings, and the prices aren't that bad for what you get. The Nissan 300ZX Z31 Turbo might not be a bad entry level collector car that will snap synthwave necks on a budget.
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#Nissan #300ZX #z31

[@MyChingling]

I used to be a z31 guy. Thought id let you guys know some stuff. The 87-89 were facelift models and the turbo versions came with very desirable stuff like a stronger trans (30A nearly identical to z32 trans) and an LSD. The turbo changed from a T3 to a T25 however and the injectors used a irregular rail setup. Also to change a fuel pump on a Z31 requires either dropping the tank or cutting a hole in the hatch. Not a simple drop in job

[@sierra715]

Im a Z31 owner and these cars are seriously underrated. Its an S13 without the multilink but with the engine swap already in it. People swap the rear subframes though and a kit is coming out soon for them. I wish these cars got the love they really deserve. A couple things about the car: Most of them run badly, usually very rich. This was the era where there was a strange mix of vacuum lines and weird 80s electronics, and thats the main cause of this. This CHTS sensor needs to usually be replaced, the vacuum lines are often dry rotted and need to be replaced or honestly just deleted, and other issues like the MAF are a problem. Theres other slight issues like this that also need deleting. There is usually rust somewhere in the back hatch of these cars, ive seen it more often at the bottom of the trunk. its usually not an actual massive issue but it is pretty concerning. A decent chunk of these cars have sat for a pretty long while so expect issues with the fuel pump and injectors. The digital dash is unresponsive, and fucked up, if cool. The vast majority of the cars come with T-Tops, and oh boy do they usually leak. The answer to this problem is shin etsu grease or replacing the seals entirely, which is a bit harder than you might think as no one currently makes them and New Old Stock is drying up, as in good luck finding it. You can DIY it though, people have done it. Like MyChingling said, the kouki turbo had the 30A transmission, but good luck finding one. The chuki 1986 car is a weird amalgamation of both body styles and changes. As a note the turbo had a 7.5:1 compression ratio, the NA a 9:1. Turbo an NA and you make more power, pretty safely too. Although, the stock turbo with enough effort around it (and i mean a lot) can net you up to 350hp or even more on a 2800Lb car. The NA2Ts even moreso. 400hp is pretty much the limit for the 71C transmission on the NA cars and 600hp is kinda the absolute limit for stock VG motor as the main cap and girdle need to be replaced with billet ones, as well as honestly the crankshaft too at that point. The Aftermarket is pretty tight knit and very small, but people pop in and out of it. Like i said earlier, a new company, apex engineered, is coming out with a kit (this year?) to swap the rear subframe which will make it a multilink setup. Itll be really neat. Youll see a decent chunk of these cars either being nice "classic car" modified which are nice cruisers, or 300-500whp cars. The VG30 is probably nissans most underrated performance engine, everyone focuses on the RB and SR20 (ew), and everyone thinks of the VQ and VR when it comes to nissans V6 but the VGs are seriously fantastic motors, even the SOHC ones. Last part of my rant: Really, in terms of nissans lineup, and in hindsight of the 80s, this is by far the most generic 80s sports car you can have. It sits in the middle of this exponential line of GT performance between the S130ZX and the Z32. Its a bit lighter than the C4, but not as much as an FC. It has the power and potential closer to a C4 and its light and nimble almost like an S13. Its a lot like the MK3 supra, it lives in the shadow of the generation after it (The digi dashes are super similar too). This is nissans most produced Z car at over 300,000 of them sold world wide, and a lot of people dont even really know about them.

[@thegreatkrimpus6139]

The most underrated Z car, wish this car got more love and aftermarket support like every other Z

[@anydaynow01]

For some reason I really dig the digital dash, I just wish they were easy to repair when they start to go but few folks know how to work on those old electronics anymore, and the ones that do want a mint for repairs.

[@TheCardBoard-Box]

Hey I own the first z31 turbo shown :D definitely clean and the kid didn’t know what he had, talked him down crazy, a/c works and minimal issues, electro suspension still works and is completely rust free OG AZ car.

[@NickL951]

So how much did u get it for?

[@naytwothousandthree]

bro do you still have it?

[@Allussion]

@@naytwothousandthreeI own it now

[@Allussion]

Hey man I own your car now. You got an Instagram or something?

[@genericexcuse4737]

I love the Z31’s, but I definitely feel like these will drop back in value to the sub 6k range. These people are trying to ride the Japanese car price increase, but there is little to no demand for Z31’s. Especially rough ones.

[@genericexcuse4737]

@Brian H I kinda doubt that most people who like the Z31 know what a Shiro is, or how to identify one. But they are definitely the most expensive when in good condition.

[@cuzwhynot1898]

honestly hope so. these aren't the greatest cars, but they are quirky enough that i'd love to own one for a bit

[@conspiratorsaredumb]

Good shiros go for $20000+. Has anybody driven one?

[@andydecu]

​@@conspiratorsaredumb try $40,000.

[@conspiratorsaredumb]

@@andydecu I said 20,000+. See the + symbol? If you are saying they are all worth 40,000, that would be wrong.

[@300zxheadass]

My favorite feature is that these cars tend to part themselves out.

[@carfriendsimulator9981]

Lmao

[@resolvingparadox1388]

Thanks guys now these are unaffordable XD

[@ctrl-alt-bingo]

I'd argue that the shift from 70s to 80s was even more substantial, particularly with japanese cars, we went from the quaint e27 and e30 corolla to the computerized synthwave of the te72 and ae86, or even american cars, like look at the switch from the A body to the g body chevies, you had the s110 to s12, anyways great vid as always, and its cool to see some more diverse platforms being featured on the channel

[@yeeterskeeter6565]

That gen of 300ZX is one of the few more mainstream tuner cars I really like. I'd love a t-top one with some rad 80s graphics and bike racks on the rear hatch. My Architecture teacher had a super clean 2+2 one he used to take his kids to school. Not the best car for going fast or drifting, but if you want a cool cruiser or comfy dailey it ain't bad.

[@Emira_75]

A Z31 is definitely not a mainstream car, they're not very desirable and I wouldn't even call them a "tuner car". They're akin to a MK1 supra.

[@Satori_Hishumetse]

So.. Paul Newman swore by the engine inside of these (vg30e’s) They also can be pushed to 1000hp at the most the same as it’s RB brethren.. Aftermarket is hard to find for these.. hydraulic clutches feel amazing for an 80’s car.. upgrade your sway bars to shiro sizes or use a rear sway off a 200sx it’s bigger than both shiro and standard.. brace the suspension.. I put a gutted intake on mine with a plexiglass plenum on top so you can look down into the runners, a intake, msa racing equal length headers (way too loud even on a stick muffler) a catback with stock muffler, shiro springs (checked for authenticity), Tokyo blu struts and much more bigger rims etc.. these cars are fun as hell to modify east to tune and as long as you can get a Jim wolf tuned ecu (I wish) and a 5 speed made after 86.. (they made them wayyyy stronger then 84’s) You will have a punchy fun exhilarating ride no doubt. I’ve owned mine since 2015 and I still love looking back at it in a parking lot. Also I used to push carts at a grocery store and every time I’d go out I would see someone posing with my car or just taking pictures of it lol they catch eyes that’s for sure 😅 Even had a guy once telling people he owned my car so I said wow how much you buy it for and he said 20 grand I laughed said excuse me and opened my door he was MAD EMBARRASSED cause he was trying to talk to two girls 😂

[@OrganicGreens]

late 80s early 90s cars look so much better than the second gen 90s stuff imo. started to get corney

[@ExCordeEnt]

Almost all of these listings were just piss poor examples of this car. I got mine as my first project car and I have to say that I love it. Its fun to work on albeit with some frustrations. But its way nicer to fix-up than either of my Fords (Fu#*ing Ford!) I personally love the 80's styling and I dont think it should be tampered with. Its not a drifter, its not a drag car, its not meant for that stuff. But it is a hell of a lot of fun to drive on the weekends through town and on some scenic roads. Its a great conversation starter and honestly a lot of fun to just drive. I'm building mine to be OEM+ just updating my turbo (New manifold and DP but a fairly small, quick spooling turbo), keeping my stock ECU and looking to get about 300 whp out of it. I love this car and honestly I feel like its an underrated gem. Its sad to see so many abused z31s out there. Makes me want to start a Z31 rescue.

[@defenestratorX]

I think the 80s interior looks better when you can find something in velvet red

[@johnshaw3208]

I had an 86 turbo. T3/T4 turbo bigger injectors, intercooler kit and a JimWolf computer running it. Fun car and fast for 2001-2004 but ultimately it was way behind in it's engine technology and very primitive rear suspension and heavy at 3200lbs. I ran the 1/4 mile at 13.2 @ 110mph on race gas and 15psi if I remember correctly.

[@Sable.frc1]

Before I bought my Beamer I was gonna buy a z31 84 and was planning on being twins with my friend who had a 88 z31. The day of I was gonna buy it the seller had second thoughts and didn’t want to sell it and didn’t realized how attached he was till I was going to seriously buy it then privated the listing. Won’t lie I was mourning that day.

[@cow8697]

Hagerty's video on the first taurus sho was so interesting about how ahead of its time it was, and how it also made cars of the time look old. As someone who was not really there to experience it, you guys should talk about what people thought about the cars you review when they came out. I legit can't even remember a time when I was excited for an obtainable new car coming out. Must of been a wild feeling seeing these cars and just assuming they were going to keep getting better and better.

[@16bmidniterfoxo]

I remember being pretty amped about the GT86 when it was announced, it was to be the next 240sx of this era which I think it will be.

[@sendingit2601]

As a z31 owner for about a year now, it's a daunting car to have as a first jdm. I over payed for mine but I got a black 2+0 manual turbo and I'm happy. My biggest gripe is seeeing new owners go onto fb and ask the same question "how hard is a LS swap" They'll get half way thru the engine removal, and then part out or ask way too much for a shell. These are great cars with so much building potential but alot of it needs to be learned thru your own gut feeling. There's not a huge video collection out there on these.

[@arncup]

YES FINALLY thanks yall I love ALL the content , enjoy being in the discord too

[@treypenton8490]

This is probably the last comment I'll leave. I've got demons that I can't fight. I appreciate yall making my time well worth it. Thank you for the laughs. It's been a hell of a ride

[@carfriendsimulator9981]

My brother, join the discord if you wanna talk. Keep commenting. We appreciate you fam.

[@mattgraham4340]

Me and friends got talked into buying these by a friend back in the late 90s. They were fun back then, but the stock computer was trash for diagnostics. The rear end suspension was sloppy/saggy. The turbos were often slower than the NA due to maintenance and the clunky T5 transmission. Exhaust manifold studs broke like crazy. Spark plugs are annoying to change. T tops fidgety/leaky. Fun galore. Back then you could get a new set of injectors installed by the dealership because of a recall

[@PhantasmPhoton]

the digital dashes are fine if you can solder. all the components are gigantic, mechanical gauges are a lot more likely to get wonky.

[@HamsterWheelGaming]

Not gonna lie the picture of the last Z with the katana was megacringe. Does it come with a bodypillow and a free 1 year sub to Crunchyroll?

[@lucasfishbough7191]

why you gotta post this car, i want it to be cheap cuz im tryna buy one😭

[@jimmy21480_midnight_special]

My first car back in 1996 was an 85 300ZX. I miss that car. These cars are so fun. T-tops, 5 speed gear box and a turbo. Not the fastest, but definitely cool.

[@oneviwatara9384]

I would love getting one someday soon.

[@blue6gun]

I've never had a Z31 until just recently. I always liked the S30 and S130 chassis better but I sold them all in 2015 when I moved to a new rental, since then the prices haven't stopped rising and I'm just not into paying drift tax or paying money of any kind for someone's leftover project car. One of the S30's I got rid of was a 78 280Z that ran but needed some work. I ended up giving it to a friend's older brother cuz it was his personal dream car and I wanted some good karma. Fast-forward 8 years and that same friends brother has to move but he has a pair of rust free, running Z31's that need some work. He can't take either of them when he goes or he won't have room for the 280Z, so he calls me up and asks if I want a 5spd 88 turbo 300zx and a 5spd 86 n/a 300zx for free. The catch being that I have to take them both. I've never really considered buying a Z31, but I think I'm all in on these two projects. They're perfect for ground-up restoration with a few small mods :)

[@triston5540]

I think this channel’s exponential growth will soon be upon us

[@nacl2858]

who knows

[@triston5540]

@@nacl2858 sodium chloride

[@nacl2858]

@@triston5540 indeed

[@basedlibertyprime]

Still can’t get y’all’s stickers shipped to Canada. LET ME GIVE YOU MY MONEY.

[@yota8325]

See now I love 80s cars cause they look like nothing on the road and built well can be super nice drive.

[@danielthecaraddict6389]

I am personally a heavy z31 lover I’ve had about 20 of them I currently have a super clean 86 turbo and mild built 85 turbo

[@bulbulle3799]

Thats so true! The shift between 80's and 90's are so different!! Inliterally can't tell the difference between a 2th gen prelude to a 3rd gen prelude!! Actually.,.,.,it might be for another reason.,.,.,

[@jalopyjustin]

Had the opportunity to buy one for $200 with a blown diff, guess I should have jumped on it when they where dirt cheap.

[@ChromeOnline]

Took the time to check out a 50th Anniversary edition of one of these that looked exceptionally clean, like drove 3 hours one way to see it because I was seriously interested. Got Whitney Houston stuck in the tape deck, found out it had a blown gasket and a dead cylinder (seller had no idea) and left Cool car though

[@twintarbos]

I had an 84 turbo back in around 2009, now I have an 84 2+2, thing has 330k miles on it and still runs, at least when the fuel pump lets it, I gotta go home and get that thing back on the road soon

[@bryanrodarte5205]

Love my Z31. They are quirky but the single cam VG is Japanese equivalent of a 350 SBC. They have potential to become a simple 300whp 5 speed car for cheap

[@Allussion]

I own the first red z now. Drove out to Vegas to get it and trailered it back home. Done a ton of maintenance and mods to it and it’s treated me great.

[@FatalRPM]

I’ve been building mine for about 2 years now. Glad I got it before this ridiculous inflation. I will say they are quite quirky, they have the potential for power but the aftermarket is limited due to it being a niche of a niche.

[@Bl00dwerK]

As an owner of both MR-2 gens, the first gen is way more fun to drive. It's like driving a go-cart. MK1 > MK2 all day.

[@austinderouchie5950]

I have purchased stickers to donate to the add a 'Maxima' search feature. We can rejoice in a 300zx powered 4 door sedan video. XOXO P.S. I just want a diesel maxima to run on used oil.

[@user-td6ur5nh1t]

My first z was a 88 with only 60k miles on it for 1500 bucks. Loved that cars so much I wish the new z looked like the z31

[@magnusforte9988]

Love z31's. 50th edition is a classic, was before its time with its features

[@rumrunner8260]

I just seen one of these in Garland, TX in super mint condition!

[@deckerhlad1109]

The fuel pump is replaced by dropping the fuel tank unfortunately. The fuel gauge unit is replaced through the trunk though.

[@JarofMayonaise]

I miss my '87 300ZX non-turbo. Paid $995 for it. Guy sold it cause it had starting issues and running issues but it was fixed with a new used mass air flow sensor from a junkyard. It was maroon red with a black front fender with a beat up rail but mostly rust free. Everything worked on it too. Sold it for an atv when I blew the head gasket. I want another but can't find any good deals on the east coast.

[@LOVE-VIBES-X-PROJECT-CARS]

The sad thing is that they're really great cars but enthusiasts will mod these in the cheapest ways possible, doing everything incorrectly, blaming the motor just to justify swapping another motor like a 2j or ls. You want to scare away newbies, place them in front of a V6 and watch the excuses fly. 😂

[@matt_queso]

4:40 as a previous Z31 owner back when they were NOT cool, except for a rather small community of enthusiasts... (2008-2010ish) we all wanted the analog gauges. Those things were black gold if you found a set in a junkyard.

[@Nimbus.]

I need to part out some Z31s ASAP.

[@retro2409]

There are a few Z specialty shops, I actually found out about one in the DFW area from a friend

[@johnobrien8773]

That last one is a better option if you're into anime.

[@Rhymezone.com_Lyrics]

Can't believe I missed the Z31+sword bundle :(

[@theflydies]

I had one of these. The only thing cool was the 'bitchin betty' talking system and the digital dash

[@africanachilles7009]

Man I’ve wanted one of these for a couple years now. My pops had one back in Japan. Hope they stay cheap.

[@iassosa9200]

Nah they are disappearing from the road at a steady rate. Get one while you still can.

[@DeimosPC]

Good luck finding one that isn't a piece of shit. The Japan car rush from 2014-now has seen stuff like this vanish from existence. So many idiots bought them, ruined them with cheap bolt on eBay parts or crashed them.

[@Farsk_]

I was looking at buying the black '85 z31 not to long ago before he increased the price. Originally he wanted $1500 for it was having issues with it, now at 3k, I can't justify spending that much on something that looks rougher than how it did originally.

[@timmoss9393]

Kinda wanna put mine up for sale just so you guys could’ve reviewed it 😂

[@HarryK832]

You guys should review the Saturn Ion Redline that would be sweet

[@TokyoJuul8008]

Rewatched for the reminder that Murgledoo is the most obnoxious member of the CCF peanut gallery.

[@christianjonker8181]

I had a non turbo z31, what a dog. V6 Gas milage 4 cyl power.

[@DeathsTacoIsHere]

trying to find any clean neo-classic right now is cancer. looking forward to this car market to pop 🙏

[@nibba5692]

The market will never pop,it will only get worse so get in as soon as possible .

[@C.I.A_Unclassified]

Please stop bringing attention of this car so I can continue to afford it 😂

[@pcz1642raz]

Id buy the last one

[@sauravgupta8819]

i would do unspeakable things to own a 300zx

[@TobeyNord]

Going from S14 to Z31 I like driving my Z better than the s14 .

[@RandyAugustus]

Last one gave me cyber punk 2077 vibes.

[@KyleBirdwell]

Do another z31 episode PLEASE

[@deltafire5058]

My buddy had one of these that talked to you.

[@carfriendsimulator9981]

Wat?

[@deltafire5058]

@@carfriendsimulator9981 I don't know if he kept the tiny woman under the dash or in the trunk but his car had a voice.

[@carfriendsimulator9981]

@@deltafire5058 oh lmao, "Bitchin' Betty"

[@jackbudd7239]

The 2 tone ones are worth alot so that 3500 is soooo worth it

[@ExCordeEnt]

Thanks guys... Ill never look at my ebrake the same... 😔 2:05

[@ExCordeEnt]

14:35 If only it was a drop in fuel pump... You have to drop the entire fuel tank to get access to the pump. Its a PITA! Why they couldnt just give access to it in the trunk is beyond me. You can access the fill meter but not the pump.

[@Dankturboz]

Net gear using words like “demarcation” scares me. When monke learn to read?

[@friendly-days6138]

cmon I was literally saying to a friend maybe 2 days ago theyre one of the last reasonable rwd projects. what next are you gonna start mentioning volvos and ruin my dreams there too?

[@CollectorCarFeed]

The Volvo S60R is a Swedish STI Contender With a Spaceball

[@friendly-days6138]

@@CollectorCarFeed S60s never fail to catch me off guard, call me a child but the spaceball is my favorite feature aside from the exhaust tone. The 240 and 740 wagons are what really peak my intrest these days although.

[@AltBoomer]

I think the only reason you don't see these things looking like S13s do now, is because they were already halfway in to the process of returning to the earth by the time millennials got their licenses.

[@shingoose6197]

wow...these are rough examples! lol

[@fdluid6862]

got mine for 1100 looks 1000 times better then any of these

[@hahsebuljoy4006]

Can you do me a favor and not increase the car value 😭 i wanna keep buying cheap car parts smh

[@Murgledoo]

First pog

[@rippintheirlipstv201]

Y’all should do featured video with drew peacock. Both y’all talk some mad s**t. A one off video of just roasts on all modern depressed car builds on are scene .

[@liamjackson4454]

I live in Alberta and this guy selling a z31 with 140,000kms but the catch it he deck lined the whole car and ruined it

[@sorrynotsorry4016]

6:23 offer him 1000 dollars and use it for backyard gp

[@Tacticoolpapi]

The z31 is the mustang II of the z world.

[@carfriendsimulator9981]

Lmao

[@LOVE-VIBES-X-PROJECT-CARS]

*280zx

[@julianc.6589]

my buddy has a Z31 lol. he knows it's a shitbox but he hoons it every chance he gets. nowadays he takes to the local rallycross track it's a hoot

[@lukes1k]

They handle like wet spaghetti noodles.

[@etrom1]

A lot of bad takes in this one

[@ExCordeEnt]

Ugh, why would anyone buy this car to be a drift car?!?! Its just not built for it. Its a cruiser, and there is nothing wrong with that

[@CrabSpirits]

It slides better than S13 due to a slightly smaller wheelbase (2+0). In S13, you do an engine swap right away. In Z31, you swap in an S13 IRS right away (kits are available). The VG30 has great torque, and getting one to 400hp is cheap as hell. If you manage to blow one up, you'll find another one over the weekend.

[@ExCordeEnt]

@@CrabSpirits I guess I'm just not a drift guy. I have a z31 and I absolutely love it though. Getting it over 400whp really is cheap as hell.

[@gavinstockwell9253]

watched these guys trash my car 😭😭😭

[@Murgledoo]

Ty guys for proving my point on why these cars should suck my ass ❤

[@nederlandsfatsoenkanaal.4842]

TBH 80s look more wild and cool than 90s cars....

[@ringsoffire5947]

AWESOME vid guys! TY!!! HI-lariois! True gold in this one. However.... I got to the end, and reminisced.... All the cool cars I've owned. NONE came with an ebay $69 samarai sword.... So now I'm sad.... 😂🤣😅😆

[@Corrinthian_]

Lol, "Kay-tana." 🥲