Nissan 300ZX Z31 // Drive and review of an 80's icon
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- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2024
- A drive and talk about an icon of the 1980's - the Nissan 300ZX. What's it like on modern roads?
The first generation 300ZX or third generation Nissan Z car, known as the Z31 was Released in 1983 and sold until 1989. The 300ZX was a replacement for the slightly ungainly Datsun 280ZX. With a 3.0 engine, rear wheel drive and most importantly, pop-up headlights, how does this attainable 80's pinup drive in the modern day?
The car on review is a right hand drive 1988 manual, naturally aspirated 3.0 2+2 with targa top.
Known as the Fairlady Z in some parts of the world, including Japan. This review covers the 300ZX sold in 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988 and 1989.
Follow the car on Instagram at / f888_300zx
#300zx #z31
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Just got an 86 z31 today, inherited it from my uncle. It's been in a garage for the past 15 years and I'm happy to report that it has just about no rust, kept interior and perfect paint. It's going to be a project to work on for a little bit although it really doesn't need all that much. I'd say that it's a wonderful first car
That's fantastic Sean, a really great first car! Good luck with the project.
Lucky you!
Otherwise they are rust magnets….you’ll find the rust on every unimaginable body part.
My friend when I was in the Navy back in 1989 had a Nissan/Datsun 280ZX 1980 model. I've driven it and I fell in love and yes it was the turbo equipped.
Love watching reviews on z31’s. I got my 1986 a couple months ago and I’m in love with it. I’ve always wanted it since I was little and proud to say I bought one at the age of 17. Got the engined restored and plan on adding the stock turbo with the hood scoop soon.
Incredible car to own at 17! 😁 Apparently fewer younger people are into cars as they used to be, so I love to hear about people having projects like that at your age. Especially classics like the Z31. Cheers for watching Damian.
Shit man nice, its pretty much the same for me, expect a few minor changes, I got a 1987 about a year ago, at 16, but im still working on restoring the engine
How much did u end up paying for it?
@@enjahli2591 started at 2000, but he gave us 700 back so in reality paid about 1300
@@fakeducky3764 ayeee let’s goo… two youngsters keeping these cars alive.. seems like everyone has a problem with the engine through the community
I really like this style of narrating from inside the car as you’re driving it
My name is Stephen Parker and im in Ontario Canada. I have an 86 Nissan 300zx Turbo. I have owned it for over 30 years now. I never driive during the winter months. It is lightly customized but nothing crazy. BBS rims and low prfile tires ,stainless steel exhaust and K&L intake.I redid the upholstery and paint on the exterior. I love my 300.
30 years!!! That's got to be a record for longest car ownership on any of the comments I've had :) Sounds like a great car Stephen 👍
Iv owned my 1988 300zx for 2 years now and I love it more and more every day. I found it through my mom's coworker. They had it sitting next to a chicken coop for a few years . I finally have it running after years of tinkering and it's hands down my favorite car iv owned. Love the vid!
Thanks Tyler! I love to hear stories of these cars being rescued :)
I have a 1985 Z31 which I brought back from Japan to Singapore. It was priced quite well, and I love it. I initially wanted an AE86, but those were too expensive. I have a S2000 too, but there's just something really special about older cars. They make you happy when you drive them.
Nice! Is it expensive importing a car to Singapore?
The AE86 is a cool car, but so overpriced now! And in my opinion, the Z31 looks better :) The S2000 is a future classic for sure.
You're so right, I couldn't keep the grin off my face for pretty much the whole video!
hi tim lmk if you’re selling it 😭😂
If you come over to malaysia, look me up.
I think this and the C4 vette were some of the coolest 80s cars I can think of personally
I have a 1984 turbocharged 300zx it needs a lot of work done on it sadly, but that's why I bought it. I need something to do and look forward to in my spare time. I have a vision for this car and I intend to see it through. I saw it one day on my way to work and thought to myself I want that car. Sure enough, 2 months later I bought it. I'm not too sure about the backstory of the car. Shes been through a lot though and it shows. I'm going to show her some love and maybe someday I'll send a response video to you as to the outcome. Thank you for posting this video JJ, take care of yourself.
Thanks Austin, that's awesome. You're saving the old girl and bringing her back to life. Look forward to seeing the response video one day :)
About a month ago I bought a 88 Z31 automatic with 96,600 miles. That has the same color scheme as this one. I’m definitely going to make similar upgrades to that as well so thanks for the engine shots :)
I just got a 1985 z31 so now I'm educating myself on this car it runs well with 200k plus miles I'm only 18 but slowly but surely I'll have it looking like a charm and running even better
Nice one Chris! This is interesting as I think you're the third person about your age that has commented here to say they have bought a Z31 :) Really great to see younger people being interested in cars like this. Best of luck with your project, and thanks for watching!
Z31 are so underrated. I love em. Great vid
Yes for sure. Thank you :)
I have an 86 and I’m currently restoring it. Got it from my grandpa and I’m going to get it running before I get my license
Fantastic. Your first car? That's great that you're keeping in the family, I'm sure you can't wait to get on the road with it :)
I'm picking mine up on Friday....finally at 42 years old and craving the world in it's 1980's, I've pulled the trigger😎 2+2, stock 300Zx, but mine is champagne in black and an automatic unfortunately. If I swap it for the stick and a turbo and a new stance, it would be our secret I guess 😆
Awesome! Dream come true :) I'm also a big fan of the 80s despite being born towards the end of them. I'll be sure to keep all that a secret, except from everyone reading this comment 😂 bet it looks good in champagne black!
I got a 1986 300zx with a vg3.3 swap single turbo pushing about 380/400 HP this was the first Z car I got a ride in it my brother friend owned the car when I was a little kid fell in love with the car one day I was walking and seen it sitting behind a garage rotting away so I bought it was so happy to know this was the first Z I got a ride when I little like it was faith or destiny that brought the car to me!!
I love stories like this, amazing that it was the same car. Thanks for sharing
I bought my 84 slicktop with a turbo conversion at 17 for 1300$ daily drove it for a whole year (40k miles) with no real issues. Fell in love the moment i shifted from first to second, hearing that turbo spool an pushing you back into your seat. I've yet to drive a car that feels like the z31. Not saying the z31 handles or drives the best. But cruising slow it feels great, an going fast it starts sqautting lower to the road. The more speed the straighter she drives. It's just an overall solid well built machine. Ive driven an 06 mustang gt. Manual, an every piece of interior rattled an creaked. I'm only 5'11 an yet i couldnt see out of that mustang. The torque was there but when you shift you feel the whole car kinda flex like its gonna fall apart. Idk the z makes me Feel alive. 5 years since i bought it ive upgraded nearly everything. Big turbo, intercooler an oil cooler. Upped the fuel system. An now most cars on the street struggle to keep up with only 300hp. Id like to find a car that has the qaulity and same feedback a z31 gives you
Turbo must be fun, and still quick by todays standards. They're definitely a great long distance car, 40k miles in a year is just incredible really for a car that age! Just shows how well built they are, and good value at such a low price.
Great to hear you still have the car! You should never sell it now if you can avoid it :)
Shes still my daily driver to this day! 26mpg highway 18 city, I've been offered 4k in her worse shape an i just couldnt i didn't have parents growing up to help me with a car. It wasn't 40k without any maintenance after 20k miles the throw out bearing needed replacing so i threw a stage 2 clutch and a short shifter on her an i made another 20k without real issues. Just wanted to upgrade parts so i took it off the road and went through the whole car so she could keep up with the modern stuff. I'll be buried in this car for sure🤣
@@patrickmalone7030 That MPG isn't even that bad! That's great man. Love to hear stuff like this, proper car stories and history. It will no doubt only carry on going up in value, not that that matters to you :)
Beautiful car. A credit to its owner for looking after it and keeping it on the road. I guess Backseat JJ is still on the loose. Maybe he didn't fancy trying to squeeze into the back. Another great video JJ.
Thanks Mark! Yes I'm still on the lookout for backseat JJ, I hoping he can't have gotten too far. He wouldn't have liked the 300ZX anyway as you say 😄
I miss mine, and I spotted a couple of my other cars whilst watching this! My FB memories today remind me that 14 years ago I bought my Z32, (as seen in this vid), to keep my Z31 company!
I remember once getting a ride somewhere in your Z31. Amazing car. I'd forgotten I put your Z32 in this vid :)
@JJonCars I seem to remember taking you for a spin in the Z32 too, same day those photos were taken. In fact, you've probably been in most of my cars
@@Nidge74-hs4cf Yeah you did! That day I'd come over to have a look at it as I was thinking of buying it. But basically I chickened out 😂 Stuck with the V6 Ford Cougar for a few more years.
I found an 88 in my area. I'm more of a 90s honda guy but I love nissan and its just sooo cool I kinda want it
i used to watch this video before i got a running Z and man does it feel nice being able to drive one now
Nice one 😁
Stunning car. I used to have the 300zx turbo. In red too. Coming from GTI'S and Opel GSI hatchbacks this felt like the first real car. Brought it to a tuner. He put in a Bielstein suspension and big tyres. The car was a dream and a headturner. Absolutely for every day usage. We went skiing with 3 guys without roofrack. Ok, was not comfortable for the guy on the backseat. We transported a washing machine. After the modifications you drove the car with over 200 Km/h with one hand on the motorway. Nothing broke, no rattling. Only maintenance and parts which you have to change like brake pads. Left it with my exwife after divorce. She drove it a couple of years too. That car inspired me to buy a 350 z 10 years ago. Same thing, nothing brakes.
Awesome. Seems like most of these were sold in the US, so nice to hear from someone elsewhere (I presume) :)
Fast, comfortable, reliable and practical - what more could you want :)
I will get a 350Z on here one day - a car I always wanted to own but never quite managed it yet!
I own an ‘86 ZX 5-speed turbo that I bought back in 1992. What an awesome fun sports car to drive! When I bought it in ‘92 I had a ‘89 Supra that wan automatic. I kept both for several years but preferred my 300 ZX turbo. To me a sports car is truly more fun when they’re a manual stick shift. The Supra had to go…. I still drive my ZX today….
That might the record for longest owned car anyone has commented on any of my videos :) You must really love the car. Very cool.
bought mine at 18k miles, 1986 z31. Loved driving it, working on it, and generally just enjoying the warmth it brings.
That is low miles, have you had it a long time?
@@JJonCars about 3 years myself, put about 15k on it, but bought it really low.
I've just started doing my research on the z31, I'm looking to buy one I think in the fall this year if they don't skyrocket in price lol. I wasn't around in the 80s so this would be the first 80s car I think I've ever been in during my whole life
🤞 for you that they skyrocket *after* you buy one :) A very good car to represent the 80's.
I have a 86 turbo 2 seater that I bought back in 2008. It's a ton of fun to drive, but everything is expensive to fix when it breaks.
I was behind this exact car last night in penwortham, and it looks and sounds amazing in real life. Beautiful car👌🏼
Nice, well spotted. It's a beauty!
I’m a proud owner of a 1986 300 ZX Turbo. I bought it in June 2006 with only about 120000 kilometres on the clock. The first owner was a lady who had kept it well looked after. It was rust free. I’ve spent very little in repairs when I first bought it till now. It is reliable, no breakdowns yet so far after 15 years in my possession and is still going strong. It started first time every time in the morning with no issues whatsoever. Although it is a turbo 300ZX , it is not a really fast car when sprinting from standstill. The car felt heavy and is heavy, carrying about 3,100 pounds in weight. I did some extensive porting, increased the boost and upped the fuel pressure. The car then felt relatively faster off the line, particularly noticeable when in 3rd and 4th gear. The exhaust ports are small, too small for the exhausted gases to exit the engine effectively, which is why it lacked power despite having a turbo charger. You must open up the inlet and exhaust ports to feel the benefit of the turbo. It is a car worth buying if you ask me provided it is still in good condition. You get a lot of car for very little money. Best selling Z car in the Z series.
Awesome - where abouts in the world are you? It's the kilometres rather than miles on the clock that's making me wonder :)
Original cars like that are so hard to find, at least over here. It sounds like you've done all the sorts of mods I'd want to do, keeping it mostly standard but improving the things that they got wrong from factory. 15 years is such a long time to keep a car, imagine you'll never want to sell it now! Cheers for watching and for your car story :)
I’m in Malaysia, the Far East if you will. There are only a handful over here. Enthusiasts treat these cars as if it’s a gem ! That exhaust note of the 300ZX that you were driving is so very addictive , not to mention the immaculate body work ! We drive on the right like you do. I think you’re in England somewhere. That 300ZX you showed us will no doubt appreciate in value in the near future, just like what you said . Thank you for the video.
Wow, great. Yes you're right, I'm in England. Driving with right hand drive is good for UK/Malaysia because we can import Japanese cars and not worry about the steering wheel being on the wrong side :) I think the 300ZX is most popular in the United States, they sold a lot more there, and there many still on the road. But it's the most world-wide car I have reviewed so far I think :)
Yes the exhaust is a bit loud when inside the car, but it sounds fantastic when it's driving past. You're very welcome and thanks for your comments!
@@JJonCars Please do more reviews on cars of interest. Your style of filming the car is in detail, clear, accurate and well spoken. A wide range of cars are available in the UK, many of which are unheard of over here. Keep them coming !
@@davidleem3773 Thanks David! Much appreciated. I will definitely do my best to get more interesting cars like the ZX on the channel :)
I owned a 1985 z31 for almost 6 years. It only had 27000 miles on it we I bought it. Great vehicle to own and drive. It was in first class condition and always got attention when I was out in it. Only one real gripe, mine was the 4 speed auto which was Nissan's first attempt at this type of gearbox. It was obvious that all the development hadn't been done because later versions had more advanced control over the torque converter lock up. The gearbox never changed into overdrive or the lockup engage in third gear when you needed it to. Consequently the car was thirsty - a five speed manual would have been much better. Replaced it with a 2019 Mustang 2.3 convertible last year, but still miss the z31. Great video - really brought back memories!
Awesome, that is super low miles. I was very surprised to find that this test car was manual, most of them were auto over here I think, and as you say, a shame as they're not quite so good. Glad to hear it Peter, thanks for watching :)
Just got a beautiful 1987 300zx 2+2. Love it!
Just bought one with 160k mikes for 3,800$ no rust perfect interior about to drive it home 300 miles 🙏
What a bargain!!
I purchased my first car the 1988 300zx for 600 dollars from a very well timed deal, it’s at 168k miles and finally blew out second gear in the auto 😂
She’s getting her 5 speed in her soon as I’ve already purchased the donor.
I used to stare at this car in awe, it’s curves are gorgeous
I also modified my vehicle with equal length MSA racing headers. A cat back exhaust.
And light weight pulleys.
The suspension on mine has been revamped with poly bushings all around.
Plenty of random bracing
And in the states we got the 200sx a weird almost similar in style to the Z looking car with a small motor. Well, the sway bar in the rear is plenty bigger than the standard 300ZX one even bigger than the shiro sway bars. I put that on my car too and it fits perfect without any modification. (That’s my secret tho, it changed the car entirely can’t live without it now)
Love the car and can’t wait to make mine Manual!
Did you 'accidentally' break the auto gearbox? So you can get that manual in there 😄 Amazing first car though, surprised how there have been quite a few people on here commenting that they have a Z31 as their first car. Great looking car and good luck with the mods/repairs 👍
@@JJonCars I feel called out! 😂
Well the 5 speed is definitely my weapon of choice I couldn’t even get the auto to do a burn out! They are addicting little cars I’d love a 280 too
I remember my 87 all white with the red interior stick shift but it was a two seater I had two of them but this last one the white one was a awesome car
Oooooh, white with red interior ❤️
Enjoyable video of a car rarely seen. Original designs as in the 240z, the Toyota Celica and indeed Bmw e30 were much prettier cars than what followed. They have to bring back the round headlamps!
Thanks John!
I think you're right - back in the 60's and 70's, car designers had pretty much free rein to do what they could with the tech they had at the time... whereas now all the crash structures, safety cells, pedestrian safety etc, they just can't do it. Everything just looks like a big blob 😄 It's a shame but I guess I have to accept that safety probably is more important than looks haha! Totally agreed, the E30 is my favourite looking BMW :)
Yes sir was always a mustang type of guy in my teen days up until now lol ! But I’m in my 50’s now & finally made a change probably a midlife crisis lol but really doe I’m now off into Nissan Datsuns now so about 6 months ago I purchased a 1972 Datsun 240z then 6 months later I ran across a 1987 Nissan 300zx so now I think I have a bit of both worlds so it gotta be a midlife crisis haha ! Luv ur video on the zed experience!
Haha nice one! The 240z is a really beautiful car, and that's a great pair of Zs. Nothing wrong with a 'midlife crisis' :)
I had a blue/grey 1988 naturally aspirated 300ZX 2+2 exactly like this one. Much maligned at the time for being slow and overweight, it was nevertheless very comfortable, torquey and well built. The killer for me was the fuel economy and the price of spares, so it never really made much sense owning one here in UK. Someone smashed the rear three quarter window and It cost a lot to replace. It had a hilarious 80s vibe, pop up headlights, targa top and the Z badge for not much money. Designed for the US market where it was probably quite successful. I had a soft spot for this rather daft car.
Nice! You're right that it's better suited to the American market. Honestly 95% of the comments here are from North America, there's still loads of them on the roads there. Much rarer here. But so cool.
... this one really looks the part in red with these wheels. Part of the 300ZX charm for us was the serious advisory stickers all over the interior like the one on the removable glass top. We'd pretend they read things like 'do not use ejection seat while flying inverted' or something like that. It's cool to see a few of these being reworked to make them as desirable as the early Zs, but this car was rare even when I had one in the early 90s. Its day will return.
We had a 300ZX 25th Anniversary model new back in the day. Highly recommend, would buy again :)
Lovely. Now you've just got to find one haha
Love it! 😃 Not seen one of these on the road for a quite a while.
Thanks Matthew! I can't remember the last time I saw one either. They have a lot of presence, so there's no way of missing one either :)
love mines 1988 I live in Austin Texas 51,876 on dash NA got mine 2 years ago love it
I have a 1988 non-turbo. My Mums car from brand new so only 1 owner. 30,000 miles as it has been in storage for many years.
Wow! That is a museum piece. Worth a lot of money now I imagine.
I’m definitely looking at buying one, one popped up in my area that’s stock and only 88k miles for a reasonable price
Oh nice! Finding a stock one is even harder I bet. Time to invest :)
@@JJonCars I had a 88 looked just like this only got rid of it bc it was a 2+2 love them so underrated
i recently bought one two months ago and i want to start making videos on it i just don’t have the knowledge and money… but i know i can make it work
You can do it :) Just start making videos and you'll improve as you go
I own a Nissan cedric 300 v6 same engine as this zx I can avg 30 to 35 mpg, its a fab car to drive and a very big car
Also extremely reliable.
That is superb MPG for an old V6 like that 👍
I got my 88 for 1200 bucks with 60k original miles in washington state 3 years ago. I wish the aftermarket was here for them.
Absolute bargain! And super low miles. Aftermarket nothing like the z32 I'm guessing :(
@@JJonCars ya best money I had ever spent my buddy I sold it to still dailys the thing definitely getting another after I move. It was a 2+2 that was the only reason I sold it.
@@boobbutthole9537 love it, not many other cars like that you could daily :) we never got the 2 seater SWB here, which is a shame
@@JJonCars went to a car show saw a 2+0 then that extra 4 inch roofline bothered me so sold it. The 2+2 is more desirable if your drag racing bc of the wider ass and has a true 50 50 weight distribution while the 2+0 has a 47 I think.
@@boobbutthole9537 interesting, didn't know about the weight distribution. I usually prefer longer wheelbase on a car (z32 for example) but I do agree that the 2+0 looks sweet!
Awesome video mate, even i learned something about her XD
Cheers man, glad you like it! 😁
My photo, my Z31 300zx 1984 85k on the clock..
I owned the 1984 2 seater that had about 55k when i bought it and bought the 2x2 about 5 years ago that had 82k that now has 88k . The 2 seater was a 5 speed had the red valve pans and the 2x2 has the silver valve pans .i guess the red valve pans had me power
Nice. Not sure about the power, I only thought they had two options - turbo or no turbo
I have an 87' T-Top Na that I want to Turbo soon. I bought it for $1,000 6 months ago and installed a new fuel pump, fuel regulator, clutch slave cylinder and dist cap. It runs good with 160k miles and is also Hot Red but has some chips and I need to Cut & Buff it.
Sounds a bargain, wouldn't get one here for that money, even with the things that needed doing! They really do look good in red don't they. Thanks for commenting man :)
@@JJonCars I really want those wheels. Gotta see what I can run on lowering springs until I can afford coilovers.
かっこよく乗ってくれてZ31好きな自分からしたら嬉しいです
いつか見にそちらへ行きたいです
😊
I'm looking at buying one soon it's super clapped out but if the frame and shock towers are solid I'm pulling the trigger
Nice one, come back and let us know if you go for it
what are those type of doors called with the glass roof that comes out. Ive been trying to find out the name but cant find anything online.
Targa top? :)
I wonder if you run it on E10 lol. Also nice biker cam!
Its a Nissan so probably yeah haha. I need to employ a full time biker cam, know anyone? :)
What kind of exhaust is that one
Are these cars fast? Or do you need to modify them? What mods would you make?
They're not hugely fast! As this is the n/a (non-turbo) version. The turbo one is probably quite quick for an 80's car. I'm not really a modding kinda guy, so I don't know much about that :) I wouldn't buy it for speed, more for how it looks and sounds, which is fantastic
What size is does rims and tire?
Beauty 😍
Where did you buy your cold air intake
mint !!!!!
😁
Big support from the CRE8TIVEGARAGE Team
My dad had one but its gone in the war in Syria 😢😢😢
That's a real shame :'( Stay safe man.
Damn 2+2 NA you should take my 87 turbo 2+0 out and see what you think
Would love to 😄
awful modifications on on a late version .That noise from the air filter or exaust is awful
That exhaust note would certainly get on my mammaries!
Haha yep, really doesn't take long. I think Dom is going to change it at some point, as it was fitted by the previous owner
is that a stock front bumper?
I think so!
zed is z you cant just say zee how does nissan themselves pronounce it oh nissan says zed for z in England
As an British English person, I always pronounce it 'zed'
@@JJonCarslifes easier now
Now lets talk metric
.
About a month ago I bought a 88 Z31 automatic with 96,600 miles. That has the same color scheme as this one. I’m definitely going to make similar upgrades to that as well so thanks for the engine shots :)
Oh nice! you're welcome haha