hey guys i need help i am an 18 year old guy considering buying a z31 but i want to know some recommendations about what z31 to start off with ? thanks guys very much

 

well, what do you want? What do you need? If you want performance, get a turbo. If you want a reliable DD, get an NA. Need room...2+2 (well....at least the conception of more room )

 

what type of 300zx z-31 or z-32 z-31 1984- 1989 z-32 1989-1996 personaly i heard the z-31's the 80's models were really good hear in my home town there is a local shop selling a 1984 300zx turbo with manual tranny for 1500 dollars its orange exterior with black leather interior clear coat is coming off but it runs pretty well i test drove it..

 

first off, punctuate. second, he said z31.

i prefer the look of the 87-89, inside and out. i believe the '89 was different enough that aftermarket parts arent as availlable. i believe turbo cooling was improved at some point ('85?). later turbo models had lsd availlable. cruise control, digital dash, and leather are some of the options. i dont think the car changed too much over its span, so find one you like.

 

yeah i was lookin for a project car type of deal .. because i currently drive a acura tsx as my DD and its pretty good on gas and now im just lookin for a car i can fiddle with and take out on the streets occassionaly. ive also been on z31.com i kno to get turbo for power i mean that is a given but i was wondering if there is ne more recommendations like yr wise if there is any slight difference that i may need to know that would help me find the best start off i am currently working for the money to buy a z31 and wen i finally buy it i will post what year n model of the care to get further help

 

HEre's my opinions. Ideal: get an 88 SS (Shiro). Next best: an 87-89 turbo in clean condition that runs well. Next: an 84 AE (Anniversary Edition). After that: an 84-86 turbo. The SS is rare and is expensive if you find one usually. you can find AE's (sometimes) and 87-89's fairly easily and for fair prices. The VG30 is a great motor and people have gotten a lot of power out of them.

 

low kilometers (miles), regualry serviced, good body, excellent running condition, very clean carpet (tells u if it was taken care of) and a turbo model. Later body types look better, interior is pretty much the same, i reccomend you read az-zbums site, he has alot of infor about the differences. if you want faster for less, get the earlier model and get an intercooler, exhaust and intake, then up the boost, the early models had a T3 turbocharger that responds better to more boost.

make sure its been looked after though, unless your willing to learn lots about the engine, then thats a good start, they are an absolute COW to work on.

 

what is the difference in the SS, because i have never seen one? ive been in an AE, because it was one of the frist cars i was looking at. but i wasnt able to buy it at the time and it was really up to my parents since i was like 16. when i first started lookin for a car i couldnt get it. it was in fairly good condition, but ppl on other forums say it is a waste since its mostly a collectors car and all the extras i would eventually taken out.. which is understandable, but just to have an AE would have been nice.

 

i helped you a bit with your punctuation. this is not a chatroom, it's a forum. please do your best to make your posts readable.

as for the shiro, click here

 

Actually, there are NO differences between the 88 and 89 models. The 89 models were just carryovers from the 88 models because Nissan was starting up production of the Z32s.

Looks are subjective, so go with what you want. As stated, speed, longevity (although a stock turbo can last just as long as a stock NA), interior room (the 2+2 has more storage room with the back seats folded down). Interior wise, the cars are virtually indistinguishable. The 86-89 cloth seats are the ugly (IMO) pinstripe style. I really like the 84/85 cloth seats for simplicity, comfort, and colors. I like the 87-89 front a little more than the 84-86, but I like the 84-86 rear a ton more than the 87-89 rear. I do like the 86-89 size fenders and the 87-89 turbo brakes. I also like the late 87-89 LSD, but LSD is a simple (but not cheap) aftermarket upgrade for any other models. The 87-89 turbo transmissions are also incredibly strong. I like the 88SS seats (how can you not like the Recaros?), but finding a nice unmolested pair in the car will require payment through the nose. Corbeau makes a similar set for not a whole lot of money that will bolt right in. I keep hearing VLSD sucks for anyone who really is looking for an LSD anyway.

Personally? I like my AE for originality. No other Z31 will look exactly like a true 50th AE without a lot of work. You could get an 89 turbo the same Pearl White color as the SS, but it just didn't come with the Recaro seats and springs and simple to replace stuff.

My personal order?
R.Straman convertible -> AE -> 86T or 88SS -> 87-89T -> 84-86T -> 84-86NA -> 87-89NA -> 2+2 Slicktop.

 

Thank you guys for all your help. On another forum i asked this same question. Most of the people on the forum said that the most likely choice would be to go for the 86T. Any information as to why? would be alot of help thank you.

 

I like the 86s for their style. I like the older tail lights but the different fender flares. Weren't the 86 turbos the first year without the hood scoop?

 

yes.