Z31/modeldifferences php
Imported page. This page was converted from an archived copy of "The 1984-1989 Nissan Fairlady Z Z31 Model Varitions" (Xenonzcar, fetched 2026-05-15). The conversion was mechanical, so tables, links and formatting may contain conversion artefacts. Compare against the archived copy if something looks wrong. The content belongs to its original authors.
The 1984-1989 Nissan Fairlady Z Z31 Model Varitions[edit]
The Z31 was offered in several different model trim packages, each with different engines and options.
Here, I will try to document these differences to the best of my ability.
Zenki 1984 model year (1983 outside the USDM)to 1986 (non USDM)[edit]
From 1984 (1983 outside the USDM) to 1986 (1985 outside the USDM), Nissan manufactured the Z31 model under the following nameplates:
- 200Z
- 200ZS
- 200ZG
- 200ZR
- 300ZX
200Z[edit]
The 200Z was the base model Z31 and was only offered in Japan. It was only available in a slicktop body with minimal options. The engine was the VG20ET, a smaller version of the VG30ET found in the 300ZX. The VG20ET has a stroke of 69.7mm and a bore of 78mm for a total of 1998cc and a compression ratio of 8:1. It came with a single Garrett-based TB250 turbocharger and was only offered with an FS5W71C 5-speed manual transmission.
Wheel size offered was 14" steel wheels with hubcaps. Dealers usually offered alloy wheels as an option.
The 200Z did not offer any power options.
- Manual windows
- Manual locks
- Manual seats
- Manual rack was fitted instead of a power steering rack
- Manual climate control
In the interior, only a few items were included. A base model stereo was installed in the 200Z.
200ZS[edit]
The 200ZS was the next model up from the 200Z and was only offered in Japan. It had a good list of options such as air conditioning, power windows, and locks. It was also only offered in a slicktop body and had the VG20ET motor and FS5W71C 5-speed manual transmission. The E4N71B 4-speed automatic transmission was an option on ZS models.
The 200ZS was also offered with 14" steel wheels, with alloy wheels usually available as a dealer option.
The 200ZS had some upgrades in the interior to make things more comfortable.
Power steering was an option on the 200ZS models.
200ZG[edit]
The 200ZG is very similar to the 200ZS as far as options, but also offered the T-bar roof as an option. The 200ZG had the VG20ET motor and FS5W71C 5-speed manual transmission like the 200Z and 200ZS. The E4N71B 4-speed automatic transmission was also an option.
The 200ZG was offered with 15" alloy 4-lug wheels and the other options of the 200ZS. Simulated aluminum trim was also available in the interior.
200ZR[edit]
In 1985, the 200ZR was created and was the last of the Z cars to have a straight-six engine. Nissan dropped the L-series motors and instead used the RB20DET motor in the 200ZR. The RB20DET is an inline-6, 2000cc, twin-cam, electronically fuel-injected, intercooled single turbo and is the same motor used in the R31 Skyline GTS. It also had a higher speed limiter, stiffer suspension, and a limited-slip R200.
The dashboard was fitted with white face gauges like the 87-89 300ZX and different interior fabrics.
Outside, it had a small lip on the front air dam like the 300ZX turbo models. It also had a large hood scoop centered on the power bulge to direct air into the top-mount intercooler on the RB20DET. The 200ZR was offered with a set of 15" alloy wheels that were used on the 1986 300ZX non-turbo.
The differential offered in the 200ZR was a long nose R200 limited-slip unit with a 3.545 gear set.
300ZX[edit]
The 300ZX was the top of the line in the Z car series. This was also the only model exported to the USDM, where other markets received a few of the other Z car models noted above. The 300ZX was powered by a 3.0-liter single overhead cam V6 engine with a bore of 87mm and a stroke of 83mm for a total of 2960cc, with a compression ratio of 9:1 in non-turbo form and 7.8:1 in turbo form. This was mated to either the FS5W71C 5-speed manual for non-turbo, FS5R90A B/W T5 5-speed manual for turbo models, or an E4N71B 4-speed automatic transmission.
The 300ZX turbo models added a small spoiler to the hatch made from rubber-covered foam with a metal supporting structure. Turbo cars also added a small lip to the air dam and a small hood scoop located off-center above the turbo location to aid in cooling the early air-cooled turbos.
Interiors were available with either cloth or leather and included a full gauge pack.
In the USA, turbo models were only available in 2-seat models. In Canada and the JDM market, turbo models were available in both 2-seat and 2+2 models. In the Euro market, only 2+2 models were available.
Front turn signal lenses on North American models were amber with a single double filament bulb. In the Euro market they were half clear and half amber with two bulbs (one for the daytime running lamp and one for the turn signal). In the JDM, the lenses were all amber but with two sections and bulbs.
Wheels were either 14" 4-lug steel wheels on base models, 15" 4-lug alloy wheels on non-turbo models, and 15" or 16" 5-lug alloy wheels on turbo depending on year and market. Note: 16" alloy wheels were not available in the USDM till 1986, except on the 50th AE.
In 1984, a "Special 50th Anniversary Edition" 300ZX was offered in the US and AU markets to celebrate Nissan's 50th birthday as a vehicle manufacturer. Information on these special models can be found here.
There were three trim codes for the 300ZX in the US market: SF (Canada), GL, and GLL. GL models had analog dash, cloth interior, and manual AC controls. GLL models had leather interior, digital electronics package, and adjustable suspension.
SF models were available with red or tan cloth interiors.
GL models had more interior color options: black, blue, and grey were added at this level.
Standard Options for Models[edit]
| 1984 | 1985 | |
|---|---|---|
| SF |
|
No Changes |
| GL |
|
No Changes |
| GLL |
|
|
Telling the Years Apart[edit]
| General Info | Non-Turbo | Turbo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 |
|
|
|
| 1985 |
|
No changes. |
|
Chuki USDM 1986 models[edit]
1986 was a strange year for the Z car. In the US market, the 300ZX received a minor facelift with flared fenders and side skirts based on the 50th AE model (except for the SF model), and the bumpers were painted body color instead of the black stripe.
This was also the first year in the North American market that 16" alloy wheels were available as standard on turbo models. These were similar to the 50th AE wheels but with grey-painted fins. Non-turbo models received a new style wheel like those on the 200ZR in the 15x6.5" size.
The Chuki model also received the new style seats and interior fabrics.
This was the only year non-turbo cars had a rear spoiler, available as standard in the USA due to safety requirements mandating a high mount brake lamp. It was redesigned in 1987 to be above the rear glass, and the spoiler was again removed from non-turbo cars. The 1986 spoiler was made of reinforced plastic instead of foam rubber and metal. 2+2 spoilers (Part #s KO850-04P25 or 90850-04P25) and 2-seater spoilers (Part #s KO850-01P25 or 90850-01P25) are not interchangeable, as the 2+2 is slightly shorter in length and the angle where it meets the hatch glass does not match.
All non-turbo models received the injector cooling fan mounted on the right side of the engine.
All turbo models lost the injector cooling fan.
The hood scoop was removed from turbo models.
Power seats were an option on non-turbo models but standard on turbo models.
The steering wheel changed from a 2-spoke wheel to a 3-spoke wheel in GL models and a 4-spoke wheel on turbo models with built-in cruise control and radio controls.
Kouki 1987-1989 Models[edit]
From 1987 to 1989 the Fairlady Z went through several upgrades. Below are details of some changes in these models.
Kouki Models[edit]
- 200ZR - I
- 200ZR - II
- 300ZR
- 300ZX
200ZR - I[edit]
The 200ZR - I was again equipped with the RB20DET motor, just like the Zenki models.
The 200ZR - I kept the arched fenders from the Zenki models but added the new Kouki nose, headlights, tail lamps, and bumper. It was available in both 2-seater and 2+2 models, but only as a slicktop with manual transmission.
Differentials in automatic transmission models received a 4.625 gear set, while manual models received a 4.375 gear set.
200ZR - II[edit]
The 200ZR - II continued with the RB20DET motor as in the Zenki models and 200ZR - I.
It retained the arched fenders but added the new Kouki nose, headlights, tail lamps, and bumper. It was available in both 2-seater and 2+2 models, but only as a T-Top model.
The E4N71B 4-speed automatic transmission was available as an option for 2+2 models only.
Differentials: Automatic models received a 4.625 gear set, manual models received a 4.375 gear set.
300ZR[edit]
The 300ZR was the first Fairlady to feature a 3.0-liter DOHC V6 engine.
It was available in both 2-seater and 2+2 models, with or without T-Tops. The interior is similar to the 200ZR in fabrics and materials.
The 300ZR was also offered with the popular Recaro manual bucket seats.
The differential in the 300ZR was an R200 with a 4.111 gear set.
300ZX[edit]
Like the 200ZR, the 300ZX received new front and rear bumpers with a more rounded look. New headlights and taillights were also added.
Interior materials were updated to new patterns, and Recaro manual seats were an option in the Japanese market. In the USDM, cloth and leather were available, and in 1988 the same Recaro buckets were offered in the Special Edition Shiro Special during the Nissan White Sale.
The engine was still the VG30E and VG30ET. Minor changes in 1988 led to the "W-series" designation. Turbo size was reduced to a T25 instead of the previous T3, and compression on turbo motors was increased to 8.3:1, raising power to 205HP. The turbo manual transmission switched from the Borg Warner T5 to the FS5R30A Nissan unit. The turbo spoiler also changed to a new plastic model (Part #96030-21P10).
In April 1987, North American turbo models started receiving a 3.700:1 clutch-type limited slip differential. The 1988 Shiro Special got a 3.700:1 viscous limited slip. In the JDM market, turbo cars received a 3.545 ratio.
SF models were still available with red or tan cloth interiors.
GL and GLL models still had the same interior color options.
Vented rotors were added to the rear of Kouki models.
Non-turbo models lost the injector cooling fan.
Turbo models received larger slip-on front rotors and a new front hub. These are sought after as an upgrade for early models and non-turbos, making it possible to upgrade to larger 4-piston calipers from the Z32.
Trim Options[edit]
| SF | GL | GLL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | 5 lug wheels standard | Cruise control now an option |
|
| 1988 | No changes | No changes | No changes |
| 1989 | No changes | No changes | No changes |
Sources Used[edit]
- 1984 JDM Fairlady Z Product Brochure
- 1987 JDM Fairlady Z Product Brochure
- Z31club.com
- 1984-1989 Nissan Factory Service Manual
- Nissan FAST software
- AZ-ZBUM