I am debating buying a 300zx and in my reserch I found that there was very little noticeable difference between the early and late model 300zxs, were there any major changes that I missed and if so what year.

there were no real big changes between 1990-1996. here is a list of all the minor changes.
http://www.twinturbo.net/ttnetfaq/FAQpages/differences.html

what about the variable valve timing that they discontinued in 96? After bolt on tuning how much of a power difference would I be dealing with there? oh and what year did they start making them with variable valve timing? Was the boost the same in every year model?

the variable valve timing was dropped after 1995 due to emissions and OBDII was introduced, making the 1996 Z the hardest (and sometimes more expensive) to upgrade. also, suppposedly the 1996 makes 20hp less than the previous years, but that is debatable. the boost is the same throughout all the years.

96 arguably makes the same power as the previous models, just has a much different power band making a tad slower.

VVT was on all 1990-1995 300zx's.

boost was the same throughout the years. the general consensus is to stay away from the 90's. they seem to have a couple of bugs that nissan fixed in 91.

96's really can only modified to a certain degree, not because of VVT but because of the OBDII ECU. i dont think anybody makes an aftermarket ECU for it which limits the 96's power ability by not being able to adjust the fuel maps, timing, and other necessary things to making safe power. you would almost have to run a stand alone system or swap pre-95 heads and ECU in.

I guess that the 95+ are out of the question, were there any driveline modifacations over the years?

you really don't have to worry a whole lot about drivetrain stuff on the z32's... the twin turbo transmission has been known to hold absolutely insane hp's completely stock and the rear diff is damn near indestructable... oh and it's just the 96's you have to worry about... the 95 or 94 would be the best thing to get as there's possibly less wear on the car and everythings a few years newer...

I am debating buying a 300zx and in my reserch I found that there was very little noticeable difference between the early and late model 300zxs, were there any major changes that I missed and if so what year.

What do you mean by "early" 300ZXs. There are MONUMENTAL differences between truely early and truely late model 300ZXs.

"Early" 300ZX was debuted in 84. This is known as a Z31. The Z31 was produced 84-89.

"Late" 300ZX was debuted in 90. This is known as a Z32. The Z32 was produced 90-96 in the US.

The differences between the Z31 and Z32 are unable to be contained in one post. You WERE referring to the early Z32, weren't you? Not the early 300ZX...

ahhh...i forgot to mention. most people dont know...but there was a driveline change in the run of Z32's.

Nissan redesigned the 5-speed transmission in 97'. same gear ratios but they used newer technology and synchros to make the transmission engage much smoother and it is all around just smoother and more precise. not saying that the earlier models were slouchs or not precise. nissan just took it to the next level.

this is a desired new thing for the true Z32 enthusiast that must have the latest and greatest.

thought you guys might be intrigued by that little fun fact.

it is a general consensus that it is overrated and overpriced unless you have a car with it already. you are better off just to save your money...unless your car is done and you just want to buy something new. :D

also keep in mind...i DID mean 97'. this was obviously only offered in Japanese Z32's as they stopped production for the US in 96'. but i think if you have a connect you can get the transmission brand new from the factory through a Japanese Nissan Dealer. in which Coz, Z1, mitch, and others do to get theirs...

What do you mean by "early" 300ZXs. There are MONUMENTAL differences between truely early and truely late model 300ZXs.

"Early" 300ZX was debuted in 84. This is known as a Z31. The Z31 was produced 84-89.

"Late" 300ZX was debuted in 90. This is known as a Z32. The Z32 was produced 90-96 in the US.

The differences between the Z31 and Z32 are unable to be contained in one post. You WERE referring to the early Z32, weren't you? Not the early 300ZX...

My bad I am talking about the 1990+ year models

Got ya.

And yea...the Z32 was produced in Japan until 99.

What brands of aftermarket conponents should I be considering for exaust, fuel management, ignition, water injection, innercooler, ECU and possably a turbo swap.

Exhaust wise is pretty simple, most go with Labree or Borla cat-backs, Labree being sold by www.specialtyz.com.

More exhaust work in the form of downpipes is simple as well, the Specialty Z split downpipes ("super-splits" if you want to be up on the current lingo) are considered the best on the market.

Test pipes are generally about the same, usually bought from whoever you bought the downpipes and cat-back from.

Intercooler is a bit of a debate, but Stillens are generally agreed to be the best as far as side mounts go. They cost a bit more than others and the power differences between any given manufactures isn't that big, it's largely preference.

ECU is a toss up between two suppliers, JimWolf and AshSpec ECUs. Each has their detractors, each has their supporters. The AshSpec is newer and cheaper, but has been accused of being lean and is not available for all models of all years. JimWolf's is better established but costs more. Ashspec offers the Zemulator, whichs allows for the complete tuning of all engine criticals like fuel injection, ignition timing, rpm/speed limiters and VTC release. If you plan on doing alot of tuning on a dyno it is your ultimate tool.

Water injection kits tend not to be tailored to a specific car but Aquamist has a system that works quite well.

Fuel mangement is usually controlled by any of the major brand air/fuel controller manufacturers, Apexi or Blitz. Or if you are getting a full engine management system like the Zemulator it's taken care of by that.

Turbos are where you really get into the big debate. Depending on your desired power levels, any number of turbos will work well. There is no agreed upon "correct" turbo for any given car setup.

What do you plan on doing with this car?

Exhaust wise is pretty simple, most go with Labree or Borla cat-backs, Labree being sold by www.specialtyz.com.

B&B is becoming a popular choice among tuners, right next to the labree.

Intercooler is a bit of a debate, but Stillens are generally agreed to be the best as far as side mounts go. They cost a bit more than others and the power differences between any given manufactures isn't that big, it's largely preference.
Stillen's run right at a $1000. only ones i have seen significantly cheaper (more than a few bucks) is the Z1 intercoolers. but yes, stillen's are considered the best.

ECU is a toss up between two suppliers, JimWolf and AshSpec ECUs. Each has their detractors, each has their supporters. The AshSpec is newer and cheaper, but has been accused of being lean and is not available for all models of all years. JimWolf's is better established but costs more. Ashspec offers the Zemulator, whichs allows for the complete tuning of all engine criticals like fuel injection, ignition timing, rpm/speed limiters and VTC release. If you plan on doing alot of tuning on a dyno it is your ultimate tool.
ash is an electronic marvel. i would trust anything he offered. talked to him several times and he is an awesome guy and it purely ingenious when it comes to the Z32.

Water injection kits tend not to be tailored to a specific car but Aquamist has a system that works quite well.
Z1 actually offers a kit specified for the Z32 now, if i am not mistaken. http://www.300zx.com

Turbos are where you really get into the big debate. Depending on your desired power levels, any number of turbos will work well. There is no agreed upon "correct" turbo for any given car setup.

GT675RS's! :evillol:

dont forget fuel inejectors and drivetrain...RPS is recommended for good clutch/flywheel upgrades but there are others that willbe just as competent to handle the job.

fuel injectors...the newer style Nismo's or Border kit if your aiming big are the best. do not buy Venom injectors...seems people have nothing but issues with these.

What is the cornering grip on the stock 300ZXs I know it is .90g on the 3000GT and .98g for the Supra, but I cannot find the numbers for the 300zx anywhere, does anybody know?

As for cornering grip, I havent found any sound numbers myself but, what I have seen at the track and on the autcross tracks. I would venture to say the Z is a go between of the 3000GT and the Supra. The Z holds the track fair bit better than the 3kGT but is a bit heavy feeling when compaired to the Supra. But these are just observations from the track and my own personal driving exp. Although the last time I drove a Supra was about 9 maybe 10 years ago. The only one of the four cars in that class that probly handles better than the Z is the RX7, but its so light wieght it better handle better than the Z. As for some other topics of performance options for the Z32, you should REALLY consider a big brake conversion, the stock brakes on all Z32s are WAY to small for any real work. Also you will most likely will want to install a 1 peice drive shaft, this is to get rid of a common problem with the center support bushing, or midship bushing that supports the 2 peice driveshaft, that fails. Probly the best 240 dollars you will spend on the car. Then you will have about 2 choices on suspension parts, most of the most recommended come from SPL. Last but not least, weather or not you like the HICAS system or not, you can choose to keep it, or get rid of it. I personally dont care for it, but thats because I cant drive with it. Some people can drive with it, not like me I drive against it, or fight it. All things considered the Z32 is perhaps one of the biggest sleeper import sports cars of the 90s, most people know they are fast, but dont know HOW fast. When you take into account the car came governed from the factory at 158MPH! Most cars of the 90s till now are governed between 115-135mph. This is done for two reasons, one to keep people from tring to run from the cops, and doing it in a cheap car and for saftey reasons, your average driver doesnt need anything that will go that fast here in the USofA.
Sorry for the excess info but I thought best to give too much info than have not enough.

Every review I've ever read of the Z32 on the track said that the thing feels like it's a thousand pounds lighter.

.98g sounds a bit high for the Supra...

yeah, those numbers for the skidpad with the 3KGT and supra seem really high, that is supercar territory. where did you get your info?

What is the cornering grip on the stock 300ZXs I know it is .90g on the 3000GT and .98g for the Supra, but I cannot find the numbers for the 300zx anywhere, does anybody know?
those cars must have been on steroirds...thats super car status.

lotus elise's are barely getting over 1.0g's on the skidpad.

modified R32 Skyline's are barely hitting .90 g's.

BTW: i think that supra's feel like boats compared to 2 seater Z's.

LLZ, the Z32 may FEEL lighter when driving but, it IS heavier, and it does carry through the steering a bit more than a Supra does. The supras only real problem is its length, that thing is like driving a school bus compared to a Z32.

I think according to road and track the ZX2 Escort was getting a scidpad rating of .93Gs....... a bit high to me but I could belive it, with perfect conditions and tires.

LLZ, the Z32 may FEEL lighter when driving but, it IS heavier, and it does carry through the steering a bit more than a Supra does. The supras only real problem is its length, that thing is like driving a school bus compared to a Z32.

Hmmm...

Supra wheel base is a little over 100"
Z32 wheel base is a little under 99"

The overall length of the Supra is only about 7" longer than the Z...

Sources:

Z (http://www.morpheuslaughing.net/car/300zx/specs.shtml)
Supra (http://www.autofan.com/november/2/specs.htm)

No way there's THAT much of a difference because of that...but anyway...

I think according to road and track the ZX2 Escort was getting a scidpad rating of .93Gs....... a bit high to me but I could belive it, with perfect conditions and tires.

AH HA HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA HA HA HA HA!!! I'D LOVE to see that in print!!! Not saying it's impossible, but I'd get a BIG FUCKING KICK out of it, THAT'S for sure!!!

Hmmm...

Supra wheel base is a little over 100"
Z32 wheel base is a little under 99"

The overall length of the Supra is only about 7" longer than the Z...

Sources:

Z (http://www.morpheuslaughing.net/car/300zx/specs.shtml)
Supra (http://www.autofan.com/november/2/specs.htm)

No way there's THAT much of a difference because of that...but anyway...



AH HA HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA HA HA HA HA!!! I'D LOVE to see that in print!!! Not saying it's impossible, but I'd get a BIG FUCKING KICK out of it, THAT'S for sure!!!

7" is quite a bit when talking sports cars actually. the 2+2 is 6" longer than a 2 seater but feels like a cadilllac compared to a miata. same way with the Supra and Z. the supra feels LONG....

Thank you K3.

LLZ, I will see if I can find that report for you. It may take some time, but I am sure its somewhere out there.

Sounds good, man. That'd make me feel shitty...being outhandled by a stock Escort...HA! lol

yeah, those numbers for the skidpad with the 3KGT and supra seem really high, that is supercar territory. where did you get your info?
Edmonds.com They are a really reliable source for info

Is that where the numbers came from?

Is that where the numbers came from?

Yea www.edmonds.com