"Newbie" Z owner needs info:

[StageWon]

I just bought a 1989 Nissan 300 ZX, and I've got a few questions if anyone's interested in helping.

1. - What grade fuel should I use?

2. - The tires are 205/65R/16. What is the widest wheel/tire combo currently available for this model that won't rub when you hit a bump or make hard turns? (I'm not trying to "pimp" it out. I just want to get the most from this cars handling ability.)

3. - Any "common" problems you may have encountered with this particular model (Especially with the turbo)?

This car has relatively few miles for it's age, (78,000 original), and seems to be in great condition. It has one flaw in the black finish caused by a buffer. Otherwise, it still looks sharp.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

[freakonaleash1187]

78,000 miles? damn, that is great mileage. you can hardly find a z32 for that low of mileage, let alone a z31. i don't know specifically what grade of fuel you should use, but almost all turbo cars are supposed to have 91+ octane, depends on where you live. longlivethez. he will be able to help you more.

-Jared

[longlivetheZ]

If it's a turbo, you are committing a cardinal sin in the world of forced induction if you run anything less then the highest grade you can find. Can you get away with less? Sure...on cooler days, but why push it? You ping too bad and you're in a world of shit. Run premium...91-93. If you have an NA, run whatever your owner's manual says.

Those are the widest tires I've ever heard of on a Z31...I used to have 165s on mine, then I put 185s on it...205 is some decently hefty rubber. I wasn't sure if you were referring to the width or diameter...you could get some pretty big rims under it, but I wouldn't go over 17s for performance sake. The bigger you get, the more you affect the final gear ratio and this has an effect on acceleration.

Common problems: I really should say "common problem"...only thing I've ever had happen to me is alternator trouble. Make sure you have a good battery and you'll be fine. VERY reliable cars...I had my 86 2+2 for 3+ years and it was a great car. I have my 86 turbo now and it runs like a champ. I'm getting my daily driver saturday, then "Project Z31" is going to be getting under way.

Enjoy the Z31, man...they're great cars. You have any questions or need any parts or anything, let me know!

[DeleriousZ]

are you sure that's an 89? those rims look like they're from the 84/85 years.. what's the VIN?


the only problems i've had have been self inflicted (me trying to half ass a repair, or my breaks sticking... still don't know how to get that fixed, maybe i'll start a thread on it!)

[StageWon]

Thanks to all for the help!

I don't have the VIN # as I haven't actually taken possession of the car yet. I "HAVE" purchased it though. It belonged to my brother-in-law who lives in the Houston area. He took the car in trade, then decided he didn't want it after all. And his asking price was just too good to pass up. He'll be delivering it to my home Thanksgiving Day.

I'm really looking forward to driving it, as I live in a somewhat "hilly" area with lots of curves. That should make the drive to and from work every day a blast! I hope my "luck" with reliability is as good as you've all reported.

BTW: What kind of MPG's are you folks getting? My current ride is breaking my wallet in that area.

[longlivetheZ]

My 86 2+2 (na/5-speed) got ~30 mpg all the way from northern ky to west palm beach florida loaded with shit, the A/C on and doing about 80 the whole way.

My current 86T gets around 25-ish, I think...somewhere around there.

In other words, damn good...especially for their age.

[JCCR]

i always use high octane fuel

[DeleriousZ]

i haven't calculated it out yet, but driving all the streets here i get about 430ish kilometers per a bit over 7/8ths of a tank

[Broncodriver]

Oh and to note, the car he is getting is not the one in the avatar. The one he is getting is black, with black and grey seats. Very sweet looking car. Like said, thanks again guys for all the info and im sure we will have more questions about this car.

[longlivetheZ]

Sounds good...feel free to PM me if you need anything!