Questions about years and models

[Demolician]

I have a few questions that i know some of the members know the answer to. I appreciate anyone helping me out.

1. Do the 96 z's have OBD 1 or 2?
2. was 1994 the first year for air bags in the Z?
3. I am currently looking at a black 96, 2 seater, N/A, Slicktop, 5 spd with 80k, how often are these seen and what is the going price for one? The blue book value on it is around $11500. I am really thinking about getting it, but i have been set on a T-Top.
4. from 90-96 were there any interior or engine modifications or changes? i know that for the 7 year run there were some exterior changes, but i never heard about the interior or engine.

well, i think that is about it for now. i hope these are some questions that haven't been asked several times. i have tried to browse though the old posts, but none of them answered these questions. thanks allot!

[longlivetheZ]

OBD 1 or 2.....what the hell is that?

I thought the whole Z32 line had at least a driver's side air bag, but I'm not sure.

I'd seriously consider the slicktop if it's in good condition because they are quite rare. Could be a pretty good collector's car.

The Z32s went through very few exterior changes. This is why it is so tricky to tell the years apart by looking at them. I don't know of anything major in the interior either.

All in all, I believe it's the same car throughout the whole run.

[freakonaleash1187]

the '96 has 15 less horsepower than the other years. i cant remember exactly what nissan did, but they had to make the 300zx make new regulations that were made and that in turn decreased the horsepower by about 15.

[1viadrft]

Nissan dropped the VCT in '96 causing a whopping loss of 20HP!

'92 was the first year airbags were introduced... or at least standard.

Slick top is cool (and rigid)... but T-top is cooler (and not as rigid... but a roll bar can fix that!)!

Interior changes; '92: cloth material change, removal of mirror-heater switch and switching over to manual climate control rather than digital. '94: Seatbelts mounted to B-Pillar.

Oh yeah... and the Convertible was introduced in '94....

[freakonaleash1187]

are you sure that the '93 and on 300zx's have manual climate? because i have a '93 and mine is a digital climate control. i love my digital climate control, it is another one of those small things that make me love my z.

[1viadrft]

It may be an option...

[Broke_as_****]

Is there a definitive work on model year differences, particularly between the engines among 300ZX TTs? I need to know how much difference there is due to my need for a new engine in the 95' TT I just bought from a guy who had put a legitimate 3000 dollars into it in parts (every engine seal you can imagine save the head gaskets, all new belts all around, new ACT mod-street clutch, new tires, the WHOLE fifty yards, the turbos were even replaced 15K ago, dark green metalic, sony sound...absolutely perfect except for a small leak at the driver side window but its a T top so thats expected) not even because he needed it just because he wanted it at peak shape...and already equipped with full Borla exhaust, JWolf intake and reflashed chip good for 16 PSI of boost...it was the real deal type of bargin at only $10,500 (similar cars are going to $14k-$16k around here), the guy was desperate to offload it due to failure to sell his other car plus college payments and something about a ticket for 130 mph...not sure what that was about . Not a whisper of rattle under the hood, then driving home, only 18 miles down the road...BANG!!!!! Oh s***...BANG! oh s*** times two...get over to the right lane...the engine dies...oh s*** to the MAX!!!...While I was waiting for the tow truck...I noticed the problem...what was left of one of my rods was sticking through the bottom of the oil pan and there was a hole in the side of my engine block. That was about a half hour after I bought it.

Anyway, long story long, I need to find a new motor. Anyone know if there is some substancial changes between model years? I believe they changed the pistons from 93 to harder stuff in 94 on...anything would help, thanks.

[knightinwhite86]

What are the differences between model years?

I've filed this info. from the IZCC group. Thought I'd pass it along:
'90: NA begins production in Spring '89 -- TT begins in the Fall.
Extended model year sales: 39,290

'91: Manual climate controls discontinued (except in convertible).
New electronic climate controls allowing control over air flow direction, but no more ambient temp gauge.
Nissan hamburger logo put on nose of car.
Driver's airbag now optional.
Air Conditioner evaporator valve changed from aluminum to steel to quiet it.
NA rotors changed to TT units. Previous NA rotors were 2 mm thinner.
CD Player option added for both TT and NA. Previously only available in NA.
Bose stereo head unit changed.
Logo on floor mats changed from "300ZX" to "Z".
Hardtop coupe available at mid-year (NA only).
Brake master cylinder changed to new unit in Feb. 1991.
Keyhole on driver's door and interior light illuminated when driver's door handle is pulled.
Sales: 17,652

'92: Driver's airbag made standard.
Brake caliper material changed from aluminum to iron, to help warpage/shimmy problems.
Dash/door complimentary material changed from fabric to suede.
Separate mirror heater switch eliminated (combined with rear defroster switch)
Mirror heaters made standard.
Power adjustable driver's seat standard on T-top.
Sales: 6,708

'93: Turbo oil line insulation changed for better heat dissipation.
Convertible option added.
Upgraded Bose stereo made standard.
AIV/reed valves removed.
Sales: 11,599

'94: Rear spoiler design changed to a higher/bigger pedestal one.
Super HICAS system changed to an electrically actuated unit (previously oil pressure act).
Seat belts redesigned. Moved from door mounts to true pillar mounts.
Passenger airbag made standard.
Keyless entry added.
Titanium keys discontinued in Nov. 1994.
Off-white 'Pearl' color is dropped. Future 'pearls' are more of a semi metallic white.
Sales: 5,320

'95: Front fascia becomes body colored instead of gray strip.
Special 25th Anniversary gold paint available.
'Reset' button removed from dash clock (may have happened in '94).
Sales: 3,135

'96: Variable cam timing 'quietly' dropped due to smog regulations, reducing
5 speed engine output to 280 HP. Different cams installed to compensate for lost HP (total still at only 280 HP).
OBD II electronics introduced.
Driver's seat back rest no longer includes adjustable side bolsters.

MOTRSPRT


Taken from twinturbo.net faq section

[Demolician]

Perfect. Thanks for the rundown on years. I was looking at a 96 but I could not find the DLC port anywhere in the car for the OBD2 Interface. I'm still trying to decide which year to get, but with the info you just listed i think my choices have been greatly reduced, Thanks allot everyone I appreciate it.

[Orderless]

Hey if you want a 96 I have one in mint condition in michigan. 24k miles, black on black. Apex exhaust, injen intake, steel brake lines, ceramic pads, polished rims, 5spd and custom audio.


Whats your bid??????????

[300zs]

is your 96 a tt

[Orderless]

no.

[RX_speed]

the 1991 300zx had the driver's side airbag option