Chassis Code Explained
| Segment | Meaning | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Z | Model series | Z — Fairlady Z / 300ZX platform |
| 31 | Generation code | 31 — third-generation Z (1983–1989) |
The Z31 introduced the VG-series V6 to the Z lineup (VG20ET, VG30E, VG30ET); the rare JDM 200ZR used the RB20DET inline-6. Exported as the Nissan 300ZX in most markets.
Editorial notes
Key Takeaways
- Nissan introduced the Z31 in 1983 with Japan's first mass-produced turbocharged V-6, the VG30ET, replacing the inline-six used in prior Z generations, per Nissan.
- Nissan credits the more compact V-6 layout with improved weight distribution and dynamic performance versus the inline-six it replaced.
- The 1984 300ZX 50th Anniversary Edition was limited to 5,148 cars for the US market and 300 for Canada, with a silver/black color scheme and a choice of automatic or 5-speed manual as its only factory option, per Nissan.
- A rally-prepared Fairlady Z 300ZX (chassis HZ31, VG30ET engine) won the 1985 All Japan Rally Championship, taking first place in the sixth and seventh rounds, per Nissan's own heritage record.
- For US imports, confirm the individual car's manufacture date and current federal, EPA, and state requirements.
Technical Specifications
Engine Options
| Chassis | Engine | Displacement | Power — JDM | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z31 | VG20ET | 2.0L | estimated | Turbo V6; JDM ratings vary by year |
| Z31 | RB20DET | 2.0L | estimated | 200ZR-only; limited production, spec varies |
| Z31 | VG30E | 3.0L | estimated | NA V6; market/year dependent output |
| Z31 | VG30ET | 3.0L | estimated | Single turbo V6; output varies by year |
Variants & Trims
| Generation | Trim | Engine | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z31 (300ZX) | Fairlady Z 200Z (Z31) | VG20ET V6 Turbo | Turbo V6, 5MT/4AT, digital dash option |
| Z31 (300ZX) | Fairlady Z 200ZR (Z31) | RB20DET I6 Turbo | RB20DET, 5MT, rare homologation-style model |
| Z31 (300ZX) | Fairlady Z 200ZG (Z31) | VG20ET V6 Turbo | Aero nose, turbo, 5MT/4AT, sport appearance |
| Z31 (300ZX) | Fairlady Z 300ZX (Z31) | VG30E V6 | 3.0 NA V6, 5MT/4AT, touring equipment |
| Z31 (300ZX) | Fairlady Z 300ZX Turbo (Z31) | VG30ET V6 Turbo | Single turbo, 5MT/4AT, higher output |
| Z31 (300ZX) | Fairlady Z 2+2 (Z31) | VG30E/VG30ET | 2+2 body, 5MT/4AT, touring oriented |
Should You Buy a Nissan Fairlady Z Z31?
Why You'll Love It
- Japan's first mass-produced turbo V-6 The Z31 introduced the VG30ET, which Nissan describes as ‘Japan's first mass-produced V-6 engine with turbocharger,’ replacing the inline-six used in prior Z generations.
- V-6 layout improves weight distribution Nissan's own account credits the more compact V-6 layout with improved weight distribution and ‘drastically improved dynamic performance’ versus the inline-six it replaced.
- 50th Anniversary Edition rarity The 1984 50th Anniversary Edition was limited to 5,148 cars for the US market and 300 for Canada, with a silver/black color scheme and a choice of automatic or 5-speed manual as its only factory option, per Nissan.
- Rally pedigree A rally-prepared Fairlady Z 300ZX (chassis HZ31) won the 1985 All Japan Rally Championship, taking first place in the sixth and seventh rounds, per Nissan's own heritage record.
Why You Might Not
- Confirm exact engine displacement Nissan's own account of the era describes the Z31's turbo V-6 as offered in two displacements, 2.0 and 3.0 liters, in its early years — confirm which engine and chassis code an individual car carries rather than assuming a single spec across the generation.
- 50th Anniversary equipment is essentially fixed Nissan built the 1984 50th Anniversary Edition with only one factory option, a choice between automatic and 5-speed manual — verify any other equipment against factory documentation before assuming it's original.
Who Should NOT Buy This
- Buyers who assume every Z31 turbo shares the same engine displacement — Nissan's own account describes both 2.0-liter and 3.0-liter turbo V-6 options in the early years.
- Buyers claiming 50th Anniversary authenticity without verifying against Nissan's documented run of 5,148 for the US market and 300 for Canada.
- Buyers planning a JDM Z31 import who have not confirmed the car meets the 25-year FMVSS exemption and current import, EPA, and state requirements.
- Buyers who don't verify chassis code and equipment against factory documentation before assuming originality.
Common Issues & Solutions
| Issue | Cause | Solution | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and chassis-code verification | The Z31 turbo V-6 was offered in more than one displacement (2.0 and 3.0 liters) in its early years, per Nissan's own account. | Confirm the exact engine and chassis code (e.g., HZ31 for the turbo T-top) against factory documentation before buying. | No repair cost — a verification step. |
| Import/title status | The age-based provision in 49 CFR 591.5(i)(1) applies when a vehicle is 25 or more years old. | Confirm current import, EPA, and state requirements for the individual car. | Confirm requirements before purchase. |
Differences between JDM & USDM
Nissan introduced the Z31 in 1983 with Japan's first mass-produced turbocharged V-6, the VG30ET, replacing the inline-six used in prior Z generations; Nissan's own account of the era describes the turbo V-6 as offered in two displacements, 2.0 and 3.0 liters, in its early years, and credits the more compact V-6 layout with improved weight distribution and dynamic performance versus the inline-six it replaced. Nissan's heritage catalog includes a Fairlady Z ZG (GZ31) and a Canadian-spec 300ZX Turbo T-top 50th Anniversary (HZ31). The 1984 50th Anniversary Edition — 5,148 built for the US market and 300 for Canada — carried a silver/black color scheme and only one factory option, a choice between automatic and 5-speed manual. Verify chassis code, engine displacement, and equipment on any individual car rather than assuming it matches another market or model year.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Critical Priority
Medium Priority
Generation History
Z31 (300ZX) (1983-1989)
- VG30 V6 era begins; tech-forward for its time
- Turbo models strongest; check cooling and wiring
- Digital dashes/aging electronics can be costly
- Undervalued vs peers; clean turbos gaining
- T-top seals and rear hatch rust to watch
Market Data
Production Numbers & Rarity
| Generation | Years | Total Built | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z31 | 1983-1989 | estimated | 300ZX Z31; 200ZR is very low-volume |
Comparable Alternatives
Toyota GR Supra A90
Modern turbo coupe; strong tuning; premium interior
Porsche Cayman 987
Mid-engine balance; higher service costs; great dynamics
The Buyer's Read
The Z31 marked a real technical break from its predecessor, the S130: Nissan's VG30ET was Japan's first mass-produced turbocharged V-6, replacing the inline-six used since the earlier S30 generation, and Nissan credits the more compact V-6 layout with better weight distribution and ‘drastically improved dynamic performance.’ Confirm the exact engine and chassis code before buying — Nissan's own account describes the turbo V-6 as offered in two displacements, 2.0 and 3.0 liters, in its early production years, and its heritage catalog includes a Fairlady Z ZG (GZ31) and a Canadian-spec 300ZX Turbo T-top 50th Anniversary (HZ31).
If you're chasing the 50th Anniversary Edition specifically, verify the car against Nissan's documented run of 5,148 for the US market and 300 for Canada; equipment was essentially fixed from the factory, with the automatic-versus-5-speed choice as the only option.
If you're importing a JDM Z31, the cited 49 CFR provision applies once the individual car is 25 years or older — confirm current import, EPA, and state requirements for the specific car. Browse what's currently available across the Z31 range.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was new about the Z31?
- Nissan introduced Japan's first mass-produced turbocharged V-6, the VG30ET, replacing the inline-six used in prior Z generations; Nissan credits the more compact V-6 layout with improved weight distribution and dynamic performance.
- How rare is the 50th Anniversary Edition?
- Nissan built 5,148 for the US market and 300 for Canada, each with a silver/black color scheme and only one factory option — a choice between automatic and 5-speed manual transmission.
- Did the Z31 have a motorsport record?
- A rally-prepared Fairlady Z 300ZX (chassis HZ31, VG30ET engine) won the 1985 All Japan Rally Championship, taking first place in the sixth and seventh rounds, per Nissan's own heritage record.
- When can I import a JDM Z31 into the US?
- The cited 49 CFR provision applies when the vehicle is 25 or more years old. Confirm current import, EPA, and state requirements for the individual car.
Sources & References
Sources (28)
- Nissan Z-car — encyclopedic overview — Wikipedia Verified
- Nissan Fairlady Z — encyclopedic overview — Wikipedia Verified
- Datsun 240Z — encyclopedic overview — Wikipedia Verified
- Nissan Heritage Collection — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- Nissan 300ZX Buyer's Guide — Garage Dreams Verified
- Nissan 350Z reliability problems and issues — RepairPal Verified
- Nissan 370Z common problems and recalls — Nissan Problems Verified
- Nissan Z — model overview and reviews — Car and Driver Verified
- Datsun 240Z auction results database — Bring a Trailer Verified
- Classic.com Nissan auction database — Classic.com Verified
- My350Z owners forum (technical discussion) — My350Z.com community Verified
- The370Z owners forum (technical discussion) — The370Z.com community Verified
- Nicoclub 240Z/260Z/280Z technical forum — Nicoclub Verified
- Z Car Depot — S30 restoration parts catalog and tech — Z Car Depot Verified
- Z Driver community forum — Z Driver Verified
- Nissan 300ZX T-Top (1992: Z32) — Heritage Collection — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- Buying Guide: 1990–96 Nissan 300ZX — Hagerty UK Verified
- 49 CFR § 591.5 — Declarations required for importation — Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute Verified
- JDM Gentleman's Agreement: Why Iconic Japanese Cars Are Limited To 276 HP — CarBuzz Verified
- 1990 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo Guide: Specs, Performance & More — Supercars.net Verified
- 25 Year Club: Z32 Nissan 300ZX — Japanese Nostalgic Car Verified
- Engine Tech: Building the Nissan VG30DETT, Part 1 — MotoIQ Verified
- Nissan 300ZX Review: Twin-Turbo Icon Guide & Buying Tips — HotCars Verified
- Series 2 PTU failures? (Z32 300ZX forum thread) — HybridZ forums Verified
- Nissan Z: 50 Years of Excitement — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- Nissan Heritage Timeline — 1990 — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- Nissan Fact File (model history/production timeline PDF) — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- What to Buy: 1990–1996 Nissan 300ZX — Car and Driver Verified
Sources last verified: