Just call me Harada - My 1984 50th Anniversary Edition Z31 300zx build

[jbaker1121]

iS! I've mentioned a upcoming project and a few shared an interest.... so here she is:


My 1984 300zx 50th Anniversary Edition Z31.





Originally wanted a 240sx (who doesn't nowadays) then looked at 240z's. Both were more than I wanted to spend for such a project. So, I looked at the often-overlooked and underrated Z31 300zx.

So why a z31? The VG30ET attracted me for it's easy power gains after a few minimal mods. The turbo motor can easily make 300hp with 3" exhaust, intake, and by turning up the boost...and the "easy" power adders continue from there...(intercooler, fuel injectors, fuel pump, Nistune software...) Many have 500hp+ on stock internals, some even run the factory turbos at 400hp.... not bad for a 3000lb 2+2

The only problem was finding one in good enough condition for what I wanted to pay. This is going to be a very "hands on" project...

Ended up picking up a local Roller with stock T5 transmission as well as some maintenance/mod work like poly bushings, lowering/sport springs, d/s brake rotors, lightweight Z wheels (not sure from what generation but they are pretty light) plus he claimed all the electronics worked, etc. and it came with tons of extras.


His plans were to drop in a 302 with T5 from an '88 Foxbody mustang...however he stopped after fabbing custom engine mounts because he probably saw that it was more than just a DIY-in the garage project at that point.
So, I bought it off his hands (originally wanted the v8 but after some input from other Z31 drivers and 302 people alike, I decided to stick with the VG30ET...plus I wanted a turbo)


My plans? Right now they are to get the car actually running and to bring it back to it's former glory....with a "modern" touch. Yes, I plan on being able to drift it, yes I plan on trying to make a good amount of power. However, this will be no beat-up drift missile. It'll be a classy bitch.


Let the pictures begin:


Picking her up




getting her to the shop


(drift soarer and yes a real E36 m3)




first night at the shop...


LET THE STRIPPING COMMENCE





OOPS, found some cancer



boxed up all the parts..



re-aligned the hood so it would actually latch closed...test fitting the poly lip kits

same for the hatch...




started grinding and sanding away some of the rust while I wait for the heart transplant VG30ET...beginning the prep process for a full paint job... (not 100% sure on color...was thinking of sticking to the 50th AE theme, however.)




the heart donor:



Motor should be in by the first week of April...trying to get it up and running by mid-april.


This is where the project stands now....


here are a few pictures that inspired me to do the build...






and if you don't get the Harada reference, familiarize yourself with "Wangan Midnight" - the character drives a Z31 50th AE




Also may sway towards a Liberty Walk/ Rocket Bunny / RWB style setup depending on how difficult it is to find parts that will "work" with the Z....and ones there aren't super expensive....


to be continued.......:rotfl:

 

[GEE50FX]

What a great project Jordan :good:.

 

[shadow191]

I like it. I love the retro 80's steering wheel.

 

[GetLuckiFX]

That is one hell of a great project!! I always liked those, can't wait to see when she is restored!!

 

[jdTrader]

very cool!

 

[PMG 705]

Nice pickup. I'm partial to the S30, but a properly done Z31 looks pretty good as well.

 

[Dracula]

not bad, nice hp gains!

 

[myron02]

great project car and great plants you have for this. What other projects are you doing? I see an e36 in there and not sure what else

 

[baias6230]

Awesome project, Jordan!:good:

 

[davidcarson48]

Sooo cool. I love the 80s Z cars. Good luck and god speed!

 

[J3FF3R$0N]

Nice pick up, I'd like to build an old school Japanese car one day

 

[pmanliu]

This is awesome, and nice progress so far!

Can't wait to see this in person after its all done :good:

 

[RIPnFX]

Nice pick up bro, can't wait to see what you have planned

 

[jbaker1121]

Thanks everyone. I've been wanting this sort of project for a while. To answer some questions, the other cars in the garage are friends' projects and include an E36 M3, Toyota Soarer/SC, an E30 with an e36 motor swap, and an I-rocZ. The Bmw's and the SC are drift cars, the iroc a a drag car. They do most of the work themselves, so I figured what better place to work on my project?

I've just finalized the motor, and am working on getting the LSD from an 87T Z31 (came with a clutch LSD from the factory in 87-89, and are highly sought after...got a great price)

I won't be working on the car for a week and a half since I go home friday for spring break...but when I'm back, the motor should be in within a week so I want to try and finish up the seats (trying to fab custom rails for the racing seats) and the bracing before that happens so that I can at least work on getting it driving/driveable before painting and finishing up the body details (don't want to that before all the heavy mechanic work)

I'm also trying to locate some liberty walk/rocket bunny style pieces to see if I want to go that route. (larger over-fenders, ducktail extension, etc) prob will just order the knockoff parts for now to test-fit...

Also need to find a rear bumper midsection with a sunken-in license plate slot, because I have the "JDM" Kaminari center light for the rear which goes over the OEM plate relocation, however usually people just bolt the plate to the bumper... of course, that's not clean enough for me... will prob try and find a 240 bumper to use and will graft it in

 

[Cruiser]

Nice project whip Jordan. Will follow this restoration closely.


Sent from my iPhone

 

[jbaker1121]

Nice project whip Jordan. Will follow this restoration closely.


Sent from my iPhone

thanks!

Was doing a little research of what I can use on my car, since the aftermarket is very small for Z31s..
I want to run fender flares - although the 50th AE already comes with a rear flare look, I feel that I want to do the riveted flare styling for the front and back.
Apparently the ones at JDMflares.com work on the Z31 $170 for a set of fiberglass (ugh) flares that are 2.25 front 2.5 rear

here's a picture of the "ZG" style JDMFlares on a Z31:



Not sure if I want to go this route, just getting a feeling for it. May enlist somebody's help (soon) for photoshoppage.


plus, I'm running wheels right now that aren't really flush, lol. So it's prob better to get the car running first anyway.


Still need to hunt down a usable ducktail, or keep the factory spoiler. Up in the air.


I found some for the 240z that I can probably make work
like these:






I think I want to do the flares/ducktail/low front splitter style, slam it, but retain the 50th AE paint scheme with a little twist.... blend of old and new. :alright
first things first - I need to get it running.....

 

[aiya]

Looks like a great project! Looking forward to the updates!

 

[Exotich]

Staying true to the NISSAN Family. Keep us updated!

 

[PMG 705]

Check out hybridz

Tapa on Note III

 

[jbaker1121]

Looks like a great project! Looking forward to the updates!

Staying true to the NISSAN Family. Keep us updated!

Thanks! You know me, of course I'll keep you all updated

Check out hybridz

Yeah I've signed up but have yet to post. Thanks for the heads up