1988 Nissan Z Z31

Overview

Engines

3.0L V6, 3.0L turbo V6

Came as

• Two-seat coupe
• 2+2 coupe

On record

2 warnings, 1 recall

What changed for 1988

• Power rises to 165 hp, and to 205 hp for the Turbo with a smaller T25 turbocharger. The Shiro Special arrives for the year. A published reference

Compare 1988 with 1987

Rare and special

• Shiro Special

Colors

No paint color is recorded yet.

Specs

Badges

• 300ZX Nissan, a published reference

Engines

• 3.0L V6 VG30E A published reference

  160 hp (1984–1987), 165 hp (1988–1989)

• 3.0L turbo V6 VG30ET Nissan, a published reference

  200 hp (1984–1987), 205 hp (1988–1989)

Transmissions

• 5-speed manual Nissan, a published reference
• 4-speed automatic Nissan, a published reference

Drivetrains

• Rear-wheel drive A published reference

Body styles

• Two-seat coupe A published reference
• 2+2 coupe A published reference

Trims

• 300ZX A published reference
• 300ZX Turbo Nissan, a published reference

Packages

• Shiro Special (1988) A published reference

Figures for the whole 3rd gen

• Built: 329,900 from July 1983 to 1989, 294,516 of them for export A published reference
• Headlamps: Semi-retractable "Parallel Rising Headlamps" Nissan
• Suspension: MacPherson struts in front and semi-trailing arms at the rear, on the 280ZX's wheelbase A published reference
• Electronically adjustable shocks: Three-way, on Turbo models except the Shiro Special A published reference

Rare trims and options

• Rare

  Shiro Special Package

  Built from January to March 1988 A published reference

  1,002 built for the US A published reference

Watch out

Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.

• Rust under the rear carpet and seats All years

  Check: Pull up the rear carpet and the foam tool tray, and look in the spare tyre well and under the seats.

  Three owners in two HybridZ threads name rust in the rear floor under the carpet, and two of them call floor rust a reason to pass. Owners' reports (unofficial)

• Leaking quarter windows and tail lights All years

  Check: Look for water stains and damp carpet behind the seats and in the rear corners.

  Three owners in two HybridZ threads say the rear quarter windows and the tail lights leak, and two of them say the T-tops leak too. Owners' reports (unofficial)

Recalls

Newest first. Ask the seller for proof the work was done, or check the VIN with NHTSA.

• 1984–1989 Recall 95I006000

  Not a safety recall but a safety improvement campaign: the fuel injectors and their hoses, which could leak, are replaced. NHTSA

Owning

What owners and buyers say

No source singles out this year, for good or bad.

Maintenance

No service schedule is added yet.