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

[rice4life]

You should source a VG33 block while you're at it. They are cheap, and really compliment the vg33et head well. Plus, the larger displacement with dat turbo makes for mad fun. Especially since they are not intercooled from the factory, bolt ons make them craaaazy.

Which turbo does the donor engine have?

Good luck with the build, I'll be following it

[Chasen88]

Ya I've always liked these, can't wait to see it complete, I remember hearing Eddy Murphy had one. Also what's the deal with that e36 m3 ?

[jbaker1121]

in for this greatness

you definitely need the EXCITING sticker now haha

hahaha I'm considering it for track days


update:

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 want to keep the 50th AE rear fenders just because they're "rare" ....need to photoshop. Can always modify them. (or just sell 'em haha)

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.
first things first - I need to get it running.....

[Nick475]

you definitely need the EXCITING sticker now haha

[244Brick]

in for this greatness

[jbaker1121]

Just picked up a side project....

a 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. The VG30ET attracted me for it's easy power gains after a few minimal mods. The only problem was finding one in good enough condition for what I wanted to pay.

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 somewhat 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 b****. (this is subject to change, budget pending)

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 wou瀀瀀ctually 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...










and if you don't get the Harada reference, familiarize yourself with "Wangan Midnight" - the character drives a Z31 that has a similar style to the USDM-only 50th AE (although his is not an AE but is two toned, etc.)




to be continued.......

--
UPDATE 4/11

I've just finalized the motor (100k mile VG30ET with accessories, etc. delivered to the shop), and a Clutch 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 or so 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) Plus, I need to reinstall the OEM engine mounts, or get custom ones for the OEM motor fabbed and installed (the p/o put custom 302 mounts in)

I'm also trying to locate some liberty walk/rocket bunny style pieces ...I may go that route too (larger over-fenders, ducktail extension, etc) prob will just order the knockoff parts for now to test-fit... I dig the vintage boso/drift look on these older cars

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...

need to find coil overs to run (from s13 w/ adapters) as well as some dope wheels.... but motor + running comes first.

I'll be running a 3" full exhaust (or just down pipe to side exit for now) and luckily the car is very close to a reputable shop... so will definitely be utilizing many of his services...

stay tuned.....looking forward to getting this build going