Nissan 300ZX coilovers depend on which car you have, because two different cars wore the name. Nissan brought out the Z31 in 1983 and the Z32 in 1989, and they share no coilover kits. The Z32 has six kits from five brands. The Z31 has one, from Feal. Start with the chassis code, then pick the brand. BC Racing kits are shown first.
Not sure if yours is a Z31 or Z32? Read us your VIN at 1-800-460-9106.
Z31 or Z32
Nissan 300ZX
Animated illustration. It shows where coilovers sit on a car, not your exact kit. Depending on the car and the kit, coilovers can lean forward or back or stand straight up, and some cars use a separate spring and shock in the rear. Your ride height depends on the kit and how it is set up.
Every 300ZX kit is made for one chassis code: Z31 or Z32.
Z32, 1990 to 1996
There are six kits for this car, and none has separate turbo and non-turbo versions.
Z31, 1983 to 1989
Feal is the only brand with a kit.
What the kit names leave out
The kit names do not mention body style or Super HICAS (four-wheel steering). Call us if either applies to your car.
BC Racing makes a Z32 kit, but not a Z31 kit
BC Racing makes one kit for the Z32
BC Racing makes four series for the Nissan 300ZX: BR, DS, ER and ZX. Its one Z32 kit comes in all four. BC has no Z31 kit. Free shipping on BC Racing kits in the continental US.
Ask us about height and damping before the first session.
Kits to look at: BC Racing ZX, which BC calls "most track-tested"
Z31 revival
One kit fits, so the choice is simple.
Kit to look at: Feal Z31
Every 300ZX coilover kit we carry
We list the Z32 first, then the Z31. Each card shows the kit's full name.
Every Z32 kit, model years 1990 through 1996
Code: Z32
BC Racing kitThe BC Racing coilover kit made for the 1990 to 1996 Nissan Fairlady Z and 300ZX. Photo: BC Racing.
Note: All six kits are listed for 1990 to 1996. None has separate versions for twin turbo and non-turbo, or for coupe and convertible. BC names its kit "Fairlady Z/300zx". Confirm your car with us if it is not a standard coupe.
Here is what 300ZX owners report most often on owner forums, in recalls and in service bulletins, and what it means for your install.
HICAS rear steering on Z32 cars
Z32 300ZX, 1990 to 1996
Z32 specialists call the hydraulic HICAS rear steer failure prone and sell a kit to remove it from 1990 to 1993 Twin Turbo cars. Another company sells a lock kit for 1990 to 1996 cars and says it makes handling more predictable at the limit. That lock kit needs an alignment.
Before you install: Decide on HICAS before the install so any lock-out or delete is done at the same time, then align the car once it is finished.
Front tension rod bushings that wear and leak
Z32, 1990 to 1996
A NICOclub write-up says the Z32's front tension rod bushings start leaking in time, giving a pull under braking or nose dive in corners. A Z32 specialist says failing rods look wet, and that cheap replacement rods wear out quickly. Coilovers alone will not cure a pull.
Before you install: Look for wet or split tension rod bushings while the front is apart, replace them with the coilovers, and align the car right after.
Small drops push the alignment out of spec
Z32, 1990 to 1996
A Z32 owner rebuilding his suspension writes that even small drops can push the alignment out of spec. A Z32 specialist says lowering adds negative camber, and a NICOclub write-up says toe is the only real factory front adjustment. Your ride height decides whether the factory range can bring camber and caster back.
Before you install: Start with a modest drop, get an alignment reading, and plan adjustable arms or tension rods only if the readings call for them.
Rear subframe bushings, wheel hop and sloppy handling
Z32, 1990 to 1996
On the 300ZX Owners Club, an owner says worn Z32 subframe bushings show up as wheel hop under power and sloppy handling. One owner with solid subframe bushings reports some transmission and diff noise in the cabin when pulling away. No damper setting fixes a tired subframe.
Before you install: Check the subframe bushings while the rear is apart, and if replacing them, weigh firmer bushings against the extra cabin noise.
300ZX history
Two different Z cars with one name
Nissan says the 1983 Z31 300ZX had Japan's first mass-produced turbocharged V6.
1983
Z31The first 300ZX. Nissan says it featured Japan's first mass-produced turbocharged V6.
1989
Z32Nissan says the Z32 "was unlike any Z that preceded it."
Z32
Twin turboNissan says the VG30DETT made 280 ps.
Z32
ChassisNissan lists four-wheel multilink suspension and Super HICAS four-wheel steering among its technologies.
Every Z32 kit here is listed for 1990 to 1996, with no separate version for HICAS or turbo cars.
What 300ZX owners ask us
Will a Z32 coilover kit fit my Z31?
No. Each generation has its own kits. Feal is the only brand we carry with a Z31 kit, and five brands make Z32 kits.
Does the twin turbo Z32 need different coilovers?
None of our Z32 kits has separate versions for the twin turbo and the non-turbo car. Call us to confirm before you order.
What BC series does the Z32 kit come in?
It comes in BR, DS, ER and ZX. BC lists no kit for the Z31.
Which TEIN coilovers fit the 300ZX?
TEIN's Flex Z and Street Advance Z both fit every Z32 year.
Can I keep the Super HICAS rear steering with coilovers?
None of our kit names mention HICAS. Ask us before you order so we can check the kit.
How is the BC Z32 kit covered?
BC Racing North America currently lists a two-year limited warranty on full kit orders, subject to its warranty terms. KW, TEIN, Feal and Ksport each have their own.
