From 1987 to 1989 the Fairlady Z went through several upgrades. Below are details of some changes in these models.
In Japan the Kouki facelift arrived in October 1986. It was styled by Nissan Design International in California. The 300 grades got the wide blister fenders (1725mm overall), while the 200ZR kept the narrow 1690mm body so it stayed under Japan's small car size limit and its lower tax. All Kouki cars got slimmer headlights, fog lamps built into the front bumper, a leather 3-spoke steering wheel, and vented rear discs. The 200Z, 200ZS and 200ZG were dropped.
Kouki Models
- 200ZR - I
- 200ZR - II
- 300ZR
- 300ZX
200ZR - I
The 200ZR - I was again equipped with the RB20DET motor, just like the Zenki models.
The 200ZR - I kept the arched fenders from the Zenki models but added the new Kouki nose, headlights, tail lamps, and bumper. It was available in both 2-seater and 2+2 models, but only as a slicktop with manual transmission.
Since it was manual only, the 200ZR - I received a 4.375 gear set.
As on the Zenki ZR-I, it was the lightweight version: no power windows, no bronze tinted glass, no memory tilt column, and A/C was a dealer option.
200ZR - II
The 200ZR - II continued with the RB20DET motor as in the Zenki models and 200ZR - I.
It retained the arched fenders but added the new Kouki nose, headlights, tail lamps, and bumper. It was available in both 2-seater and 2+2 models, but only as a T-Top model.
The E4N71B 4-speed automatic transmission was available as an option for 2+2 models only.
Differentials: Automatic models received a 4.625 gear set, manual models received a 4.375 gear set.
Recaro seats were an option on both 200ZR grades, with the black interior only. From June 1988 the 200ZR 5-speed got double-cone synchros on 2nd and 3rd gear.
300ZR
The 300ZR was the first Fairlady to feature a 3.0-liter DOHC V6 engine. The VG30DE was rated at 190PS (net) and 25.0kg-m, and it was the only non-turbo Japanese Z31. It was offered with the 5-speed manual or the 4-speed automatic.
It was available in both 2-seater and 2+2 models, T-bar roof only. The interior is similar to the 200ZR in fabrics and materials, and since there was no turbo, a voltmeter took the place of the boost gauge. It came with manual A/C, Bridgestone RE71 tires, and Nissan's 4WAS four-wheel anti-skid brakes as standard.
The 300ZR was also offered with the popular Recaro manual bucket seats.
The differential in the 300ZR was an R200 4-pinion limited-slip with a 4.111 gear set. From June 1988 a viscous LSD and 16x7JJ wheels with 225/50R16 tires were offered as an option package.
300ZX
Like the 200ZR, the 300ZX received new front and rear bumpers with a more rounded look. New headlights and taillights were also added.
In Japan the Kouki 300ZX kept the VG30ET but was sold with the automatic only and the T-bar roof only. It was the luxury grade: the only Kouki model with the 3-way adjustable shocks, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, auto door locks, automatic climate control, 8 speakers and the sub-meter fuel gauge. It had body-colored mirrors, bare stainless door moldings, and an optional leather power seat, but no limited-slip differential.
Interior materials were updated to new patterns, and Recaro manual seats were an option on the Japanese ZR grades. In the USDM, cloth and leather were available, and in 1988 the same Recaro buckets were offered in the
Special Edition Shiro Special during the Nissan White Sale.
The engine was still the VG30E and VG30ET. Minor changes in 1988 led to the "W-series" designation. Turbo size was reduced to a T25 instead of the previous T3, and compression on turbo motors was increased to 8.3:1, raising power to 205HP. The turbo manual transmission switched from the Borg Warner T5 to the FS5R30A Nissan unit. The turbo spoiler also changed to a new plastic model (Part #96030-21P10).
In April 1987, North American turbo models started receiving a 3.700:1 clutch-type limited slip differential. The 1988 Shiro Special got a 3.700:1 viscous limited slip. In the JDM market, the 300ZX received an open (non-LSD) 3.545 ratio; a viscous LSD became an option there in June 1988.
SF models were still available with red or tan cloth interiors.
GL and GLL models still had the same interior color options.
Vented rotors were added to the rear of Kouki models.
Once again, wheels changed.
Non-turbo models received 15x6.5" wheels with covers over the lugs, and turbo models had the same style but in 16x7". 1987 turbo models received a charcoal-painted 16x7" wheel and non-turbos were just aluminum. 1988-1989 models were the same but the charcoal paint changed to grey. 1988 Shiro wheels were painted white to match the body, and this was also offered in 1989 with either the 15x6.5" or 16x7" wheels if paint code #234 Moonglow Pearl was chosen.
Non-turbo models lost the injector cooling fan.
Turbo models received larger slip-on front rotors and a new front hub. These are sought after as an upgrade for early models and non-turbos, making it possible to
upgrade to larger 4-piston calipers from the Z32.
Trim Options
|
SF |
GL |
GLL |
| 1987 |
5 lug wheels standard |
Cruise control now an option |
- Digital instrumentation now an option
- Headlight sprayers optional
|
| 1988 |
No changes |
No changes |
No changes |
| 1989 |
No changes |
No changes |
No changes |
1986 was a strange year for the Z car. In the US market, the 300ZX received a minor facelift with flared fenders and side skirts based on the 50th AE model (except for the SF model), and the bumpers were painted body color instead of the black stripe.
