Option — Shōwa Car Tuning & Buyers Guide (2000 Edition)

“The S cars have a long history as classics, and supply and prices are stable. You almost never see a 240Z. In the past, people assumed an S30 needed a G-nose and overfenders, but today preferences are about evenly split. Younger buyers seem to prefer the stock nose, perhaps because of manga. Most S130s are tuned—often an L28 conversion—so good-condition examples are scarce. The Z31 is unpopular and not common enough for a stable market price. A clean limited-edition anniversary model has occasionally sold for around ¥1 million, but they are rarely seen. It may yet become popular as a tuning base…”

Can you identify the body color? It is Honda’s factory Camellia Red, also used on cars such as the Civic Coupe.

The muffler is by Trust. The transmission is adapted from an R33 Type M, and the propeller shaft is also modified from a Z31 ZR-II. Since it is an RB-based car, many parts can be reused.

Ancestors: Showa-era cars / Carol PZ31.

The exterior is close to stock. The Central 20 wheels for the Z31 have a nostalgic look.

Option

RB26DETT + heavy-equipment turbo + DSC control: avant-garde tuning for an otherworldly feel.

The Z31 came with either a VG or RB engine. This car had an RB20DET, but it was obviously underpowered. Tuning the 2.0-liter further also seemed limited, so the owner swapped in an RB26DETT. The turbo is unusual too: a huge TA45 with an exhaust housing made for heavy machinery… [continues].

Fuel injection is controlled by an Intec DSC. Originally a racing part, it controls fuel quantity solely from throttle position. Even during an upshift you cannot hold full throttle; instead, you gradually open the throttle. It takes considerable practice, but you can enjoy driving without worrying about sensor failures.

The RB26DETT has 264-degree cams on both intake and exhaust and a heavy-equipment TA45 turbo. Its enormous exhaust housing makes it a drag-racing setup that comes alive at high rpm… [copy continues].

…was completed.

I want an S30Z / S130Z / Z31!

Buyer’s guide.

(People Collection, 042-774-6621).

No established market price. Supply ★☆☆☆☆. Not popular.

S130Z: ¥2,000,000–¥1,300,000 ; supply ★★☆☆☆; many are tuned.

240ZG: ¥2,500,000–¥3,000,000. Supply ★☆☆☆☆; extremely scarce.

Around ¥2,000,000. Supply ★★☆☆☆. Prices are stable.

Sample / market price.

Number available.

A word of advice.

REPORT:OPT

Photos: Naoyuki Mizukawa / Hiroki Iwashima / Nobuo Koike / MPS. Cooperation: Auto Garage L… [business name/address continues].

54 Kitagawa-zoi, Kochi City, Kochi; 0888-83-1078.

Top Car Hirano… [dealer/name fragment].

This one…

Price car… [listing fragment].

It carries a premium…

…is a rebuilt, effectively new S30 imported from America. The price… [listing continues].

…there are quite a few examples.

…there are quite a few people who want one badly enough to go that far.

…that is how it is.

…people who want it… [fragment].

Option

Option — Shōwa Car Tuning & Buyers Guide (2000 Edition)

About this issue

Page 165 — English draft translation