The Z31 chassis universally utilized the “Long Nose” R200 differential, and in 2023 Z31 limited slip differentials are highly sought after for other Nissan and similar rear wheel drive applications. The USDM Z31 300ZX was fairly stingy with which cars were given the more desirable limited slip differentials, likely because of the strength and availability of the open R200 differential. To quote community member SATAN, someone familiar with Z31s making absurd horsepower:
“Now on the power rating… 300whp is nothing for any of the R200’s to handle. There is a guy who has an open diff, two pinion, from a N/A 86 300zx making 700whp. Hasn’t broken it.” (link)
The R200 differential was used in a variety of other vehicles, including the Silvia, Z32 and other future Z cars, as well as the Mazda RX7.
Z31 Differential Reference Sheet:
Year / Model | Region | Differential Type | Ratio | Ring gear teeth | Pinion gear teeth | Notes |
1984-87 NA | USDM | Open | 3.7:1 | 37 | 10 | |
1988-89 NA | USDM | Open | 3.9:1 | 39 | 10 | |
1984-86 T | USDM | Open | 3.545:1 | 39 | 11 | |
1984-89 T | JDM | Open | 3.545:1 | 39 | 11 | |
04/1987-1989 T | USDM | Clutch LSD | 3.7:1 | 37 | 10 | |
1988 Shiro | USDM | Viscous LSD | 3.7:1 | 37 | 10 | |
Turbo (Europe) | EU | Open | 3.364:1 | 37 | 11 | 4 Spider Gears |
NA (Europe) | EU | Open | 3.7:1 | 37 | 10 | 2 Spider Gears |
Turbo (Europe) | EU | Open | 3.545:1 | 39 | 11 | 4 Spider Gears |
Turbo (Middle East) | EU | Open | 3.545:1 | 39 | 11 | 4 Spider Gears |
NA (Middle East) | EU | Open | 3.7:1 | 37 | 10 | 4 Spider Gears |
Turbo (Outside EU) | EU | Open | 3.545:1 | 39 | 11 | 2 Spider Gears |
NA (Outside EU) | EU | Open | 3.7:1 | 37 | 10 | 4 Spider Gears |
300ZX – M/T | JDM | Open | 3.545:1 | 39 | 11 | 2 Spider Gears |
200Z/ZS/ZG (All) | JDM | Open | 4.111:1 | 37 | 19 | 2 Spider Gears |
200ZR – M/T | JDM | Clutch LSD | 4.375:1 | 35 | 8 | 4 Spider Gears |
200ZR – A/T | JDM | Clutch LSD | 4.625:1 | 35 | 9 | 4 Spider Gears |
300ZR (All) | JDM | Clutch LSD | 4.111:1 | 37 | 9 | 4 Spider Gears |