1989 or 1990 z31 or z32 how do I know? Timing belt?

[Acidise]

hi, bought an 89 z32 2+2 TT JDM 80k In Canada
How do I tell what year it is? As far as I can tell, the z32 started in 90 but the seller said it was an 89
Need to upgrade some leaky suspension now and maybe do some fuel system upgrades later due to ethanol
Timing belt was done around 40k by seller, what does original belt look like so I can confirm it was done? Besides all the stuff that was slightly out of place around the belt when I got the car.
Thanks very much, I hope to restore this car to its former glory.

[z.Leinbach]

Best way to tell is look at the belt covers very closely the hex bolts with either look perfectly new or possibly rounded a very tiny bit. That's how i found out on mine. Also the timing belts are generally more durable then stated and can if need be go up to 100k. Said by a Nissan tech. And honestly who would even want to pay that 6-7vhours if labor plus parts every 60 anyway

[nissanfreak12]

When it comes t the timing belt, don't take chances. This is the lifeline on the engine, if it breaks, more than likely it will bend valves. 60k or 4 years. Rubber deteriorates, stretches, cracks, just plain wears out. This is from the factory, nissan engineers who designed it, tested it, basically run it for the time allotted. Yes you may get more out, but why chance it. I wouldn't. I have seen belts break at 40k and some last over 100k. A lot depends on the climate, how hot the car runs, type of environment, basically how someone could say they last to 100k is an idiot without knowing and looking for a lawsuit if one does fail. Stick to the factory recommendations.

Who was the "nissan tech" hat said this, because I would like to know is he going to repair the engine when it fails because he gave that advice?

If you don't want to pay the 6-7 hours to do a vital engine component change, maybe you shouldn't have this type of car. If you have to pay someone to work on the car, you better have deep pockets, cause they get very expensive very fast. This is a 25 year old car, things are going to fail.

OP, if you are not sure if the belt has been changed, change it. Do the 120k kit, it includes belt, pulleys, seals, water pump, etc. Look it up. Yes it is expensive, but how much would it cost to replace an engine?

Yes they made the z32 in the last part of 1989, technically it is a 1990 model, but could have stated it as a 1989 model. There is a big change in z31 to a z32, body styling, engine, well basically everything. If you look on the tab on the radiator support, it should say z32. If you dont know how to work on your own cars, good time to start learning. They are very fun cars, but they need to be taken care of. Post some pics!

[Acidise]

I think I will tear the front cover off soon, I believe the previous owner - his father is ridiculously meticulous and his father convinced him to sell the car, both said belts were done at 50k km. one of the first things he did when he bought the car.
Anyhow. it is definitely a Z32, but everything else is in Japanese - lol, I haven't learned much Japanese writing in Canada except they have smaller hands than me.
But I have bulldog like tenacity and smashed my elbow until my hand went between the master cylinder and the wheel well to get to the P.S. pump clamps, I only got bit when I put the accordion hose back on the airbox pipe, it expanded very quickly and my thumb went along for the ride BUT may have caught on the boost pipe above the accordion hose - I'll call it "the mother of all hangnails" for now!
Ill try to get pics tomorrow, dark blue, 7/10 outside, 4/10 inside, needs tires.

Im in the market soon for some suspension things and trim pieces. Also how difficult to add cruise control. lol. original owner sprung for power seat/folding mirrors/AC, but not cruise, silly.

NAPA/Monroe rear shocks any good? I want power trix coilovers but 300 Cdn vs 1500-1900 USD is kinda steep at the moment
Have a goodnight all.

[nissanfreak12]

You should have cruise control. I believe all Z's came with them, even the JDM ones(which is what you have). Yes, all z's suck to work on, very little room. But worth it.

Suspension, basic kyb's and stock suspension is ok, but if you wat to lower it, eibach and kyb's are also good for the lesser price. I bought mine with megan coilovers, actually rides pretty well. better than I thought. They are relatively cheap, so not sure the long term.

[z.Leinbach]

Pcv valves are a pain unless you have the proper tools took me about 3 hours to get them both. Bet they for sure make a difference and help the rings seal up better to

[nexus08]

Regarding PCV valves, on my 1990, the removal instructions I've read say to just "push the hose off with"

I spent quite some time trying to do that and finally gave up and just cut them off.

Turns out mine had gotten so old and hard that they were more or less hard plastic and I would have never been able to just push them off.