The
300ZX
Engine Differences
The question often comes up "I've got a non turbo, what is involved in converting it into a turbo?". Generally, because of the number of differences between the two, the best way to convert your non turbo is first to sell it, then use the money and a little extra, to buy a turbo. A number of conversions have been done, but usually there are special reasons for doing so, for example, in building a race car, where you are making extensive changes anyway, and are combining a number of components from a number of sources.
| Feature | Turbo | Non Turbo |
| Radiator | Hi capacity | Low capacity |
| Intercooler | two | Not applicable |
| Instruments | Boost gauge | None |
| Oil cooler | Oil cooler | None |
| Auto transmission | RE403A (Stronger) | RE401A |
| Auto shift schedules | different to non turbo | |
| Auto stall revolutions | different to non turbo | |
| Manual gearbox | Same as non turbo | |
| Differential ratio | 3.692 (R230V) | 4.083 (R200V) |
| Drive shaft | larger | Smaller |
| Coil spring constant | 146lbs/in | 123lbs/in |
| Rear stabiliser | Harder | Softer |
| Wiring loom | For turbo control | |
| Engine computer | For turbo control | |
| Body | Inter cooler grills | none |
| Compression ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Cast aluminium pistons | moly coated skirts | not coated |
| Cast aluminium pistons | Built in oil channels | not built in |
| exhaust valves | Iconel | not Iconel |
| Cooling to turbos | Oil & water | not applicable |
| clutch | Vacuum assisted | no assistance |
| Connvertable | Not available | available |