Z32 300ZX Fluids and Capacities

These are Nissan's factory fluid specs and capacities for the Z32, from the Maintenance section of the 1994 and 1996 service manuals. Capacities are approximate refill amounts; always finish by checking the level the proper way, on the dipstick or at the filler plug.

Capacities at a Glance

The 1994 manual lists the non-turbo differential at 1.5 L in its Maintenance section but 1.3 L in its Differential section; the 1996 manual gives 1.3 L in both. Fill until the oil reaches the bottom of the filler hole, whatever the number says.

Engine Oil

• Nissan prefers 10W-30 for temperatures above −18°C (0°F). The 1994 manual also allows 10W-40, 20W-40 and 20W-50 above 10°C (50°F).
• On the twin turbo, use 5W-30 only in extreme cold. The turbos' bearings are fed by engine oil, and thin oil and high heat are hard on them.
• The oil filter sits low on the front of the engine; on the twin turbo it's tucked in next to the right-hand turbo's plumbing, so a short filter wrench helps.

Coolant

Use only an ethylene glycol antifreeze. Nissan's mix examples are 30% antifreeze for protection to −15°C (5°F) and 50% for −35°C (−30°F). Most owners run 50/50 year-round, with distilled water. The twin turbo's turbochargers are also water-cooled, so a coolant leak or low level affects them too.

Transmission and Differential

• Manual: GL-4, not GL-5. GL-4 is gentler on the brass synchronizers. 75W-90 is Nissan's preferred grade below 40°C (104°F).
• Automatic: the non-turbo and twin turbo use different automatics (see transmissions) but the same fluid. Check the level hot, idling, in Park.
• Differential: GL-5, 80W-90 preferred. Both factory differentials are viscous limited-slip units, which don't use the friction modifier clutch-type LSDs need. See differentials.

Hydraulics

• Brakes and clutch share DOT 3 fluid, in separate reservoirs. DOT 4 is a common upgrade and mixes with DOT 3; never use DOT 5 silicone fluid. Both systems are covered in the clutch hydraulics guide.
• Power steering uses Dexron II type ATF. On twin turbo cars it also feeds the rear-wheel steering (Super HICAS) system on the earlier hydraulic versions.