Z31/Nuts and Bolts

Z31 Nuts & Bolts — Thread Pitch and Torque Specs

Reference tables for Z31 (1984–1989 Nissan 300ZX) fastener specifications. All torque values are for clean, dry threads unless noted. N/A = not applicable or spec not established.

Engine

VG30E/ET block

Location	Thread	Torque (lb·ft)	Torque (N·m)	Notes
Main bearing cap bolts	M11 × 1.25	36–43	49–59	2-stage; final 90° torque-angle optional
Rod bearing cap bolts	M9 × 1.25	22–27	30–36
Cylinder head bolts	M11 × 1.25	62–68	84–93	Cold; retorque after warmup
Camshaft Sprocket Bolts	M10 × 1.25	58–65	78–88	Measured @ 28mm; can use 30mm
Camshaft bearing cap bolts	M8 × 1.25	13–15	18–20
Rocker cover (valve cover) bolts	M6 × 1.0	2.9–3.6	4–5
Oil pan bolts (to block)	M6 × 1.0	5–6	7–8
Oil drain plug	M14 × 1.5	22–29	29–39
Oil filter adapter	M20 × 1.5	12–15	16–20
Spark plugs	M14 × 1.25	14–22	20–30
Crankshaft pulley bolt	M24 × 1.5	159–174	216–235
Flywheel / driveplate bolts	M10 × 1.25	61–69	83–93
Timing belt tensioner	M8 × 1.25	12–15	16–21
Thermostat housing	M6 × 1.0	5–8	7–11
Intake manifold bolts	M8 × 1.25	13–15	18–20
Exhaust manifold nuts	M10 × 1.25	27–35	37–47
Turbo-to-manifold nuts (ET)	M10 × 1.25	27–35	37–47
Turbo oil feed banjo bolt (ET)	M12 × 1.25	12–15	16–21

Lubrication

Location	Thread	Torque (lb·ft)	Torque (N·m)
Oil pump bolts	M6 × 1.0	5–6	7–8
Oil pressure sender	M16 × 1.5	11–18	15–25

Transmission

Manual (FS5W71C / RS5F50A)

Location	Thread	Torque (lb·ft)	Torque (N·m)
Trans-to-engine bolts	M12 × 1.25	29–36	39–49
Drain / fill plugs	M24 × 1.5	22–36	29–49
Rear mount-to-crossmember	M10 × 1.25	22–29	30–39
Shift lever retainer bolts	M8 × 1.25	9–12	12–16

Automatic (RE4W03A)

Location	Thread	Torque (lb·ft)	Torque (N·m)
Trans-to-engine bolts	M12 × 1.25	29–36	39–49
Torque converter-to-flexplate	M10 × 1.25	33–40	44–54
Trans oil pan bolts	M6 × 1.0	3.6–5	5–7
Trans drain plug	M18 × 1.5	22–29	29–39

Driveline

Location	Thread	Torque (lb·ft)	Torque (N·m)	Notes
Driveshaft-to-diff flange bolts	M10 × 1.25	29–36	39–49
Driveshaft center bearing bracket	M8 × 1.25	9–14	12–19
Differential mounting bolts	M12 × 1.25	40–47	54–64
Axle/stub shaft nut (rear)	M24 × 1.5	152–203	206–275	Stake after tightening
Half-shaft-to-diff bolts	M8 × 1.25	25–33	34–44

Brakes

Location	Thread	Torque (lb·ft)	Torque (N·m)	Notes
Brake caliper slide pins	M8 × 1.25	16–23	22–31
Caliper bracket bolts (front)	M12 × 1.25	53–72	72–97
Caliper bracket bolts (rear)	M10 × 1.25	28–38	38–52
Brake rotor screws	M6 × 1.0	4–7	5–9
Master cylinder to booster	M10 × 1.25	7–12	9–16
Brake line fittings (metric)	M10 × 1.0	10–13	14–18
Wheel lug nuts	M12 × 1.25	58–72	79–98	Conical seat

Suspension & steering

Front

Location	Thread	Torque (lb·ft)	Torque (N·m)	Notes
Strut-to-knuckle pinch bolt	M12 × 1.25	58–72	79–98
Strut top mount nuts	M10 × 1.25	22–30	30–40
Lower control arm pivot bolt	M14 × 1.5	69–83	94–113	Tighten at ride height
Lower ball joint nut	M12 × 1.25	52–64	70–87	Cotter pin
Sway bar end link nuts	M8 × 1.25	12–16	16–21
Sway bar clamp bolts	M8 × 1.25	9–12	12–16
Steering rack mount bolts	M10 × 1.25	29–36	39–49
Tie rod end nut	M12 × 1.25	22–29	30–39	Cotter pin
Tie rod jam nut	M14 × 1.5	58–72	79–98

Rear

Location	Thread	Torque (lb·ft)	Torque (N·m)	Notes
Strut-to-knuckle bolt	M12 × 1.25	58–72	79–98
Strut top mount nuts	M10 × 1.25	22–30	30–40
Rear lower arm pivot bolts	M14 × 1.5	69–83	94–113	Tighten at ride height
Rear upper arm pivot bolts	M12 × 1.25	47–58	64–78
Rear toe arm bolts	M14 × 1.5	69–83	94–113
Rear sway bar end links	M8 × 1.25	12–16	16–21
Rear crossmember bolts	M12 × 1.25	40–47	54–64

Body & misc.

Location	Thread	Torque (lb·ft)	Torque (N·m)
Hood hinge bolts	M8 × 1.25	9–14	12–19
Seat belt anchor bolts	M12 × 1.25	22–29	30–39
Battery terminal bolts (side post)	M5 × 0.8	3–4	4–5

Notes

• All values from the Z31 FSM (Factory Service Manual) unless otherwise noted.
• Torque specs assume clean, dry threads. Add ~10% for oiled threads, or consult the FSM.
• Suspension fasteners marked "tighten at ride height" must be torqued with the suspension at normal ride height (car on ground or on a lift with suspension loaded), not with wheels hanging.
• "Stake" means deform the nut flange into the shaft groove after torquing to prevent loosening.

See also

• Z31 Factory Service Manuals — full FSM PDFs
• Timing belt replacement
• Z31 basics