Deciphering the VIN and other Model Information

The Vehicle Identification Number is located on the VIN plate on the dashboard. (see below)

USDM VIN Number Arrangement:

Note:

You can enter your USDM VIN here at the Z Registry and get all the information about your car. Only data for US cars is available here. Enter a single search string here. You can enter a full or partial vin, model number, color code, or production date. Enter only one search term. Production dates are formatted mm/yy (ie. 02/85 or 09/89). The different font on this page is so that characters can be distinguished(i, 1, l, S, 5, 0, O, etc)

Another Vin Resource you can search and contribute to is AZ-Zbum's Vin Registry.

This information is from the same parts program Nissan dealers use to obtain appropriate parts for your car. All information is as your car came from the factory. This same information can be found on the model plate in the engine bay of your car and the plate on the driver door jamb.

This is information that has been pulled out of the software that every single nissan dealership in the country uses. It is a complete listing of every single VIN number for every single Z31 that was bound for the USA over the 6 year run. You can grab any VIN out of the registry and walk into any dealership and they will tell you exactly the same this registry tells you.

Select as much or as little information as you want. The more you select, the narrower the results. The less you select, the longer the load time.

The color codes are the official Nissan designation. These colors may not accurately describe the color of your car. If your color isn't accurately described, please let me know.

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Vehicle Identification Plate:

The Vehicle Identification Plate is located on the left front strut tower. (see the above diagram) It includes information such as the following

1. Type
2. Vehicle Identification Number (chassis number)
3. Model
4. Body Color Code (paint)
5. Trim Color Code (interior)
6. Engine Model
7. Engine Displacement
8. Transmission Model
9. Axle Model

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USDM F.M.V.S.S plate Arrangement:

This info is located on the driver’s side door jamb near the striker.
Position #:    1  2    3    4   5    6     7     8     9
Code:          K  H    L    G  Z31   J     A     T     U

1. Blank = standard roof; K = T-bar roof
2. H = VG30E engine
3. L = left hand drive
4. Blank = 2 seater; G = 2+2 seater
5. Model of car - Z31
6. Blank = SF model(canada Only); J = GL model; X = GL-L model
7. Blank = Manual transmission; A = Automatic transmission
8. Blank = Non-turbo; T = Turbo
9. N = Canada model; U = USA model; V = California model

  So the car in the sample is: t-bar, vg30e, left-hand drive, 2+2, GL trim, auto trans, turbo, US model

JDM Early model F.M.V.S.S plate Arrangement:

So the above car would be a Japanese Emmisions car with the RB20DET in a 2+2 body with T-tops model 200ZR-II automatic with turbo having the options: power steering, A/C, and power seats.

JDM Late model F.M.V.S.S plate Arrangement:

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Sources Used on This Page: 1984-1988 Nissan 300ZX Factory Service Manual, Haynes manual Page 9 , AZ-Zbum's Z Registry