Still craving that unmistakable 80s turbo power? So are we.
This is truly becoming a golden era for 1980s turbo upgrades—and we’re here for it. Our rebuild and upgrade service for the 1984–1986 Nissan 300ZX Turbo (Z31) brings classic '80s turbo performance roaring back to life—plus a little more. Built on the same trusted Garrett architecture used in our Buick Grand National and Nissan RB20DET/RB25DET upgrades, this package delivers modern reliability with vintage soul. The WORK Turbochargers OEM Plus Upgrade consists of a stock Z31 T3 60 trim compressor wheel, fully machined compressor housing inlet for better airflow, 360° Severe Duty Thrust Bearing for un-matched durability and our high flowing, quick response 5/5 bladed turbine wheel. These modifications will allow your turbo to respond faster (more torque!) and have less exhaust backpressure (greater efficiency) over your stock turbocharger, making it a perfect upgrade for a mildly modified VG30.
This is a Rebuild of Your Core Turbo. Once we receive your rebuildable turbo, we begin by disassembling and inspecting key components: the Compressor Cover, Compressor Wheel, Wastegate Actuator, and Turbine Housing.
Please note: Additional costs may apply if we find broken or damaged components, stripped threads, or broken studs during inspection. If your turbocharger has severe cracks in the exhaust housing, excessive shaft play (rotor group contacting the end housings), broken shaft or any other major issue, please contact us before sending in your unit. You can email as many pictures and questions as you need to support@workturbochargers.com We are here to help you and your Z get back up and running in the most cost and time conscious manner as possible.
The Compressor Cover is Glass Bead Blasted, and the Turbine Housing is Media Blasted to remove carbon buildup, corrosion, and surface imperfections. All internal and external surfaces are meticulously cleaned, and we inspect all threaded holes for damage—performing necessary repairs when needed. All gasket sealing surfaces are re-established for a leak proof installation.
Surface Finishing Options:
- The Compressor Housing is cleaned and Glass Bead Blasted, with an optional Cerakote Matte Clear Finish.
- The Turbine Housing is media blasted and coated in our standard Semi-Ceramic Black Paint, or optionally upgraded to a High-Temp Cerakote Finish for superior durability and heat resistance.
Upgrade Highlights:
- We install our Inconel High-Response, High-Flow 5/5 Turbine Wheel (featuring stepped blades) for faster spool and improved top-end.
- A USA-made 360° Thrust Bearing for improved durability
- Fully Machined Compressor Housing Inlet for Better Airflow
What's Included:
- NEW 5/5 Turbine Wheel, Inconel
- NEW Bearing Housing, Oil or Oil/Water Cooled Option, coated with High-Temp Paint to prevent rust
- NEW Seal Plate
- USA-made Journal bearings
- USA-made High-temperature piston rings
- USA-made precision CNC Shaft Nut
Next, the Rotor Group—including the turbine wheel, thrust collar, and compressor wheel—undergoes our Three-Stage Balancing Process for optimal performance and reliability.
The final step before full assembly is to properly Blueprint every critical clearance in the turbocharger. This Includes:
- Bearing Housing Journal Surface Finish
- Turbine Shaft Journal Surface Finish
- Journal Bearing OD/ID Dimension
- Bearing Bore Dimension
- Shaft Dimension
- Seal Ring Side Clearance
- Seal Ring End Gap Clearance
- Thrust Bearing Surface Finish
- Thrust Collar Surface Finish
- Thrust Bearing Clearance
- Compressor Wheel To Compressor Cover "Tip Height"
- Turbine Wheel To Turbine Housing "Tip Height"
- Wastegate Actuator Setting and Function
Once all coatings are cured, we move into our Three-Stage Balancing Process to ensure peak rotor group performance. After balancing, final assembly takes place in our Clean Room, where each turbo is Blueprinted and Hand-Built under our WORK brand.
Before final assembly, we engrave the WORK name and assign a Unique Serial Number to every unit for authenticity and traceability. Once completed, your turbo is carefully packaged, and a tracking number is provided—ready to return to your 300ZX and remind the world just how good the turbocharged '80s really were.
