Product Description

Bring That 80s Turbo Nostalgia Roaring Back—Only Better.

Remember the feeling? That raw, boost-happy surge of '80s turbo cars? This upgrade captures it exactly how you remember it—and turns it up a notch. We all know that one neighbor with a bone-stock Buick Grand National who talks a little too much. Let’s just say... by the time the next BBQ rolls around, they’ll find out what a real '80s turbo legend can do.

Introducing the Stage 1 Turbo Upgrade to the 1984–1986 Nissan 300ZX (Z31) Turbo lineup

a stealthy powerhouse equipped with a 6/6 billet aluminum compressor wheel and an Inconel 5/5 turbine wheel, all hidden under the factory Nissan compressor and turbine housings for a clean, OEM look.

This is where our decades of experience with Buick Grand National and Nissan RB20DET/RB25DET turbos really come together, delivering a modernized classic with true street credibility.

With many options including both journal bearing assembles with and with out water cooling and air cooled ball bearing assemblies.

This is a upgrade for your core turbo, you must send in a rebuildable core from a 1984-1986 Nissan 300zx Turbo. Once we receive your turbo, we begin by disassembling and inspecting key components: the Compressor Cover, 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.

Cleaning & Surface Restoration

Compressor Cover is Glass Bead Blasted
The Turbine Housing is Media Blasted to remove carbon buildup, corrosion, and surface imperfections
All internal and external surfaces are meticulously cleaned
We inspect all threaded holes for damage
Performing necessary repairs when needed
New Bearing Housing is coated with High-Temp Paint to prevent rustAll gasket sealing surfaces are re-established for a leak proof installation.

Surface Finishing Options:

Optional Cerakote Matte Clear Finish on Compressor Housing

The Turbine Housing is coated in Semi-Ceramic Black Paint Standard, or optionally upgraded to a High-Temp Cerakote Finish for superior durability and heat resistance.

Performance Upgrades

We install our Inconel High-Response, High-Flow 5/5 Turbine Wheel (featuring stepped blades) for faster spool and improved top-end.
We Install our 6/6 Billet Aluminum compressor wheel allowing this turbo to make more Horsepower.
A USA-made 360° Thrust Bearing is included to handle the entirely legal spirited driving this turbo is bound to inspire.

What's Included

NEW 6/6 Billet Aluminum compressor wheel
NEW 5/5 Turbine Wheel, Inconel
NEW Bearing Housing, Journal Bearing and Ball Bearing options available
NEW Seal Plate
USA-made Journal bearings
USA-made High-temperature piston rings
USA-made precision CNC Shaft Nut

Precision Blueprinting & Balancing

Every WORK turbo undergoes our Three-Stage Rotor Balancing Process to ensure smooth, reliable operation at all RPMs. Before final assembly, we meticulously blueprint every critical internal clearance, including:

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

After coatings are cured and balancing is complete, final assembly takes place in our clean room. Each turbo is hand-built and blueprinted, then engraved with the “WORK” name and a unique serial number for authenticity and traceability.

Once completed, your turbo is securely packaged and shipped back—ready for years of reliable boost and pure turbo nostalgia.

⚠️ Tuning Advisory

Factory setup considerations:
If you're running stock injectors, fuel pump, exhaust, intake, and ECU (no intercooler), keep boost at or below 7 PSI.

Recommended supporting mods: