1996 Nissan 300ZX “That Bowtie Z32” Flexes LS Muscle with a Hint of Corvette

Make no mistake: the second-generation 300ZX (codenamed Z32) that was built between 1989 and 2000 was one of the best cars Nissan ever made. By comparison, the otherwise impressive 2023 Nissan Z would probably be 50% more expensive if it tried to evolve as much as the 90s model did compared to its predecessor. So, why would you LS-swap a 300ZX, then?

While the (once again uber-solid) new Z (this digital artist imagined a convertible version) builds on a platform that was originally introduced by the 350Z, and borrows an Infiniti-proven twin-turbo V6 with little changes, the Z32 300ZX had to do much more than that.

In a bid to stay ahead of the competition in the effervescent 1990s, the modern classic did away with the Z31 300ZX’s old chassis, introducing an all-new platform. And while it did continued with the old car’s 2,960 cc (3.0 L) VG30 V6 engine, this gained dual overhead cams (DOHC) and variable valve timing just for the N/A version.

In addition, there was a new twin-turbo iteration that saw power jumping from 222 hp (225 PS) to 300 hp (304 PS). This version also seriously upped the ante on the handling front, featuring adjustable suspension and, more importantly, sporting the R31 Skyline’s “Super HICAS” four-wheel steering.

Why aren’t these cars more expensive?

Back in the day, Z32 sales were spectacular, while the 300ZX also achieved a certain degree of motorsport success. So, before we answer the question in the intro, we’ll ask another one. Given all the said pros, how can we explain the relatively low prices Z32s commend these days? (think: about $15,000 for a good-condition base model and twice that for the TT version).

Well, all that technology, coupled with the age of these 1990s sports cars, makes them prone to all sorts of issues. Another drawback comes from the fully-loaded engine bay that arguably makes these modern classic Nissan difficult to work on.

In addition, multiple owners no longer want to deal with the more or less predictible handling resulting from the marriage between RWD and the old-school HICAS, which is why the latter sometimes gets disabled.

Of course, one can always regard the said cons as arguments recommending the 300ZX as a candidate for relatively affordable build of the non-OEM kind.

Some owners feel an LS swap is the best way to go with a 1990s 300ZX and this example is as good as any

For one, if you add around 50% to the budget required for a full rebuild of the said 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, you can complete an LS swap. And while this sort of transformation does away with the collectible status of the car, the low-end torque of the V8 gives the vehicle a drivability asset, along with performance that is respectable by current standards. And these are some of the things that determined Chance Ahlstrom (aka thatbowtiez32) to give his 1996 300ZX such a transformation.

In the first image below, you’ll notice the Z32 as it was back in 2013. And while the exterior hasn’t changed all that much over the years, the tech bits, be they more or less visible, are now in a totally different league.

The big news here is the 5.7-liter LM7. In stock form, this Vortech 5300 V8, which powered multiple GM SUVs and trucks between 1999 and 2007, makes between 270 and 295 hp, while offering between 315 and 335 lb-ft (427-454 Nm) of torque.

And while we’re not sure about the exact list of mods fitted to the American motor, we can tell you the small block has been fitted with enough goodies to make a difference. For one, that carbon intake is a C6 Corvette piece, with the air filter now sitting in the nose of the vehicle, just above the angled radiator.

Chance, with his A-grade fabrication skills, is handling the project himself

The LS motor is fitted to a Tremec T56 six-speed manual, with the driver operating the thing via a set of adjustable pedals. As for the stopping power, this is provided by a big brake kit supplied by Japanese specialist Akebono.

Whether we’re talking about the said powertrain, exterior bits like the rear fender flares, or a new floor pan, as well as tons of interior mods (think: roll cage, Sparco bucket seat, dash alterations), Chance invested countless hours into his Nissan 300ZX, which is a proper member of the #builtnotbought scene. Of course, the headlights, which are shared with late Lamborghini Diablos, stayed.

And, once the build is completed, the aficionado aims to tackle time attack events, so all that hardware will be put to proper use. Meanwhile, you can see the man fabricating the custom cooling system for the Nissan sports car in the day-in-the-life YouTube video below.