Nissan F31 Leopard

[predator]

Can these be imported at all? Looking to replace the daily in a few months with something a little nicer, but under $10k or so.

I have seen a mighty fine F31 around here, and it is definitely something different and not too ugly (unlike the usual jap 'pimp' cars).. I'd prefer one with the VG30DET if possible.

Are they at all possible to import under SEVS or would I have to go for the earlier 1988 models with the VG20DET and comply under 15 year rule?

Here is an example to gawk at..

[funkymonkey]

would be eligible for SEVS but it's the convincing a compliance workshop to apply for em only to sell a couple part that is difficult. far easier to bring in the 15 yr old ones. I love the pre 1988 2 door leopards they're cool... and they have VG20ET engines you can turf that and stick a VG30DETT in there pretty easily.

From memory the gloria is eligible under SEVS, and the newer leopard uses a different body on the same chassis (like the Mark II and Chasers do) so no reason why a compliance workshop can't apply for one as a variant... that is if you can find a compliancer who does Gloria/Cedrics.

[predator]

Sounds good, thanx for the info. yeah, there is something cool about them, and they're pretty unique. Yotis up here has a really nice one.

That's an option I guess, bring in an older one with the 2L, and put a 300zx engine in.. might go alright

hmmmm..

[funkymonkey]

at the end of the day its just a RWD Maxima coupe... u know that right?

[predator]

Whats' wrong with a maxima?!! I'm getting old and all, so you know..

[smurf80]

You can get them with Vg30det's as well that come with forged pistons from the factory a much better choice then the twin turbo jobby.

I like them and wouldnt mind one myself.

Cheers

Chris

[funkymonkey]

i didn't know they made the VG30DET ones that early. the only ones I can think of being made in 1988 (which is eligible to import still) was the VG20 one.

[RB20_ZED]

my dad has a "nissan bluebird maxima" - vg20et - its basically the same chasis as the american nissan maxima (U11 - vg30e - 1987) - but with the jap spec engine - he's looking to sell it if ur interested - its manual - had the engine changed with a fresher jap one not so long ago - think it has only 30k or so on the engine/gearbox - original factory clutch still. u can always drop in a vg30et since the american version came with the vg30e - or possibly a vg30dett?

anyway it looks similar to the leopard - just look for some usa pics of the u11 maxima - and lemme know if ur interested.

[predator]

U11's are FWD I believe. Sure it's an U11 ? Does it have 2 doors or 4? Could be interested in a couple of months if its the RWD.

There is the Infinity M30 which is the equivelent of the Leopard in USA ?

Like funky says, I think only 1989 and later (or very last 1988 models) had the VG30..

I thought they only come as auto as well (300zx tranny and some R31 or S13 manual parts probably fit)

[RB20_ZED]

U11's are FWD I believe. Sure it's an U11 ? Does it have 2 doors or 4? Could be interested in a couple of months if its the RWD.

There is the Infinity M30 which is the equivelent of the Leopard in USA ?

Like funky says, I think only 1989 and later (or very last 1988 models) had the VG30..

I thought they only come as auto as well (300zx tranny and some R31 or S13 manual parts probably fit)

yeh its FWD - but im sure the zbox would bolt up and if u took the rest of the driveline u could make it a RWD if u really wanted to.

its a 4 door - back doors are smaller and all windows are piller-less so its pretty sporty for a sedan.

vg30e and vg30et came out from 84 to 89 in z31, u11 maxima and others(?) - vg30de and vg30det and tt came out 1988 - early versions were the cima and rarer z31 - 1989 saw its common use in the z32 and u12(?) maxima.

think all maximas were FWD - zeds were RWD -

Edited September 29, 2006 by RB20_ZED

[MK2]

Can these be imported at all? Looking to replace the daily in a few months with something a little nicer, but under $10k or so.

I have seen a mighty fine F31 around here, and it is definitely something different and not too ugly (unlike the usual jap 'pimp' cars).. I'd prefer one with the VG30DET if possible.

Really like the look of these, that classic late 80's early 90's styling (yeah alright I'm old too...) and with a bit of a 50mm drop, decent rims and rubber they'd be an even better looking cruiser.

[CEF11E]

I had a Y31 gloria with a VG20DET in it quad cam V6 same bore and stroke and compression as an RB20.

put an RB25 turb on it and nice exhaust and it went really well. the F31 is also a nice car but nowhere near as cool as the Y31.

Get a Y31. and the VG20DET is a great little engine