Why is it that no one considers the M30?

[scourge]

The Nissan Leopard seems to always be overlooked inthe USA. It remains my favorite "Infiniti" to this day. Here in Japan you could get one with a turbo engine in the ULTIMA option. It can make a great drifter. I know drifting is slowly becoming more popular in the USA. I have a magazine with a Leopard (M30) with an SR20 swap in it. Damn fast. You can also swap in an RB26 with an RB25 tranny if you wanted to go all out. The SR20 would be enough though.

So, am I alone in my love for the M30? Anyone else notice how cheap these cars are and what they can do? Hell of a sleeper.

[M_TYPE_X]

I've never seen an M30 in person. Edmunds has some nice pics, but really, pics on the internet are hard to find too. Post Leopard/M30 pics here as you find them.

[scourge]

Once I get a scanner I'll try and post some pics. You know, I really don't know why people over look these cars in the US. But, they are also rare here too. But, at least in the USA, you can get a "ratty" M30 for under $3000 (I've seen much less at times on AUTOTRADER) and get an SR20 for less than $2000 (if you shop around), much less if you have connections. You can also get an RB26 chep if you have Japanese connections.

If you are a mechanic or at least mechanically inclined, many parts for the 300Z will also fit the M30. It won't make much of a drag car, but then again its a Japanese car and thus actually designed to perform. But, it will make one hell of a drifter or "grip" too.

When I eventually return to the USA, I plan on getting one and doing just sort of this thing. I want an off-white one soooooo bad. Put a suspension and an RB26 (with an RB25 tranny) or even an SR20 in that thing! People just wouldn't know what hit 'em and it would be thrilling to drive everytime.

[M_TYPE_X]

M30 was launched with Infiniti... neither the car nor the name were big sellers here then you know.

[scourge]

I know. It was very overpriced for what it was. However, today they can be had on the cheap. If I were still in America (and when I still was), I just don't understand the facination with Hondas and specifically Civics. For less than the price of a Civic, you can get a RWD platform that can easily be upgraded and can absolutely outperform the Civic in every way possible dollar for dollar.

You can get an Autotrader M30 for less than $3000, but lets make it $3000 anyway. Scour EBAY and you can get an RB26 engine for $2500 (expensive as hell! if you shop you can do better....MUCH better) or even an SR20. The SR20 would probably be better due to better support and you'll need an RB25 tranny for the RB26. I can get an RB25 tranny for $250 here, and maybe you guys would have to shop more online.

But, so far in parts alone we are up to only say $6000. The RB26 pumps out over 280hp stock (every car dynoed is different and all have been over 280hp, even if only by a little) And, its RWD. Say, you wanted to spend $10,000 just like the Honduh kiddies do on @ss body kits and APC crap. For $4000 you can easily upgrade the suspension, exhaust, everything else to make the car better.

I grew up in a little backwards town of about 8500 people. but, we have 7 salvage yards, so if one really is a car guy one can shop around for an M30 with say a blown engine for about $1000. I've seen them. That knocks out a lot of money and the motor will be replaced anyway.

I'm not into impressing other people and thats why I don't care about new cars or what other people think about me. if you are into tuning cars, salvage cars would be the way to go. If you are doing all of or at least some of the work, you can save a whole lot of cash. Even if you are paying a shop to do things for you, you can get a 350hp+ RWD car can be tuned like hell and take on more expensive and prestigous cars.

There is a guy in Texas with a Supra TT engine in a Lexus SC300 (really just a Toyota Soarer) where he takes down many unsuspecting competitors. An SR or RB powered M30 could do the same. And, if I were still in the US, I'd definately be looking into one and asking my frineds to help me out with parts.

Going the Honduh way is lazy and played out. People go for style over substance when better can be had for cheaper. Thats why you just don't see many (any often times) tuned Hondas over here. FWD????

[**DONOTDELETE**]

didn't the m30 have a switch to change the feel of the suspension? also what engine did it have? I'm guessing the vg30 that was in the z.

[scourge]

Yes, it does have a switch to adjust the ride. I thought it was crap myself. And, the American version had the NA vg30 engine that was in the 300ZX prior to 1989. Japanese version Leopards got the turbo in the "Ultima" package.

Me? Just rip off the factory ride and replace them with bilsteins and do the SR20 swap. Looked at a 180SX this morning with an SR20 and I can say that would make a nice swap to the M30. So would the RB20, but just go all out with the RB26

A friend of mine has an R31 Skyline and its very similiar to the 300Z (pre-1990) chassis wise and he starts an RB26 swap Monday! Man it will be a beast!!!! Would be the smae with the M30.

[Ahhsk]

I would just plop the Z31 T engine in there, I believe that was the home market engine for the Leopard. that engine, in junkyard trim is like $300. it would be a cool sleeper (vert too).

[M_TYPE_X]

Saw my first M30 a few hours ago! Clean, conservative, definitely Nissanic styling. The car was parked at the supermarket...

I saw an M30 today, therefore I am!

[scourge]

I have come to find out that I can get an RB20 engine up on the main Okinawa island for under $200. The more I think about it, the more I am considering buying an engine here, sending it home, and having it built back in the states.

They can be good for 400hp+ and that is more than enough power in a car like the M30/Leopard. Hmmmmmmmmmmm, I'm getting a Skyline R32 GTS-4, but its a project I will keep in the back of my mind for later.

An RB20 powered M30 would be one hell of a sleeper!

[limits_at_infiniti]

The m30 resembles that of a stanza, and only 2500 coupes were made. So an m30 is rare as it is.

[scourge]

I'd like to see verification as the M30 had a 3 year model run. They are not that rare.

[M_TYPE_X]

Edmunds and Kelly Blue Book will tell you that the model years are 1990, 1991, 1992. Yes, they look like Stanzas. Wow, 2500 coupes, and I saw one of them.

[scourge]

I had no idea they were that rare. I've seen several in the USA, so many so that I can't imagine that number to be correct. Oh well, I'm still considering getting an RB20 and shipping it back later. Maybe someone else will recognize the M30 and make a nice project out of one. They aren't expensive....and you can kill the Honda kiddies who think they are the king sh]t in their FWD Civics.

[limits_at_infiniti]

2500 coupes
2500 convertables
5000 total ever produced in us

i seen one with 18's and hydrolics.
pretty nice.

[vudoodrifter03]

i test drove one in east Lansing Michigan it was ok the interior was shitty i think the guy left the sun roof open in the rain the motor was sortof overworked but still nice

[scourge]

Oh, stock I would agree they were very mediocre. I still liked them though, but never thought they were worth the money. I asked Infiniti at the time for some information on the M30 and they sent me magazines, color charts, test data, a whole packet that weighs about 6lbs! Always respected Nissan for treating people so well.

Anyway, I am mainly referring to now. M30s can be found really cheap. They share a lot in common with the Z31 so performance upgrades are available. Take out the factory seats and replace them with Recaro ones, replace the suspension, wheels/tires, remove that AT and do an SR20/RB20 engine swap with 5 speed. Its a RWD car, and I can pretty much guarantee that what you spend on actual performance for your car will not be much (if any) more than what ricers spend on APC crap.

I never bought the M30 as a luxury coupe, it never seemed that luxurious to me. So, if you have less than $10,000 to spend, why buy a FWD Civic when you can get a RWD Nissan Leopard with a 350hp+ turbocharged engine? If I still lived inthe USA, this is definately one project I would consider.

Oh, you can also do a GTR RB26 engine swap with an RB25 tranny, but thats a lot more expensive and a whole hell of a lot of power to just two wheels. My friend is completing an RB26 swap in his R31 Skyline and that monster puts out 800hp! Thats too much for me to only two wheels. Thats why half that would be enough for daily drivability....IMOHO.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

is it a straight swap for a sr or rb? Or would you have to fabricate (ie. move motor and tranny mounts)?

[s15dude]

I think that'd it be a straight swap for RB becausein Japan didnt they have a limited edition Z31 with a RB25 or somthing like that? correct me if I'm wrong. Also, is there a nice enough aftermarket following for the M30 in Japan for there to be plenty of parts to do suspension work and maybe a nice widebody kit?

[scourge]

That sounds about right. My friend who is getting the 800hp RB26 swap into his R31 told me this:

The R31 and Z31 share a great deal in common under the skin. The Leopard and the Z31 also share a lot in common under the skin. The M30 uses the Z31 engine and the RB20 is a direct swap into the R31 Skyline and the Z31. Since the Leopard uses the same configuration as the Z31, then the RB20 should be a direct bolt in. This is what I have been told by people working on Nissans for over the last 7 years.

Now, an RB25 or an RB26 engine swap would require some modifications. Don't know what those would be though.

As for the suspension and other items, just buy parts for the Z31 and they should directly bolt onto the M30. I really hope someone does this. Not right now, because I'm looking to buy a certain R32 GTS4 next week, but I will probably buy an RB20 up on the main island, crate it up, send it home, and have it built back in Tennessee to put into an M30. Maybe I'll let my brother drive the car until I get back. I think it would make an interesting project, be an excellent sleeper, and if the job was clean enough, it would be different enough to warrant magazine coverage.

I would so want an M30 if I were still in the USA...that or a yellow 1998 Mustang Cobra! Both are bad ass.

-------------

As for body kits? Yes, there are some body kits but I don't recal any "wide body" kits being sold. A good body shop can custom you fender flares or flare out hte whole fender like on GTRs. But, I have seen some nice clean Leopards here, and I think all you would need in the convertible wing and new front bumber to look good. I'll post pics when I can.

[s15dude]

hey cool thanks for the info, keep us posted on your projects, I'm kinda wondering if I shoulda bought a M30 instead of a J30.also, was there a J30 equivolent in Nissan's lineup? Thanks

[scourge]

Yes, the J30 was the (oh boy, spelling here...) J. Leopard Feriere. Its supposed to mean BIG HAPPINESS or something like that. they are not common though.

As for the J30 vs the M30? Well, it all depends on what you want. If you have to have a sedan that is sporty, yet still practical, the the J30 is the way to go. But, if you are single or have the ability to have a project car, weekend car, sports car on the side, then building an M30 would be a great choice.* It comes down to - do you have the luxury to have a fun car thats a coupe over having a sedan with four doors?

---------------

* I grew up in a town with 7 salvage yards, so I saw many many many mechanics buy fresh water flood, engine fire, theft recovery, light damage cars all the time, repair them and make them better than factory new for much less money. You have no warranty, but if you're into engine swaps, high hp output, some racing then that shouldn't matter. I am not afraid to by a "salvage" car and then have it tuned. In fact my last car was a salvage car and I put over 120,000miles on it. Didn't start dying until I started racing it and fried the clutch and drive shafts. But, that was my fault though.

Its something to consider if you do some investigating. You can get a really nice car thats fast and cheap. People won't know what hit 'em.



BTW: I have to mention that as much as I like the Mustang Cobra-R, for the same money, you can build yourself a comparable and even better Mustang with change to spare. Rebuilders aren't for everyone, but if you are a mechanic or mechanically inclined, then I don't see why people should be afraid of getting one....especially considering how much stuff will be replaced by new and better equipment.

[s15dude]

Well I just bought the J30 a few weeks ago and I love it! I do like the sedan, but I would like to have a coupe again in the future. I have had the idea of putting in a VG30DETT w/ the 5spd for a year or so now, and when I get some money I just might be doing that(after a booming sound system of course), but right now I'm a broke student so no mods anytime soon. So I dunno, maybe I will buy a M30 as well in a year or two and build it and keep the J30 stock as a daily driver. Would converting the M30 to a 5spd entail using all the clutch hardware off of a Z31? thanks

[scourge]

Good question. I can find out. But, if you buy an RB20DET and tranny, I'd just make sure to get all the parts for it at once. granted, thats easier for me since I'm here, but if you find a supplier, it never hurts to ask.

BTW: Just finished a Fujimi model last week of a Leopard of what I would want mine to look like if I had one...jet black all around with black wheels and black interior. Damn, one of those would be soo bad assed! Love to spank some smartass kid in an APCed out Civic with a 13 year old luxury "old man's" car!

[s15dude]

Cool model, post some pics, I'm sure if I got a complete front clip, it'd have all the parts needed right(including the clutch stuff)? I kinda wanna sell my J30 now, but I love it too much! All my friends say I have an old mans car lol, by the way, where did you get the model?

[scourge]

I got the model at a toy store on my island for like 700Yen. Since you are in the USA, you can contact www.hlj.com He sells to people in the USA and you can get pretty much everything I can. I'll start on my R31 Skyline this weekend. Got an R32 GTS-t, R33 GTR, and a Hakosuka to do after it. Got my hands full.

I hope to make my GTS-t model a replica of the GTS-4 I hope to get next Friday.

As for selling the J30? There is nothing wrong with them. Going to the coupe, you will give up two doors and some practicality. If you want to go for the M30 project, I say go all out. For the money a lot of people are spending on riced out Hondas, you can get something that will kill many many unsuspecting drivers.

And, if you keep the exterior clean and stock other than a large FMIC, no one will know that your car is not a slow, stock, run-of-the-mill M30. My friend has a digital camera and if the GTS-4 is not a POS, then I'll take pics of it next weekend.

If its crap, then its back to PROJECT DREAM RUN and wait for them to find me a car.

[s15dude]

Goodluck with the GTS-4, sounds like a sweet machine, I would love to live in Japan and be able to check out all the shops and drives some great cars that the U.S. doesnt get. How hard would it be to live there without knowing any Japanese? I'm gonna keep the J30, I love it too much. Maybe in a year or too I would like to pick up a M30 or S13 as a project when I have more $$$$. That reminds me I still have to take pics of my car, but its been raining like crazy so every weekend I wash it and it just rains all week long so on friday if it stops for a few hours I will snap some pics for all to view. I'll check out that model site thanks for the link!

[scourge]

It depends on what you do and where you live about how you can survive without Japanese. Of course, I think it makes no sense to come without any knowledge. I know enough to get by and I study almost everyday. I'm an English teacher, so if you get a college degree, its something to look into.

And as for the rain? Its like 80 degrees on my island and I'm sweating like crazy!

[INFINITI_M30_NYC]

Hello I own a 1992 infiniti m30. It is a very good car, but could use a manual transmission and some more power. The stock 162HP is very sluggish. The car looks fast though. I was wondering if the engine and transmission from the older 300zx (single turbo) would swap into the M30. I know a friend's friend has an M30 WIth stickshift and turbo, but i have to find out exactly what he took the parts from. I will try to update if i find any more information. If you have any information, please email me Motorxcycle@aol.com (PS this is my first day on this message boadr... looking for the M30 answer!)thank you very much
my m30:
http://www.sounddomain.com/id/motorxcycle

[scourge]

Check your PM. I don't wanna sound like some M30 master guru, but I have learned some things by asking my (much more knowledgable) friends. For more power, I'd go with the RB20 swap. There is a lot you can do to the RB20 such as bore it out to a 2.2l or a 2.4l. Costs some moeny....but hey, what doesn't?

You'll get more power out of the RB20 than the Z31 engine from what I have learned. Depending on what you want to spend, the RB20 can make 400hp and the crank and factoring in a 20% drivetain loss, thats still around 320hp at the wheels.

Good luck on whatever decision you make. I hope to see the results. BTW: do you know of any online specific M30 clubs?

If I weren't getting the GTS4 next week, I wouldn't be opposed to getting a Leopard. Just wanted AWD though.

[INFINITI_M30_NYC]

The closest thing i can find to an M30 "club" online is in Yahoo groups. Theres maybe a handful of M30 owners.

[INFINITI_M30_NYC]

I have several questions... the first is somewhat straightforeward. It involves my hopeful swap to the manual transmission from a Z31. In order to swap the automatic transmission on a VG30E to a manual, would the ECU settings be disrupted, or would it be a simple bolt on?

Also, would anyone have an idea what lowering springs might fit into an M30? Would anyone happen to have a Z31 nissan service manual lying around (should contain the stock spring dimensions, M30 service manual does). Or, does someone know what lowering springs people put on leopards?
The first step in making the M30 look more sporty is to lower the stance a bit, and i wouldnt want to cut my springs.

By the way, the Z31 and M30 share the exact same engine (VG30E), meaning that the Z31 turbo engine should also bolt into that engine compartment without a problem.

Thanks alot
http://www.sounddomain.com/id/motorxcycle

[scourge]

I7m not a mechanic so I', not going going to blow a lot of smoke up your @ss. I will find out information though. Right now, I'm going through my magazines to find cool articles and ads for the Leopard/M30.

So far, got a body kit and an article of a drifting Leopard with an SR20DET swap. I'll see what more I can find.

[scourge]

Talked to my friend last week and he said that an RB20DET would be a direct bolt into the M30. All you will need is the motor, tranny, and computer. Have a shop install it and you're ready to go. As for suspension parts and the like, you can just get Z31 parts and most, if not all of them, will fit. So, try salvage yards for Z31 parts on the cheap and EBAY for the RB20DET.


Now, as to the magazine articles and body kit ad. This is entrance exam week for high schools, so I have lots of free time. I'll try and scan them tomorrow and post them here. I'll do it by Thursday.

[INFINITI_M30_NYC]

Found some answers to my spring question on www.z31.com . The spring diameter for the front springs on the M30 are 160.8mm(6.33in) and on the z31 the diameter is 170.0mm. wondering if the 10mm would prevent me from putting the springs [from what i remember when i had my springs off, there might have been a few mm of "play" where the springs seat](OEM z31 would provied plenty of lowering). however the rear springs seem to be identical in diameter, lengths seem about the same (some years even taller than m30), but stiffer (higher lb/in)

as for shocks, same "piston rod diameter", damping forces seem different (from what ive read, the z31 is heavier than the m30)

-wish they had a site with all of the nissan spring sizes (maybe the maxima is the same???). ill try searching some maxima sites when i have time and inspiration.

BTW, z31.com has alot of good info like instructions on how to do the auto to manual swap, or how to turbocharge the naturally aspirated vg30e using vg30et parts.

[scourge]

Cool. You may want to go that route. I can get the RB20DET for less than $300, and this should include the tranny and stock computer. I still suggest the RB20, but I won't sat don't look into the VG30.


I'll still try and scan the pics tomorrow. I don't have a scanner so I have to use the one here at work.

-------------------------

Oh, you'll need a translator:

http://www.mirai.ne.jp/~achi/LW/
http://www.mirai.ne.jp/~achi/LW/i/
http://www3.yomogi.or.jp/ogawa-co/masa/
http://www.geocities.co.jp/MotorCity/5216/ - nice cover pic
http://www.eps4.comlink.ne.jp/~sei/ - the site of a pic posted above
==========

And finally, a site for the J30.

http://www.geocities.co.jp/MotorCity/7649/index.htm

[s15dude]

thanks for the cool sites!

[INFINITI_M30_NYC]

they made the leopard with a 2.0? never knew that

[INFINITI_M30_NYC]

By the way its probably difficult to find the RB20det in the US (at least for cheap). The guy on z31.com managed to buy a Z31 "parts"car for $200, take all of the turbo equipment, and sell parts and wound up making $200. i'm keeping my eyes open for a decent deal on a z31, (perhaps with the rear smashed).

[scourge]

Ebay had an RB20 and tranny for $300 last week. I won't say the Z31 engine is a bad choice but I will say I would rather have an SR20 or an RB20.

This is entrance exam week for Japanese highschools so everything is hectic here at work. I will try to access to computer room so I can use the scanner. (For a 1st world country, you'd think schools would have more technology! Not on my island here in Okinawa )

Oh, IIRC, the 2.0 is also the turbo option, but I cannot say for sure.