1983 Nissan 280ZX Oil Type & Capacity
The 1983 Nissan 280ZX oil type depends on the engine: the Base, 2.8 C, Automatic takes 5W-30 (5.85 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 2.8 C, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.85 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 2.8 H, Automatic takes 5W-30 (5.1 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 2.8 H, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.1 quarts qt with filter); the GL, 2.8 C, Automatic takes 5W-30 (5.85 quarts qt with filter); the GL, 2.8 C, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.85 quarts qt with filter); the GL, 2.8 H, Automatic takes 5W-30 (5.1 quarts qt with filter); the GL, 2.8 H, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.1 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Base, 2.8 C, Automatic: 5W-30, 5.85 quarts with filter
- Base, 2.8 C, Standard: 5W-30, 5.85 quarts with filter
- Base, 2.8 H, Automatic: 5W-30, 5.1 quarts with filter
- Base, 2.8 H, Standard: 5W-30, 5.1 quarts with filter
- GL, 2.8 C, Automatic: 5W-30, 5.85 quarts with filter
- GL, 2.8 C, Standard: 5W-30, 5.85 quarts with filter
- GL, 2.8 H, Automatic: 5W-30, 5.1 quarts with filter
- GL, 2.8 H, Standard: 5W-30, 5.1 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base, 2.8 C, Automatic — Turbocharger | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40, (Preferred) (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.85 QTS. | 5.35 QTS. | — |
| Base, 2.8 C, Standard — Turbocharger | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40, (Preferred) (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.85 QTS. | 5.35 QTS. | — |
| Base, 2.8 H, Automatic — Normally Aspirated | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40, (Preferred) (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.10 QTS. | 4.60 QTS. | — |
| Base, 2.8 H, Standard — Normally Aspirated | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40, (Preferred) (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.10 QTS. | 4.60 QTS. | — |
| GL, 2.8 C, Automatic — Turbocharger | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40, (Preferred) (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.85 QTS. | 5.35 QTS. | — |
| GL, 2.8 C, Standard — Turbocharger | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40, (Preferred) (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.85 QTS. | 5.35 QTS. | — |
| GL, 2.8 H, Automatic — Normally Aspirated | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40, (Preferred) (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.10 QTS. | 4.60 QTS. | — |
| GL, 2.8 H, Standard — Normally Aspirated | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40, (Preferred) (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.10 QTS. | 4.60 QTS. | — |
More factory specs & repair guides for your 280ZX
🛞 1983 Nissan 280ZX Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1983 Nissan 280ZX Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1983 Nissan 280ZX Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1983 Nissan 280ZX Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
11.1 quarts (10.5 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Base Antifreeze and water
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1983 Nissan 280ZX take?
It depends on the engine: Base, 2.8 C, Automatic uses 5W-30; Base, 2.8 C, Standard uses 5W-30; Base, 2.8 H, Automatic uses 5W-30; Base, 2.8 H, Standard uses 5W-30; GL, 2.8 C, Automatic uses 5W-30; GL, 2.8 C, Standard uses 5W-30; GL, 2.8 H, Automatic uses 5W-30; GL, 2.8 H, Standard uses 5W-30.
What is the oil capacity of a 1983 Nissan 280ZX?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: Base, 2.8 C, Automatic holds 5.85 quarts with filter; Base, 2.8 C, Standard holds 5.85 quarts with filter; Base, 2.8 H, Automatic holds 5.1 quarts with filter; Base, 2.8 H, Standard holds 5.1 quarts with filter; GL, 2.8 C, Automatic holds 5.85 quarts with filter; GL, 2.8 C, Standard holds 5.85 quarts with filter; GL, 2.8 H, Automatic holds 5.1 quarts with filter; GL, 2.8 H, Standard holds 5.1 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 1983 Nissan 280ZX?
Most 1983 Nissan 280ZX owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Nissan recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1983 Nissan 280ZX?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1983 Nissan 280ZX. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.