1986 Nissan 300ZX Oil Type & Capacity: 5W-30 (4.25 quarts)
The 1986 Nissan 300ZX takes 5W-30 motor oil — 4.25 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
5W-30 — 4.25 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base, 3.0 C, Automatic — 3.0L Eng | 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) | 4.25 QTS. | 3.80 QTS. | — |
| Base, 3.0 C, Standard — 3.0L Eng | 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) | 4.25 QTS. | 3.80 QTS. | — |
| Base, 3.0 H, Automatic — 3.0L Eng | 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) | 4.25 QTS. | 3.80 QTS. | — |
| Base, 3.0 H, Standard — 3.0L Eng | 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) | 4.25 QTS. | 3.80 QTS. | — |
| GL, Automatic — 3.0L Eng | 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) | 4.25 QTS. | 3.80 QTS. | — |
| GL, Standard — 3.0L Eng | 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) | 4.25 QTS. | 3.80 QTS. | — |
Complete Oil Change Bundle for 1986 Nissan 300ZX
Everything you need delivered in one order. Pre-matched to your factory spec (5W-30, 4.25 quarts).
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices shown are real-time retail estimates.
Buy the right oil & filter for your 300ZX
🛒 Buy 5W-30 Full Synthetic Oil (4.25 quarts needed) on AmazonPopular Full Synthetic Brands (5W-30):
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through these links.
More factory specs & repair guides for your 300ZX
🛞 1986 Nissan 300ZX Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1986 Nissan 300ZX Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1986 Nissan 300ZX Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1986 Nissan 300ZX 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 1986 Nissan 300ZX take?
The 1986 Nissan 300ZX takes 5W-30 motor oil (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)), per the factory service manual.
What is the oil capacity of a 1986 Nissan 300ZX?
The 1986 Nissan 300ZX oil capacity is 4.25 quarts with a filter change, or 3.8 quarts without changing the filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 1986 Nissan 300ZX?
Most 1986 Nissan 300ZX 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 1986 Nissan 300ZX?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1986 Nissan 300ZX. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.