TBO spoiler reference page

This page is a brief review of the different styles of bumper covers that Nissan equipped the 300ZX sold during the years of 1984 through 1989 and a discussion of the differences between the 88SS and TBO lips.

MFPTBOSS-lips.jpg (22704 bytes)

Both the TBO and 88SS style lips ONLY
fit the 87, 88 & 89 model years

Both the 88-SS Shiro and “TBO” spoilers are referred to as “lips” by those that are aficionados, own or collect the Nissan Z31. The Z31 is the factory designation for the 300ZX models produced for sale during the years 1984 through 1989.

The "TBO" was produced in Japan in the late 80s either by a company known as TBO or FAST Products, which is no longer in business. The exact company name and what "TBO" stands for are unknown to American Z31 collectors. A few Japanese Americans have attempted to research this mystery with minimal results for their efforts.

In my attempt to spur interest in solving this mystery, I offered to give a free fiberglass lip similar to the “TBO” that I currently make and sell to the person that came up with the best meaning for “TBO”. Members of the Z31.COM message board submitted meanings and later they voted on the best meaning. The winner was "inqui.Z.tor" with his submission, Tosu Buki Okugai, loosely translated as "air piercing weapon". There were many interesting definitions and one very creative story, titled "The Many Definitions of TBO".

If you have interest in purchasing a near exact copy for the original "TBO" spoiler, a Japanese company by the name of Proudear offers from time to time a carbon fiber replica. However, they do not refer to the front spoiler as a “TBO”.

Below is a photo essay that should help explain some of the differences.

But before we start with the differences between the SS and "TBO" spoilers, we should understand the different nose configurations that were used by Nissan on the 1984 through 1989 300XZ (Z31).

For a more complete review of all the differences, please see ZBUM's Z31 Differences Page.



1984 to 1986 Naturally Aspirated (NA, non turbo).

1984 to 1985 turbo with spoiler, fender style is 84 - 85.

Spoiler lip for 1984 AE “Anniversary Edition” and 1986, note the slight difference where the lip starts next to the lower wheel well opening.

1987 to 1989 OEM nose with integrated “lip”.

1988 SS “Shiro Special” edition front spoiler.
	This spoiler was a separate molded urethane, foam and metal reinforced construction that was bolted to the standard OEM nose with 16 imbedded mounting studs. This spoiler required additional steel supports. It was a handsome addition, though lowered front ground clearance by and 1½" and added 30 to 40 pounds to the front of the car. This part is no longer available from the factory.


“TBO” spoiler on the lower portion of the 1987 - 1989 Z31 bumper cover.
	As stated above the “TBO” was manufactured or sold by a company in Japan by the name of Fast Products. The spoiler was made from fiberglass by spraying a female mold with gel coat. Once that gel coat hardened a layer of spayed catalyzed polyester resin a chopped glass roving was applied to the gel coat using a fiberglass chopper. After the resin cursed, about 2 hours, the part was trimmed and removed from the mold. Trimming sometimes is done just after the resin has started to cure and can be easily cut with a utility knife. The buyer would attach the “TBO” spoiler with sheet metal screws in four to six locations. The part did not need additional support as it only weighed four pounds. There are distinct differences between the 88SS lip and the “TBO”. Red arrows will point to the major differences.


88SS Spoiler “TBO” Spoiler
	To the casual viewer these spoilers look very similar. Closer examination reveals the 88SS is visually softer, less angular. The most obvious is the “TBO” has a much more pronounced lower extension (1), giving it an obvious lip like appearance. The profile (2) of the 88SS is softer, where as that of the “TBO” (2) is flatter and more pronounced. The “TBO”has a finishing edge (3) which extends into the cowl opening providing a better transition of the lip in to the cowl and (4) a wide tab that extends further into the opening visually blending the lip into the cowl.


88SS Spoiler “TBO” Spoiler
	Because of the “TBO's” angularity it is thought of as more aggressive. The leading edge (1) of the “TBO” has more of a pointy or arrow appearance where as the 88SS flows with the contour of the bumper. The transition between the wheel well opening along the fender line (6) is thicker on the “TBO” Another detail is a protuberance (5) on the side of the “TBO” where the nose to fender seal is. It is my assumption that the original “TBO” designer thought that there needed to be a visual transition of the seam sealer into the spoiler ... an opinion that I do dot share. The 88SS spoiler is treated as a separate element and maintains visual continuity with its profile.


Spoiler size differences. 88SS Spoiler “TBO” Spoiler mm to inch converter TBO label on inside of spoiler and detail of the inside showing the chopped fiberglass.

TBO & 88SS Spoiler (Lip) reference page for the Nissan 87 - 89 300ZX (Z31)

TBO & 88SS Spoiler (Lip) reference page
for the Nissan 87 - 89 300ZX (Z31)