Does the 280ZX turbo with manual trans all have a limited slip differential? I have never been able to find a straight answer on this.

No.

Ok, thanks.

Is there any way to tell if the Z has one short of driving it?

Or did they not come with one? I would find it hard to believe if this were the case but I guess its possible. These have a R200 differential right?

no 280ZX ever came with an LSD from the factory. not sure how you got "possible" from "no"

they all came with open R200s

Easiest way to check is this.
Put car in neutral.
Jack up 1 rear wheel off the ground.
Turn the wheel.

1, If it spins you have an open diff.

2, If it locks you have an LSD

3, If it gets a bit harder but still spins it's probably a worn out LSD.
To check, jack both rear wheels off the ground and turn 1 wheel.
If both wheels turn the same way it's an LSD.
If the other wheel turns opposite to the way you are turning the wheel it's an open diff.

Simple.

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Z31 turbos have the LSDs. CLSD is better than VLSD.

only 4/87+ Z31T has CLSD

misinformation sucks

'88 SS had VLSD

shimmed VLSD can be rad, I had one and loved it till my hybrid axle broke, now I'm rocking a welded and it's awesome, too.