Edit: As a reminder, no engine vs. engine or streetracing threads will be allowed.

*Preface: Hello all and welcome. STFU and read, kthx. "What if I have further questions after reading?" you ask? Search. SEARCH, please. Also, take note of the lovely (but abbreviated) forum list on the right of your screen, below the ads. If/When you feel the need to make a thread, be sure to take a good look at that list first and make the right decision.

This thread, as it stands now, is a compilation of three already existing threads made by GrilledCheese33, ClubSX and ddgsxr4504 -- so many thanks and good job.

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by GrilledCheese33

*240SX Buying Guide/General Overview*

If you are considering buying a 240sx, but not sure which model you want or like best, this is the guide for you! Here is a full breakdown of all the years the 240 came into the U.S. with pictures. I hope it’s helpful! The s13 body style (89-94):

The s13 came in 3 Body Styles:

The Hatchback or Fastback

The Coupe

The Convertible

The Pignose:

The First year of the 240sx was 1989. It came with the Pignose Front bumper:

The pignose front was only used in 1989 and 1990 and there was no convertible made in these years. These years have the 2.4 Liter KA24E Single Overhead Cam(SOHC), inline 4 cylinder engine.This engine produces 140hp and 152 lb/ft. tq.

The Chuki

The Chuki came into production in 1991 and was carried out until 1994. It came with a newly re-designed front bumper:

A new engine was also introduced in 91. The 2.4 liter, KA24DE Dual Overhead Cam(DOHC), inline 4 cylinder engine.The Dohc Produces 155 hp and 160 lb/ft. tq.

In the chuki years, some hatchbacks have the SUPER HICAS 4 wheel steering system. This aids in handling, but most people disable it. Hicas bypass products can be found at one of our many sponsors. See link below.

The convertible began production 1992 and note that all convertibles are automatic. These cars were shipped here as coupes, then converted over by ASC.Also note that in 1994 the only body style sold was the left over convertibles from 1993.

S13 Trims:

XE Coupe- Pignose coupe, pw, pdl, cloth seating power moonroofBase- pw optional, pdl optional, cloth seating, sunroof otionalSE- pw, pdl, cloth seating, rear spoiler, sunroof optionalLE, pw, pdl, leather seating, rear spoiler, sunroof

Buying Guide:

There are some things to look for when buying an s13. Mileage is normally not a very big issue as the KA is known to go well over 200,000 miles if maintained properly. I wouldn’t recommend buying one with super high mileage, but if you are assured it has been properly maintained, then you should be fine. Listen to the engine at idle. If it makes a “Marble Rolling in a Tin Can” noise coming from the front of the engine, that would be the timing chain guides. These are plastic and are deemed unnecessary by Nissan. They will eventually break off if not removed. There is a great write-up here on nico that shows how to take care of this issue by removing the guides. It is about a 3hr. job and is fairly simple if you are mechanically inclined. Rust is also a common problem. A few common spots for rust are the strut towers, wheel wells, and lower doors. The worst one is on the hatchback. If the hatchback has a factory spoiler, then there WILL be rust under that spoiler 90-95% of the time. The factory spoiler is foam and it will rust your hatch to no end. It is better to find a hatch without a spoiler, but if your baby has a spoiler, you can probably find a spoiler less hatch here in the nico classifieds.

The s14(1995-1998):

In 1995, the 240 underwent a lot of major changes. It came out with a totally restyled design including no pop up headlights, a wider stance, more solid chassis, and a much more comfortable interior, but continued to use the DOHC engine as used in the chuki.

The Zenki(95-96):

The zenki front end came out in 1995 with the new s14. Note these headlights yellow in summer heat, but the yellow is easily buffed out with aluminum polish, wax, or rubbing compound. The SE zenki comes with a factory black front lip.

The Kouki(97-98):

In 1997, the kouki front end came out. These headlights do not yellow. The kouki is the higher demanded style of the two s14’s and are hard to find at a good price. Some koukis will have factory sideskirts, but if you want a front lip, those did not come factory and will need to be purchased separately if desired. Nissan made an OEM lip for the kouki, but for some reason, it didn’t come factory.

S14 Trims

Base: 4 lug wheels, pw, pdl, cloth seating black faced gauges, sunroof and spoiler optional, no rear sway barSE: 5 lug 5 spoke wheels, pw, pdl, cloth seating, white faced gauges power moonroof (optional in 95, 97, and 98), rear spoiler, fog lights, abs and vlsd optionalLE: 5 lug 5 spoke wheels, pw, pdl, leather seating, white faced gauges, power moonroof, rear spoiler, fog lights abs and vlsd optional

Buying Guide:

same mileage dealsame timing chain guide issueThe s14 really has no common rust areas that I know of to date.

The 240 is a very fun and reliable car to drive. You won’t be disappointed in it. I hope you enjoyed my guide and good luck finding your new car! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- by ddgsxr504

*Model and Engine/Engine Swap Info*

Introduction:The Nissan 240SX was a rear-wheel drive front engine (FR Layout) coupe built and sold from 1989 to 1998 in the United States designed to replace the rear-wheel drive 200SX.

The car was well known for its snappy, precise handling, good chassis balance, and legendary Nissan reliability but were plagued with underpowered engines and low production numbers.

Two distinct generations were marketed and sold in the United States; the S13 from 1989 to 1994 and the S14 from 1995 to 1998. American versions of the 240SX came with a 2.4 liter KA-series naturally-aspirated engine producing approximately 140-155hp at the crank.

1989-1994 "S13":

This generation of the 240SX was sold in the United States from 1989 to 1994, and were separated into two distinct "sub-generations" - the Zenki and the Chuki.

Models made from 1989 to 1990 were called the Zenki (lit. Preceding Period). Two models of the Zenki were sold, the coupe (XE) and fastback (SE). The coupe is based on the Japanese version of the 240SX (Silvia) while the fastback is based on the Japanese 180SX. The only major difference between the United States Zenki coupe and the Japanese 240SX were the retractable headlamps. American regulations did not allow Nissan to directly carry over the Japanese 240SX headlamp arrangement. The American models were powered by a 140hp KA24E engine which had 3 valves per cylinder, carried a 2.4 liter displacement, and was single over-head cam (SOHC). Four wheel disc brakes were standard all around, with ABS offered as an option on the SE fastback model. Both models also had the option of a 4-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual transmission. The XE coupes also had a digital Heads-Up Display option.

Models made from 1991 to 1994 were called the Chuki (lit. Middle Period). Four models of the Chuki were sold, the coupe (XE), the hatchback (LE), the fastback (SE), and the convertible. Basic body design remained the same; the LE hatchback added leather interior. The powerplant was replaced with the KA24DE, which had dual-overhead cams with 4 valves per cylinder producing 155hp & 160ft lbs. Several options were made available to the SE model, including a viscous limited-slip differential and Nissan’s all-wheel steering system called HICAS. The convertible model was added in 1992 and was exclusive to the American market. The only transmission option for the convertible was the 4-speed automatic transmission.

1995-1998 "S14": This generation of the 240SX was sold in the United States from 1995 to 1998, and were separated into two distinct "sub-generations" - the Zenki and the Kouki.

Models made from 1995 to 1996 were called the Zenki. The body shape was redesigned from the S13 to produce a longer and more flowing look. The convertible and hatchback lines were dropped, and only the coupe design remained. The new design had a longer wheelbase by 2 inches, was about 20 pounds heaver, did not have the flip-up headlights, and benefited from the addition of dual air bags. The base model Zenki had 15-inch 4-lug wheels, softer suspension, and no rear sway-bar. The SE model had 5-lug 16-inch alloy wheels, a stiffer suspension, and a rear sway bar. Additional options available to the SE model included a viscous limited-slip differential and ABS. Mechanically, the S13 and the S14 are virtually identical.

Models made from 1997 to 1998 were called the Kouki (lit. Latter Period) and a host of minor changes to the body style and design were made. Mechanically, the car was identical to the S14 Zenki. The front of the car was redesigned with a more aggressive look, with projector lights, new hood, bumper, and fenders. Side-skirts were made standard, and the taillight was also redesigned to look darker and more aggressive. An LE edition designed for luxury was also added to the line which included leather seats, keyless entry and alarm, and a cd-player. This generation marked the end of the American 240SX. Japanese versions continued into 2002 with the production of the S15.

Reliability:Generally all American 240SX’s were very reliable. Rust remains a major concern for any vehicle, not just the 240SX. Major areas to look for when purchasing a used 240SX are the rear wheel-well, under the driver’s and passenger’s doors, and the front wheel-wells. The muffler or exhaust system may have rusted through and require replacement.

Take the car out for a drive if possible. Pay careful attention to the sounds the engine makes. The engine is an iron-block inline 4 with a forged crank and is generally extremely reliable. However, because of its long stroke, the engine is more susceptible to damage from over-revving it. The engine should sound smooth and deliver its power up to around 5500RPM, at which point the power will diminish slowly to the redline of 6900RPM. If there are any ticking or clicking noises, check the timing chain. Many KA24 engines wear away at the timing chain guides which are made of plastic. If they are worn, you can either remove them entirely or replace them. If the engine has problems, KA24E or KA24DE replacement engines are very easy to find.

In the S13, the digital heads-up display often malfunctions or does not work at all. Most people choose to remove the unit entirely, citing it as more trouble than its worth.

Modifications:The 240SX has a large growing community of modders behind it. Almost anything in the car can be swapped for its Japanese counterpart, including the engine, climate control system, transmission, gauge cluster, and rear differential.

A popular modification is to replace the underpowered KA24 series engine with a Japanese SR20DET engine from a Japanese 240SX, known as the Silvia. The SR20DET comes with approximately 205/225/250hp and later models introduced variable valve timing. While the engine is swapped, the transmission also must be swapped to the SR20DET transmission. 1989-1998 Japanese Silvia’s have 5-speed transmissions, while 1999-2002 Silvia’s have 6-speed transmissions.

Another popular modification is to turbocharge the stock KA24-series engine. A custom or pre-fabricated turbo kit adds as much as 70hp to the engine and extends the power band well past 5500RPM all the way to redline. Because the engine is built with an iron block and forged internals, and has a long stroke, careful tuning of a turbocharged KA24 engine can produce a very powerful torque monster in excess of 250hp and 280ft-lbs of torque.

Far into the extreme modifications include swapping the stock engine out for the Nissan Skyline engine (RB20DET, RB25DET, RB26DETT). The RB series is an inline 6 cylinder turbocharged engine from 2 liters to 2.6 liters. This series of engines is legendary for their indestructible construction and ability to handle in excess of 500hp. However, choosing this route can be very expensive and require extensive modification of the engine bay. However, companies such as McKinny make engine mounts that ease the installation of these monster engines into the 240SX engine bay.

Another option is to install the 180SX engine, the high-revving CA18 series into the 240SX. With a displacement of 1.8 liters and a short-stroke design, this engine can make in excess of 300hp and can rev well into 8000RPM.

Less extreme modifications include installing an improved intake and exhaust system. Allowing the engine to breathe easier makes it produce slightly more horsepower (around 5-10 more hp). Also a popular modification to the S14 year KA's is the installation of S13 KA camshafts as they are of a higher duration bumping up HP slightly. The Japanese digital climate control system will also install into the car with some minor wiring changes.

Popular with the drifting crowd, suspension upgrades do more than improve the handling of the car. Lowering the car a reasonable amount removes unsightly wheel gap in the front and rear wheels. Installing stiffer springs and harder shocks makes the 240SX handle much “tighter” and more responsive to steering input.

Additional Information:Number exported sorted by year - including convertibles:1989 - 681181990 - 605821991 - 345341992 - 270331993 - 214711994 - 13911995 - 251141996 - 73341997 - 36551998 - 2178

Number exported sorted by year - convertibles only:1992 - 23271993 - 46021994 - 1391

----------------------------------------------------------------- by ClubSX

*A Newcomer's Guide to 240sx Conversions*

For NICOnaut Newbies or even if your not that would like to know the different front-end conversions then this thread is for you. The following are common front-end conversions that have been done to the 240sx. Help on putting together the kit can be found by doing a SEARCH

S13 CONVERSIONSSilvia Front End on 240sx CoupeThe Silvia Front-end conversion was taken from the Japanese Silvia only sold in Japan. Depending on the kit, the headlights are offered in Dual or Triple Beam projectors and also halogen headlights.

Silvia Front End on 240sx/180sx HatchbackThe Silvia Front-end on the US produced 240sx is sometimes refered as the Sil-forty, named for the Silvia front and the 240sx body. Japan produced a low number of Sil-Eighties that included the Silvia front on a 180sx.

R32 Skyline on 240sx Coupe and HatchbackVery few people have done this conversion due to hard labor. The conversion requires alot of body fitment of the panels and may require cutting. This conversion includes the Skyline Front with a Coupe body.

S15 Front End on 240sx Coupe and HatchbackThe conversion is also seen as S13.5 and includes the Nissan S15 front-end onto the 240sx platform. Beaware of cheap kits. Many kits may look like the real deal but when found out are cheap and easily breakable.

280z Front End on 240sx HatchbackFew enthusiasts have converted the 240sx Hatchback into a Classic look. With a bit of work and cutting the 280z front will find its way quite smooth with the hatchback's lines.

Kouki S14 Front End on S13 HatchbackA unique conversion in its own, requires much labor on the fender in which you can see where the front windshield and the fender meet that its alot wider then the S13 fenders.



S14 CONVERSIONS S14 Zenki to S14 Kouki Due to the high price of the Kouki's many people are tempted to buy for Zenki and do the Kouki conversion. Only a select few parts are needed in this conversion and can be found in the May 2006 issue of Modified Mag.

S15 Front End on S14This conversion requires little fabrication and the kits come with the body panels matching up.

R34 Skyline-S14 ConversionThis is a kit that has only been done a few times due to the massive amount of fabrication and cost of parts. I have yet to see one in person.

R33 Skyline-S14 ConversionThe kit has been done by fellow Nico Member starkos14(Steve). Many hard hours have been put into this kit. Not to mention money and also trial and error. To do this conversion it requires R33 parts and possibly extras incase of an error. Any questions can more then likely be answered by Steve.

I'm leaving this open for now for critiquing/suggestions.

I was thinking about unsticky-ing ddgsxr504 and ClubSX's threads, but putting a link to them in this thread, next to the beginning of each part in the main post. Sound good?

Edit: Gunna list other useful threads here to be compiled as a list later when there's a decent amount.

zerothread/223218 - Z brake-clearing wheels

hey nice job i rellay want to know where you got the pic of the 280z front on a 240sx i have been thinking of doing that , i had a 240z , 260z and 280z, but sold the 280 to my brother . then sold the 240&260 and still have a 510but i like more pics to draw from thanks

Cool deal! SeVa, I went ahead and unsticky-ed the original threads. Let me know if that's a problem.

Yeah, put up the links to each thread a.s.a.p. I think that the extra pictures help to define the different conversions and there are some missing.everything else looks to be in tip top shape. Keep u pthe good work guys

sweet. this will help a lot. I'm gonna link it in my siggy

Thanks Seva, hopefully our efforts will be put to good use.

Oh and repo asked me what I wanted for a custom title for making that article, but never got back to me. Think you can help me out on that one Seva??

Looks good. I likey alot

Informative.

Hey guys, my names Joey, I recently inherited a 240sx from my older brother, who's now more interested in bikes. It's an extremely kind gesture, because of the fact that we both invested work and swapped the engine for an RB20DET (Though he did 70% of the work.) Anywho, I'm extremely happy with the car, and am going to start working on monday to pay for a GPS style body kit and a nice white paint job.I'm 17 years old and I live in Miami, Florida, I look forward to posting about my many adventures with my 240sx. Nice to meet you all.

Great 240 intro.

Here are all of the trim packages and optional performance equipment. This stuff was really confusing when I was looking for a 240 so hope you guys find it useful.

Trim Packages

1989SE FastbackXE Coupe

1990SE FastbackXE Coupe

1991Standard FastbackStandard CoupeSE FastbackSE CoupeLE FastbackLimited Fastback

1992Standard FastbackStandard CoupeSE FastbackSE CoupeSE ConvertibleLE Fastback

1993Standard FastbackStandard CoupeSE FastbackSE CoupeSE Convertible

1994SE Convertible

1995Standard CoupeSE Coupe

1996Standard CoupeSE Coupe

1997Standard CoupeSE CoupeLE Coupe

1998Standard CoupeSE CoupeLE Coupe

Optional Performance Equipment

ABS1989-1993 SE Fastback1991 and 1995-1998 SE coupe1991 LE Fastback1995-1996 Standard Coupe1997-1998 LE Coupe

VLSD1991, 1992, and 1993 SE Fastback1995-1998 SE Coupe

Super HICAS1991, 1992, and 1993 SE Fastback

Sport Suspension1990, 1991, and 1993 SE Fastback

One thing. I believe sil-eighty was never produced by Nissan.

It started off as people who crashed their 180's front end to easily fix up and also upgrade to sr20 from ca18. Two cars in accidents patched up togther and running are commonly called as "Niko-Ichi" cars in Japan (translation: two for one)

Though it is rare even in Japan. I used to go to Rokko-touge a lot when I was in highschool (my school was just minuites away) just to look at cars drifting and such and only saw few.

Neways, GREAT INFO!!!! Who ever put this together must have taken hours to complete this!

It only says "Japan produced a low number..."It was actually a short run of cars modified by a company called Kid's Heart, complete with (in cursive) "Sileighty" quarter windows and rear bezel.

good thread!!!!! but um... more pics of the fastback with the kouki front or ban!!!!!

There ya go Ed. Get to me on aim also. I got some questions about the CA

he sed kouki front darnit....an I think I'm gonna do the Kouki S14 conversion instead

MY LOVE 240

AKA NISMO GIRL

Hey My names Joe im From Niagara falls New York. Im 18years old and i have a 1989 Nissan 240sx with a 1996 180sx blacktop sr20det. I have a full 3" turbo back exhaust,Walbro fuel pump and a megan racing turbo manifold. The motor in not installed yet because some how I lost the trans mount and x member when i took the ka24e out but i bought a new trans mount and x member. Here are some pics and hope you like it.

What would all recommend someone do to maximize the reliability of their cars before they start installing aftermarket parts? Take it to the dealership so they can check it out?

Dude. thats my car. Cool!

I finally got my baby!!! After two years and 3 months I finally got my 240! It's an '89 coupe, 5 speed. She's red, with a little body damage in the rear quarter panel, and by the tail light. I got it for $940 (because I need to smog it and he wanted to get rid of it) the only problems are:-it needs a tune-up-clutch needs some adjustment (nothing major)-No gauge cluster lights-back 2 lifter's need adjustment -small exhaust leak

but that's it, but i just have two questions:1.Is the '89 coupe have an hydrauclic or manual clutch?2.And does it have hydraulic or manual lifters?Just asking because I want to fix the clutch and the lifters asap.

Does 89-90 and 91-93 coupes have vlsd? and the digital gauge/hud?

no vlsd... Heads up i do believe so, but mine doesn't work. I really do want one though, one that shows my odometer and speedometer, that way I don't have to look down when i drift.

Hi, my name is Richard and i'm going to be getting a 240 soon. I wanted a Civic, but my friend got a 240 and he'd always go drifting so now i want to join him plus they look pretty sweet with the S14 front ends so that's what i want to get

Very interesting brouchre links on the euro 200SX and the first Silvia, you can see what a brand new CA looked like back then and the pics of the original Silvia when it came out,

http://www.datsun.org/fairlady/silvia.htm

http://www.200sxs13.nismo.org/Brochures.html

eds13 wrote:good thread!!!!! but um... more pics of the fastback with the kouki front or ban!!!!!

Here's a good one

How much cutting needs to be done to get the R32 end on an S13 coupe?

i didnt see the s13 coupe mentioned, only the fastback (hatch back), what happened? cant leave these out they're my fav.

I was lookin thru my pics when I went to HIN and here's an S14 with R32 Tailights. It looked really nice when i saw it.