1000.00 Budget

[drewusmaximus]

Hi all, 1989 240sx Hatchback KA24E

I am going to spend 1000.00 to bring the car up to par for the summer. Right now I have a 3 inch catback exhaust installed and a timing chain kit on its way. What are your thoughts on how I should invest the 1000.00 (i.e. wide angle kit, coilovers, strut braces, etc.) toward the car. The car will be a daily driver and drifted on weekends. I'm trying to find out what is needed first as a start.

Thanks in advance!

[mwknoerzer]

diff and coils

[PapaSmurf2k3]

What is the overall condition of the car?
How are the brakes? Have any of the components been replaced recently? You might want to start with the basics, and like the poster above me mentioned, if all that is good, a limited slip diff and coilover suspension is a good first couple of upgrades.

[centralcoaster33]

Differential - if nothing else below, get a locking diff or weld yours (no VLSD).

Money for consumables - tires, entry fees, tickets, gas, tires, brake pads, coffee, bent control arms, and tires.

Drifting at events? Helmet (Snell Rated) and entry fees, tool bag
Drifting at top secret spot? Tow rope with hand winch to get out of small ditch, tool bag, spare tire and jack, coffee to stay alert at 2 a.m., cel phone and AAA membership to get out of big ditch

Good tires for traction up front, used tires for smoking in the rear. Maybe good tires for the rear for daily transportation.
Extra Pair of wheels (just 2) to put used tires on for the rear.
Sway bar bushings and end links to reduce roll (oem bars are fine).
Non-blown suspension, stiffer is better, lower looks better, but you can lose your whole budget on this, so stock is okay as long as the dampers aren't blown.
Brake pads and rotors - you want good stopping power.
Drift knob - cheap and convenient.
Sub-frame bushing repair/ replacement - to take out the slop. I recommend ES.
Loud paint job and big stickers - for style points and police attention.


FYI - 63% of Americans can't afford an unexpected $1000 emergency expense. Source - current news

[centralcoaster33]

Anything you can afford at this site is great as well. You probably want the brass balls for drifting.

http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main_pa ... -Iz,LMggb0

[drewusmaximus]

The car is 27 years old. original brakes, rotors. original bushings suspension, control arms, tie rods, etc.
I have a timing kit, stainless steel braided brake lines, OEM rotors, brake pads, frame rail replacements, spark plug wires, strut braces (front and rear), Engine and transmission mounts,and a performance radiator on the way. Planning to buy an EXEDY stage 2 clutch, wide angle knuckles, EMUSA adjustable coilovers, off set control arms and subframe bushings. Turbo is the plan for next year.

So far just the catback exhaust has been put on. Since I'm replacing the timing chain and pulling off the oil pan, I'm thinking of replacing just the rod bearings while I'm down there. I was thinking of replacing the oil pump. Not sure if I need to but, that's where you guys come in. I'm not a pro and i won't be driving at 2am. Not with 4 children and a grandson! LOL

I'm not that old so I still want a hobby before I get old.

Honestly, this will be an EBay car. I'm not trying to compete or hang with Fosberg or Turek. LOL I just want to bring the car back to life and play with it on the weekend and drive it to work here and there.

I will definitely pimp it out with bright color rims and stickers so when I get pulled over, the cops can laugh at me...

[drewusmaximus]

Oh... the one thing I cannot find is a cold air intake for my car. Nobody makes a CAI for a KA24E!! Weird...

[asoomal]

Make your own, it's quite simple.

Relocate the battery to the rear and run a mandrel bent 45 degree pipe from the throttle body to OEM battery location.

[SoundEfx]

Honestly, for that old of a car, I hope you have more than $1K to bring the car up to par. But here's my list:
1. Coilovers
2. Diff
3. Bushings
4. Cooling system.
5. Transmission.
6. Rims tires.
7. Drain, NOT Flush, all of the fluids.

The order you do them in is up to you and your budget.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Differential - if nothing else below, get a locking diff or weld yours (no VLSD).

I would STRONGLY recommend NOT getting a locked or welded diff for a vehicle that will primarily be a daily driver.

[drewusmaximus]

I will be investing roughly 1000.00 a year into the car. Technically, the car won't be a daily driver. I will probably drive it once or twice a week to work (70 miles round trip) and locally on the weekend, if that.
I appreciate the advice everyone. Now I have a good idea what to invest in first.

Thanks!