240SX here I come...which one tho?

[TheNewGuy]

Well guys/gals...just wanted to say hello. I'm new to the 240SX/Silvia world but very interested in getting one in the next few months. More then likely I'm going with the S14 engine but not sure which year of 240SX will suit it best. Can you guys help me out with this please? Thanks

V

[fiznat]

do you mean you plan on going with the S14 SR when you get the car? Not sure what you mean there buddy...

Uhm as far as choosing a year, pretty much it comes down to style preference and cost between the 91-97 models: they all had the same KA24DE engine in them (the s14 having some small changes for emissions, etc), and the handling is pretty similar. Some people say that the s14 is heavier and doesn't handle as well compared to the S13 hatch which has a slightly better weight balance (due to the rear glass), but that can all be changed by a battery relocation or whatever else if you're that serious about it.

It really just comes down to cost and style - pick which one you think looks better and can afford. I'm sure you'll be happy with your choice either way!

Good luck!

[creophus]

Welcome to the board. Please be sure to check out the stickies as they contain some great information. Also, be sure to search before posting a question.

[drifter sx]

welcome and for your question.. it really does come down to what look you prefer. most of the cars are fairly similar.. but you'll probably end up modding it anyway so just pick one you like

[Onizuka]

the difforence between a 89 and a 98 240sx is about $8000

s13 = lighter, cheaper, more commons14 = more stiff chassi, newer (95-96), 5 lug options14a = same as s14 but with sexier headlights and even newer (97-98)

All use basically the same engine and have basically the same performance, so take your pick if you can even find one...

[TheNewGuy]

Well as you can tell I'm still a little lost when it comes to the 240sx. I want to do the SR20DET swap is what I meant to say. Thanks for the information though.

[drifter_for_life06]

I had the same question as "TheNewGuy" about what to go for, but I think im def. going for a S13 hatch, they look bad*** in my opinion. Plus from the specs ive read they seem to be the better deal for doing an SR swap.

Good luck on your search man

[prigo]

Everyone and his mother wants to do an SR20DET swap

[TheNewGuy]

Yeah.....I just love the looks of an S14 and the SR will be fun for the turbo. I'm still researching though and putting the total cost together....I know the S13 will be cheaper though by far.

[Onizuka]

Everyone and his mother wants to do an SR20DET swap

OMG i have never heard that one before!

[Rockenreno]

I'm still researching though and putting the total cost together....

It'll be a bare minimum of $10,000 assuming you want a 1995 (~$5000) and an s13 redtop SR20DET (~$5000 swap for engine + install). Add some money for things that could (and probably will) go wrong, basic maintainence, better condition car, etc. It could very well run you up to $15k real quick, or even turn out a little cheaper depending on your sources. Just plan for the worst. If you are going to swap the engine immediately, just get a 240 in good shape with an engine that went to poop and save yourself some money.

[TheNewGuy]

Thats what I'm looking for. A good shaped 240 with a crappy engine. I already have my daily driver so this car is going to be for racing purpose and also a learning process. If I can find a S14 cheap then I'll go with it, if not...I'll go with the S13. I like the looks of both and either one, with a good paint job will look sweet! The only thing I'd do to the S13 is switch out the head lights to the sexier ones. I'm excited though and so is my Dad...he wants me to get a turboed car so we can mess around with it.

[drifter_for_life06]

Please tell me you aren't getting a 240 jsut for looks and be a RICER with it. They can look good, but that shouldnt be your biggest concern. Get her to run good, then pop dents get paint body kit etc.

other than that go for it man

[TheNewGuy]

No no no.....I'm not going for good looks just alone...that comes last. I'm looking for a cheap body of a 240, even if it's engine has trouble....so I can drop a new SR turbo into it. I'll get her to run good first, just dont want to work to much on the exterior.

[drifter_for_life06]

Okay, okay, i gotcha sorry for the mis-conception man, good plan, jsut save and research and prepare for the worst as rockenreno said.

[TheNewGuy]

Yeah I am. Thats why I have my Integra still. Won't sell her for anything!!! Do you guys know of any other sites to purchase the S14 SR?

[drifter_for_life06]

Depends, where were you originally loking to purcahse it from?

[TheNewGuy]

I was just looking at the sites that sponsor the forum...Heavy Throttle Performance has it for 3600 but it comes with everything and a warrenty. I like that a lot! Any other sites though....maybe somewhere in the California/Arizona area?

[Smurf6x6]

Did you even consider all the other engine possiblities?

[dr!ft]

Hell, I'm getting a (R)PS13 and swapping a CA into it. Screw the SR!

[TheNewGuy]

Nah...was pretty fixed on the S14 SR....didn't really know of any other engines. Can someone show me a link for others?

[Onizuka]

turbo= money pit NO EXCEPTIONS

[Smurf6x6]

I would look around at the other posibilites and choose your path. Don't just go SR because the magizine editors worship. Look at the CA18DET, boosted KA24's and you can't forget the RB's.

[dr!ft]

You mean the CA? Btw, it's CA18DET for anyone that didn't know. And you can just click on over to the CA forum for some good info...

[TheNewGuy]

All right....sounds good. I do expect to spend quite a bit on the engine because of the turbo but it's ok. It's a project car so I'll have it for awhile.

[Onizuka]

WHAT EVER YOU DO, DONT GET A SR, IT HAS BEEN FEATURED IN POPULAR MAGAZINES! That means you will be a ricer if you get one...

[TheNewGuy]

LOL.....thats funny!!! Well I'll look around some more...check out prices and the output of the engines and so on and maybe I won't go with the SR.

[dr!ft]

For the record the CA has an iron blcok vs. the SR's aluminum block... Little bit stronger alongside a SR. Plus you can use the 1988 Pulsar NX for parts. (an american-sold car so no need to ship from the motherland)

EDIT: The CA is also like $1,800 compared with the $2500 or so SR...

[TheNewGuy]

Thanks dr!ft....good information there. Been here one day and already learning about the 240sx.

[Smurf6x6]

No. i'm not saying he'll be a ricer but i'm saying he should at least know what other engines can be swapped in and pick the one he wants the most. Just as you and most of the people on this board did. When you decided to get a red top, i no you at least looked at the other possiblities. You just didn't look in a mag and go I want a 240 with a SR.