89' 240sx

[futureSRswapper]

Hi everbody. This is my first post at nicoclub so now i will introduce myself and my car.

My name is Charlie. I just bought a S13 240sx 89' with the KA24E SOHC engine and a 5 speed. It came with ABS but I pulled out the fuse. It is completely stock and there are a few things i would like to know before i go out looking for a new engine, 300zx brakes, and other expensive modifications.

First of all, the engine has 200,000 miles on it. it runs decent when revved at mid rpm around 4-,5000 but i don't go past that on account of the extensive wear. Occasionally, it feels like it loses about 30% of it's overall power and the throttle response feels sluggish, but this only happens while driving and only for mabve 20 minutes or so. Any ideas at what could be causing this?

Second, the car rides great. All the shock absorbers are still good and the bushings aren't very worn out. Despite it's lack of power, it is fun to drift. I was wondering what type of coilovers and springs I should get should i decide to swap the sr20det. i don't plan on having more than 250 hp after tuning and i know that you are supposed to match the suspension set up with the power of the car. Any suggestions?

Thanks

[znelson]

As far as the suspension goes, my reccomendation -> KYB AGX Adjustables w/ a good set of lowering springs.

[180fan]

Any reason for pulling the fuse on ABS? Otherwise you might as well just dump the sensors, pull the box for the ABS and start running the non-abs hardlines and deal with it that way.

Extensive wear on any particular parts? Usually people have a load of wear on their timing chain but at 200k you must have experienced some problem with it already. The loss of power, have you done a tune up on the engine yet? After 20 minutes or so...check the coolant temp sensor.

Uh, keep in mind engine swaps don't require new suspension parts. I'd upgrade the worn suspension parts before doing the engine swap. If you're only shooting for 250, find a low mileage KA24DE and slap a turbo on it. Much more affordable and readily obtainable for cheap than swapping an SR.

[Burnsey]

find a low mileage KA24DE and slap a turbo on it. Much more affordable and readily obtainable for cheap than swapping an SR.

and better

[futureSRswapper]

thanks

[180fan]

and better

Yawn, not necessarily better. Each engine has its own merit. You're speaking to a guy who's currently running an SR with no intention of putting a KA to replace it. We've all got our reasons for different things. Just my recommendation would be KA for that guy since it looks like alot of these newer clips unless you pay a small fortune have things wrong with them. The pick of the lot for sr's lately seems to have gone to the junky ones with problems. Not saying all of them will have problems, but figure you're getting a junkyard motor and for somethin quick and dirty, most folk don't want to bother with troubleshooting it.

[AmoebAssassin]

Yawn, not necessarily better. Each engine has its own merit. You're speaking to a guy who's currently running an SR with no intention of putting a KA to replace it. We've all got our reasons for different things. Just my recommendation would be KA for that guy since it looks like alot of these newer clips unless you pay a small fortune have things wrong with them. The pick of the lot for sr's lately seems to have gone to the junky ones with problems. Not saying all of them will have problems, but figure you're getting a junkyard motor and for somethin quick and dirty, most folk don't want to bother with troubleshooting it.

This is good advice.

The junky SR problem can be sorted out by dealing with a reputable internet vendor (See the NICO sponsors), as well as going to a local place and asking to inspect the motors before you buy. Look for things like cut harnesses, turbos with oil in the compressor inlet or turbine outlets, missing or damaged emissions/idle valves, pulleys, hoses, hardlines, etc. Also see if they'll let you pull the valve cover to look for oil coking or sludge, and to look for scored or scraped cams. Drain the oil and look for metal flakes or chips