Automatic fastbacks

ONLY for ADVANCED technical discussion about the 240sx!
Nismoking
Posts: 32
Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2004 7:37 pm

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Looking into getting an auto fastback as first car. Please don't ask why I want auto or say I should get a stick. I know, but I don't have a choice (please don't ask why on that lol)? Anyway, I have questions!

What is the auto transmission model # for fastback s13 (U.S. of course)?

Is the fasback lighter than the coupe?

What are the freebie mods for s13s? I've used search option, and all I find is the IAT resistor mod, and transmission drop resistor mod which I read is a no no. With the IAT resistor mod, is there any drawbacks to it other than worse fuel milage? Is there a way to rig it to a switch or use a diff method to overcome this?

More importantly will it do as it's rumored to...Increase timing 1st off, and make you run leaner. Would it be a good idea to do breather mods (I/H/E), to compensate for the richness, or will they increase fuel too?

Sorry for so many quesitons, but I tried search honestly. I'm new and learning

Thanks for any input and adviceChris


180fan
Posts: 7799
Joined: Sat Dec 14, 2002 12:16 pm
Car: 89 fastback

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The FB is heavier than the coupe by what 40lbs or so? If you must get an auto, why the hell not? Mine is currently an AT but it'll soon be 5spd in a few months. The freebies you've listed are all pretty much no no's as they'll do more harm than good. If there were such a thing as a free mod, then more people would do them. Timing adjusting is ok if you want to pay the price with running higher octane gas. Just don't advance it too far otherwise you'll probably eff something up real good with knock and pinging.

Having a new filter is always a good idea. Try the Apexi one. Those are the best ones I've tried so far. A bit expensive, but if that's out of the question, a simple ebay brand one will do fine too. Plus your car may not necessarily be running rich. In some situations your car may actually run lean, but it shouldn't be too far off as your ecu will try to compensate for it. The only way to increase fuel is through the injectors and the amount of fuel they're set to allow through. For the higher RPM range though, you would want to switch to a 300zx fuel filter. Much larger and doesn't hit the bottle neck of fuel at the high RPM that the stock 240 fuel filter has.

My #1 rule though, make sure the car's running well. If you don't know how long the car's been without a fluid change, change them when you get the car. Then do the tune up to wring out any problems or possible problems you may have. If you've still got problems, time to start diagnosing those. When you've got a good and healthy running car, it makes for a better platform for mods than a car in poor condition.

When you're at that point, time to go for basic bolt ons like intakes and exhausts. But another thing to remember is balance. Balance out the bolt ons with upgrades to your suspension and most importantly brakes. Brakes can save your life, power probably wont.

Nismoking
Posts: 32
Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2004 7:37 pm

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Thanks 180 for the heads up, and helping me out

Chris

Nismoking
Posts: 32
Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2004 7:37 pm

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Hey after a lil more research I'm finding the 240 came with a sohc and dohc? I would want the dohc, but how can I spot one out, so I don't get scamed into getting a sohc. I know in some cars there might be a bulge in the hood, but I'm not familiar with nissans so forgive me. Also I would assume each would have a diff engine model number, and I would like to know what they are if possible.

Thanks,Chris

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GEO
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Car: 95 240sx KA-T
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SOHC = 1989-90 DOHC = 1991-94

NISMOKING you got 1 arm?

ilikenissan
Posts: 72
Joined: Sun Jun 15, 2003 10:42 pm
Car: paintball, cars

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89 and 90 usdm 240's came with a ka24e(sohc) usdm 91-98 came with ka24de(dohc).. And 91,92 and early 93's came with more agressive cam which gave it a higher redline(no more real power found there but some people like to have it)

Nismoking
Posts: 32
Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2004 7:37 pm

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Thanks for posting the years, I and from what I've learned ka24e is sohc and KA24De is dohc,m hence the "D" i guess!

I don't get the 1 arm thing lol, enlighten me a lil

Chris

Slippery S14
Posts: 91
Joined: Fri Oct 17, 2003 2:40 am

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Im pretty sure he is guessing at the auto requirement reason(one arm).

Nismoking
Posts: 32
Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2004 7:37 pm

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Funny, I never thought of it that way. Nah luckily I have two lol!

Thanks again,Chris

bcuz
Posts: 406
Joined: Mon Apr 07, 2003 1:19 pm

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if you plan on doing performance upgrades to your car, dont let mommy tell you you have to get an auto :(

get a 5speed youll be much happier, it takes half a day to learn.

Nismoking
Posts: 32
Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2004 7:37 pm

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I'm trying to figure out the aftermarket for the 240, and bolt-ons are seeming kinda hard for me to track down. the most I can find is I/H/E and the contreversial udp.

For header I was think definately hotshot, intake unsure, exhaust maybe HkS hiper, cause every oene thinks it's great- but what is the sound like. I hate the common bee can, weed eater sounding exhausts. I need something that lets out a subtle roar vith decent, but doesn't sound like a flowmaster or some domestic. I would like to add more torque with out sacrificing what is already there.

Also is the udp worth it, and which one do you get ASP or unorthadorx, as they seem to be the only two-any dynos on the net?

What about ecu tuning for the auto, not looking for piggyback or engine management. Looking for direct replacement something easy to install with set parimeters and I can screw up.

If you can think of any more bolt-ons, please post.

Thanks for the supportChris

Nismoking
Posts: 32
Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2004 7:37 pm

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Since the transmission drop resistor hting is a no no, this is what I cma up with- the 1st is a rebuild kit, that I believe replaces components wiht better ones, and eliminates common problems, it is said to be for " NIS RE4R01A 240SX M30 1989-UP" $305.00

Will it work?

The 2nd is just a shift kit, and it says its supposedly for the re4ro1a transmission, so will it work. It's made by Trans Go.

Thanks,Jay

180fan
Posts: 7799
Joined: Sat Dec 14, 2002 12:16 pm
Car: 89 fastback

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Easy way to ID the SOHC, look for the intake manifold. On it, if it's a SOHC, you'll see it say ECCS. The DOHC versions have intake runners that look like big tubes with an angled throttle plate (upwards). The SOHC throttle plate, is basically perpindicular to you when you're standing straight up, ie it should be looking directly at you, without an angle.

ilikenissan
Posts: 72
Joined: Sun Jun 15, 2003 10:42 pm
Car: paintball, cars

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For I/H/E Id go with injen intake, hks hiper exhaust, and obx header(way cheaper then hotshot and to my knowledge its better because its the exact same only with a different finish and the obx's finish is better) But I forget what finishs they have..

180fan
Posts: 7799
Joined: Sat Dec 14, 2002 12:16 pm
Car: 89 fastback

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For the KA, check out hotshot for header, for intake, most will do fine however, the apexi one is better. If you can avoid it, avoid the ones that use oils where you must oil it up since there's less maintainence for it and less chance to mess up. The metal filters won't filter as well as the sponge or cloth type filter elements. Seriously, the ebay ones aren't bad at all. Just gotta redrill one of the holes on the intake adapter but will work well otherwise.

Underdrive pulleys can be a double edged sword. They'll give you +'s across the power band, but not too much. If they underdrive too much, like lets say your alternator, then you're gonna be SOL on the freeway or the AC's gonna be a bit off or something. It depends on what is being under driven. UR is a very good vender of underdrive pulleys, and actually the one I've selected for my own SR build up.

For the ecu, you might actually want to get the buddy club piggy back as you can change the shift points for various throttle positions. That may be the one to look at.

Nismoking
Posts: 32
Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2004 7:37 pm

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With that buddy club piggyback, what about A/F ratio and ignition timing. I don't want to fool with that, because I don't have experience in tuning.

Hey are they bigger throttlebodys for the KA24DE that don't need to be portmatched to the manifold

180fan
Posts: 7799
Joined: Sat Dec 14, 2002 12:16 pm
Car: 89 fastback

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Yeah you can adjust that if you want to, but those are set up by yourself or by some one with experience with a dyno and with your car on it. Timing, I don't think it has that, but I've got a AFC II as I knew my car was going to be switched to MT later anyway so I chose my tool of choice.

The bigger throttlebody for the DE, I'm not too sure about that as I've a SOHC for the time being. As for porting and matching, everything could be ported and matched further if you're truly looking for max flow out of your head.

Nismoking
Posts: 32
Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2004 7:37 pm

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Hey is their a secondary butterfly in the de throttlebody. Any gains to removing it. I need to find a how to lol

Thanks,Chris

cleets-s13
Posts: 24
Joined: Fri Jan 02, 2004 10:55 am
Car: beer, women, cars, rinse, repeat

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as far as tuning the auto, id say disconnect the electronic pressure regulator control. not sure if thats the tech. name for it but anyway. i unplugged mine and ive never plugged it baqck in. it decreases your shift times by about half and it shifts harder that before, just be careful when its wet, i got sideways yesterday here in florida in the middle of 3 lanes! scary. its located above the fenderwell on the drivers side. it looks like a nintendo plug-in mounted on a bracket, unplug and enjoy.

Nismoking
Posts: 32
Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2004 7:37 pm

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Jus wanted to let u know even though I'm jus a newbie, everyone says that resistor thing u unplug for full pressure shifts will end up killing your transmission. MAybe someone else w/ experience can confirm this. So I'm not doing it, but thanks for posting and trying to help, mighty genrous of you anyway

Chris

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Vkoslak
Posts: 696
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Car: 1992 240SX SE rb26dett, 2004 Subaru Forester
Location: Pflugerville, TX
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For the 300zx with an auto there is the HKS ALC. I haven't seen one for the 240sx though.

Im sure one could be rewired for the 240 using a FSM for a 300zx and a 240sx to get the correct wires connected.

If I find an extra HKS ALC laying around dirt cheap somewhere I'll try it and let you know.

cleets-s13
Posts: 24
Joined: Fri Jan 02, 2004 10:55 am
Car: beer, women, cars, rinse, repeat

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it may put a little more wear on your metal parts but significantly less wear on your clutches and unless you have a ka pushing a lot of horsepower then it should be just fine, ive had mine unplugged for about 6 months and haven't had a single problem at all

driftnS13 240sx
Posts: 51
Joined: Wed Feb 04, 2004 12:12 pm
Car: racing

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on my 240 before i changed it 2 a 5 speed the AT transmission was shiftin really high im not sure y bc i didnt care bc i was changin it ova 2 a stick, like 4.5 - 5.5 grand neone know y? i was j/w.. it actually made the car ideal 4 racin but it sucked in traffic and crap bc u would be in between gears alot..


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