Best plan .. what to save for?

[DigitalEmperor]

Well I am on my way to saving for a 240SX. I have done some research but it's all a little overwhelming for someone not familiar with these cars.

Basically, I want to find a S13 (like around 90 or 91) ... and my end goal would be to have a 0-60 time right around 6.5-7sec. I am sure I would end up doing some suspension work to get rid of some of the body roll and just stiffen up the overall ride.

What's my best bet here? Used s13 /w the SR swap already done? Used s13 /w KA and then turbo it? .. I don't have anything right now so I thought it was the best time to seek advice as far as where to spend money. I obviously want to keep it as cheap as possible but .. how much should I plan to save .. and what's my best route? Might I be better off picking up a used s14?

I live in the USA so the s13 and s14 #'s dont represent stock JDM stuff .. just the years of production.

[groundhogday1976]

Your goals aren't all that lofty. You should be able to get a 6.5-7 sec. 0-60 time w/ a NA KA24DE.

[Structure240sx]

definitely

[Turb0wned]

u need to set a better goal then that....

[allthrottlenobottle]

i think just picking the 240 is good starting point. With the available mods and this forum i think whatever model you buy you will be happy with. good luck

[DigitalEmperor]

thanks for the words of encouragement ... when looking at 240s is there anything to avoid? anything I should watch out for?

what are some basic mods people do to start out on these engines?

[allthrottlenobottle]

not too much too avoid but like any purchase you want to make sure it is mech. sound and just generally know what might have to be done to it. I would start with just fixing or making it a good starting platform,if you know what i mean. Make all the necassary maintenance so that you will not encounter too many unexpected problems. I personally figure the engine should come first then handling a close second and cosmetics after the fact but thats just me. One thing i would avoid(just me)is a 240 with hicas. But i'm going for a drifter setup. Good luck and i'll see ya on the threads!

[rbsileighty]

Here are some things to look for when buying the car:

A good spot to check for rust would be to check the rear in the spare tire well under the tire. I've run into a few S13's where the taillights leaked and it's rusted back there. Look at the tie rod ends and the bushings in the tension rods as these are often overlooked when servicing.

Pop the lights up and check the pivot arm that connects the light to the pivot motor. If this arm jiggles it means you are going to have an annoying bounce to your headlight(s) when driving at night.

As for performance, fix the broken/failing items on the car first. Then start upgrading (of course upgrade the parts as you replace them).

Motor preference depends on where you want to go. As it's been said you can most likely get your goals with a KA in NA form with an LSD and some more aggressive gears out back.

I have done 2 RB swaps, and it's hard to think of going with anything less than these motors.

Whatever you do, do it right and you'll only have to do it once. Spend the extra money on a good body, you will be happy you did. You might be able to do a good roundeye S14 (95 & 96) for same or less than a good S13 due to the popularity of the S13 and sharkeye S14. Everything comes down to personal preference.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

[allthrottlenobottle]

all excellant points rbsileighty.

digitalE; are you looking to buy from a dealership or private?I ask because you should always get a vin # and check for hits on car. My friends 89 had 2 hits with a couple grand damage each and stuff never lined up(hood out of wack,fenders misalinged,etc). just an afterthought i had.

[znoam]

Also bring a magnet. it lets you know right upfront before even checking the vin wheter there has been serious pannel damage and wheter bondo or the such has been used.