Does an 89 240sx have potential?

Post by **flubyux2** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

This is probably my first post. Im a vetran talker on DSMtalk.com, Supraforums.com, RX7club.com, Nasioc.com, and CamaroZ28.com but im thinkin about getting a 240 next. I originally was trying to hold out for a 1991 240sx Coupe SE 5sp and/or 1994 240sx hatch SE 5sp... but i might have an opportunity to pick up an 89 version. Are there any design flaws, typical problems, or features that may not be on the 89, but might be on the 91?

I know NOTHING about 240s when compared to my encylopedic knowlege of FC's and DSM's... its pathetic really.

I just would like to know if there is anything fundamentally wrong w/ an 89 as opposed to a 90's version of the 240. Like, the 89-92 Supra is more desireable than the 86.5-88 version. Or the 91-92 DSM is more desireable than the 89-90...get what im saying? the 1989 was an oddball year for the DSM, as was 1986.5 for the Supra, they are generally the ones to avoid. Is the 89 240 in the same bracket as the 89 DSM and the 1986.5 Supra?

Any help is appreciated. hopefully ill be able to contribute to the board in the future.

thanksChris

Post by **89sxRCR** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

not really but it depends what you are going to do to it. If you plan to swap in a engine, be it sr or ca or whatever, then swapping into a 89 or 90 240 is a *tad more complicated. Nothing huge, just extending some lines and such.

If you are keeping the stock engine then go with a 91-93 s13, they are the dohc models and have about 15 more hp.

Post by **nametakennow** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

No such thing as a 94' hatch. 94' had only auto convertibles. No big problems with 89's, just read the threads for a while and you'll pick up so much stuff it's crazy. Welcome to the boards.

Post by **Gregariousgreg** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

89 is actually a pretty good year. I've heard the 89 and 90 240sxs are the lightest models. Their stock engines are a little weeker than the later 240s, as was mentioned before. You'll probably want to do a sr20det swap though and in that case the stock engine doesn't matter. The swap is a little trickier in the 89 and 90 but nothing too hard. Biggest thing is you will need powersteering parts from a 91-94.

Post by **themadscientist** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

Any car, even a yugo has "potential". If you like the car and are willing to devote the time and money to pursue a realistic goal I think you will be quite pleased with a 240SX. Have fun.:wavey

Post by **nametakennow** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

You don't really expect anyone here to say "No, it sucks." do you?

Post by **eastcoastchaos** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

probably your first post ?

all 240's are good. an 89 is a single cam and has like 10 less horse power but if you plan on a swap that does'nt really matter

Post by **SilviaLuvr** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

will crack FUC you up?!

Post by **themadscientist** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

the one you smoke not the one you poke:D

Post by **SilviaLuvr** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

hahaha...

Post by **BuudWeizErr** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

I have an 89.

Needless to say, I'm very happy with it.

Pics : http://www.forumpix.com/240sx

Post by **blackbeauty240** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

i saw you mentioned RX-7. if i had to compare my 1990 240 to my 1985 RX-7 (with 12a motor) i would have to say that the 240 beats it hands down. the only thing my RX-7 can do that my 240 cant is turn up the rpms to 9 grand without even sweating. 1/8 mile times RX-7(11.69) 240(10.77)

Post by **flubyux2** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

w3rd. I was expecting someone to say "oh no 89 is a bad year, you want a 90-94 etc.

If someone asked me a question like that on RX7 club or DSMtalk, i would explain to them all the down falls of certain model years or trim levels and say why a certain model year would be best, tahts all i was asking for.

It looks like all 89 hatches were SE model, does that mean it comes w/ an LSD? cuz i thought all SE models had LSD rear ends in it, is this wrong?

Anyways, ive got an 88 RX7 SE, and that thing can run high 14s w/ BPU on it, full interior and stereo...not bad id say. This was the 13b w/ 146HP stock... i should be around 160-170HP. It reminds me alot of a 240 Hatch, it just doesnt ahve an LSD though.

I guess ill probalby keep the car as a daily driver till i have both the DSM and Supra built up to a satisfying level (Supra 300RWHP and DSM into the 12's) then i can start in on the 240. Is there any specific maintenance i should know about that the 240 requires, any glitches you guys have come across in your experience?

Thanks

Post by **89sxRCR** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

for older s13s power windows are a *****...cuz right about now there all failing...it can be expensive to fix.

deffinately check the brakes, i know i had a problem with the rotors being too ground down..and i had a leak in the brake fluid resoivor.

suspension, check for blown shocks obviously...

and make sure theres no rust.

and thats about all i can think of, its actually a pretty reliable car.

Post by **nlzmo400r** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

i had an 89 240, drove her up to 210k before i sold it, ran perfectly, i did take miticulious care of it as well, some people dont flush trans fluid, obviously engine oil, power steering fluid and such, my car ran beautifully, the only problem i had was the paint fading and crackin, and unfortunately about 2 weeks after i sold it, a crack appeared on hte dash

, but other than that she was great, jus take care of it and itll last forever

Post by **mikeleesimmons** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

i have 91 sle and only thing I can say. i love it!

Post by **BB Turbo** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

nametakennow wrote:You don't really expect anyone here to say "No, it sucks." do you?

I do, all 240sx models and trim levels suck. Period, dont listen to these people, they have no idea what they are talking about. Get a Yugo intead, i love cars that handle like they are busses.

Just kidding, 240s are unique and cool. And you can modify them....which is a bonus for you, but not for your wallet. Welcome to the boards.

Post by **RedShred** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

I have a 90. Spent alot of money to make it fast enough.

To do it again, I might be more prone to an S14 Coupe, but I only paid $215.00 for mine.

Actually I love it. Depending on the mileage, have a rebuild add common bolt ons and enjoy it. Mine is very neutral in handling and is actually fun to drive.

Post by **krazy skwerel** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

I think the LSD wasn't added until 91 but i could very well be wrong.:patriot

Post by **blackbeauty240** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

i have a 90 model and havnt messed with the differential but i do know that when i dump the cluch it lights up both tires so im pretty sure the first generation (89-90) has lsd

Post by **BuudWeizErr** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

All 89 hatchbacks were SE's. I know because mine is an SE and I have no options, none. And it is an open differential. Limited Slips didn't come out until the 91+

Post by **Stock-S13** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

89SXc.. whatever i would like to differ and tell you my power windows are as strong as ever given i havent kept it all 14 years but i do believe you can see if the doors had entry into them.. Now then the 89, hmm well seeing as i have an 89 all i can say is good things about great car all around. right now stock will have to do for me but it is fun reguadless, and iam having a hellva time making it stock! But yeah can't go wrong with an 89 have had minor probs with mine and guys like budd and them throw Sr's in there so there just a way around anything i guess. (in redgurds to that "it's harder to do an SR swap on an 89.") yeah i've never heard of a VLSD on an 89-90 IE hicas. also i didnt inquire about "THE PIG FACE" its cool i like it.with an se lip it would cool i want one but i cant seem to find one which is opk seeing as how i dont have money for it.

Edgar

Post by **flubyux2** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

i suppose i can keep it stock for the time being. i really need a reliable daily-driver that i dont have to worry about snapping axles, blowing head gaskets, burning ECU's, breakin shift forks, grinding synchros, etc.. I think ive come to the conclusion, i can only managed to mod one car at a time, and if i get the 240, my MK3 supra will be getting all the dough till it hits 300 RWHP (which wont be hard at all). Then the 240 might get to have some money spent on it, but, i really had my heart set on a 91 SE coupe 5speed w/ an LSD and no air bags...thats what i REALLY want. Silver or white too. So im not sure if i want to put alot of effort/time/money into the 89 hatch..you know?

like i said, at very least, i need a reliable car to drive every day, and will get MORE than 10 Mpg in town. and as far as the KA24E goes...lets just say i dont like to polish turds

i would definitly do a CA18DET if i kept it, ive already done one in my friends car. in fact, i had to wire up the Z32 MAF and tune his AFC for him since no one else could get it right.

Post by **sohc90adel** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

Just bought me one for 1,500 dollars 117,000 miles or so it says. People are not telling you the bad things. Odometer sticks and doesnt have accurrate readings. Timing chain on the 240 sx goes bad or i should say the guides. Which if not replaced can be a costy rebuild. Power window did go bad drivers side. 89 90 do not have lsd. This stuff is very easily fixed though.

But even with these problems the car is great turns on a dime brakes well. Can compete with the newer models 15 horses on newer models aint that much of a difference. Basically the car is great you just got to take care of it just like any other

Post by **flubyux2** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

w3rd. I basically wanted to get into a 240 to do some drifting. I drifted in my RX7 back home in ohio, but i moved down here to fla, in january, and i dont have anything to drift in. Thats why i was wanting an LSD for sure.

Post by **sohc90adel** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

lsd's are cheap on ebay it should be fun to install.

Post by **flubyux2** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

sure, why not. ive already swapped a complete rear end, axles and axle cups onto our DSM... ill see what i can find

Post by **anarchyfox** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

this thread just helped me out a lot...i might be buying an 89 in the next couples days...but it will sit w/ the stock motor for a while til i can get my swap. i'm really excitied to be getting a 240 though!!! thanks for all the knowledge.

Post by **krazy skwerel** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

rock on another 89 s13 owner.

Post by **revhard05** » Mon Mar 17, 2003 4:10 pm

im just proud to have a 89 siting in my garage lol without a engine bolted it

Does an 89 240sx have potential?

Does an 89 240sx have potential?

I just bought a 1990

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