Hello to Nico! New guy here...

[95240sxNC]

Hi, I'm Chris. This is a great site with a ton of knowledge all over the place, very jealous as I'm coming from a car that isn't "there" yet in terms of this many resources....Anyways here is the story....

I've read off and on (mostly off) at this site for a little while as we have a '95 240sx that is BONE STOCK and has around 158k on the clock. My wife got the car in '97 with 12k on it and we've had it ever since. She used it as a daily driver until around 2005 and since then we have maybe put another 5k on it. The body of it is in good shape overall if you subtract the bumper I backed into a while back (oops!). No rust anywhere on her but she definitely needs a paint job as the clear coat is gone in many places. The motor has been very strong until just recently when it developed a coolant leak that I've yet to figure out/fix.

Anyways, why am I here now posting? Well I personally drive a 2008 Mazdaspeed 3 and its wrong wheel drive (FWD), not to mention under warranty still so I thought, why the heck not work on the 240 and make it my project car instead of the MS3? Obviously the 240 has TONS more aftermarket support vs my MS3 and working on a project car instead of your daily driver is easier as well. It just makes sense really as she doesn't want to sell it and neither do I, but I don't want to let it sit and not drive it either.

I've browsed several pages worth of threads, downloaded the FSM and generally just read quite a bit but I'm curious if anyone knows of a guide or really good build thread starting from scratch on a s14? Many start out at various stages but few (that I've found so far) are from the start on a stock car. Generally with most platforms there is a typical approach to modifying or upgrading the car and that's really what I'm looking for here. No sense in me learning the hard way if others already have! haha

I'm going to continue to read and get ideas on just how far I want to take this but ideally I would end up with a nice, fun weekend car that we can cruise around in. Not looking to create a drift/strip car necessarily, but upgrading the power, suspension, exterior, etc. are definitely on the list.

Anyways, thanks in advance for any tips/links you can provide to help me continue learning and getting ready to start this project.

[PyR0NiAk]

WELCOME!! The 240 is an awesome choice for the very reason you've chosen it. The aftermarket support is huge. Especially when it comes to engine swaps. You can drop anything from a high revving 2 liter or a Chevy small block V8. (LS series) The KA24 that is in it now is also a good candidate for a turbo build. Since it's got a coolant leak anyway and it's pretty much at the point of most likely needing a rebuild now would be a good time to pull the motor, rebuild, and turbo it. The amount of work that can be done is all based on your dreams, your know-how, and your wallet. A better understanding of your goals with the car would make it much easier to suggest some routes for you.

[95240sxNC]

Thanks for the quick response. As far as my power goals, I'd say somewhere in the range of 250-300hp would be about right I think. Of course, like all cars, once you reach that point, you'll inevitably want more. haha

But if I can get 250-300 reliable hp out of it, upgrade the suspension and make it look sharp on the outside I would be pretty excited.

As far as my know-how, I wouldn't rate it very high. I can do little things (intake, exhaust, motor mounts, etc.) but never tried anything like rebuilding a motor, although I'm not opposed to trying as it is a project afterall! haha I do have a father in law that has done rebuilds of mostly domestics as well as my wife's uncle who was a mechanic for Nissan for quite a while and has plenty of experience if I got stuck.

[PyR0NiAk]

Pretty much any motor you choose for this platform can reach those power goals pretty easily. Are you wanting to do a motor swap or would you rather go full custom with the KA? As far as motor swaps go, the SR is pretty straight forward, and with upgraded injectors, a S15 turbo, a boost controller, some mild cams and a good tune, you should easily reach those power goals. You could also do it with a rebuilt KA, but as far as what path to get it there, I'm not as sure with it.

As far as suspension goes, some nice coilovers would most likely be plenty for what you're wanting to do. Most people seem to go with Stance GR+. I'm planning on Fortune Autos for my S13. When it comes to the looks, I don't know what you're into. So many people have so many different opinions when it comes to looks. I see a lot of people choosing the Kouki (97-98) front end for their S14s.

[95240sxNC]

I don't really want to do the motor swap, hopefully just build what I have and add a turbo to it. Would that make sense money wise or would it be just cheaper to do a swap? I'm not quite fluent enough with this car yet to know the $$$ I'm talking here. lol

What do you guys use to tune this car with? Coming from Mazda we have the Cobb AP and CPe Standback as the most generally used methods.

This thing definitely needs some coilovers as it looks like a 4wd right now with that fender gap! haha Looks wise, you are right, its all subjective to what people think but I was more talking about new wheels/rubber, paint and maybe a body kit of some sort as I've seen several that look good I think, but that would probably come later on down the road as its not the most important. I like the Kouki front end but I'm fine with what I have now.

[PyR0NiAk]

Motor swaps cost money, but have the advantage of plug and play turbo. As far as tuning, that like most things, depends on your wallet. You can do something simple like a ROM tune (mail-order) or you can go with AEM EMS or a Power FC. If you're going KA, I recommend you check out the KA-T forum.

[PyR0NiAk]

Check this out..

adding-a-turbo-to-a-stock-ka24-noobs-read-t226410.html

[95240sxNC]

Thanks for that link, some good information in that post. I'll check out the KA-T forum and read from there as well.

[simmode1]

Welcome to NICO! For your project, I'd first recommend focusing on the suspension, rolling gear, brakes and chassis before any power goals. It's an old car that we've all come to love, but you can do alot to make it handle as well or better than much newer cars. I'd say replace your old worn out rubber suspension bushings with poly-eurathane ones. This will make the car feel better than it did when it was new.

From there, I'd say install some coilovers. Don't waste your time on a spring/strut setup. Theres ALOT of coilovers to pick from, so this might help you as you start your research:
the-coilover-thread-t475297.html

After settling on a coilover, I'd say you're ready to start shopping for your ideal wheel and tire setup. Once thats out of the way, start bracing/stiffening up your old chassis for improved handling and upgrade those dinky brakes.

When all that's done, then you'll have a car solid enough to handle the increased power you're planning for. For simplicity sake, I'd say you should go with a mild KA-T. Compression check your motor and start gathering parts for a do it yourself T3/04 turbo setup. NICO has all the info you'll need.

Good luck!

[PyR0NiAk]

Good advice simmode

[dre1507]

yea, these guys have given you some pretty solid guidelines to follow. and the KA-T forums has just about all the knowledge one could ever need to boost a KA safely. good luck on whatever you decide and make sure to document with lots of pictures in some sort of build thread.

[Dano]

Welcome!

[cyb3rneticvirus]

Welcome i am also a new comer ive been on the forums like every day me personaly i cant pick what i want i want it to be a DD and a drift (i wanna try it out) but so many people in SFL runing SR20 and a few RB20 so i was thinking about going KA-T i know 0 about cars and it will be my first stick shift car lols sorry for hijacking

[95240sxNC]

That is some great advice on starting with suspension/brakes. I'm sure the stock suspension is completely worn out and I know when I drive it I can whip the tail end around when I'm truly not even trying and do NOT want that to happen. Obviously that is exactly why a lot of people love the car but I want to be in control of when that happens, not just b/c I turn the steering wheel to make a turn from a stoplight in the rain and the back end comes around! haha

Are there certain coils that are less desirable maybe and I should steer clear from? I'm seeing some company names I'm not real familiar with (Megan for instance) and then others I've heard plenty about (BC, Tein, etc.). In Mazda world the BC's are the cheapest and you generally get what you pay for.

I really do think a good suspension, brakes and new wheels/rubber would probably improve the car more dramatically over power mods at this point.

Speaking of new wheels, is it advisable to do the 4 lug to 5 lug swap? What's the main reason for doing that, just more wheel choices?

When you guys upgrade brakes, do most go with other Nissan platform cars or go aftermarket big brake kit? I'm not building a super drift/drag car here so better than stock is just fine with me!

Thanks for the advice so far, it's been very helpful to help get my head around this new project.

[simmode1]

Are there certain coils that are less desirable maybe and I should steer clear from? I'm seeing some company names I'm not real familiar with (Megan for instance) and then others I've heard plenty about (BC, Tein, etc.). In Mazda world the BC's are the cheapest and you generally get what you pay for.

Yeah, there are tons of coilovers available to us S-Chassis guys. Publicly asking which one to choose will spark off a fiery debate which will get locked soon after, as the topic has been covered a bajillion times. That 'Coilover Thread' I linked earlier is a good start to begin researching what you want. But for the most part, you want an inverted monotube coilover, like what Stance and Tein offer. But Stance is cheaper...

Speaking of new wheels, is it advisable to do the 4 lug to 5 lug swap? What's the main reason for doing that, just for more wheel choices?

Yes, greater wheel selection is the only real reason for a 5 lug swap. However, it's not like 4 lug wheels are non-existant. Thiss'll help to show what's available out there for 4 luggers: the-definitive-4-lug-wheel-thread-t483225.html

But when picking wheels, you have to consider whether you prefer to run stretched tires or wide rubber before you make your final selection on wheel specs. Knowing the diameter, width & offset of your desired wheel is extremely important. But just stick around NICO and you'll start to pick up on these things.

[95240sxNC]

Yeah, there are tons of coilovers available to us S-Chassis guys. Publicly asking which one to choose will spark off a fiery debate which will get locked soon after, as the topic has been covered a bajillion times. That 'Coilover Thread' I linked earlier is a good start to begin researching what you want. But for the most part, you want an inverted monotube coilover, like what Stance and Tein offer. But Stance is cheaper...

Understand that, same way over on the Mazda boards. Thanks for the info though.

Yes, greater wheel selection is the only real reason for a 5 lug swap. However, it's not like 4 lug wheels are non-existant. Thiss'll help to show what's available out there for 4 luggers: the-definitive-4-lug-wheel-thread-t483225.html

But when picking wheels, you have to consider whether you prefer to run stretched tires or wide rubber before you make your final selection on wheel specs. Knowing the diameter, width & offset of your desired wheel is extremely important. But just stick around NICO and you'll start to pick up on these things.

Ok, the swap will probably the last thing I'm worried with as it looks like there are quite a few choices available to four lug guys, I'm sure I can find something. Along the lines of wheels, what is the widest size wheel that can be put on without rolling the fenders or doing modifications of that sort? Looks like 9" wide are pretty popular.....

[simmode1]

what is the widest size wheel that can be put on without rolling the fenders or doing modifications of that sort? Looks like 9" wide are pretty popular.....

First of, fender rolling is, like, the easiest thing in the world. Don't be scared of it. Fender pulling, on the other hand, is a fickle art.

Whether or not you'll need a fender roll depends on a number of factors:
-How low is your car?
-How wide are your tires?
-How much negative camber are you running?

But generally speaking, a really simple/entry level 240sx setup is 17x9+20 with 235/40/17 all around.

[PyR0NiAk]

Isn't 235 kinda thin for a 9" wide wheel?

[simmode1]

^^^Well, that really depends on the brand of tire your buy. Some tires run wider than others of the same listed size. Square fitment on a 17x9 should be 255/40. But when you have 235/40's that look this good on a 17x9, going bigger might result in that nasty over square look.

17x9+17 with 235/40 all around


17x9+20 with 245/40 up front


17x9+20 all around with 245/40 up front and 255/40 rears


They all look good. But like I said, some brands run wider than others, so fitment results may vary. 235/40's are the safest to avoid fender work while being a decent upgrade in treadsize over stock, IMO.

[95240sxNC]

Thanks for the info, never tried rolling the fenders, good to know its not too hard to accomplish.

I guess the first thing I'm going to tackle though is trying to diagnose where my coolant leak is coming from and why it's overheating. Basically the last time I started it up, it was full of coolant and I let it run for several minutes and it eventually started overheating but never leaked. Several days later, while mowing, I noticed a big pool of coolant under the car. Any thoughts right off hand of where I should direct most of my attention initially?

[PyR0NiAk]

Thanks for the info, never tried rolling the fenders, good to know its not too hard to accomplish.

I guess the first thing I'm going to tackle though is trying to diagnose where my coolant leak is coming from and why it's overheating. Basically the last time I started it up, it was full of coolant and I let it run for several minutes and it eventually started overheating but never leaked. Several days later, while mowing, I noticed a big pool of coolant under the car. Any thoughts right off hand of where I should direct most of my attention initially?

Hoses... Does it only overheat at idle? Are you still running the mechanical fan?

[95240sxNC]

No, it overheated on the way home although I was able to turn on the heat and keep the temperature at a decent range but it would go up if I got behind traffic or slowed for the exit ramp. After I got it home and let it sit for a few days, I checked the fluid level and was able to put quite a bit more in there and then started it up and it never did leak but started to overheat so I shut it off. Then, maybe a few days later I was mowing and saw the puddle of coolant underneath the car. I haven't started it up since as we've been on vacation, working, etc...

[biggie]

Sup Chris. I Pm'd you back.

If the water pump has never been replaced, it possibly could have went bad and be leaking. Either that or hoses or the plastic on the rad has cracked. The overheating could be a problem, with that its possible the headgasket could have been blown.

[95240sxNC]

Hey man....My wife's uncle, who worked as a Nissan mechanic at the time, did a LOT of work and replacement of stuff back around 100k I think it was as she was still driving it daily then. I'll check with him, or look for the papers somewhere to see what all was done. Either way I will probably put it up in the air this weekend and try to find the leak. Hopefully it won't be nothing too serious.

[biggie]

Hey man....My wife's uncle, who worked as a Nissan mechanic at the time, did a LOT of work and replacement of stuff back around 100k I think it was as she was still driving it daily then. I'll check with him, or look for the papers somewhere to see what all was done. Either way I will probably put it up in the air this weekend and try to find the leak. Hopefully it won't be nothing too serious.

Hopefully he replaced the timing chain as well, would be helpful if it was already done.

[breadbox]

Timing chain replacements are not fun. I just got my Koop done.

[simmode1]

Timing chain replacements are not fun. I just got my Koop done.

Got that right... did mine about 3 years ago but forgot to remove the lower guard thingie. Now it's just annoyingly rattling around in my crankcase cover. Finally gonna be rectifing that this month...

[95240sxNC]

He did do the timing chain, that part I remember, its just the other stuff. I know he replaced some gaskets too, need to talk to him and see if he can remember himself. haha

[biggie]

If it hasn't been done and you keep the KA the front and main seals on the engine usually need replacing and transmission ones as well if you have it off (but that would depend if you want to 5spd swap it or something).

[95240sxNC]

I'll want to 5spd swap it eventually although it seems kinda wrong to do it since its technically the wife's car and she can't drive a manual. haha