Help 96 Max or 96 240SX

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Wizno
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Ok, well I'm rather new to car modding and don't know much about it, but I'm trying to make a decision for my first car.

I like the 96 Maxima (the 0-60 @ 6.5 is nice)and the 240sx is something my friend recommended along with an engine swap for a sr20det.

Now i'm not sure which car I could eventualy get the most out of. The Maxima is fast now (at least to me, hehe) and i'll eventually get a turbo kit and what not for it and make it even faster. On the other hand, I can get a 240sx and slowly put into it, or even do a 2jzgte swap it (my friend told me)

I really don't know what to do.

I like both cars.

I'm going off to college in a year, so I don't know how much i'll be making so I really don't know which route to take.

Can anyone offer some guidance?

thank you.


Fish240
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well what do you want to do with the car?

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audtatious
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Room to go party with friends in style = MaximaDrifting or a small "sporty" car = 240Safety = MaximaResale = Maxima

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phenryiv1
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Definately depends on what you want to get out of the car. Also, thw Maxima has a LOT more room for transporting your stuff to and from college, if that is a concern. On the other hand, if you have a 240, you will not get stuck driving all of the time b/c noone will want to ride in the back seat.

The 240 has almost no trunk, either.

Wizno
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I test drove a Maxima, and that's what inspired me to get one. But have never had any experience with the 240sx.

The maxima has a huge trunk, perfect for a few subs with plenty of room left over. It's fast as it is, that's a plus.

I'm just going to use the car for daily use, and if I add a turbo kit and what not I'll go test it out at the track.

I like how the 240sx looks, nice 2 door. But with that I would be going all out and getting a sr20det swap + turbo + anything else necesary. That right there is an extra 5k. that's the only thing making me think twice about getting it. I don't know how long it will take me to save up all that money to get the parts. Anyone here done the sr20det swap + other upgrades? I'd like to know how much it cost them.

Choosing a car has been so hard for me, it's horrible. lol

thanks for you help.

also what happened to the 97-99 maxima, why did it get slower? or what did they change on the 95-96 to make it faster?

btw, i love the color on you 02 max audtatious

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phenryiv1
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Weight was a factor.

BTW, there is no bolt-on turbo kit for a max, so expect significant $ to turbo the VQ30de.

There is a supercharger, though. Runs around $3-4000.

Wizno
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what is the URL for the supercharger?

Actualy I would like to show you a bolt on for the maxima :)http://turbokits.com/maxima_turbo_kits.htmlthe PFI kit, is direct bolt on but the 01 needs slight work.

that cost 4500 =\

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phenryiv1
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Hmmm, I was not aware that they were now offering a complete kit. Most Maxima guys do a DIY turbo setup. Anyway, Stillen it probably the best source for the SC setup. ask around, or search on here. THere are a few guys who know a bit more than me about the SC for the max.

Wizno
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yea I red about the stillen, took a 02 maxima from 0-60 @ 7.4 to 5.9. I was wondering what it would to the one I am planning on getting.

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audtatious
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Thanks for the compliment :D

At this point, Stillen does not have a SC for the '02+. The '02 is a low 6-sec car stock (5.7-6.2 for manual and around 6.5 for auto).

Wizno
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It was actually a '98.

However, I was always wondering about a 300zx but one a bit older then the maxima a 93 or so, something for 5000-6000 maybe a couple hundred more if I really like it, and if it is worth it. THe only thing is my mom is saying "It's 12 years old and it's just going to break down and need parts" can anyone help me out. hehe.

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phenryiv1
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Insurance for a college student on a Z will be high. Besides, unless you get a TT 300ZX, the Maxima will be as fast or faster (assuming the same transmission).

Wizno
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yea, that's true.

Anyway I talked to my friend, and he recommended I get a Lexus SC300, since it's got a NA 2Jze-ge and it's damn sexy! lol.

so I guess I can get a maxima or a sc300. And I like the Supra engine so I'm leaning more towards that side.

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phenryiv1
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Wizno wrote:yea, that's true.

Anyway I talked to my friend, and he recommended I get a Lexus SC300, since it's got a NA 2Jze-ge and it's damn sexy! lol.

so I guess I can get a maxima or a sc300. And I like the Supra engine so I'm leaning more towards that side.


Do you want a 5MT or auto?

I do not believe that the SC300 offered a 5MT option, but I could be wrong.

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cullenj76
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Turbocharging a sc300 is something I've wanted to do for a while, but never did. From talking to Hal, people are having success force-feeding the ge motor, but the tranny is the problem. That can be fixed too, but your talking about ALOT of money unless you'll be doing the work yourself. The sc300 does come in the 5mt, but it's pointless if your going to turbocharge the motor because you'll just have to replace it anyway.

I would not hop into anything in a hurry. I'd be certain exactly what it is that you want/don't want from the automobile, then go from there.

Wizno
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they do have 5mt but it's RARE and that kind of makes me sad, because whenever I use manual and I shift, I imagine i'm in 2fast2furious. j/k but I like it a lot better then auto. I'll try and do a tranny swap if i can, but if i can't then oh well. =\

I'm just donna do what my friend with the supra is going to tell me to do, he's the expert lol. he mods cars for a living so he knows what he's talking about... i guess lol

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sachmo12345
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i was shooting for a 240 but a i got a 95 Maxima 5 Speed fully loaded and i love it it hauls ***

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phenryiv1
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When I bought my 97 I30t I was originally looking for a 240 to replace my 96 Maxima. I drove both, and the 240 just did not compare to the overall fit and finish that the Maxima (and even more so, the I30) offered me.

jdmfreak
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Go for the max.

It looks niceIt hauls ***It can fit 3 or 4 friends(a plus)It can fit 3 or 4 girls(a BIG plus)It has good room for stereo stuff(if you're into that)It Can be made pretty quick without spending too muchIt also has pretty good insurance rates

duccati02
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Go with the Max. It's faster, nicer and you won't be called a ricer.:D I like 240's but the max is an overall better choice. It's got a good engine with the VQ series and it can have a luxurious feel on the inside with a sporty look on the outside. You can never go wrong with a Max.

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574-240sx
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I'm glad I have the best of both worlds. Get a five speed no matter what. I would say buy the maxima, beacuse its a good daily driver that is very comfortable compared to the 240. My friends all like to pile in the maxima and party. My friends also like beating stock hondas in a foor door maxima. The 240 is a play car that like autocrosses and drift practices. It also has nice suspension but not a car for everyday driving. I like to drive it in the afternoons and weekends. The 240 is ussually down due to moddifications or no rear tires left to drive on. I would say go for the maxima if its your only car. I do have more tickets in the maxima and have yet to get a ticket in the 240. In the end it is your decision.

Also on another note I'm looking for a 5-speed SC300 to replace my 240 after the turbo swap. And the supra engine and trans are going for about 5grand and its a pain to wire. There are a few shops that charge about 20K to do the swap. Nick

jdmfreak
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Damn! How's your insurance?

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574-240sx
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jdmfreak03 wrote:Damn! How's your insurance?


Funny you ask I just got my insurance bill in the mail for the next six months. Full coverage for the maxima is $266.60. I only have liability on my 240 which comes out to 185.60. I am insured through Allstate. I just turned 21 and my bill went down about $150 from the last 6 months when I was billed. I figure not bad since I have had 3 tickets since last October.

jdmfreak
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$266 not bad at all.


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