Help me figure out what to do to my first car build ever

[SR_SX]

So I just bought my first 1992 240sx Fastback with the 5 Speed MT. I do not know what trim level it is, and was wondering how i could figure out what it is? Now about the build..

I already know at some point I am going to swap an RB25DET into it so i am not doing any engine/performance work. except I am putting on an aftermarket cat back exhaust because its cheaper than an OEM system.

So do i keep the pop-up lights and just do sleepy eye mod..? Or do I do an S13 front end conversion.. which is sexyyy! And what spoiler should i put on it? Post replys, if its spoiler if you can drop a pic of the spoiler on a fb so i know what itlooks like.. Also need more ideas.. color.. what parts to do next besides tint lowered and also need rim ideas.. post pics if you can And if you have a white rear fender for the 89-94gen driver side in good condition for sale or driver side auto seatbelt for sale let me know.. thanks guys

idk how to put pics up of it otherwise i would..

[badbob2121]

its your car, do what you like... hit up google and look around.... i can already feel the flame...lol

[SR_SX]

Ha ha this has been my realistic dream car since i started liking cars.. Just want opinions i cant decide on the front end ha ha. i plan on spending the next at least 3-7 years on it and dump money into it. I cant believe i finally have one!

[badbob2121]

well congrats and welcome, but since you have your mind made up on the motor swap, i would think more about your suspension. thats the first thing i would do before the front end (that saying that the car is mechanically sound and needs no repairs...those should always come first)

[nissanman04]

Or do I do an S13 front end conversion.. which is sexyyy!

Ummm...you already have an s13 front end.

[SR_SX]

Heres the order i was planning so far..

Tint
Lower (as low as can get w/ good springs need recommendations)
Rims
Spoiler
Swap the RB25DET
Front End Convrsion.. still cant decide. i like the s13 silvia JDM front its so rare and sexy! how much would this run me?

Any suggestions as to a diff route to go or just any at all?

[car nut]

Heres the order i was planning so far..

Tint
Lower (as low as can get w/ good springs need recommendations)
Rims
Spoiler
Swap the RB25DET
Front End Convrsion.. still cant decide. i like the s13 silvia JDM front its so rare and sexy! how much would this run me?

It's called a Silvia front. They are hardly rare. Couple hundred in parts (hood, fenders, lights, etc) and then another couple hundred to get it fit and color matched.

Any suggestions as to a diff route to go or just any at all?

Does your car start every time you turn they key? Are the bushings beat to hell? Does the car feel unsafe at speed? Fix everything that's broken first (don't say there's nothing wrong... It's a 20 year old Japanese economy car that is generally owned by teenagers) and then mod it. You will be happy you did.

[SR_SX]

Well i cant drive it yet bc i need the fender repaired and to put the taillight in. Then i have to put catback on it.. Plus no plates yet. So i def know what to fix immediately but it was owned by a grandma then taken to nissan certified mechanic, then bought it. Since i cant drive it yet it doesnt run for 2-3 weeks at a time so sometimes it wont start unless i pop up head lights first.. coincidence? IDK what could possibly cause that to happen.. lose wire? and i dont even know what bushings are.. first build so im a noob trying to learn and do it all myself (except body work) :/

*edit* silvia front end is rare here in cbus OH. I've never seen one in real life.. not many 240s for that matter

[hbpignosePA]

just do your own research; everyone is going to be biased on what you should do.

pretty much everything has been done to a 240

if you cant figure something out by searching perhaps this isnt the hobby for you

[SR_SX]

ive researched so much alreaady. just wanted some opinions or advice not really going to be set in stone. i already know its the hobby for me. just asking for some advice was all but nvm.

[TurboSauce]

is your 240 a hatch? or a coupe?
Are there any pics/vids of said 240.
you say you want to do a silva front end conversion
my advice, source all parts together over time, and save money for labor,
and expect to find alot of broken/missing parts of your car.
seeing as it is a 20 year old vehicle ALOT of parts are getting ready to take a crap, or are currently taking a crap on you as we chat.
start your car once every week. if you let it sit for three weeks at a time without starting or moving, it increases the chances of rodents finding a nesting place in your 240.
and the best tip i can give you is, get the car on a lift, and have it checked for rust, and bondo'ed areas.
even though it was old lady owned you never know.
and seriously before you dump any money into it check the frame and body panels for rust.
if it has a Styrofoam spoiler remove it and cover up the holes. those are rust magnets.

[TurboSauce]

I've been researching S-chassis since i was 13, and i still don't know everything, you can never research enough until you can either
A) diagnose problems by sound/smell/sight/ or the way the car drives.
B) know exactly every level and modification done to any s-chassis.
And from the looks of it you dont even know what trim your vehicle is, you cannot say that you have done enough research.

but at least you're in the right place, stick around and read some other threads ask questions and post pictures if necessary, a Photobucket/flikr account a decent camera, a tool kit and a steady hand and you're almost on your way.
just NEVER assume you know more then anyone here, keep in mind some members have owned 20 or more twofortys, and some members will be sarcastic in their responses.
so whilst your stay on nico can easily be useful/enjoyable and helpful for you remember this, Not everyone will like you, and some people may even flame you ( so keep your flame suit on ) ( by flame i mean come in to your thread and post BS and argue with you. just take it with a grain of salt. )

That's it, the training wheels are off you're on your own now sukka.

[SR_SX]

its a hatch, and yea i have a few pics of int. ext. and engine but i have no idea about how to put them up lol. where would i take it to get the frame/chassis checked out like just any standard repair shop? and for the silvia front end swap once i do have all the parts (not for a long time) do i ask some friends about what shop could do it or would it just be some random a** body shop? Thanks a lot. Oh and theres no spoiler at all the car is completely stock unmodded

*edit* i never meant to come off as i was done researching or that i know more its just i dont know what more to research i guess and i def dont know more so i apologize if i came off that way. Thanks for not flaming me lol.

[TurboSauce]

Weird I thought all 240sx hatch backs came stock with that ghey spoiler.


and You could go to anyplace with an automobile lift and have them search for under body rust.
keep in mind that some surface rust can mean that there is alot of unseen rust.

Actually, once you get the parts for the swap, you can do it yourself. just search nico there are a ton of threads/posts on the swap.
and there are alot of walk through for most problems 240s have.
But for now, forget about ANY swap.
focus on getting the car road worthy/legal, and fixing anything that needs to be fixed.

[Chris28]

So many people get caught up in thinking about "building" their car when they first get it. Just go out and drive it. When something breaks, replace it with something better. If you want it to handle well and go decently low, get coilovers. You're wasting your time with a shock/spring combo.

Do you ever plan on tracking it? Why the rb25?

Sorry if it seems like I'm flaming you, but ultimately it's your decision as to what you want to do with your car. Get it running, then start thinking about how you want to modify it.

[TurboSauce]

You're far from flaming.
Wait till he says
"I want the rb25 because it's JDM tyte and it'll give me mad drift points and i'll be so good because i practice my drifting on the streets so im much more aware of cars and $hit"
Then the flaming will really begin

[SR_SX]

Yea I am definately focusing on getting it running and legal just kind of keeping ideas in the back of my head i guess. And if i knew how to upload pics i would there is no rust on body and i didn't see any on the frame but just took a peek will definately get on it. Im not focusing on the front end conv. or swap at all just planning ahead

I am going with the RB25DET after reading a few threads over the last few days about the different engines that will fit. I originally wanted an SR in it but IMHO i think there are too many 240s w an SR swapped into them. I like the RB25DET beacause Its a reasonable price for what you get out of it. The RB26DETT is out of my price range and i figured i may as well go with an SR if i was going to swap an RB20 into it. Also I read that SR's break a little more often than say an RB (although I do know when an RB breaks its pretty damn pricey to repair) None of this is set in stone just kinda trying to make a plan for what i want and will need. Im actually getting an exhaust system ordered tomorrow and having a body shop take a look at the driver side rear fender (damaged when someone backed into it) we have a family friend that can do it on the side and another family friend who can get it painted after the bodywork.

*EDIT* I was thinking about coils since im trying to get it slammed pretty low but i read on here its pretty uncomfortable compared to spring/shocks?

[confused9]

as chris said man you just bought the car go out and enjoy it! enjoy it and learn how to drive it stock before you start dumping money into it. the best thing i could tell you is find some guys you can be friends with in your area who are interested in 240s. those are the guys who'll help you with anything r.i.p. david lindauer/om3ga lolol

[240zac]

dont take this as flaming but imho you should do something more simple since this is your first build

do a simple swap like an sr... or keep the ka... sr's dont break that often, just take care of them right

rb's are EXPENSIVE... sure. that starting cost might not be much, but once you figure in everything you need to swap the motor in, driveshaft, mounts, wiring, etc. SR's all you need is the wiring. and parts are cheaper and easier to get in the states.


as people have said... the silfront is not rare.. plenty of people have it.

240's rare in c-bus? HA! good joke... im still laughing.... all joking aside... there are plenty, hell, one of my freinds from college has an rb25 sil fronted s13 and he lives in cbus.
get on some regional forums where you can get together with some people in the area that can help you about and learn....


idk how nico is about posting other forums but check out *cough*ohiodrifting*cough*

[SR_SX]

I've been looking for some 240 enthusiasts or just import enthusiasts but havent had any luck so the search continues. I wish i knew people that were I have been looking around for meets, shows anything but idk havent gave up yet haha. I'll definately take everything you guys have said into consideration and just keep trying to learn more and read more about my car and the feel of it. If anyof you ever come to cbus let me i could def learn a thing or two. And when i said dumping money i meant when i have some. Still saving slowly and trying to get it running/legal like you all said

[240zac]

I've been looking for some 240 enthusiasts or just import enthusiasts but havent had any luck so the search continues. I wish i knew people that were I have been looking around for meets, shows anything but idk havent gave up yet haha. I'll definately take everything you guys have said into consideration and just keep trying to learn more and read more about my car and the feel of it. If anyof you ever come to cbus let me i could def learn a thing or two. And when i said dumping money i meant when i have some. Still saving slowly and trying to get it running/legal like you all said

you have the right mindset...

spend alot of time researching. as i said... an rb swap might be a bit much for you to tackle right now. not shooting you down, but just something to consider.

definately join some local forums in your area... the will help you find some entusiasts in your area. i know there are plenty ofimport let alone 240 enthusiasts in columbus.

[confused9]

yea you just don't want to go so far into a build where your car is just sitting there useless til your next paycheck. i'm in socal originally from norcal and i'm having a hard time finding enthusiasts to meet up with here. what you should do is get off the computer and go drive!

[SR_SX]

FAIR ENOUGH! thanks for everything and not being d!ck about it!

[confused9]

lol like turbosauce said some people won't agree and argue with you but f*** them it's your car just have fun. logout! lol

[240zac]

FAIR ENOUGH! thanks for everything and not being d!ck about it!

good luck with your build!
there are plenty in the area that can help you out. a have numerous freinds in c-bus that have 240s and/or drift and have seen many other 240's driving around. dont get discouraged, they are there

[ciscos13]

if u have pictures of ur car post them up, i want to see how it looks. just go to photobucket.com, create an account, upload ur pictures there, then u copy the img code and paste it on here and there u go.

[SR_SX]

Well here you guys go taking more pics this week

[TurboSauce]

whats with the color change around the strut towers

[SR_SX]

i dont quite know.. My buddy thought it was possibly a heat resistant or rust protectant coating.. I have been looking w no luck however.. Just took some more pics of engine, underbody, exterior, etc.. putting them up later

[ciscos13]

nice clean car no doubt. well heres a car that looks clean and pretty hot but very expensive wheels.

if i were u, i would go with the sr since its ur first swap. but if u got the money then go ahead and do the rb swap. eventually u will finish it.