Honda to Nissan Convert......

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BrownEyedTrouble
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Hello everyone, my name is Jackie and I am new to the board.

Sadly, I have just had to part with my beloved Honda S2000, as I just couldn't afford the $620 a month car payment any more, not to mention the insurance at $2200 every six months.

I have decided that I should get a little car, that I can fix up nicely and not have any car payments. After being spoiled by the S, my tastes have become a little particular. After narrowing down the pros and cons of several different cars, I have come up with a good one. (I think. )

A 240SX. I have seen a few really good ones on the market down here from $1800 to a little over $5000, in all kinds of conditions. Of course, I hope to convert it into a Silvia. Engine/front clip will more than likely be replaced eventually. I have friends that have a performance shop that specialize in Hondas and Nissans, and though I am sure they will have an opinion, I would like to hear more than one naturally.

Problem is, that other than a few well known facts, I really don't know squat about the car, having been immersed in JDM this, Mugen and Spoon that...While I do my homework and read up on the car, I would like to get a few of my contacts looking for a car. Which model do you think would be the best base to start with? As in year, model....... S13/S14 is greek to me. We aren't talking B18's and F20C's here. *lol*

So I would appreciate any and all help/info so I can make a good decision on what I should look for before I buy the car.

I thank you all in advance for your help.


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PalmerWMD
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Congrats to your descision!

There are tons of guys here who can give you a lot of info. also be sure to check out the 240SX FAQ on our 240Sx boards.

The NICO search feature is on the top roght (red button) this will help tons for specifc questions.

Enjoy our board you will meet great folsk here.

Fred..:thumbup

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HongKongChick
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BrownEyedTrouble wrote:Sadly, I have just had to part with my beloved Honda S2000, as I just couldn't afford the $620 a month car payment any more, not to mention the insurance at $2200 every six months.

Problem is, that other than a few well known facts, I really don't know squat about the car
gee.....2200 is alot for insurance!

well good decision! that's what i am doing (sorta) and the part that says u dont know squat about the car....hhee...same here!

best of luck!

lessthanjakejohn
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240sx produced in US from 1989-1998S13 (here in coupe form ) and here in hatchback/fastback form

was made from 1989-1993 (convertible in 1994). In 1989-90 it had 140 hp and SOHC (KA24E) and 91-93 had 155 hp DOHC (KA24DE) with a few body changes in the front. If you choose this car for a swap a DOHC would be a good choice because PS lines can be retained more easily.

S14 shown here in 97 trim was made from 95-98 and had a KA24DE. THe dif between 95-96 and 97-98 models were minor and included front light and rear light changes.

There were also SE LE and Base models and the differences can be found by searching with the red button in the top.

Other info can be found here and here

and Sport Compact Car Web is a surprisiingly good source on 240s check out the technical seciton there.

search search search!

lessthanjakejohn
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I can't believe I did that for a HONDA owner lol jk

nissanrcer240
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damm a 620 dollar a month payment!! i d be gettin rid of it too.....if i were you and you were making a project car i would get a s14(95+) b/c of the bodystyle, i love the s14 bodystyle...but of course the s13(94 and below) would also be a good choice...which ever one you pick im sure you ll be happy with your decision, the 240 is a great all around car

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Tino
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lessthanjakejohn wrote:I can't believe I did that for a HONDA owner lol jk


yea least it was a s2000 though, i mean those aint too bad.

lessthanjakejohn
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Ya those are cool

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themadscientist
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she isn't a Honda owner anymore, all is forgiven!;) I raced one of those once when they first came out. I almost rammed the Skyline into it because I was expecting for it to be fast, it wasn't. I'm sure I would have had a little more trouble following it around a road course but for the cost of those things cmon!Welcome to the "dark side".

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BrownEyedTrouble
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I have raced and beat quite a few different cars, including a suped up 240 that had a reputation in my area. On the street, alomst nothing comes close. I could out manouever just about anything, including a Diablo (the guy just about freaked), and once I hit 115 I smoked a Camaro SS on the straightaway. All with the top down. It all depends on the driver, cause I also smoked q few other S2000 owners, even when they had mods and mine was bone stock.

Another reason that I like the 240, is that I will be able to have a sleeper. In the S, people knew or thought it was fast and I couldnt go anywhere without someone wanting to race me. Now tell me how this makes sense, a guy in a a suped up car wanting to race a 23 year old girl in a honda with the top down, cruising at 90 mph? Yeah, that guy didn't want a quick ego boost....always got a nice surprise when I beat them. *lol*

Well, I have seen a few pics, and it seems that I might be leaning towards the S14 bodystyle, I really like the JDM lights. Also saw a teal 240 with the top chopped. VERY nice.

APEXi240
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BrownEyedTrouble wrote:Well, I have seen a few pics, and it seems that I might be leaning towards the S14 bodystyle, I really like the JDM lights. Also saw a teal 240 with the top chopped. VERY nice.


S14 has all the same lights in the US and in Japan. The only thing different is that the front lights are glass. I know you said the top was chopped, but anyway, the only one that came from the factory were the S13s, and only in auto.

Coming from an S2K I'd say go with a 97-98, they look the nicest. Also make sure you try and find one with an LSD.

s14=pimpin'
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what exactly do you want your 240sx for? Every model has its pros/cons y'know? I think the s13 would be a better track only car, but i also think the s14 is a better all around car for the streets.

get an s14, you won't be disappointed.

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BrownEyedTrouble
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I really like the S14 style, but after looking around for a couple days, and they don't really come cheaper than $7000 average. I guess I can keep looking cause i'm not in a rush to get one just yet. I want to get one for about $3-4K.

As for what I am gonna do with it, it will be at first just a daily driver. Then once I get the bike, I can go a little more performance, like the SR20DET swap, and stuff like that.

How feasible is an S14 front clip conversion on an S13? Are the tail lights any different too? I might end up turning this into a full out race car later on. Ya know, gutted interior, full roll cage, race engine, etc. But thats the distant future when I have another car as a daily driver.

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themadscientist
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BrownEyedTrouble wrote: Yeah, that guy didn't want a quick ego boost....always got a nice surprise when I beat them. *lol*
It's hard to find a good looking girl who can beat me like I deserve. Busy this weekend? The S2000 was a letdown for me because I like acceleration and it just doesn't have it. In Honda's defense they were trying to build a balanced car and I think they did a good job. I would take an S2000 over an NSX anyday.

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BrownEyedTrouble
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Exactly!!! Thats what I am saying.....ALL the car needs is a little more OOMPH under 6K rpm, and we are good to go! But once you hit vtec, I just love that whine.....and I used to take the top off the airbox. :D Cheap mod and it sounded like you had an intake. Better actually.

Oh, by the way, what makes you think I am even remotely good looking?

APEXi240
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You are better off with an S13 front clip, even if it goes into an S14. The taillights are completely different from the S13 to the S14, if that is what you mean??

Yeah, my guess is your ugly, and making up for it with a hot car...haha.

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themadscientist
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BrownEyedTrouble wrote:Oh, by the way, what makes you think I am even remotely good looking?


Of course you are good looking!(warning! warning! immature chavenist fantasy in danger of failing, begin emergency reassurance procedures, logic mode go!) The S2000 has small seats so you can't be either a fugitive from Jenny Craig or a player in the WNBA.

(sounds good, go with that, flank her with the compliments!)

The S2000 is a stylish performance oriented vehicle so by relation you would not accept an out out shape housefrau apperance for yourself this makes you attractive.

(crisis averted, Mad is completely deluded, return to vegetative state):drooling

BB Turbo
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Yeah, any female on this earth that has some knowledge of cars and like to tune them is beautiful in my book. beautiful personality at least. But if you actually like the cars we like and know what JDM means, then you are extra special.

Choosing a 240 has been hard for me. But luckily, i have had 15 yrs to think about it. And have decided to go with a 95, and only a 95 240sx SE. I do like all of the body styles though, dont get me wrong, and eventually,i would get an s14 front clip, s15 conversion, with c-west kit, volks, everything jdm and japanese. But i wont ramble about what i want to do until i get my car at the end of the year.

It mainly boils down to personal oreference. I want 95 because it has the possibility of passing emmissions a little bit easier, and i like the body style a little more.

Hong Kong chick is hot.

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luis240sx
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BB Turbo H C S15 wrote:Hong Kong chick is hot.


YUP! City looks pretty nice too.

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Mayhem_J30
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BB Turbo H C S15 wrote:Hong Kong chick is hot.


so begins intercontinental e-pimping.

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Tino
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Hmm, my list has seemed to come up short.

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themadscientist
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If my car rolled as fast as my game I'd be driving for HKS.:pface

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I am Technoman
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Now tell me how this makes sense, a guy in a a supped up car wanting to race a 23 year old girl in a Honda with the top down, cruising at 90 mph? Yeah, that guy didn't want a quick ego boost

I like you!:D Want to drive my car?

Im only kidding!

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I am Technoman
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is illegal in the US for ugly girls to drive sports cars!

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BrownEyedTrouble
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*lol* Mad, you are a trip. Just for that, I will post a pic or two. This is very rare....

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BrownEyedTrouble
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:icesangel

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themadscientist
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I knew it, she's a cutie (jumps up does inappropriate victory dance). :D

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BrownEyedTrouble
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Here's another for you. ;) Hope you like.

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themadscientist
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It won't open for me(gets screwdriver begins prying on CPU) :(

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BrownEyedTrouble
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Lets try this again.....


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