Just got an S13 :D

Post by **gema** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:15 pm

Hello all!

I'm now the proud owner of a 1990 Nissan 240sx. Red coupe, five speed. Everything works, the car has 150k on it. I don't even want to say what I paid, besides "It wasn't near enough." 2 Owners, last one was a mechanic. I'm a very lucky guy. Now, here's my question...what should I do to it? I have a list made already, but I'm always open to suggestions. I'll post a pic as soon as I get it repainted...that early 90's sunbleached red just doesn't do it for me. I look forward to a fun, informative time here =)First mod?

Post by **Rockenreno** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:15 pm

I am a fan of creature comforts so I'd fix the little problems, upgrade stereo if that's your thing, then move to suspension unless your motor is crap, then do motor.

Post by **themadscientist** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:15 pm

Only you can answer that question. Your car is a reflection of your personal tastes and needs and will be uniquely you. What do you want it to do?

Post by **krazy skwerel** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:15 pm

Gotta have tunes.

Post by **gema** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:15 pm

Madscientist, very good question.

I want the car to be a perfect blend of both style and speed, beauty and performance. Given, I have to be able to tolerate driving it before I can begin racing it, so paint is an absolute first. Really, I'm debating between brakes, suspension, or stereo. I know those are the first three mods, I'm just not certain of the order. Are there any 240 enthusiasts in the Baltimore/Washington DC area? I've only seen one 240, and it was Daddy's Money (Clueless girl driving a car she didn't pay for...and it even had nasty seat covers). Thanks all for the prompt responses.

Website · Post by **TurboKA37** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:15 pm

when i got my 240 the first thing i did was get a new head unit and speakers. nothing fancy, just something that plays decent music that i can listen to. now im onto the suspension. id go with rockenreno's advice and fix up the things that dont work and then start working on performance.

Post by **NeverEnuff** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:15 pm

is thar anything rong with the stereo and as the other guy sed fix any thing that is rong with it ferst

Post by **krazy skwerel** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:15 pm

I'll tell you whats wrong. It's a damn tape player. Honestly how much hard driving can you do with a portable cd player in the car. This is all assuming you listen to music while driving hard.

Post by **fiznat** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:15 pm

first thing I did when I got my s13 was replace all the stuff that was broken or about to be broken. change your belts yourself, check the alt. and battery, change the oil and plugs... When I did my suspension over the summer I noticed that my tie rods are shot to hell so I'm changing those tomorrow... uhmm really I say before you start adding to it make sure that it's in perfect condition. Tires would be good too, but not necessairly wheels... uhmm also think about doing transmission oil, and possibly a nice wax job... you'll be happier with the looks then too

Post by **gema** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:15 pm

It's in nearly perfect condition mechanically. Something might be wrong with the synchros, but I'm putting it up on a lift and spending nearly all of Monday poring over it. It has an aftermarket head unit, but the music sounds like it's coming through a tin can. So, I think I'll just put in a $500 system. Nothing too good, but something I can groove to. The car has brand new tires (not awesome ones, but good), so those won't be replaced for a while. I can't decide between brakes or suspension, now. And believe me, I'd be waxing the sweet crap out of the car, but I'm waiting to uberdetail it until after it's painted. It looks very bad now, but in two weeks...=)

Post by **krazy skwerel** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:15 pm

Why is this "Replace the HORRIBLE stock stereo" an option if it has an aftermarket headunit? What type of headunit? Might be able to just get some good speakers.

Post by **gema** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:15 pm

Well...

Time to repaint the car. I took it out with my mechanically inclined friend to have him diagnose some noises that were coming from below the shift boot upon entering 1st, 3rd, and 4th gear (although only temporally). Sure enough, we take the car to some little-populated road and I accelerate to get the car through the gears, so he can hear the odd grinding noise. Of course, the moment after I enter fourth gear, a nice fellow in a blue uniform waves me over to the curb. I was ticketed and given not a single moment with which to even say hello, much less explain myself. The woman behind me in a minivan full of children held a 15 minute conversation with the other officer, and got off scot-free. This is the third police officer that has hassled me in four days of having this (red =() car, and I drive like an old man. Ticket says 50 in a 35, but I was doing 45. I'm going to take the argument that I was having the car diagnosed to see if it was road safe, and that I had driven a few miles outside of any congested areas so that I didn't endager anyone by speeding. Ticket is only $75 if I have to pay it, but I cannot afford my insurance to jump again. I totalled a car early August =( Any suggestions? Besides the obvious "Bend over for the man," please. Oh, and BTW, police incidents aside, I am LOVING this car. I'll be sure to post pics and a list of planned and accomplished mods asap.

Post by **Thee 240sx Owner** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:15 pm

How old are you and why did you buy a s13?

Post by **gema** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:15 pm

I'm eighteen this June, and I bought the 240sx for many reasons.

1. It's a stylish car, it has attractive lines.2. It's affordable.3. It's economical.4. It has much potential and room for expansion.5. It's reliable, Nissans are great cars.6. It's unique, not many people have S13's where I live.7. It's quick and rwd, two things I very much prefer in a car.

Why do you ask?

Post by **PalmerWMD** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:15 pm

Congratulations!!

S13 are great cars.

Welcome to our little club!:jazz:

Fred..

PS: dont let the grouchy old-timers haze you..

Post by **rico05** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:15 pm

I got mine about 6 weeks ago. The day after I bought it, I threw down like $500 for stereo, and about $400 in brake stuffs as those things were in the most need of attention. Now I am getting coilovers and suspension goodies. In December (when I get my next student loan check) I am throwing down for a SR w/ either mods or a SR and a Silvia front end. Good luck w/ your new ride!

Post by **Onizuka** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:15 pm

I got wheels and tires for my car first, if i were to do it again, i would have done suspension or motor work first. Actually after i sold my first set of wheels and started over, i did everything at once and im still not completly done any of the several projects im doing to my car

So yeah my suggestion is to do one thing at a time.

-matt

Post by **gema** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:15 pm

Planned list of Immediate Mods:

1. Paint = Nordic Mist Metallic Clearcoat.2. Suspension - Lower, Tighter, Better. Mine has some fading parts anyhow.3. HID Conversion - I wrecked a car driving at night due to poor visibility...this is a security blanket more than anything else. Anyways, blue headlights are HOT.4. 300zx Brake Conversion - All four. I actually bought four 300zx brakes, rotors, and calipers off a friend for twenty dollars, and the pads are new. Everything works, I just have to fit them on and replace all the lines with steel-braided. Anyone know where I can get some?5. SR20DET Swap - I plan to just swap the Engine, Transmission, and ECU to start with. What exactly does one HAVE to do in order to swap it out? I.e. Will I need a new clutch, radiator, etc. etc. because I want to do this right.

Let me know what you all think, and I promise I'll post a pic once I have it painted. I just cannot STAND sunbleached red. Ugh. Thanks for the warm welcome, I can already tell most everyone here rocks. With a rockin' car like the 240, how couldn't they?

Edit: Also, how do I know if I have LSD? I'm mechanically inclined but until recently my domain was computers, not cars, so please forgive the extreme nubiness.

Post by **Onizuka** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:15 pm

for SR20 info i suggest reading the SR20det forum we have here on nico

read, read, read.

-matt

Website · Post by **TurboKA37** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:15 pm

brake lines: http://www.pdm-racing.com/prod....html

Post by **PalmerWMD** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:15 pm

gema wrote:1. Paint = Nordic Mist Metallic Clearcoat.2. Suspension - Lower, Tighter, Better. Mine has some fading parts anyhow.3. HID Conversion - I wrecked a car driving at night due to poor visibility...this is a security blanket more than anything else. Anyways, blue headlights are HOT.4. 300zx Brake Conversion - All four. I actually bought four 300zx brakes, rotors, and calipers off a friend for twenty dollars, and the pads are new. Everything works, I just have to fit them on and replace all the lines with steel-braided. Anyone know where I can get some?5. SR20DET Swap - I plan to just swap the Engine, Transmission, and ECU to start with. What exactly does one HAVE to do in order to swap it out? I.e. Will I need a new clutch, radiator, etc. etc. because I want to do this right.With a rockin' car like the 240, how couldn't they?Edit: Also, how do I know if I have LSD? I'm mechanically inclined but until recently my domain was computers, not cars, so please forgive the extreme nubiness.

1) Good choice.2) http://www.southwestautoworks.com/http: ... m/Product/ tell them you are a NICO memebr for a discount.3)Not cheap if done well, but I can see teh attraction.4)WOW Good Deal!!! You can likley get the steel braided brake lines from Stillen (also a sponsor) and check the otehr links I gave above too.5)CHeck the SR20DET RWD forum for that you can find them on our forums home page.6) Give your VIN to a dealer they should be able to tell, if your car came with this option.

Fred...

Post by **gema** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:15 pm

You guys are all super-helpful, I mean it. I love this place already. So let's say in a week I'll have $1000 to spend on my car. Suggestions? Links for purchases, too. Of course I won't be paying a DIME in labor. Also, try as I have, I cannot locate any brake lines for a 240sx - 300zx conversion for the rear brakes. I can find front lines, but no rear. Help, please? I feel sorta like I'm asking too many questions...once I get around to doing any mods I'll be sure to post a very detailed how-to with tons of pics as a "thanks for the warm welcome." Seeing as there are no Internet Jello Molds.

Post by **ride4lame** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:15 pm

Make sure to use the search button in the top corner, it will become your best friend. There are two different types of lines for front and rear. Alot of people don't swap out the rears because the rear wheels dont have as much stoppping power, so that is why the lines don't come in 4's i would imagine. Anyway, search, 300zx to 240 brake conversions are widely discussed.

Post by **AREITU** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:15 pm

http://www.pdm-racing.com/products/brakesz32.html

They probably sell brake lines too. You might want to check out their entire website, since they offer a lot of useful things.

Just got an S13 :D

Just got an S13 :D

lol

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