Need help buying S13

[unfortunatepenguin]

Hey guys/gals,I'm new to the forums, and I'm not a Nissan or Infiniti owner, I've wanted an S13 for quite a while (since I was a kid) and I've been looking online, in the classifieds, and the Auto & RV publication. I've found TONs of them, but I don't have any experience working on cars, and I definetly don't have the money to pay a mechanic for everything I want to do to this car.

So this is my question, with such a wide selection of these cars what would you suggest I look for, I keep on thinking an already modified car would be great, I wouldn't have to invest as much time, energy, and money modifying it. But on the other hand it would be much easier for me to gain experience on a stock car where everything is where it is supposed to be. Not to mention when I think modified car, I think someone must have really liked that car but obviously wanted to push it a little bit harder, and I definatly know that you can only push so much before it is too much.

So help me out, I've been reading some of these posts for weeks now you all seem very knowledgeable about what goes into the cars, and how they're set up.

On a side note, I'm interested in a turbo'd system and I like the extra displacement of the KA, and from the rods, pistons, etc. that I have seen for the KA some reduce the compression, assuming you added displacement but took away compression how would that affect the HP and TQ.

Anyway, thankyou in advance, and hopefully I too will be able to enjoy this car that so many of you do.

Traeger

[574-240sx]

I know of some 240 for sale local if you are intrested. Never met anyone into 240s that lives in Granger.

[unfortunatepenguin]

LOL, I just read your post on the body diagram and noticed you lived in granger, I used to live in Waterford Green (knollwood) with my parents, but I recently moved into a nice new apartment in Mishawaka. But yes I love 240's and there are a few 240 lovers in the granger, mishawaka and actually theres a beuatiful old Datsun at my apartment complex I drive by it every day and drool.

But anyways it looks like you've put a good amount of work into your car, what do you say about my predicament, whats been your experience modifying your car so far, and do you wish you had done anything differently?

By the way I've got a post in the regional section, if you know anyone else in the area point them over there, cause I'm almost certain that I couldn't do this alone (not to mention I don't even know how to drive a manual)

Thanks for your reply and if you come into the granger 7-11 friday or saturday from 9pm- 6am free slurpee (and that goes to anyone else that responds although if you live far away it would probably be cheaper to just buy a slurpee at your local 7-11 )

Oo yeah and the local 240, I'd definatly be interested, location, condition, etc. if you have any more info.

[574-240sx]

I have a 89 coupe for sale. My friend in niles has a 93 hatch for sale. I know most of the 240 people in the area. there are only about 2 people on the board from our area. 2fizzle and Teddy are their user names. Email me or my AIM is DKGRN97Max. I will probably be working on my new car this weekend if you want to stop by and check my coupe out.

[Ni2s4s0aSnX]

When you're looking for a Nissan, or any car, you just need to look untill you find what you want. They're really isn't much to look for, but you'll probably want one that runs. Look for probably a 91'-94' with not much more than 100,000 miles on it. There's two different models, the coupe and the hatchback. Here are some pictures of each.Coupe:http://240sx.cubicdesign.com/http://aut ... .4.jpgThen, as you probably already know there are the two different engines, the 89-90 have the KA24E(and a slightly different front end) and the 91-94 have the KA24DE(15 more horsepower than the KA24E). Then there are alot of different motors that are commonly swapped in(SR20DET, RB20DET, CA18DET, RB25DET, RB26DETT) The SR20DET has a few different engines. The S14 Black Top engine has 220H.P. and 203lb. ft. of torque. Then there's the S13 Red Top engine that had 205h.p. and 203 lb. ft. of torque. The S13 Black Top motor has the same specs as the S13 Red Top engine. Then there's the S15 Black Top motor that had 250h.p. and 203lb. ft. of torque. The RB20DET has 215h.p. and 185lb. ft. of torque.(6cyl. 2.0l 24v.) Then the RB25DET has 250h.p. and 220lb. ft. of torque. Then finally the RB26DETT has 276h.p. and 271lb. feet of torque. Here are some Pics and Specs for all of them:RB26DETT:http://jspecauto.com/catalog_p...id=52R ... R20DET:S13 Red Top:http://jspecauto.com/catalog_p...id=37S15 Black Top:http://jspecauto.com/catalog_p...d=243S14 Black Top:http:http://jspecauto.com/catalog_p...d=134But, like with any other car, you can buy one that's already modified and everything if that's what you want. But it's not something I would do. If you buy someone else's creation, it's not yours, it's not always what you want. Like me, I want to be the one to modify my car, noone else, not any shop or garage, me. Because I put what I want on the car and then I can stand back and say that I created it, and can be proud of it.

Modified by Ni2s4s0aSnX at 11:18 AM 9/29/2005
Modified by Ni2s4s0aSnX at 10:57 AM 9/30/2005

[SHIFTNiZmo]

Hi there, I'm in the process of looking at an s13 myself (actually I have one in mind already so no need to worry about competition).

I'm not too familiar with this particular car, but the adivce that I can give you is that typically, you don't want to buy an already modified car.

Sometimes the mods are not exactly what you want, and modded cars are typically driven really hard, and have had a hard life.

Yes it's true that if you do pure mathematics, the already modified car is more inexpesive initially, but if you take into account the fact that it's probably been driven hard and various parts may have to be replaced as a result of that, then buying a stock car, doing the mods, may come out even in the end.

I hope this helped, more than confused.

Good luck.

[skydragoness]

^ Wise words.

Unless you are fortunate enough to find someone who's a mature adult and has lots of service records and knows what the hell they are doing.

BTW, i like your screename. Penguins rule.

[unfortunatepenguin]

I'm not too familiar with this particular car, but the adivce that I can give you is that typically, you don't want to buy an already modified car.

Sometimes the mods are not exactly what you want, and modded cars are typically driven really hard, and have had a hard life.

I totally agree SHIFTNiZmo, a few buddies of mine have bought even just lightly modified cars, a few boltons and maybe a body kit, and from the way they had previously been driven they havent lasted very long (which is why one is currently waiting for a new front clip and the other one is waiting for a new SR)

Skydragoness, penguins rock my socks also. Thats what I'd like to find a 240 that has been taken care of, tends to be older people who really make sure there investment in a car last's as long as possible.

Thanks to everyone who has helped me out, as of now I believe I should be looking for a 240, 91-94, hopefully an SE, no rust, no mods, and a low mileage on the clock.

Traeger

[574-240sx]

I will keep my eye out. The last few 240s I have bought have been autos and almost perfect. I like to convert autos to manual. Seems like autos don't see much abuse.

[unfortunatepenguin]

thats a good point nick, it makes sense since autos generally are a little slower and dont have as many options as far as drifting goes, how hard is an auto to manual conversion, and how much would it cost. Thanks for the idea.

[574-240sx]

I have an auto to manual swap sitting in my garage. It should take a day max. I got my last one done in about 6 hours. I have done 4 auto to manual swaps now. 2 on my personal cars. Also autos have no speed cut.

[unfortunatepenguin]

How would you go about changing from Auto to Manual, my best guess is drop the Auto out, and then plop a manual right up there, would you have to cut up the center dash for a shifter, meh, if you've got one in the garage I'd love to see it and hear an explanation as to how it works and any placement, or other problems I could run into, I'll probably give you a call tommorrow depending on what time my GF gets out of work (Granger Tobacco Shop) Thanks.

Traeger

[skydragoness]

Skydragoness, penguins rock my socks also. Thats what I'd like to find a 240 that has been taken care of, tends to be older people who really make sure there investment in a car last's as long as possible.

Ha! I thought i was the only one that still uses the term "rocks my socks" I took a peek at your profile.. you have a old Volvo? Would you happen to be a Volvo conisseur? Because a friend and i were discussing about how cool it would be to roll around in a early 90's 760 turbo sedan and put a blow-off valve on it. I'm wondering if they'll make a reliable daily driver and if parts are easily accessible/cheap.