new job need new toy

A General Discussion forum for cars and other topics, and a great place to introduce yourself if you are new to NICO!
cnickk
Posts: 584
Joined: Fri Aug 15, 2003 7:12 am
Car: 1994 Infiniti J30t
2004 Infiniti G35 6mt

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I have recently started a new job that requires a bit of travel yada yada yada, but who cares . I had planes on maybe one day adding a turbo to my 94 j30t but its not easy or cost effective to squeeze more HP out of the j-car especially for a learning newbie like myslef. however it is a reliable car and its going to be my daily ride. This puts me needing a new toy to modify and to learn on. I need some professional advice on what (used) car to buy, and the best places to shop for it. I would like to start project silvia, but i need guidance on the whole project. I know that money is GOD when playing this game but im only going to spend a max of $3000.00 for the (used) car. {ie 240sx}. Maybe there are other cars i should look to buying/upgrading, but im new and would grealty appreciate input on this subject so that i may keep from making costly mistakes during my purchasing process. Arrrghh! i feel like this post is not getting my point accross clearly so if your reading this PLEASE HELP! I NEED A PROJECT !


JESTER
Posts: 3266
Joined: Thu Jul 25, 2002 5:08 am
Car: 2004 Chevy Colorado Bright a** Red 3.5 five cylinder

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Check AutoTrader.com for the car. Best place I can find.

Getting info on where to go witht eh projects depends on what car you get. For around 3000 you can get a decent car. Older but decent. 240sx, Sentra's, dare I say Honda Civic's, and maybe even a turbo DSM if your lucky. The non Nissan's shouldn't be ruled out.

The after market for the Honda's are sky's the limit. That is why so many people buy them. Even though I am not a fan of the Honda scene, the cars are still good.

Like the other thread floating around. The 2nd gen RX7's are also to be considered. There arent as much after market for them. But you could luck up and find a Turbo II for around $3000. Maybe, maybe not.

As far as the Nissan's go, If you decide to go this route, than every possible thing you could want to know is right here. You just have to decide on the car first.

P.S. I say go for the S13 240SX. Just my opinion.

cnickk
Posts: 584
Joined: Fri Aug 15, 2003 7:12 am
Car: 1994 Infiniti J30t
2004 Infiniti G35 6mt

Post

Thanks Jester. i too want the 240 and i can promise you i will not buy a honda! nothing against Honda im just a Nissan freak so im gonna stick with it. What are the best years to look for in the 240, and what options are a must when im shopping??

thanks Nick

JESTER
Posts: 3266
Joined: Thu Jul 25, 2002 5:08 am
Car: 2004 Chevy Colorado Bright a** Red 3.5 five cylinder

Post

Well the SE is the way to go. The 89 and 90 has single over head cam engines as opposed to the other years KA24E v/s KA24DE. s13 body style (hatch back, coupe, and convertibel) went from 89 to 94. Coupes are a little rarer than the hatch backs. 95 to 98 was the S14.

For what you are wanting to spend, it will be an S13 unless you luck up somewhere or perhapse go to an auto auction. Then an S14 may possibly be had for 3000. I like the S14 a little better, as far as body style.

91-93 is what I would be looking for. The SE is your top line model with all the extras. Some have super hicas, heads up dispaly, alloy wheels, lsd(or is it vlsd??).

The LSD is one of the things to look for deffinetly. Hicas is something you may want, or may not. It is harder to find. Some people like it that auto cross.

Oh yeah, the hatch backs have a problem with rust under the spoiler on the back. It just attracts moisture. Something to look out for.

There are a whole lot more people on here better versed with the in's and out's of the 240 than I. They will pop up later today, I am sure, and fill you in more on the 240, and correct any mistakes I have made. :)

SeVa-S13
Posts: 8478
Joined: Thu Jan 23, 2003 9:11 pm
Car: '05 GTO 6spd

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Jester got it pretty good for a quick overview. One note though: don't try holding out for the Special Editions (Super HICAS models, which came with 4WS, VLSD and ABS) as they are pretty rare. Also, is the 3 grand for just the car or the whole project altogether? If it's just the car, then a good running, low mileage condition S13 can be had, and with any luck you can turbo its stock engine with either a slight or no rebuild and have all sorts wheel-peeling fun. :)

Edit: If you do go S13, invest some money into suspension and its maintenance. 240's are decently quick for a stock car, but the true fun lies in having a solid suspension setup and good tires to take turns at speeds that most people associate with onramps. ;)

cnickk
Posts: 584
Joined: Fri Aug 15, 2003 7:12 am
Car: 1994 Infiniti J30t
2004 Infiniti G35 6mt

Post

the 3,000 is what i want to spend on the car. modifications or upgrades will be done little by little depending on my bonus every month.3k is not a set figure either i would just as much enjoy a 400.00 wrecked up 240 that i have to rebuild from the ground up. i will buy only the best upgrades for sure b/c im not in a rush and this is not a trend im trying to keep up with. i actually love jap cars regardless of the trends and Nissan has always been my fav. the dream is to sr20 it, and call her Silvia b/c 3 of my friends have tried but never completed...i live in S.C. so do i have a small advantage with emissions? b/c there are none here..no emissions standards or inspections. does this allow for further modifications or am i just dreaming again? ok im rambling on and on ..please post any thoughts on this matter all suggestions will be greatly appriciated guys...

JESTER
Posts: 3266
Joined: Thu Jul 25, 2002 5:08 am
Car: 2004 Chevy Colorado Bright a** Red 3.5 five cylinder

Post

It appears we are neighbors. I live up in NC around the Hickory area. Where you at in SC. I am down there every few weeks trying to steal your millions in the lottery because my backwards *** state is too stupid to get one.

And emmission is a big factor. For me, we just started all that stuff last year. 95 or lower body style because of it. It means the old back woods shop I go to can no longer inspect my truck, because it is too new. But when I get my car, it will be old enough so I can take it back to my guy, that doesnt give a flip if there is a cat on it or an illegal engine (sr20det).

P.S. check over in the cars and trucks for sale section. They have some great cars for sale. There are like two or three already with SR20DET's in them. Prices are darn good too. I am plotting on one or two of them. Seeing if I can swing the cash. ;)

cnickk
Posts: 584
Joined: Fri Aug 15, 2003 7:12 am
Car: 1994 Infiniti J30t
2004 Infiniti G35 6mt

Post

im in columbia. the lottery sucks b/c i have to wait on people when i buy gas...but whatever. i wish i could buy the r32 i saw in japan for only 6k US...


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