New Kid on the Block

[Creamed]

Wuts up, my names Nate, im from syracuse/central NY area, and im in the US Army, Ive been researching on the site for a while now but never joined. I currently do not hav a 240 because im deployed right now to guantonamo bay. Ive had a z31 300zx minor mods and a (dont laugh) VW jetta with few more mods. I'm wanting somthin new and ive always liked nissan after my 300.

so my plan is buying a s13 and doing a rb25det swap keeping the motor pretty stock at first. im pretty sure ive read every article on the web about the swap. so no questions now but im sure i will when i start it in the summer when im home for good.

But right now my question is what do i look for when buying a 240sx whats the most common problems. excluding motor and trans. and i got the tools and know how to do the swap so no worries there.

Thnx for the help so far.

[Razi]

Welcome to Nico!!
Post pictures of your cars!

[themadscientist]

Are you the sensitive one or the badboy?



[TRL squealy girl voice]likeohmygoditotallywanttowelcomethenewguytotheforum[/TRL squealy girl voice]

[Creamed]

lol i like to think the bad boy but most would say the nice guy and i dont have access to any of my old car pictures right now

[Encryptshun]

What to look for when buying a 240sx:

(1) Always check out the owner first. Don't buy the car from an idiot, because chances are that idiot ratted up the car. If you can find one unmolested, pay a little more for that.

(2) Rust, rust rust. Check the framerails, floorpans, strut towers, rockers, inner fenders and around the taillights. If it's a hatch, check the hatch. If it had a spoiler, check where the spoiler bolted through the deck lid. Also check weatherstripping all over, especially if it has a sunroof.

(3) Even if you're going to swap out the motor and trans anywyay, get one with a clean and working drivetrain. KA24s are actually worth something in the second-hand market now, so you'll be able to sell them when you do the swap, plus you should get used to driving the car with the original drivetrain in it before you swap it out, IMHO. Ask if it's a HICAS car, and if it is, check to see if the system works. HICAS on the s13 240sx was temperamental and heavy at best, so give priority to any car that doesn't have it.

(4) If interior matters at all to you, check for cracks in the dash, working electricals (pop-ups, dash lights, climate control, power windows/locks if applicable) and working power shoulder belts.

(5) Suspension & brakes. Check for excessive wear or bending (ie make sure previous owner didn't curb-check while street drifting).

Taking note of all this stuff will give you a better idea what you're in for in terms of maintenance too. We usually recommend a full detail and maintenance check for any car that age -- plugs, wires, radiator flush, hoses, belts, brake pads/rotors, swap the fluid and bleed the lines, auto transmission flush if auto, check and bleed clutch if manual, replace the battery if it's more than 3 years old and of course change the oil. If you're going to keep the stock KA for a while, you'll likely want to remove the timing chain guides, as they rattle.

Welcome to NiCO!

[IBCoupe]

Are you the sensitive one or the badboy?



[TRL squealy girl voice]likeohmygoditotallywanttowelcomethenewguytotheforum[/TRL squealy girl voice]

This is what I thought of, first:

[Encryptshun]

^ wow, the barenaked ladies have really let themselves go.

[Creamed]

Thnx for the info encryptshun