NEW MEMBER 240SX fanatic (Requesting Guide-Lines)

[Poll Element]

Hello everyone one, I'm quite new to this forum. I came across this forum by searching for a User Manual on Google.

Mini Bio:
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Name: (We'll just stick to "Poll")
Age: 22 (basically 19)
Occupation: Junior Militant
First Car: (Still working on it, we city boys enjoy the buses and train)
Gender: Male
Home State: New York
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Well I'm in the process of buy my first car and I have my heart set on the 240SX, to be precise a 240SX SE. I've been combing through craigslist day in and out under New York's CARS& TRUCKS for a decent priced 240, Luckly I've found a hand full. I recall someone posting key points/ guide when buying your first car. Always check Kelly's Blue Book value on your desired vehicle and so on.

I've done my homework and now I'm seeking guidance. I've manage to find a few 240sx within my $1200.00 cap and below budget. Like a child I'm eager to jump the gun, So I was hoping if anyone had any Key Points that I should take into consideration before buying a vehicle with no *Automotive Experience/Knowledge*?

As a junior to the warm Marine Corps. family I've decided to select my poison quick, devoting my free-time learn more about upgrading my potential 240 and college. So if there is any wisdom to be shared please send it my way.

[breadbox]

If you read all the articles then you should be on top of things.

welcome to NICOclub. Don't be in a hurry to get a s13, just keep looking and a nice one will come along. Before going to look at any car, make sure owner has a clean title IN HAND. Quite a few of use have driven great distances to get a clean S13 and it have no title.

[Morph]

For starters, i would bring a friend who is mechanically inclined. If you dont have one then:
Check the oil, ( see if it looks like oil or if there is another fluid in it.)
Check radiator( again just want to see radaitor fluid),
Start it see if it leaks or any "knocking" from the engine.( If you are not sure what this sounds like just youtube rod knock and it will give you a good refrence sound)
If its a hatch check for rust on the trunk lid under the spoiler.
Both hatch and coupe check the trunk for leaks/smell and rust in the spare tire well.
Check for rust on the underside.
Look under the car around the engine and look for shiny parts(usally means a leak from somewhere. ie steering rack for example.)
Compression test.
Also drive it take it on the highway and get it up to speed 70-75 or so and see how it feels.

[Poll Element]

Well I want to thank you both Morph and Breadbox, I've written an organized list on what to check. Seeing that I'm having my father inspect it I'll send him the paperwork. I've manage to download the 89_90_240sx Manual, hopefully it will help expand my knowledge on cars to some degree.

Breadbox, I agree with statement on waiting for the right one to come about, my only problem is that I will be deploying by Jan 4th. I've made plans to request *leave* during the turkey holidays to visit the family and obtain a vehicle to drive back and forth to work on base. Also I'm not fond of driving either of my parents cars in city with an attractive women in the car. Also I'm eager to get my own car (1st car//Life in the city only requires buses and train fares)
//-Off topic-//
KA24E and KA24DE (google the spec to the s13) are engine blocks? or accessories to the engine to assist the turbo?
//-On topic-//
This is a link to the craigslist ad on the 240SX. What is the basic price should I content with. My budget was about $750.00 simply cause KBB suggested it. By Nov 2nd I should have exactly $1200.00 saved up.

[If you have any suggestion or opinions please do share]

[Noxy]

Well I don't know if this is what you are asking, but KA24E and KA24DE are the engines that come in USDM S-chassis. KA24E (1989-1990 models) are single camshaft motors while KA24DE (1991-1998) are dual camshaft motors. No version of the 240sx came with a turbocharged motor in the US, so if you are thinking of boosting you'll need to import one (CA18DET, SR20DET, etc.).

I was able to get a decent S13 for $800, but it needed/ still needs a lot of work to get it back to good. The hatch that you linked to looks pretty good except for some little flaws; automatic for starters One piece of advice I have is check the frame for any excessive rust. The reason I decided to get my car was because the underbody was CLEAN, but it was an auto... Anyway, its up to you, but I'd say get it and join us. We're a good cult

[Poll Element]

@NOXY

Thanks for your input, So what type of engine should I be expecting with a 240sx stock?// Correct me if i'm wrong but "KA24DE/KA24E" are just accessories to a "CA18DET/SR20DET"? I'm assuming "CA18DET/SR20DET" are the engine blocks?

[speakeasy]

I'm a lurker who went out of lurking to tell you this. You need to do a little more reading before asking very basic questions like the ones you are asking.

ca-vs-ka-vs-sr-vs-rb-shut-up-and-read-t277463.html

[Noxy]

@NOXY

Thanks for your input, So what type of engine should I be expecting with a 240sx stock?// Correct me if i'm wrong but "KA24DE/KA24E" are just accessories to a "CA18DET/SR20DET"? I'm assuming "CA18DET/SR20DET" are the engine blocks?

If you were to get the 240sx you linked to it would come with a KA24E, which is the engine code.

"KA" is the engine series
"24" means its a 2.4L engine
"E" means it is Electronically Fuel injected

Most Nissan engine codes follow this format.

As for the KA24DE, SR20DET, and CA18DET. They are different engines that came in different models of the 240sx/180sx/Silvia in Japan that people usually swap in. Such as, I have a 1993 240sx that came stock with a KA24DE and I bought a CA18DET from japan to swap into it, because I didn't want to turbo the stock motor. Hope that helps...

EDIT: Yeah the article above is actually very helpful. I used it when I started.

[Poll Element]

Lol I did a bit research with the help of GOOGLE, so I figured it out lol um but your break down of
"KA" is the engine series
"24" means its a 2.4L engine
"E" means it is Electronically Fuel injected

yeah i didn't know. Download the 240's specs and stuff so i was able to learn somethings