project.

[lee.]

I just got the new project car last weekend. Stats as follows. 1989 Nissan 240sx White coupe. 93,173 miles Base model. No power anything. Only options automatic transmission, rear defroster, air condition, tape deck. OEM/Dealer option/aftermarket luggage rack/side molding? Aftermarket power sunroof.













Car History:This car is from NJ and was brought up to Michigan by it's owner. The owner was a 30 year old women. This car was bought for her and maintained by her father. This was the car she took and used all through out college. She told me the car was seeing daily work trips after college and once she moved up to Michigan. The car is spotless except for some minor body work needed. The car is accident free with just parking lot usuals for it's age.

Project Plans:Create a daily driven drift car with a usdm style. Seeing fully built non JDM conversion/style 240's are a very rare/unique sight. 5 Speed Swap Supercharged KA24DE 2 way l.s.d. Fully built suspension Stitch/Spot welding chassis Full Interior with air condition Upgrade factory stereo unit/speakers Seatbelt conversion Reclineable sport seats Remove sunroof/side molding/luggage rack Unique paint scheme Thats what I am currently thinking of, I'll have many more things to add to the list in time. I will be making a buying list and have it posted soon, so watch the classifieds. Any ideas/input or constructive criticism is welcomed.

[Shift_Oversteer]

Good to see another Michigander Niconaught! Enjoy the build man, my car was once a $400 beater with 220k on it!!!

[hybrid_flyer]

looks like I am not the only one workin on a blown ka motor. Are you planning on a centrifigual or roots style? Also how do you plan on cooling it?

[lee.]

Roots all the way! Centrifigual lack low end compared to roots/twin screw. Twin Screw lacks top end due to their flat upper power curve. Doing an ebay search on supercharger can put a big smile on your face. Mustang Cobra units can be had for around 200-300 bucks. The choice of used roots type chargers is huge, so finding out some size dimensions would be a good start. I plan on using a air to air intercooler with a water spraying system. We both know roots type chargers are notorious for high intake temperature. I was thinking of using a front V mount for my rad/intercooler, would need to use Altima fans to prevent overheating in daily use. I also thought of doing a remote install for the radiator under the back bumper of the car. Mount it on like a 32.5% degree angle, fab up some under body panels and direct air over and under the radiator. Not to sure how the cooling efficiency would be and I have to look at the use of an added pump for the coolant flow. The exhaust would more than likely be side mounted to prevent and kind of heat getting to the return pipe of the radiator. I'll be going to work on the car today so I'll take a look under the back and do some measurements to see what is possible.

My current budget allows me 2k at this time. Any ideas? Currently thinking of 5 speed swap, stereo head unit/speaker, seatbelt conversion, and rest into suspension.
Modified by lee. at 9:14 AM 10/1/2005

[lee.]

Kenwood Head Unitcost: Freebiehttp://www.bestbuy.com/site/ol...22610

Pioneer 4x6 Frontscost: $44.99http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm...il.do

Pioneer 6.5 Rearscost: $44.99http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm...il.do

Forgot to take install pics, I'll take one of the head unit this weekend. It's a really nice piece, just not my style. Can't really complain since it was free.Sounds are amazing, no further plans to add on here. I'm not into big booming sound systems although I use to do installs for all my friends and custom box enclosures.

Took a trip to Advanced Auto Parts and pick up the following:Seafoam5 QT's of Castrol 10-30W Synthetic4 Champion Spark plugsOil filter [not fram]Air filter [not fram]Total was $49.80

I used the entire bottle of Seafoam in the oil. Checked the levels and let the car idle for 15 minutes. Drained the pan then changed the filter and put 4 QT's of the Castrol in. Let the car idle for a few then rev'ed it till all the white smoke stopped. The results from Seafoam are amazing, all the noise from the head is gone. The car is so quite you can't tell is running while seated, sounds brand new. I didn't have time to take it for a test drive, I'll let you know if I see a difference in performance.

Current budget atm: $1750

Going to get plates and tags for the car this week, already insured. To get custom plates or not? I'm thinking for the next upgrade would be a 5 Speed Swap. Any ideas on plates or upgrades?

[97ka-t]

If youre keeping the engine and such stock- do the swap. Then supercharge

[TOPSECRT88]

Nice to see someone holding on to the KA. With only around 90K miles, i think it would be a sin to toss it.

Good luck!

[lee.]

I need to make a choice about what engine to supercharge. I'm leaning towards the DE for the 4 extra valves and cam choices. This would allow me to build the engine while keeping the car in a running order. The stock E would be something very unique but I'm thinking in terms of flow that it would be lower compared to the DE head. Unless I can think of something to make me stay with stock E, I'm gonna do the build on a DE and swap in when ready. So right now the next upgrade seems to be the 5 Speed Swap. Now to think of something to put on the L plate. hmmm...

[grimple1]

luggage rack for the win!

[574-240sx]

That car looks like my 89 coupe other than luggage rack and sunroof.