Question for the 240sx experts.

[VikingDescendent]

Sorry for length, this is my first post and im really excited about getting my "practical" dream car. I want to do this right, so after much much research over months i created an account here and am asking opions/advice and help. Im getting my first nissan 240sx. I like both the s13 and s14 model looks equally. I want to be able to take high speed track corners without drifting, then drift that same corner next lap. The balance and freedom of both worlds, not drifting and drifting as i please. Now my understanding is that the s14 has increased stability and traction over the s13, largely due to an upgraded suspension. And from what i hear the s13 is better for those heavy into drifting. This makes me feel the s14 is more suited to my style. I plan on buying either one, and starting off by installing new/upgraded adjustable coil overs, sway bars, all arms, tension rod, bushings. Followed by an sr20det/exhaust/clutch. Then lastly the tires/brakes.

My question is this.....Is it worth it to spend 2-3k extra and get the s14 over the s13, when im going to be upgrading all the suspension/stability anyways? Will there really be a difference? I can afford the s14, i just want to make sure that in the end, im not just throwing a few thousand out for no gain. Please be specific

Also, if i missed anything in my future mods list please specify.
(im not rich and will put maximum $10 000 into car after purchase, with $4000 to start after purchase. at a $2000 a year rate. It would take 3 year to complete) i I dont want to upgrade anything i dont have to. Id like to just do the sr20det swap, and keep it 100% stock, but i need the suspension for drifting. My estimate is around 5k for swap and 3-4k for suspension and arms etc..
Then i could have 1-2k left as extra cash in case of unexpected problems/maintenance/labour etc...

This will be my daily driver/track car. Any and all help appreciated. Thank you for your time

[mechanicalmoron]

My best answer is, determine which one you can retrofit a cup holder into more easily, and get that one.

Seriously.

Suspensions are pretty similar, s14 subframes can be put in s13's, I think, though they have slightly different larger parts, to keep the geometry right. They share some other parts. s14 is newer, and will have less wear on rubber parts and stuff. s13 usually looks way cooler, s14 is generally bigger and roomier, and has a longer wheelbase and wider stance. It also looks like something toyota would make, unless it's kouki. s13 is OBD1 (so are some s14), and requires more work to put an OBDII engine or other junk in, but also has one cat and probably generally less emissions rules. There's no cat check o2 senser, and so there's nothing to check that it's not gutted or removed, as long as everything looks right. In other words, less emissions checks means less fake emissions gear you need. But s13 does have a pair valve, that gets in the way and can jam open, requiring removal or cleaning.

I think s13 is drifted because it's cheaper because of it's age. Of course, there's a point where that will make it more expensive, especially after enough are drifted into solid objects. Most aftermarket stuff either works on both, or when you buy it you choose which version you want, s13 or s14.

I think that's it?

[breadbox]

First off, you don't need suspension or an LSD to drift an S-chassis. Its a pretty balanced car by design. Grip vs. drift really comes down too how you are going to drive the car. Obviously a person going for grip isn't gonna clutch kick and power through the corner or touch the e-brake for that matter.

Personally I'd recommend getting whatever car you feel more comfortable in. I like S13's my bigger friends love the S14 due to comfort. S14 is wider and has some beefier parts in some places. Both have pretty equal support in the aftermarket.

Then enjoy the car as it is. If you want to upgrade it yourself start by getting familiar with it, before dumping thousands into a car that you "might" enjoy. Start with general maintenance, bushing kit, and some nice fluids.

Find a motorset for a good price that's reasonably clean, buy a motorstand and a gasket kit and freshen up the motor, you can do the HG but not really necessary if you are keeping it stock for a while. Make sure oil pump is solid and the lower pan isn't dented.

Swap motor, and enjoy that while collecting the suspension setup that is right for you.

Just a thought.

[VikingDescendent]

Thanks for the info guys.
Im curious as to how much of a difference the longer wheel base of the s14 compares to the s13 on grip in corner?

.

[Hijacker]

Corner grip from the S14 is attributed to its wheelbase and reduced anti-squat. I've read quite a few reports of people who raced S13s and then swapped a s14 subframe into the rear without changing anything else. They say that the car handles so differently at the limit and it just hooks up much easier in the lower gears. The S13 subframe will have a tendency to lift the rear and it will break away and step out on you, but it's predictable when it happens that way.

[blkvrtswp]

How tall are you? I found the S14 unacceptable sunroof or not for me with a helmet on. I am only 6' 1" and my helmet was hitting the roof unless I reclined the seat so far back it was ghetto style. Beautiful purple 98 too but I had to sell it.

Also S14 has OBDII so that can make a difference if you are in a state like NY where OBDII has to plug in and talk to the DMV computers. Makes it real tough to pass state inspections with an SR.

[Jmoore124]

My personal take on the two chassis.
S14- better interior, much more finished and comfortable. Street/track build friendly.

S13- I would not own another 13 unless it was going to be a track only car. The interior is outdated to the point I don't feel comfortable in it without serious adjustments.

I think with as many mods as you are going to do, your decision should be around comfort and what you are designing the car for. OBD1 vs 2 should be something you investigate and consider when purchasing one as well. I prefer obd1, as its easier to get your hands on a consult program while staying away from computerized emissions testing. (if that is a concern.)

[SoCal-S13]

"I had a dream....I was able to take high speed track corners without drifting, then drift that same corner next lap.The balance and freedom of both worlds, not drifting and drifting as i please."

-Martin Luther King Jr. or OP

either way It was all a dream.

First off, you don't need suspension or an LSD to drift an S-chassis.

lol quit trolling

My personal take on the two chassis.
S14- better interior, much more finished and comfortable. Street/track build friendly.

S13- I would not own another 13 unless it was going to be a track only car. The interior is outdated to the point I don't feel comfortable in it without serious adjustments.

I think with as many mods as you are going to do, your decision should be around comfort and what you are designing the car for. OBD1 vs 2 should be something you investigate and consider when purchasing one as well. I prefer obd1, as its easier to get your hands on a consult program while staying away from computerized emissions testing. (if that is a concern.)

^imo this and Hijacker's info are the only accurate advice you have been given.

[simmode1]

First off, you don't need suspension or an LSD to drift an S-chassis.

lol quit trolling

He's not trolling. As long as the contact surface is damp/wet, it'll drift fine. Plus you can always weld the stock open diff.

I've owned both chassis and I definitely prefer S13. I think comparing them on the basis of performance is a waste of time since they are so similar and have so many interchangeable/upgradeable parts. I prefer the S13 because maintenance is easier, IMO. And that decision comes down to 2 simple factors:
-S13's OBD1 vs S14's OBDII
-Swapping out the fuel tank in the S13 versus the S14. The S14 is a F**king headache.

My S14's one redeeming quality over the S13? It has never fouled a spark plug like my hatch always seemed to love doing.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

lol quit trolling

Says the guy that contributed absolutely nothing to this thread.

[VikingDescendent]

"I had a dream....I was able to take high speed track corners without drifting, then drift that same corner next lap.The balance and freedom of both worlds, not drifting and drifting as i please."

-Martin Luther King Jr. or OP

either way It was all a dream.

^^

I found that funny and saddening. It tickled my funny bone while draining my hopes............

Ive gotten a lot of responses, and i thank all of you for your time and effort.
In reference to the point hijacker made, When the s14 reaches its limits, does it become unpredictable? Is the less stable but more predictable s13 a better bet? Again, im more focused on high speed grip corners then drift, but will still drift a bunch for fun.

[Eddiemac]

Its all about what car you like the most. Find one that isn't full of rust or bondo and start from there. Both models can perform equally with quality suspension modifications and a little refreshening. As for as the drift/ grip concern, its more driver skill and technique than what car you are driving. That, and buy good quality, sticky tires. Its always better to have grip and want to slide than to slide and wish you could get some grip.
My opinion- s14's are overpriced, s13's are rad, sporty but without the midlife crisis vibe.

[Hijacker]

"I had a dream....I was able to take high speed track corners without drifting, then drift that same corner next lap.The balance and freedom of both worlds, not drifting and drifting as i please."

-Martin Luther King Jr. or OP

either way It was all a dream.

^^

I found that funny and saddening. It tickled my funny bone while draining my hopes............

Ive gotten a lot of responses, and i thank all of you for your time and effort.
In reference to the point hijacker made, When the s14 reaches its limits, does it become unpredictable? Is the less stable but more predictable s13 a better bet? Again, im more focused on high speed grip corners then drift, but will still drift a bunch for fun.

I've never raced an S14. All I can tell you is that most people who have raced both say that the S14 has better grip in the corners at the limit. The S13 does just fine as well, but it is more prone to oversteer once its limit has been passed. It's just very predictable in the way it breaks loose.

[breadbox]

First off, you don't need suspension or an LSD to drift an S-chassis.

lol quit trolling

Ist was? <--- german for do you have a problem?

If you can't drift a stock 240sx stop now.