Questions....

[Ambivalent]

Hey there.

Thanks to all for the warm welcome!

As some already know, I am new and just bought my 240 last week I drove several others before I bought my new baby but lamentabley have only been able to drive it a few times due to crapy weather... : ( stupid snow.... I love the 240, bone stock it drives amazing, plus its style power, and the interior....wow....I cant wait till I mod it..... I m already putting on my steering wheel muffler and shift knob from my Celica.....but I want to do MORE!! NOW!! but lack of $$ will make me learn patience..... stupid lottery corporation for not picking my numbers.....anyway...

I am still suffering from the post-purchase lemon paranoia and every little rattle or little thing that happens makes me worry.This is also the first rear-wheel drive car I have driven and I know it will handle and behave the same a front wheel..sooo If I may, I would like to ask a few questions about the 240 and rear wheel drive in general. Forgive me if it gets too long.....

First: Concerns..

Is is normal for the car to shake when you start the engine?

(I know the KA has a lot of torque and power, thats one thing I love about it)

Is is normal for the steering wheel to vibrate? While stopped and while driving, its not excesive, but its there.....also there is a loud rattle from somewhere when I'am at full throttle.....

Does anyone else have problems with the passanger door not closing after opening it a while after you wash it?, the latch does not click... its below freezing now so I know this is the cause, I just want to see if this is problematic with the 240...

Second: RD vs FD

Can you corner the same or as fast in a RD car as in a FD?

I love cornering, not drifting,(not yet anyway) especailly drifting into a light post or oncoming traffic.... I had a good setup in the Celica so its not really fair to compare.... but I ve spun out twice in the 240, and I m a little apprehensive..

I know the 240 has close to 50/50 weight distribution so it should handle beutifully...there are Pirelli's on it now also... I m going to take some driving lessons I think.....

anyway, I appreciate any advice or help.

Cheers to all

J

[[s3]]

1) No the car shouldn't shake. (155HP/160LB ft of hp/torque is respectable)

2) Steering wheel vibrations are common, since many rubber bushings die with time.

3) Doors not closing is not common. Probably just something with the cold.

4) RWD and FWD are much different as you tend to oversteer more on RWD. With FWD its more understeer. You can corner as fast as your suspension allows.

By all means, don't do anything stupid or attempt drifting on public roads. Its dangerous for you and other people.

[karay240]

I'm not exactly sure as to how much the car shakes when you start it, but it COULD be your engine mounts. That's what's wrong with my car, and whenever I get time, I'm putting my nismo mounts in.

Where is the rattling comming from during full throttle?

I don't have a problem with the passenger door, but the driver's side door needs to be "persuaded" to completely shut.

The 240 is a great handling car, but like any other rear wheel drive car, can get a little loose in back. The driving style required is different than that of a FF car.

One thing that will make it handle a LOT better is to get a LSD. If you're seriously into performance and handling, I'd recommend getting a mechanical (like KAAZ). If you're on a tight budget, though, you can get the VLSD from other nissans (like the 240SX SE <not all models>, NA 300ZX, and infinity J30). Even with the VLSD, you will notice a HUGE difference in grip.

[Ambivalent]

thanks for the input guys.

I was afraid it may be the engine mounts..... every other 240 that I test drove started the same way though...... How much are engine mounts and how difficult to replace?

As for the VSLD I may be wrong but dosent the automatic trans or with ABS come with it? (yes mine is auto...) In the US is the top model 240 called the SE? (i think i read that somewhere) here in Canada its LE......

I m not sure where the rattle is coming from exactly, somewhere in the dash I think.... its hard to tell, I ll have to get someone to drive while I listen...

I figured the driving of a RWD would be different...... I guess I ll just have to get use to it......I love the car...

s3]Quote »By all means, don't do anything stupid or attempt drifting on public roads. Its dangerous for you and other people[/quote]

Just for the record, poor choice of words on my part, I wasnt trying to drift, nor do I want to, I like my car to stay glued to the road. I was making a left hand turn at the intersection and when I gave it gas the back end swung out..........I have a couple bags of Kitty litter in the trunk, so that may have made it worse right?I saw another thread talking about winter driving...

anyway, thanks very much again Karay240 and S3..

CheersJ

[creophus]

I hope that kitty litter is to soak up oil/chemical spills. I hate cats! But any way. RWD is better IMHO than FWD because of the power delivery. You must learn to drive it though or you will crash into something. Once you can drive it, it will handle and perform well and you'll enjoy it alot. What are your plans for the car? Turbo, bolt-ons, engine swap?

[Ambivalent]

THanks Creophus I appreciate the encouragement,honestly I ve been wondering if I may have bought the wrong car, but I agree, I think once I get use to it I'll enjoy it....

I saw the pics of your car, very nice !! It is the same color, you didnt like it at first? That was the color I wanted.... its different and its a beautiful shade IMHO.

Anyway, my plans for it are as follows:

(following to be done this weekend)

Issotta Nivola DSX steering wheel (from my old car)Aluminum pedal covers (old car)Black and chrome Levoc Shifter ( its auto...)JVC CD/cassette deck (from old car)TintMagnaflow dual tip muffler( from old car)Compustar Alarm/starter

Future:(hopefully in the summer for most)Clear side markersRims ( Im thinking black or gunmetal)Cat-back or full exhaust with black chrome mufflerHeaderIntakeCoilovers/shocksStrut barInteliglow needle kit97 side skirts (kept black, I ll also replace the front lip) Drilled/slotted rotors.Chipsomething with the headlights......black chrome plating of interior trim pieces..etc etc....???

Cant wait....

cheers

[creophus]

Thanks for the compliments on the car man. Yeah the color was terrible to me at first. I've gotten tons of compliments on it though, so I won't paint over it. My SR swap will be done in about a week or two. I believe in go before show. It will still look stock somewhat, but will hopefully run 13s. Maybe not that fast, but I hope so!

[Tweaky_Tom]

CREOPHUS GOES HARD!

[creophus]

Well I'm trying to complete the project. I think this will be a great car that will look nice and perform well. The S14 blacktop should get the job done nicely. I want it very streetable (AC/PS/cruise, reverse lights & reliable enough to be daily driven). I hate compromise. I want it all without having to sacrifice anything.