Reasons to avoid 92 240 coupe?

[slipnfall]

Hi there, A neighbor of mine has a 92 240sx coupe with 120k(5spd) and a blown motor in need of some TLC. Said the timing went and took some things with it...bottom line he wants it gone, quick. Nice, has the working HUD and all. Been searching for a 240 to trick out, and he only wants $200. Prolly get it for less - needs windshield & clutch mainly, minor body work.

I am wondering why I don't see many enthusiast sites centered around the 92 erra(or the coupe for that matter). I know I'll catch some flames for saying so, but I think the coupe has a more stealthy stance than the fastback. Besides perhaps being a bit looser in handling, what makes the 92 less apealing? This is my _main_ worry - that I'll work to get this rebuilt and encounter nothing but issues well known in the Nissan community.

Now comes the million dollar question - I would like your comments/recomendations on a replacement engine based on my intended usage. I simply do not have the money to invest as much as I'd like on this beautiful platform; therefor I am concentrating on handling, daily drivability, reliability, and of course styling. It goes without saying I want some power in the end also. I would like to stay away from importing an engine. Just seems like too much a hassle. What are your thoughts on the domestic engines? I would like to initially put around 4-5k into getting it road-worthy. This will barely get SR engine with all the appropriate necessities. Will can I expect with this sort of budget? At least new engine, clutch, suspension, exhaust? How much have you spent getting your daily 240 'up to speed'? Your honest thoughts are welcome.Respectfully,-Jamie

[TurboKA37]

well i have a 95 240 but i see nothing wrong with the 92s i like them alot. and i think for $200 that is steal. i d go with a KA24DE which shouldnt be that hard to find for around $500 with everyone swapping to SRs. new clutch:200-300 get some eibach springs for 200 some KYBs for 375, exhaust will run u about 400-500. that leaves u with plenty of money to spend on possibly a 300zx brake upgrade, more suspension such as strut tower bars and possibly some rims with nice tires. for 5k u could put the parts i said in there and still a have alota money left for improving the car's condition and other little parts. good luck if u decide to buy

[JESTER]

The engines (ka24de) are pretty cheap. Try http://www.car-parts.comThey have the best listing for salvage yards from everywhere.You should be able to find the engine for a few hundred dollars.

The 92 is considered an S13. S13 ran from 89 to 94, and then the S14 from 95 to 98. The S13 came in coupe, hatchback, and convertible. Most people find the hatch more sporty than the coupe.

The KA24DE is a very capable engine. There are plenty of people making good power on turbo charged KA's. Do a few searches on specific areas of the car, and you will have more info than I am able give you.

[slipnfall]

Thanks for the fast replies - this must be a very active forum! It's 3pm EST so give me a day or so to absorb the info and form a worthy response. I do indeed plan to buy this, so long as my dad 'll lend me his garage for about a year. ;-)

[TurboKA37]

where in central PA do u live? i live in west chester county

[TurboKA37]

o and yes these forums are veryactive compared to others. i usually dont go to bed till 5 am

[krazy skwerel]

Coupe pride! 200 dollars is increadible. If I had that chance it would already be in my drive way, and its a coupe. Nothing against the hatch but I prefer the coupe as I make very well known.

[TurboKA37]

woohoo coupes!!!!!!!!

[TomsMR2]

I am wondering why I don't see many enthusiast sites centered around the 92 erra(or the coupe for that matter).

89-93 models are called "s13". theres ALOT of sites for this exact car. its quite popular, and many sites are centered around it.Quote » Besides perhaps being a bit looser in handling, what makes the 92 less apealing? [/quote] the 91/92/93's are the most appealing years.. 89/90 is the least appealing year, because it got a slightly weaker engine. the coupe looks like a normal family type car, i think thats why most people opt for hatches. Quote » This is my _main_ worry - that I'll work to get this rebuilt and encounter nothing but issues well known in the Nissan community.[/quote] slap an engine in, and the car will run perfectly fine.. im not sure where you got your info, but the 91-93 cars are great.. definately not at a disadvantage. Quote » I would like to stay away from importing an engine. Just seems like too much a hassle. [/quote] thing is, you wont have to personally import the engine. companies buy a whole crapload of cars from japan and ship them over... all you have to do is call them up, and it'll be shipped to you.Quote » What are your thoughts on the domestic engines? I would like to initially put around 4-5k into getting it road-worthy. This will barely get SR engine with all the appropriate necessities.[/quote] 4-5K will get you a BEAST of a 240! a SR20det 2.0L turbo swap will cost you about $2500 max, assuming you can install it yourself.. the factory KA24DE motor can be replaced for about $700.. tack on another $300 for a mild rebuild just to ensure reliability.Quote » Will can I expect with this sort of budget? At least new engine, clutch, suspension, exhaust? [/quote]you've got a sizeable budget man... expect alot. ill break it down, so you can put it in perspective.. (conservative prices)

new engine: $700 mild rebuild on engine: $300clutch kit: $200suspension: for a decent street setup.. shocks: $400 springs: $200exhaust: go custom, $300 for something really nicethats just $1800 for a car that handles great, and has a new reliable engine.. i gave very conservative prices for everything too.. chances are you could knock a few hundred dollars off if you shopped around. this is assuming you install everything yourself.. if you gotta pay labor, tack on another $1500

so $1800 doing it yourself, or about $3300 to have a shop install everything. so with your budget, youve got some cash to drop into performance or paint, or body work, or beer! you've got a great platform, and your budget is right on target to create a great car.

[MrFox]

You ask for reason to avoid, so heres a potential problem:

Did you just say windshield and HUD in the same sentence? You might mess your pants when you find out the price for one of those HUD windshields new. Either find one from a junkyard, or use a normal windshield and a little piece of window tint for the display.

[krazy skwerel]

HAHAHA Piss on HUD I swapped mine out for analog. Although it is a neat option I felt it was more trouble than it was worth.

[biggie]

Love mine (I have a '92 coupe) and $200 is insane. If nothing else buy it to part it out, you could make a lot of money on it. I also prefer the coupe look over the hatch, but like both. GET THAT CAR.

[slipnfall]

Hi there, Thanks again for the replies. It seems there is a strong following for working with the domestic KA engine. Say I get a swap for 6-700. What are some major rebuild items which will support future expansion? Quite honestly I'm more a digihead than a wrench turner when it comes to cars. Just off the top of my head I can think of a good valve job, rings, slightly larger injectors, cam(?), reinforced cyl's and gaskets, intake / exhaust manifolds. What is the minimum that one should have done to the KA to support a small elec. turbo?

Also, I swung by the car just today and seen the rear driver-side window is smashed out. Are these any harder to replace than say a windshield?

I plan to return tonight after work to get a good look on the interior and under the car/hood. Can you give me some specefics to look for that may set me back? A friend owns a 89 FB and has had battles with rust - should I direct my attention to any specefic areas on this 92 coupe? AFAIK, this car has been sitting for almost a year with the side window out the entire time. This car is bone stock BTW.

Thanks,-Jamie

[slipnfall]

Just took a peek at the FAQ at 240sx.org - looks terribly expensive, more involved than I'd like for this ride. Now a supercharger seems do-able with some basics engine mods. Same question in previous post, 'cept for supercharger.

BTW I'm located on the PA/MD border(central). Anyone in this area - can you point me to some good local(PA/MD) resources(tuning shops, etc).

Regards,-Jamie

[xyster]

I have a 92 coupe, and I love it. It feels slightly more nimble than my friend's similarly modded 93 hatch. The coupes are slightly lighter, and have a slightly stiffer chassis, from what I've heard. The hatches also seem to have rust issues around the spoilers on the SE models...at least my 2 friend's hatches do. As for the coupe looking like a normal "family car", I suppose there's some truth in that when they're stock...but that's very easy to change. Mine looks much more sporty and aggressive with just SE alloys, droopy-eyes, a slight drop, cross-drilled silver rotors, and exhaust as the only externally visible mods. An oe wing and oe front lip off the earlier hatches will make it look even better. Oh, and modified coupes are also a lot rarer than hatches.

[cnichols]

My honest thoughts....don't buy it....LET ME!! If you don't, I'll be there in a heartbeat to pick it up.

Seriously, good luck finding a better deal.....I say go CA and use the spare money for wheels, suspension, and anything that really needs to be replaced.

[TomsMR2]

Just took a peek at the FAQ at 240sx.org - looks terribly expensive, more involved than I'd like for this ride. Now a supercharger seems do-able with some basics engine mods.

a supercharger would be ALOT more expensive and more difficult than a turbocharger would be..

[Jookmasta]

get the car, end of discussion

[gibbo80]

First forget the supercharger, not gonna happen search and you will realize this.

If this car looks good i would put the stock ka24de engine in it and then just do basic bolt ons. 240s are known to be fun stock and with all bolt on its would be quick. Srs arnt the newest engines and alot have problems and i doubt you would want to spend any more cash after swap to fix it.

Tomsmr2: 89 and 90 for everyone i have ever talked in person to are more apealing to them. On here there seams to be a very strong E following. The fronts on 89 90s look better in alot of peoples opinion. I think the engine is stonger myself to. Coupes are just as apealing for most. Hatches tend to look to much like ford probes and coupes alot of times resemble r32 skylines. Everyone like a skyline

[slipnfall]

Called in a roll-back yesterday evening - the 240's makin' itself comfortable on the side of my garage! Up on blocks and covered... school's starting back up and it'll have to wait untill next summer 'till I get mulla to put into it. I'm glad you all convinced me to pick this beast up! Between now and when I get an engine will give me plenty of time to gut it and get everything all cleaned up.

I discovered some other problems also - first is that the dash has a huge crack from the windshield to the top of the gauge cluster. I hear this is a common problem when they are not properly taken care of. Next is the dash lights are out - from what I read elsewhere this is linked to the HUD. Electrical issues shouldn't pose much a problem, but will most likely swap a dash so long as I can find one. What similar years/models are usable as direct replacements?

The rear window that was smashed out left quite a bit of water enter the back seat/floor. Carpet will most likely be rippd out. I'm hoping that this hasn't caused any critical corrosion inside the fender-well(sat about a year) or to electricals. I got the chance to look in the trunk - water in the spare tire well...ARGH! I'd like to think this is linked to the window - didn't see any signs on water entry on the trunk lid/spoiler.

The story on the motor is a bit sketchy - owner said he had a timing belt, water pump, and new cams installed at a local mom 'n pops. Shortly after car lost all power and filled the cabin with smoke through the vents. Had it towed, dropped it, been there ever since.

Thanks again for all the informative replies - this is a forum I will surely keep up with.-Jamie

PS - I'll just ask again if anyone knows of any good garages in the PA area(anywhere) who do quality work on Nissan engines.