Struggling Silvia...what should I do?

[240sxNINJA]

It's a long story. If you don't wanna read, skip down to the numbers below.

Alright, So my '89 S13 KA24E blew a rod through the block, and I went out and bought the DE from a '98. Problem is, the wiring harness didn't come with it. So here I am now for the last two days driving to junkyards and calling every shop in Los Angeles and the cities in the area to find it...not very fun. Needless to say, no success yet.

Nissan says they can send me one for $750...but since I only payed $200 for my engine and transmission combined (incredible deal) with only 93,000 on them I don't really wanna pay 4x as much for this damned wiring harness. I've got a connection up north that might call me 2morrow with any luck, but we'll see what happens...

Anyways, I've read up on everything on the 240's and I'm pretty "in the know" as far as the ups and downs of the S13 and S14 models. Unfortunatly, however, the only one I've ever driven has been my own, so here's what I'm trying to decide:

1.) I think I can sell the KA24DE for $800-900 if I'm lucky (w/o the wiring harness)

2.) Use the money from the DE to buy an SR20DET or RB20DET for the old S13

3.) Sell the engine and the shell for as much as I can (I'm guessing not much more than $1600 if I'm REALLY lucky since it's not running) and buy an S14

OR

4.) Wait for the wiring harness, put the DE in and sell it for $3100 and buy an S14 (I've got more cash in the bank but the extra $3100 would definitly help)

My major dillema is that I don't know first hand how the S14 would hold up against the S13. I know what they should, in theory, both do... but like I said, I havn't pushed the S14, nor have I driven an S13 with an RB20 or SR20....god will someone PLZ help me decide...

[NISMO_RB25]

no one can decide this for you. My suggestion would be SR20 in the S13. Cheap, easy and it gets you a 200hp turbo car.

[Wulfgang]

1.) I think I can sell the KA24DE for $800-900 if I'm lucky (w/o the wiring harness)

Only to an idiot. There are plenty of KA24DE's around with far less than 90k miles going for under or around $500, including the wiring harness and transmission.

2.) Use the money from the DE to buy an SR20DET or RB20DET for the old S13

money from DE + lots and lots more cash

4.) Wait for the wiring harness, put the DE in and sell it for $3100 and buy an S14 (I've got more cash in the bank but the extra $3100 would definitly help)

This is probably the best way to get your money out of your car, although it will take patience.

I had an '89 (with a swapped in KA24DE) and now have an S14 (with RB20DET). In my opinion, the first 240sx models were the best and are still the best if they are in good condition. They just feel sportier. Stiffer, more solid handling, lighter, etc., plus the hatchback has more room. Don't get me wrong, I have an S14 now and love it, but it's more of a plush car than the S13 was. The doors are heavier, it does not feel as stiff, and the handling feels a bit less precise.

Having had both, I prefered driving the S13 (comparing KAs to KAs, not talking about my RB20). But the looks of the S14 grow on you, and I now much prefer the curbside appeal of my S14.

[Andrew85cm]

I am running a RB20 but in this case if you just want a driving car I would definately go the SR20 route cause that will be your easiest swap and with minimal work and money involved. You won't have to buy too much to swap that in. You can get a red top for not much money. I am partial to RBs but it's your decision. If youre against a wall get the SR. That sucks about the wiring harness though I am sure someone on here probably has one.~ANDREW~

[Nameless EJ6]

what wulfgang said.

[mmatl16]

ya if money is a problem u need to get a redtop. rb20 is going to be affordable to get but to get it up and running RIGHT its going to cost a lot more than any sr

[NISMO_RB25]

I sold my KA with 120K on it for $100 with transmission. I was just glad to get it out of my driveway

[Joe]

II think I can sell the KA24DE for $800-900 if I'm lucky (w/o the wiring harness)

are you high?

[240sxNINJA]

Thanks for everyone's input. I ended up selling the KA24DE for 700 to someone with a blown '98, and just so happened to badly need mine.

Bought a black top SR20DET and now I'm putting it in. I should be ready to go by tuesday.

Now the question of where to get it "smogged" Wish me luck guys. Thanks again.

[NISMO_RB25]

Thanks for everyone's input. I ended up selling the KA24DE for 700 to someone with a blown '98, and just so happened to badly need mine.

Bought a black top SR20DET and now I'm putting it in. I should be ready to go by tuesday.

Now the question of where to get it "smogged" Wish me luck guys. Thanks again.

Glad to see things worked out. Good luck with your swap.

[accel junky]

Thanks for everyone's input. I ended up selling the KA24DE for 700 to someone with a blown '98, and just so happened to badly need mine.

Bought a black top SR20DET and now I'm putting it in. I should be ready to go by tuesday.

Now the question of where to get it "smogged" Wish me luck guys. Thanks again.

Wow! That was fast!

[Wulfgang]

Yeah, you really are a 240sx ninja. Sneaky and quick with your two-toed ninja boots.... you took that guy for $700 before he even heard you walk up.