Suspension,Exhaust,Gauges,Spark Plug...A Cornicopia of Questions.....

[P0W3RTR1PP]

I have a 91 240sx hatchback. It has a few problems which I plan on remediating within the next couple of weeks. The problem is...I am no expert, although I do know my way around the basics....a mechanic would just love to rip a big wad of cash from me if he could...

The most critical problem is the suspension. Specifically the front right. It is noisy and gives little protection against rough bumps for the passenger. It is just aweful....I was wondering first of all, what exactly is going on here? Shocks/Struts both? And secondly, whats a reasonable price for getting that fixed, and do both sides need to be replaced?

The Exhaust. I believe there is a leak somewhere. I often smell exhaust which I believe is coming up through the shifter's opening...and the loud roar under the car probably gives it away too...I was considering just replacing the whole exhaust with something more performance oriented, but I am afraid order it online...then it not fit, ect. I want my money's worth.

My RPM gaude does not work...the rest of them do, spare the fuel gauge which is off because of a buoy-or something. Is that easily fixed?

Oh and the spark plug spoof....My dad installed some new plugs for me, except that he wasn't able to free the 3rd plug. Apparently a rubber peice is lodged down there....So I've been driving it -with 3 new plugs and one old one that I'm not sure is even working....Can I get that out somehow?..or should I just pony up the dough and suck up the embarrassment to a mechanic...hehe..

Thats about the sum of my problems....not getting into rusting spoiler things....or headlights popping up occasionally when I put on a turn signal.-hehe

Any advice appreciated!!!

[Juujai]

i can't answer the first one without seeing it for myself. exhaust though. order any catback echaust made for the s13/180sx/89-93 240sx and you should be fine.cost is around 450-600 for a made in japan stainless one. you can support nico by buying a brm one.

spark plugs... wth? stick that socket back in there and force it out? oh yeah make sure to torque it to spec. i can't remember the number on top of my head something like 14-22lbs and make sure they're gapped correctly

[naed240sx]

As far as the suspension goes... It could be numerous things. Was the car modiefied in any way when you bought it? Performance springs often ride very harsh. Exhaust leak? yeah I had the same problem with my car. It is probabaly not coming up through the shifter hole, because the shifter has 3 boots around it(one mainly aesthetic, 2 rubber that seal over the transmission.) For the stuck plug, yeah you need to get that out. Try harder or take it in. As far as for an aftermarket exhaust, they should all fit, as long as they are for your car, and made by any respectable company. If you are keeping your ka motor, and not planning on turboing it, most people would say to go with a 2.5" system, for a good balance of performance, sound. 3" will give you the most horsepower gains. In either case, you will want to make sure that you get a resonator installed in the system to keep it from being overly loud. BRM is an excellent choice, as is megan racing If you are looking for something cheap. Mandrel bends are important. RPM gauge could be a number of things. If you are confident, check the wiring yourself, if not, you might have to take it in. Since you have just gotten the car, make sure to do a tuneup, including new o2 sensor, fuel filters, oil change, transmission fluid change etc. All will help your car run better and more reliably. Good luck and welcome to NICO!

[Ni2s4s0aSnX]

I'd like to help more, but that is just too many questions for me. First off, the suspension, it's just old, if you stil have the stock suspension on there. Shocks and struts may need to be replaced, as well as the springs. And yes, if you replace one side of the front suspension, you will probably want to replace the other side as well. I don't know if you are looking to go performance with your suspension, so I'm not going to add which brand I recomend. And if you take it into a shop to get it fixed, it isn't going to be cheap. Next, the exhaust. You shouldn't have any problem ordering an aftermarket exhaust off of the internet. If you buy an exhaust for the 240sx with the KA24DE, it is designed specifically for that chasis and engine, and bolts right up to where the old exhaust was. The tachometer (RPM Gauge) problem could be a number of things. It could be as simple as a loose cable, or a number of other things. That is probably something you'll will want to take into the shop to get fixed. Fuel gauge, I have never had a problem with mine, so I can't really help you with that. Finally, your spark plug problem. Trie using a torque wrench if you have one to get the plug out.

[MakiGTP]

buy new exhaust....buy new springs...buy volt meter....buy impact gun....buy lots of beer

[P0W3RTR1PP]

Thanks Guys....meh car is fallin apart on me.