Want to restore my S14...but where do I start?

[homeofbacon]

Hello guys, this is my first post here. I bought a 1995 240 (kouki converted) about three months ago. Although it's not perfect for 21 years old, it's one of my dream cars, and I love it.
In its 21 years, it was in two accidents, and rebuilt both times. All that remains from them is a little frame damage in the front.
The stock KA is running strong, even though it's burning oil like crazy.

I want to make this thing look pretty, and go fast.

To make it pretty, all I have to do is fix the kouki front end fitment. I don't know what's causing it, but the hood and lights aren't flush with each other, and it creates this sort-of-kouki front end. I was thinking it could from the frame damage, or the hood pins. I was also thinking of taking it to a body shop and seeing what they say.

To make it fast, I would like to either boost the KA, or do a SR swap. I've heard KA-Ts are more reliable, but SR20s can produce more power, and their total prices are similar after installation, tuning, etc... What's the better option?

Here you can see the front end and the frame damage. Notice how the hood sits a little higher than it should. Just looking for any advice or suggestions. Thanks!

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Welcome to NICO!
I fixed your image links. I'm not sure where you got the links from, but you generally want to right click the image, and get the image address, then use that between your image tags. More often than not, the link will end in .jpg.

Anyway, onto the car... yeah it looks like your radiator support (and front end mounting points) is bent up something fierce. I'm guessing you could either replace it or maybe pound it out until everything fits a little better.

As far as engines, you've got your choice. I'm partial to KA's for their displacement and more low end torque. You'll want to get one and build it up outside the car, then swap it with the one you've got. If you suspect any wiring issues currently, you'll want to replace the harness when you've got the engine out. Check out www.wiringspecialties.com no matter what engine you decide to go with.

[skylinesecretsociety]

Got boobies ? (this is my first post) , add the hood to the mr gingergbread part list seem to be a good start

[centralcoaster33]

Two new, first time posts... Welcome to Nico Club guys!

Boobies and Gingerbread? That says quite a lot.

Congrats on the S14! I've got a '95 as well. When you say "restore" that triggers a lot in my head. A car restoration project is very in depth. Here's a fantastic example:
m-tr4nch-s-restoration-build-thread-56k ... 30340.html

Maybe you want to just get it presentable and running well? That is much more obtainable for the average person.

For engine builds and swaps, maybe wait a while. Be patient and see what becomes available to you. Some people just come up on a great deal every now and then for an RB or an SR or even a built KA. In that restoration link I shared, you'll see the guy goes through a few engines due to just finding cool deals.

[SoundEfx]

Carry it to a body shop and see what they say. But be prepared to spend lots of money because bringing a car back to life is NEVER cheap.