Wanting to buy broken 240sx! What?

[dcraine]

Okay guys long time forum follower, always been interested in 240's and finally finished my daily driver (383 C10 Stroker). So its now the time, I have already researched, planned, and researched ten times again on what I want but I have a question. I am wanting to buy a s14 with a ka24de, my plan is to do Ka-T but do it right from the start. Shooting for 250-300 rwhp RELIABLE AS HELL. Last me for 100,000 miles realiable. Isis/Isr kit, upgraded turbo, Forged Pistons (Wiseco), Forged Rods/Stock Rods shot peened, Arp Hardwear, Clevite Bearings Cometic Head Gasket, Walbro 255, Injectors and Enthalpy Tune. My question is, I am looking to buy a 240 for cheaper that has motor issues, blown headgasket, bad pump, ext.. So I can pull the block out and do the forged internals in it after getting it to the machine shop. But are ALL blown/bad/f&#cked up engines rebuildable like this? Or will I have issues that will make the block non buildable so to say. Obviously a cracked or hole in the block is no good, but I have found a couple with pumps that have gone bad or a cylinder with low compression for cheap. Can I not just buy one of these messed up ka24 240's cheap and do the forged rebuild instead of paying grands more for a good running ka24? Any help would be appreciated, I know this was a long post but ive gotten some awesome information for this forum and I know knowledge is here.

[dcraine]

Hey what's up guys I'm looking to buy a 240 with a blown ka24de and rebuild it for boost using forged pistons, Rod's, Arp hard wear ext.. but is any "blown engine" rebuidable?.
Obviously like a hole in the block isn't but what about blown head gasket, compression down in one cylinder kind of stuff? Can it be fixed with machine work and internals?

[SoundEfx]

Everything is possible and your point is one of them.
So yes, you can find a 240 with a blown engine for cheap and rebuild it. But the issue is that a person who caused the engine to be destroyed like that, might have not kept up with maintenance. So in the long run, be prepared to do alot more work on the car than just an engine rebuild.

Another option is to get just a shell and look on ebay or craigslist for an old KA and rebuild that. That way you might be able to save a little more because buying the shell and engine separately, should be cheap. Like $1500 ($1200 shell with $300 blown engine ) cheap, but that depends on where you live.

[centralcoaster33]

Your concern about getting a non working engine that is non rebuildable is legitimate. I think if you get a non working engine, you want to know why it's not working and what caused it to become not working. I'd wager most can be rebuilt, with just a handful having catastrauphic failure making them no good anymore. Part of quality rebuild is inspection and blueprinting, so you're gonna have to get personal with whatever engine you're working on. If it's no good, just get another block, they are kind of affordable for now.

A shell is just a shell, it's missing a lot more than an engine. A rolling shell adds wheels, suspension and maybe steering and brakes, but is still missing a lot more than an engine. At least this is my understanding. When I see shells on Craigslist, they are often cut up and partially tubbed or tubed or whatever project they thought they were going to do and never finished. So they're kind of mutilated around here. Any car you buy that doesn't run will require some sort of towing, flatbed rental or whatever and that can be a considerable cost if you don't have one to borrow for free.

I think you should shop for a cheap, running 240sx, even if barely running. Or, you could shop for a "mechanics special" 240sx that doesn't run and tow it home and get to work on the engine.

SoundEfx brings up a good point as well. There's a lot to be done on a 240sx beyond the engine so budget accordingly. 275 horses want good wheels, suspension and brakes to keep them connected to the road.

[cstyle]

Still looking for a 240SX? I own a 95 S14 that's in running condition with front end damage (from hitting a deer). I'm looking into repairing or selling in as-is condition.

[centralcoaster33]

Yeah, I have the same, front end damaged '95. I hit a mountain though. Just like a deer, the sucker came out of nowhere! High miles engine and manual, but all runs strong. Where's yours cstyle?

[cstyle]

I have 238,000 miles, manual transmission & mostly stock parts on mine & am located in Northern ALabama. What mountain did you hit?

[centralcoaster33]

One of the Santa Cruz mountains, along highway 9... too fast for the conditions, my fault entirely. I'm in the process of procuring my replacement. Looks like a '97 this time around. I'll know by next week.

Man, you almost hit 240k, which I always think is a cool number to hit with a 240sx. Sorry to hear. Good luck with moving forward. Hopefully there's a good Nissan around for your next one. Those Z's are sure coming down in price. Saw a clean 2005 for just about $7 grand.

[cstyle]

I have 238,000 miles, manual transmission & mostly stock parts on mine & am located in Northern ALabama. What mountain did you hit?

[cstyle]

I may have found a hood & bumper assembly from a salvage yard...and may fix it. We shall see if I actually get a response from that junkyard.