I have been looking at 240sx's, and was wondering what the main mechanical differences are between the two bodystyles. I don't care about cosmetic stuff, just wondering if one year is more reliable than another year.

Also are there any good nissan shops in the area (San Jose)?

Thanks

 

I own a 240SX, what would you like to know? There are two main body styles, the S13 and the S14. The S13 had flip up headlights.

As far as reliability, they all have the same motor, the KA24DE from 91+. The 89-90 had a KA24E which has less power and is a single cam instead of the twin cam on the 91+. Avoid cars with moonroof/sunroofs because they are prone to leak on older cars unless properly maintained. I would say, the newer, the better. The stock motors are known to last very long - pushing 200K+ when driven normally.

 

Well I have one. 92 SE fastback. You can pm for more details on this car.

Hey zk, are you on zilvia.net?

 

I just sold my 90 240sx for $900.

It had 154k miles and still running strong. they are tanks.

 

damn for $900 really. That's pretty good if everything was running good and had no overheating problems with the headgasket or radiator.

btw british banger, what do you mean by nissan shops? For mods or repairs?

 

Thanks for the responses

As far as shops, I would need one for repairs. The only mods that I would end up doing would be suspension or brakes.

What things should I look out for when buying one? Any common problems? I remember the usual like changing the water pump and timing belt.

Any suggestions on where to look for them for sale? It seems like a lot of the ones in autotrader are auto's

 

When I put my 240sx for sale on craigslist I had 20 emails within 30mins, I kid you not. and ALL of them where "I have cash, I can come over right now"

I sold it to the first person that responded.

It was crazy. Easiest car I have EVER sold in my life.

Guess they are hot or something now, driftNationBic.

 

I am currently looking at one of these as well (the S14 body style). Want to swap in a SR20DET then convert the front to an S15 style.

Been reading a lot of info on these cars over the web (mostly at zilvia.net, which I see Drew there =D)

 

Lol, well that means it's going to be a PITA for me to buy one

Yea they are popular, but I have no aspirations to be a spiky hair drifter boi doo.

 

well 89-90 S13s typically have radiator, o2, and headgasket problems unless they were replaced. Those are the most common problems. But most 240s need tuneups usually right after you buy them as this seems to be somewhat common when they are bought or sold. I can do mods for you if you need and some repairs. So far, I had to replace the clutch, maf, fuel filter, spark plugs, tires, and of course oil and oil filter. I removed the timing chain guides, put a K&N intake kit(carb legal), and removed the PAIR valves that connects to the exhaust manifold (didn't have to but I did :-D ).
I bought mine off craigslist for $2400. SE model with popup sunroof. The lowest model no has pwr win,pwr locks, cruise cont., pwr ant., no adj headrest. LE model has leather and VLSD (not alll).


As for looking for one:
www.zilvia.net
www.craigslist.org
www.freshalloy.com
www.club240.com

my valve cover

 

Yup, I am on zilvia as ZK...

I am in the process of selling my car so anyone interested in a super clean like-new condition almost stock low mile clean title garaged silver 91 SE coupe pwr everything and pwr glass moonroof, HUD, working AC with newly installed blacktop SR20DET let me know. 6K As-is with all parts and show condition 9K

PM me for details.

Unfortunately need to sell the toy for something more practical.
240SX is an awesome car and you get to show those Evo's what's up.

 

I'm on zilvia.net as "Takumi". I can't believe I have 3,000 posts on that board (or something like that). WTF! I can barely remember 10!

 

I own a 91 SE coupe with a silvia front end. I post on zilvia with the name staccatoaesop and 240sxforums.com with the same sn that I post on here.

If you want the least body flex, get one without a sunroof. They suck anyway.

 

Selling a 240sx before F&F3, you are missing out on massive dividends

 

Christian, unfortunately it would cost me more to hold onto it than sell it.