240sx Owners- have some questions, need some real answers - TriStateTuners.com :: Home of Tristate Auto Enthusiast

marshallpre1 · 12-26-2008, 12:51 PM

I've been looking around at both 240sx's and Integra GSRs for my DD next spring. Car is going to be my DD and be used for autox and road racing. Basically, I want to become a better rwd driver before I start taking the Supra out to those events. I imagine the 240 is much cheaper to fix than the Sup if I break something. How realistic are my DD goals? Any of you drive it in the winter? What about electrical problems? I ask because I have heard of older nissans having bad electrical problems. Any advice on purchasing strategy, what to look for, avg pricing, etc is appreciated!

Thanks

EDIT: I only plan on bolt on mods with this car

twastheglow · 12-26-2008, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marshallpre1

I've been looking around at both 240sx's and Integra GSRs for my DD next spring. Car is going to be my DD and be used for autox and road racing. Basically, I want to become a better rwd driver before I start taking the Supra out to those events. I imagine the 240 is much cheaper to fix than the Sup if I break something. How realistic are my DD goals? Any of you drive it in the winter? What about electrical problems? I ask because I have heard of older nissans having bad electrical problems. Any advice on purchasing strategy, what to look for, avg pricing, etc is appreciated!

Thanks

This is honestly a little too broad of a question to answer specifics...but I'll try. LOL

They are definately way cheaper to fix and buy parts for than a Surpa to say the least. Parts are plentiful too. Especially from other 240 owners...a dime a dozen. As far as the winter, mine's parked all winter so I can't speak from experience with handling. But it is a light rwd vehicle...so. LOL I have a '93 coupe and have no had any electrical problems. But any car that's between 10 and 19 years old may have issues, mechanical or otherwise (electrical).

As far as a purchasing strategy, it's the same as with most cars...clean carfax (if you can help it), least amount of body rust, frame rust, strut tower rust, etc.

Any other specific questions?

IdriveBad · 12-26-2008, 01:12 PM

Your best bet honestly would be to go drive a few, and make your judgement from there. 240's are fun, and like Mike said, parts can be found easy, as well as working on them is pretty easy (for the most part). Hondas are also easy to work on and parts are plentiful. One thing you have to look out for with 240's is rust. Obviously. A little rust won't be too bad but it's getting hard to come across clean ones for sale. As for electrical problems, the only ones I have had are from PO's messing with the wires. My coupe is a virgin and there is nothing wrong electrically with it, and it's an 89. I drive my car all year round and as long as you know what you are doing you shouldn't have too much trouble in the snow/bad weather. Both cars are going to be great for what you are looking for, I think the integra will get much better gas mileage though. As stated before I think you should try and test drive a few and base your choice from that.

twastheglow · 12-26-2008, 02:10 PM

And also, if you're only looking to do bolt-ons, I would stick with a '91-'94 S13 since it came with the DOHC motor. '89/'90 came with a SOHC motor which is rated at a little less power. Also, S14 ('95-'98)generally cost a bit more to purchase. But that's all up to you.

96zenki · 12-26-2008, 02:23 PM

i have never really heard of any electrical problems with our cars...as far as dd'ing in the winter...well like most rwd car's not the best obviously. if i had a choice i would have a winter beater but since i don't i have a set of snow tires, lsd and a sub in the back for a little extra weight. 240's are extremely slide happy with a light rear end.
but this year i didn't bother

marshallpre1 · 12-26-2008, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twastheglow

And also, if you're only looking to do bolt-ons, I would stick with a '91-'94 S13 since it came with the DOHC motor. '89/'90 came with a SOHC motor which is rated at a little less power. Also, S14 ('95-'98)generally cost a bit more to purchase. But that's all up to you.

Thanks. I guess my main question is, is it a car that really only needs oil changes/basic maintenance? I don't want a car that has random issues all the time

marshallpre1 · 12-26-2008, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96zenki

i have never really heard of any electrical problems with our cars...as far as dd'ing in the winter...well like most rwd car's not the best obviously. if i had a choice i would have a winter beater but since i don't i have a set of snow tires, lsd and a sub in the back for a little extra weight. 240's are extremely slide happy with a light rear end.
but this year i didn't bother

I like your car

twastheglow · 12-26-2008, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marshallpre1

Thanks. I guess my main question is, is it a car that really only needs oil changes? I don't want a car that has random issues all the time

As far as I know, most people don't have issues with these cars/motors. The ONLY thing that I know is sometimes a problem are the timing chain guards. They sometimes break and create a rattling that really needs to be tended to. Other than that, nothing.

marshallpre1 · 12-26-2008, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twastheglow

As far as I know, most people don't have issues with these cars/motors. The ONLY thing that I know is sometimes a problem are the timing chain guards. They sometimes break and create a rattling that really needs to be tended to. Other than that, nothing.

That's what I like to hear. I joined Zilvia.net. Hopefully I learn a thing or two. My budget is kinda little. I don't think I can pick up a good one for <$5K. I don't even want mods LOL

twastheglow · 12-26-2008, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marshallpre1

I like your car

x2!!!

twastheglow · 12-26-2008, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marshallpre1

That's what I like to hear. I joined Zilvia.net. Hopefully I learn a thing or two. My budget is kinda little. I don't think I can pick up a good one for <$5K. I don't even want mods LOL

Also join nico! And you definately should be able to pick up a nice one for <$5k!

I have some pics in my profile of mine.

twastheglow · 12-26-2008, 02:42 PM

Here's also an EXCELLENT site...

http://www.240sxtech.com/

marshallpre1 · 12-26-2008, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twastheglow

Here's also an EXCELLENT site...

http://www.240sxtech.com/

WOW. Great site! Time to read and learn... Slow day at work

twastheglow · 12-26-2008, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marshallpre1

WOW. Great site! Time to learn and read... Slow day at work

Yeah, I figured you'd appreciate that site. lol A lot of people don't know about it.

IdriveBad · 12-26-2008, 02:56 PM

I think besides that timing chain rattle they can also be known for lifter tap. Just keep up on oil changes and that shouldn't be a problem.

OutToWinPAHC · 12-27-2008, 07:13 PM

Ka24s are known to get injector failure. When replacing don't use rebuild or oe knockoff, go to the dealer or upgrade. I've been down that road before. Yeah chain guides make noise, just remove. Other then that keep the motor happy, maintain it and it will treat you good.

Number 23 · 12-28-2008, 02:47 PM

On driving the car in the winter. Here a couple of weeks ago we got a couple of inches of snow and I was caught out in the storm in my 90 240sx. Tried to make it up a mountain with stop and go traffic got about half way up and had to turn around and go home a different way. Though my 240 has SR motor with full bolt ons and had BF goodrich T/A tires on. If you pan on getting a rwd car for DD, in the winter make sure you buy some snow tires or studded tires for it and put some weight in the rear.

Dr. Acula · 01-01-2009, 09:12 PM

I know a guy who is selling his s14 for 3000 dollars. It needed a mafs. I mean he fixed it and then ran smooth. Ka24de's are way more reliable engine wise for sure. So to save the hassle just get a nice running s14 or an s13 with a swapped engine ka-e engine make me unhappy. Haha and as far as electrical, my reverse lights don't work on my s13. Which I'm pretty sire is a switch attatched to the trans. Also randomly I've noticed s13s have windshield wiper issues. But nothing major other than that.

johnnyh523 · 01-05-2009, 05:51 PM

240's are fun to drive, but I had a couple close calls due to winter weather conditions.

Kouki Crisp · 01-16-2009, 12:53 AM

Buy an S14, and becareful with your right foot in the snow and you should be fine. Just dont try to pull any JDM tyte drifts and you should be fine.

12-26-2008, 12:51 PM	#1
marshallpre1 Tri-State Post Whore Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: NY Member #6445 My Ride: N/A iTrader: (1)	240sx Owners- have some questions, need some real answers I've been looking around at both 240sx's and Integra GSRs for my DD next spring. Car is going to be my DD and be used for autox and road racing. Basically, I want to become a better rwd driver before I start taking the Supra out to those events. I imagine the 240 is much cheaper to fix than the Sup if I break something. How realistic are my DD goals? Any of you drive it in the winter? What about electrical problems? I ask because I have heard of older nissans having bad electrical problems. Any advice on purchasing strategy, what to look for, avg pricing, etc is appreciated! Thanks EDIT: I only plan on bolt on mods with this car __________________ Jeremy 1997 Supra TT 6MT- PT67/Vipec/HKS/AEM/etc- fun street car 2004 G35 Coupe 6MT- Brembo pkg- daily/track days 1994 SC300 5MT- NA-T- PT61/AEM V1- future track car Last edited by marshallpre1; 12-26-2008 at 12:54 PM.

12-26-2008, 01:12 PM	#3
IdriveBad Tri-State Addict Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Toms River, NJ Member #7655 My Ride: S13's iTrader: (1)	Your best bet honestly would be to go drive a few, and make your judgement from there. 240's are fun, and like Mike said, parts can be found easy, as well as working on them is pretty easy (for the most part). Hondas are also easy to work on and parts are plentiful. One thing you have to look out for with 240's is rust. Obviously. A little rust won't be too bad but it's getting hard to come across clean ones for sale. As for electrical problems, the only ones I have had are from PO's messing with the wires. My coupe is a virgin and there is nothing wrong electrically with it, and it's an 89. I drive my car all year round and as long as you know what you are doing you shouldn't have too much trouble in the snow/bad weather. Both cars are going to be great for what you are looking for, I think the integra will get much better gas mileage though. As stated before I think you should try and test drive a few and base your choice from that. __________________ Original Member #1039 Join Date: 11-11-2005 IdriveBad is now back to...tr4c3! You can now contact me here: To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.

12-26-2008, 02:56 PM	#15
IdriveBad Tri-State Addict Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Toms River, NJ Member #7655 My Ride: S13's iTrader: (1)	I think besides that timing chain rattle they can also be known for lifter tap. Just keep up on oil changes and that shouldn't be a problem. __________________ Original Member #1039 Join Date: 11-11-2005 IdriveBad is now back to...tr4c3! You can now contact me here: To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.

12-28-2008, 02:47 PM	#17
Number 23 Tri-State Aficionado Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Mechanicsburg, Pa Member #8204 My Ride: 1973 Chevelle SS iTrader: (1)	On driving the car in the winter. Here a couple of weeks ago we got a couple of inches of snow and I was caught out in the storm in my 90 240sx. Tried to make it up a mountain with stop and go traffic got about half way up and had to turn around and go home a different way. Though my 240 has SR motor with full bolt ons and had BF goodrich T/A tires on. If you pan on getting a rwd car for DD, in the winter make sure you buy some snow tires or studded tires for it and put some weight in the rear. __________________ 2003 Corvette Z06 For Sale Tuned by Cartek Racing

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12-26-2008, 02:23 PM	#5
96zenki Tri-State Addict Join Date: Aug 2008 Member #8420 My Ride: 96 S14. 2000 gs400 blk/blk platinum iTrader: (0)	i have never really heard of any electrical problems with our cars...as far as dd'ing in the winter...well like most rwd car's not the best obviously. if i had a choice i would have a winter beater but since i don't i have a set of snow tires, lsd and a sub in the back for a little extra weight. 240's are extremely slide happy with a light rear end. but this year i didn't bother

12-27-2008, 07:13 PM	#16
OutToWinPAHC Tri-State Post Whore Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Tokelau Member #5081 My Ride: R33 GTS25T, RHD E46, Truck, part R32 GTR iTrader: (2)	Ka24s are known to get injector failure. When replacing don't use rebuild or oe knockoff, go to the dealer or upgrade. I've been down that road before. Yeah chain guides make noise, just remove. Other then that keep the motor happy, maintain it and it will treat you good.

01-01-2009, 09:12 PM	#18
Dr. Acula Noob-Jersey Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: killadelphia, Transylvania Member #10538 My Ride: 1990 s13 hatch iTrader: (0)	I know a guy who is selling his s14 for 3000 dollars. It needed a mafs. I mean he fixed it and then ran smooth. Ka24de's are way more reliable engine wise for sure. So to save the hassle just get a nice running s14 or an s13 with a swapped engine ka-e engine make me unhappy. Haha and as far as electrical, my reverse lights don't work on my s13. Which I'm pretty sire is a switch attatched to the trans. Also randomly I've noticed s13s have windshield wiper issues. But nothing major other than that.

01-05-2009, 05:51 PM	#19
johnnyh523 Tri-State Training Wheels Join Date: Jul 2008 Member #8271 iTrader: (0)	240's are fun to drive, but I had a couple close calls due to winter weather conditions.

01-16-2009, 12:53 AM	#20
Kouki Crisp Tri-State Training Wheels Join Date: Jan 2009 Member #10681 My Ride: 1998 240sx iTrader: (0)	Buy an S14, and becareful with your right foot in the snow and you should be fine. Just dont try to pull any JDM tyte drifts and you should be fine.