The Nissan 240SX was a rear-wheel drive front engine (FR Layout) coupe built and sold from 1989 to 1998 in the United States designed to replace the rear-wheel drive 200SX.
The car was well known for its snappy, precise handling, good chassis balance, and legendary Nissan reliability but were plagued with underpowered engines and low production numbers.
Two distinct generations were marketed and sold in the United States; the S13 from 1989 to 1994 and the S14 from 1995 to 1998. American versions of the 240SX came with a 2.4 liter KA-series naturally-aspirated engine producing approximately 140-155hp at the crank.
1989-1994 “S13”:
This generation of the 240SX was sold in the United States from 1989 to 1994, and were separated into two distinct “sub-generations” - the Zenki and the Chuki.
Models made from 1989 to 1990 were called the Zenki (lit. Preceding Period). Two models of the Zenki were sold, the coupe (XE) and fastback (SE). The coupe is based on the Japanese version of the 240SX, the Silvia while the fastback is based on the Japanese 180SX. The only major difference between the United States Zenki coupe and the Japanese 240SX were the retractable headlamps. American regulations did not allow Nissan to directly carry over the Japanese 240SX headlamp arrangement. The American models were powered by a 140hp KA24E engine which had 3 valves per cylinder, carried a 2.4 liter displacement, and was single over-head cam (SOHC). Four wheel disc brakes were standard all around, with ABS offered as an option on the SE fastback model. Both models also had the option of a 4-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual transmission. The XE coupes also had a digital Heads-Up Display option.
Models made from 1991 to 1994 were called the Chuki (lit. Middle Period). Four models of the Chuki were sold, the coupe (XE), the hatchback (LE), the fastback (SE), and the convertible. Basic body design remained the same; the LE hatchback added leather interior. The powerplant was replaced with the KA24DE, which had dual-overhead cams with 4 valves per cylinder producing 155hp. Several options were made available to the SE model, including a viscous limited-slip differential and Nissan’s all-wheel steering system called HICAS. The convertible model was added in 1992 and was exclusive to the American market. The only transmission option for the convertible was the 4-speed automatic transmission.
1995-1998 “S14”:
This generation of the 240SX was sold in the United States from 1995 to 1998, and were separated into two distinct “sub-generations” - the Zenki and the Kouki.
Models made from 1995 to 1996 were called the Zenki as well. The body shape was redesigned from the S13 to produce a longer and more flowing look. The convertible and hatchback lines were dropped, and only the coupe design stuck. The new design had a longer wheelbase by 2 inches, was about 20 pounds heaver, did not have the flip-up headlights, and benefited from the addition of dual air bags. The base model Zenki had 15-inch 4-lug wheels, softer suspension, and no rear sway-bar. The SE model had 5-lug 16-inch alloy wheels, a stiffer suspension, and a rear sway bar. Additional options available to the SE model included a viscous limited-slip differential and ABS. Mechanically, the S13 and the S14 are virtually identical.
Models made from 1997 to 1998 were called the Kouki (lit. Latter Period) and a host of minor changes to the body style and design were made. Mechanically, the car was identical to the S14 Zenki. The front of the car was redesigned with a more aggressive look, with projector lights, new hood, bumper, and fenders. Side-skirts were made standard, and the taillight was also redesigned to look darker and more aggressive. An LE edition designed for luxury was also added to the line which included leather seats, keyless entry and alarm, and a cd-player. This sub-generation marked the end of the American 240SX. Japanese versions continued into 2002 with the production of the S15.
Reliability:
Generally all American 240SX’s were very reliable. Rust remains a major concern for any vehicle, not just the 240SX. Major areas to look for when purchasing a used 240SX are the rear wheel-well, under the driver’s and passenger’s doors, and the front wheel-wells. The muffler or exhaust system may have rusted through and require replacement.
Take the car out for a drive if possible. Pay careful attention to the sounds the engine makes. The engine is an iron-block inline 4 with forged internals and is generally extremely reliable. However, because of its long stroke, the engine is more susceptible to damage from over-revving it. The engine should sound smooth and deliver its power up to around 5500RPM, at which point the power will diminish slowly to the redline of 6200RPM. If there are any ticking or clicking noises, check the timing chain. Many KA24 engines wear away at the timing chain guides which are made of plastic. If they are worn, you can either remove them entirely or replace them. If the engine has problems, KA24E or KA24DE replacement engines are very easy to find.
In the S13, the digital heads-up display often malfunctions or does not work at all. Most people choose to remove the unit entirely, citing it as more trouble than its worth.
Modifications:
The 240SX has a large growing community of modders behind it. Almost anything in the car can be swapped for its Japanese counterpart, including the engine, climate control system, transmission, gauge cluster, and rear differential.
A popular modification is to replace the underpowered KA24 series engine with a Japanese SR20DET engine from a Japanese 240SX, known as the Silvia. The SR20DET comes with approximately 210hp and later models introduced variable valve timing. While the engine is swapped, the transmission also must be swapped to the SR20DET transmission. 1989-1998 Japanese Silvia’s have 5-speed transmissions, while 1999-2002 Silvia’s have 6-speed transmissions.
Another popular modification is to turbocharge the stock KA24-series engine. A custom or pre-fabricated turbo kit adds as much as 70hp to the engine and extends the power band well past 5500RPM all the way to redline. Because the engine is built with an iron block and forged internals, and has a long stroke, careful tuning of a turbocharged KA24 engine can produce a very powerful torque monster in excess of 250hp and 280ft-lbs of torque.
Far into the extreme modifications include swapping the stock engine out for the Nissan Skyline engine (RB20DET, RB25DET, RB26DETT). The RB series is an inline 6 cylinder turbocharged engine from 2 liters to 2.6 liters. This series of engines is legendary for their indestructible construction and ability to handle in excess of 500hp. However, choosing this route can be very expensive and require extensive modification of the engine bay. However, companies such as McKinny make engine mounts that ease the installation of these monster engines into the 240SX engine bay.
Another option is to install the 180SX engine, the high-revving CA18 series into the 240SX. With a displacement of 1.8 liters and a short-stroke design, this engine can make in excess of 300hp and can rev well into 8000RPM.
Less extreme modifications include installing an improved intake and exhaust system. Allowing the engine to breathe easier makes it produce slightly more horsepower (around 5-10 more hp). The Japanese digital climate control system will also install into the car with some minor wiring changes.
Popular with the drifting crowd, suspension upgrades do more than improve the handling of the car. Lowering the car a reasonable amount removes unsightly wheel gap in the front and rear wheels. Installing stiffer springs and harder shocks makes the 240SX handle much “tighter” and more responsive to steering input.
Additional Information:
Number exported sorted by year - including convertibles:
1989 - 68118
1990 - 60582
1991 - 34534
1992 - 27033
1993 - 21471
1994 - 1391
1995 - 25114
1996 - 7334
1997 - 3655
1998 - 2178
Exact Number exported from ASC sorted by year - convertibles only:
1992 - 2327
1993 - 4602
1994 - 1391
Total…8320
Hope you enjoyed some lowdown on our pride and joys. I know most of you already knew all of this. And I had to put a picture of mine in there:)
