Should I Give Up?

[Kareem]

Yes I know that I'm new to these forums but don't judge me (well atleast not right away).

Since the beginning of this summer I have been trying to find a 91-93 240 and I haven't had much luck. Much of this is probably due to the fact that I want to 5spd and most of the ones that I've seen for sale here in Winnipeg, Canada are almost all automatics. Well, that or 89-90s.

Therefore my question is the following (and yes I did try using the search function): In terms of reliability and strength how do the KA24DE and KA24E compare?

Also, I am well aware of the power differences and that one is DOHC and the SOHC.

Any input would be appreciated. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

[Kareem]

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that yes I have have driven a couple 92's and so far the only thing about the car that I've found that I don't like is the Super HICAS (I drove one with and one without). Other then that, I was really impressed with the car all around. Especially the handling even though it's softer then the S13's in Japan or atleast I've been told so.

[BEISSEN]

It all depends on what yuo want it for are you planning a engine swap or not?If you are the 79-90 will suffice.Cus if you do the sr swap you can get a manual for your car that is no prob at all.if i amcorrect the only diff is like 15hp+torque and mileage.If you want you can always do a "de" swap as well.

[technochronic]

ain't nothin' sexier than an s13-ask anyone...

[Kareem]

I don't really plan on doing the sr swap. Well atleast not for a while, don't have that much money to spend plus I also am going to be driving this in the winter (yes I know that these can be a bitch to drive in the winter being light and rwd but I plan on putting sandbags or something to way down the rear and possibly some winter tires). I just wanted to know if the KA24DE is stronger/more realiable or something like that then the KA24E.

[bing]

i think what ur primary concern should be is the over all condition of the car.

a near mint sohc is gonna be better for you than a beat up dohc. yes there is a big power difference, but the sohc is still great for city driving and everyday use. 140hp is nothing to shake a stick at.

if you can find a 89-90 in great shape, i.e. no rust at all especially underneath, timing chain done relatively recently. and good brakes suspension etc. then you should pick it up.

you will end up saving a few hundred bucks just by buyign a sohc as opposed to a dohc. and a dohc in great shape with good mileage in 5spd is very difficult to find anywhere.

[Kareem]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">bing
i think what ur primary concern should be is the over all condition of the car.

a near mint sohc is gonna be better for you than a beat up dohc. yes there is a big power difference, but the sohc is still great for city driving and everyday use. 140hp is nothing to shake a stick at.

if you can find a 89-90 in great shape, i.e. no rust at all especially underneath, timing chain done relatively recently. and good brakes suspension etc. then you should pick it up.

you will end up saving a few hundred bucks just by buyign a sohc as opposed to a dohc. and a dohc in great shape with good mileage in 5spd is very difficult to find anywhere.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

Yeah, I definately know what you mean about the rust. I had almost bought one at the beginning of the summer but when I brought it to my mechanic and he lifted the car the undercarriage was almost comepletely rusted. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':('>

As far as the suspension is concerned. As long as it's in decent condition I don't really mind because I plan on upgrading it anyway for the summer.

Also, I won't buy the car unless there's no/not to much rust and the engine and transmission are in good condition. I drive fairly hard so the engine's condition has to be good.

[jethro1586]

I live in Maine, and trust me sandbags don't do shit!

[bing]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (jethro1586 @ Sep. 05 2002,8:37)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I live in Maine, and trust me sandbags don't do shit!</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
yeah i got a bog stereo and a spare etc. and it didnt help at all

[Kareem]

Well all that stuff about the sandbags and stereo and what not isn't too encouraging especially considering that we have winter for at least 4 months of the year. That's not going to stop me from getting one though. I'll find a way around it. Maybe studded tires would help.

[DriftMonkey]

Dont give up! &nbsp;just keep searching...you'll find what you need...if you want 91-94 keep searching and you'll find it...if you cant wait for 91-94 then go with the 89-90. &nbsp;
&nbsp; &nbsp; i didnt actaully find my car..the car kinda found me....i was looking into getting a truck and right after i seen the truck my bro called me up and told me an old lady by his apartment complex had 240sx for sale...i went over there and looked at it and fell in love...i talked the lady down to 1800$ for an 89 with only 58,000 miles on.... this lady had no idea what she had...the interior is mint and just a little rust by the wheel well...that can be fixed and will be...but my point is keep searching...

[Natty]

Don't settle!
I searched for like 4 months until I somewhat settled for my 5 speed 91. I love it, but the miles are up there, the synchros suck, the spoiler is rusted, and it smells like shit.
I wish I had waited a little more....
Jeff

[transient]

Here winter lasts from about 5-7 months. I personally got a winter beater. Jethro is definately right though, sandbags will just give you a pendulum effect when you go around a corner; they're not worth it. Seriously, if you're careful enough, you should be fine.

[anisht]

i did. &nbsp;im ok with it.

[Alias]

Sand doen't help. Its just more weight to swing around you when you spin it out LMAO.

[Kareem]

Thanks for all the replies. I think that I'm still going to keep searching. I've already been trying for over 2 months what's another few. I get to use my mom's 98 Corolla for school anyways so it's not like a need a car right away. I'd just prefer to get one sooner then later. After all, the 240 is so much fun.

[thewholefnshow]

You live in Winnipeg... it's flat. That is a big plus for winter as FR, hills are a real bitch. And you have no salt... well very little, it's all sand, so I don't know why you would have such a problem with rust... I know that calgary is a lot of clean older cars. Here in montreal it's a real bitch. As for tires... if you are willing to pay, get a set of Nokian winter tires for your car... they rock ass. They cost more, but staying on the road is the most important thing.

As for the sohc dohc quandry, whatever you want is what you should get. It took me 6 months to find my 97 240, and there have been none for sale in the 9 months since I bought it... so sometimes the right car just pops up... better to wait and get what you really want then regret buying a reasonable facsimile.... your biggest worry in winnipeg is will the car start when it is -45 with a windchill. lol.

[Kareem]

-45 isn't so cold, j/k. Actually it's freezing. As for the car not starting we had a 1990 Dodge Caravan and I only had trouble starting it once and if you know Caravans, you know that there isn't really any aspect of it that's good. I just want a 240 so bad. But I guess I'll wait until I find the right one.

On a side note (well another one), I saw 2 Rx7 Turbo II today and a kid with very rich parents driving a brand new Beamer with OZ Supperlegera's. I wish I had the money for a BMW, so then I could do an engine swap for when I got my 240 and a whole lot more.

[240sxer95]

which does everyone like more the FAST back or COUPe...
anyone have some nice pix to back up there statement <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

[Ni5mo180SX]

Doesnt matter, everyone knows the 89-90 models were the best anyways &nbsp; <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'>