how much should...?

[XauthenticX]

Hey guys
Im new to this forum as you can see and the thing is that im on teh verge of buying a 240sx. Well at first i was debating between 240sx and the rx7 2nd gen, but since i need it for a dialy driver...i might go with the 240 which is reliable. So here is my question to you guys, im located in chicago and i have a very tight budget. At first i was thinking of buyin a 92 240 for around 2 3 grand and then doing the sr20det swap which shoudl cost around $2000 to $2500 so im around $5000, which is my goal. My other option is to get a newer model which i like better 97 or something around there( no offense to anyone) but then will it still be under my budget. Btw im located in chicago so any of you guys know anyoen sellling a 240 anywhere for cheap please let me know. Thank You Very Much.
Your opinion counts becuase i have aroudn a month to decide.
Thank You

[thelinja]

If you are on a "very tight" budget, I wouldn't recommend getting 2 cars. That's two insurance payments. I would stick with just the S13 w/ (sigh) the SR. If you buy two cars, you're looking at spending 12 to 15 G's.

edit : my fault, I didn't see "my other option." Anyway, I'd go S13. Cheaper, especially if you wanna swap out the engine. Insurance should be slightly cheaper too sicne the car is older.

[fiebru1119]

no offense man, but you should do a little shopping around to see what the real prices are. theres no way, actually let me say its VERY hard to get an SR running for $2500. IF you do it, you'd have a bone stock SR on stock 240 brakes and suspension. if i were you i'd build up the suspension and brakes and keep the ka if youre on that type of budget. you'll still have plenty of fun and maintain the reliability of the ka. just my .02

[srJOEYdet]

I think he just wants one or the other.

I would stick with the S13 if you are on a budget. Go with high miles + engine problems for a project car (swap). Also, don't be cheap with an SR swap. You need more than just an engine, and a few pieces. You should do a tune-up when you swap. like clutch, belts, fluids, filters, ect. Thats my plan anyway.

Joey

[KOUKI KA-T]

If I were doing it again I would do the s13 and sr swap. I spent a lot more money than anticipated when i got my 97, then my insurance bent me over their knee.....etc. I spent all my money i had on day one buying the car, turbo kit, wheels and 300zx brakes right at once. oops forgot i had to pay sales tax on it since i bought out of state. registartion was like 900!! insurance went to 200 per month. then i had to move out of my place and into another which cost a lot. I ended up selling the turbo kit before it even came to my door, selling my greddy gauges and then had to sell my brakes last month because i crashed it. The selling of the turbo kit was ok since now i'm just finishing my own set up, but i still wish i went s13 and saved some cash....so if you're on a budget and want to be able to buy the car AND parts go s13....whew, sorry so long winded. ha!:D

[XauthenticX]

well guys thanx for ur help
ive made up my mind...im going to go with a 240 over the rx7 becuase i test drove the rx7 ..its fast i gotta tell u that(running 13s) but after thinking it over i think 240 is the better choice because of the reliability issue considering its a daily driver.

One more thing i gotta ask you guys, do the old models have body kits/lips or only the new ones do?
I cant decide which year i want :confused: Sheesh im so in decisive.

Thanx for your help guys. This just helps me with my indecisiveness. :)

All opinions welcomed, thanx

[legendarysnail]

1989-90 had a different front end than the 1991-94 S13's. There's of course, the hatchback and the coupe. I don't think they came with any OEM lip that looks half-decent, but there are aftermarket ones.

1989-90 had the SOHC KA24E engine, while 1991-94 had the DOHC KA24DE engine. Both generations of S13's are vitually identical to other's in that generation (ex: a 1992 will look and feel and be the same as a 1993). 1994 came as only a convertible and automatic.

[XauthenticX]

Does the SOHC KA24E engine, and the DOHC KA24DE put the same amount of power?
thanx

[KiDyNomiTe]

Originally posted by legendarysnail
I don't think they came with any OEM lip that looks half-decent,

How dare you say there are no decent oem lips.

Have you seen an 89 with no lip and one with one, much better IMO
Heres mine
http://images.cardomain.com/member_img_a/380000-380999/380425_24_full.jpg

The SlOwHC has less HP, than the DOHC.

[XauthenticX]

^^^^ i like the front. doe s that lip only fit on 89,90? or is it for 91-93 also?
thanx

[KiDyNomiTe]

it'll fit whatever you ziptie it to :D.

A few people have it on thier 91-94 bumpers, not a perfect fit, but with zipties it'll hold, looks pretty nice. Same with the silvia front end, not a perfect fit, but looks nice.

Just expect gaps if its on anything other than a 89-90

[XauthenticX]

thanx
i appreciate it

now just gotta find a 240 in decent enough condition:)
thanx