Bout to buy a 95 240sx se

[noodl35]

I found a good deal at a dealership selling a 95 240sx se, black, manual, all power. It has a lil hole, bout the size of a dime, on the right side headlight. THe left door has a little dent, bout the size of a pin, and a rust chip on the right rear wheel well. They are selling for 4988, but im going to try to get it for cheaper. THe question i have is, what are the differences on all the models. Does the SE come with lsd? SOrry im brand spanking new to nissans since my integra gs-r got stolen =\. I plan on doing the "angry eye' s14 conversion. Is the 98-98 usdm headlights the exact same as the jdm headlights? I just need to know the basics since im about to go buy this car tomorrow. Thanks.

[Sundi240]

Usually people research the car they will be buying BEFORE they actually purchase it. If you want the "angry eye" look, just buy a 97-98. And yes, they look the same as the mad tyte Silvias in Japan.

[mrmephistopheles]

Originally posted by noodl35
I just need to know the basics since im about to go buy this car tomorrow. Thanks.
It's too bad you didn't do research before now. Now you have to depend on us to give you valid answers and trust that what we say is true.

Anyway, look for an ABS actuator under the hood. If it's there, you have VLSD. Also check the diff for the little orange LSD sticker (it's in the back underneath the car!)

As far as your 'angry eyes' conversion, i recommend that you first appreciate the car you have before you go changing things around. No, the US headlights are not exactly the same as the Japanese headlights. Its a rather inconsequential difference, but it's different, just the same..

It's funny how everyone wants to be different, and in the end, they're all the same...

[noodl35]

i did alot of research for the sr20det motors,i just dont know the small details about each model and there is so much details to find out, thats why im asking you guys. I need a car because im going to school and work and not having a car SUCKS! Goin from honda to nissan is like going to a whole new world. I just know the potential a silvia can have so thats why i decided to switch to nissan.

[noodl35]

lol im not trying to be different, in all simplicity i just think the jdm lights look better!

[NiteKids]

I have nothing to say so you.:rolleyes:

You can't be more wrong or mislead.

[RoNiN240sx]

yah i was goin down the same route, buying a 96 s14 because 97-98 are very hard to find, especially 5spd, and then converting it. But since then have fallen for the zenki look, if you want that "angry eyes" conversion just try and get the newer s14, it can be a hard find but if it's what you want...for future reference...for all your questions use that big red search button to be more knowledgable, all your JDM, angry eyes, LSD questions will be answered there. you didn't get flamed too bad for those questions, so search before they really pour on ya.

[noodl35]

thanx for that useless post, anyways...damn i remember when i used to make fun of newbies on honda forums that asked questions like mine. But i think asking questions from a reputable forum site like this doesnt hurt. This is my way of finding out research, so sorry if dont have like 123213 posts like urs. Idiot

[mrmephistopheles]

Originally posted by noodl35
lol im not trying to be different, in all simplicity i just think the jdm lights look better!

If you understood what you just said, you would comprehend exactly how dumbfounded I am right now by that statement.

i did alot of research for the sr20det motors

Of course you did, because you were told that the stock US engine is crap and isn't worth it's weight in feces. After all, the engine IS more important than the car, right?


Jesus.
I'll be happy when they knock this stuff off. I'd almost rather see the 'S14 SYLVYA CONVERSION' done on a GS-R than this crap.

[mrmephistopheles]

Anyway, use this link:
http://www.zilvia.net/f/search.php?s=

It'll save you lots of heartache, confusion, and flames from bitter assholes like me.

[noodl35]

yea i only got like 5g's from the insurance and in oklahoma its too rare to find the 97-98 silvias, so im opting for the 95 model. Right now i'm deciding if i should go with the s15 sr or go with ka24det, ive heard some positive notes on turbochargin the ka motors. Still gotta find out more info.

[noodl35]

mrmephistopheles, maybe i should phrased my sentence differently. I didnt mean details as in the engine. I meant like body style, trim...etc.

[noodl35]

you think i'm going to get this car because its the cool thing to do, in all reality i just like how the 240sx looks and as for the engine, my cousin has a ca18det in his s13. Give me a break...i'm not some kid that wants to do things because its the "cool" thing to do. I want to do this because i like the car and i want to see its potential.

[NiteKids]

it's people like you is why I am in the process of making a website aimed directly for bandwagen/newbie clueless people like you which will cover topics like:

"Type X taillights and aero kits"

"Why a Silvia motor is not what you want. But a K's motor! Silvia motor can be na or turbo!"

"S15 headlights are NOT required"

"Your registration still says Nissan 240sx!"

"Bomex and Cwest are not the only Japanese aero companies!"

"S15 taillights are not required"

"the Phrase Silvia conversion really makes no sense"

"A motorswap is NOT required"

"17x7 plus 42 offset is the devil!"

"why your mom is fat"

and much much more!q

[noodl35]

lol nitekids, you are very ignorant, you dont know me. If me wanting to buy a 240 and seeing it's potential than sure i guess i am on the "bandwagon". I didnt say anything about aerokits. By the looks of your car you've gone the same route that countless of people here have done. You and you're vertex bodykit, every damn pic i see has that front end so stop telling me that i'm on a bandwagon. You know...some people have to start somewhere and i started by asking questions about a car that i'm very interested in. From where i'm from, not many people recognize nissans as potential, its all honda honda honda and rice. I'm sure when you first got into 240sx you probably were wondering the same damn questions as i am...so shutup with your flame..enuff

[NiteKids]

My Kit tis not the Vertex. It is Friends Aero. Quite simular to vertex but has a variation to it. But then again a ton of Japanese aero kits all look the same. Also I didn't exactly have the same questions as when i first purchased mine. I previously wanted one 2 years prior to purchase and hung out on message boards finding out as much as I could about them. Acually my original route was a S13 hatch. You have much to learn grasshopper.

[Grant]

if you like 97-98 front, buy a 97-98.. dont waste your time doing "silvia conversion"

Yes, I made that mistake once already. the total cost ended up being more than the cost of buying a 97-98 240sx to begin with..

JDM lights? pointless. they point to the wrong side of the road, they dont help as far as lighting..

here's my old car after couple thousand dollars of "conversion"?
what happened when i was done with all that? I SOLD the car, for much less than I bought it for.

http://home.earthlink.net/~stofer007/g328/

pix of that car if you care to see. all looks, no benefit.

[noodl35]

i do i do, and this is a great place for me to learn. Wow, that was alot of wasted posts. Instead of trying to help me because i'm new you flame. Typical.

[noodl35]

o well, i kinda knew i was gonna be looked down upon for those q's. I guess this what happens when you're new to something like this...especially a new forum.

[mrmephistopheles]

I miss your old car, Grant...

http://home.earthlink.net/~stofer007/g328/grant7.jpg

HEY! MY WHEELS! :D

[noodl35]

very clean pics, i like how clean yours looks. I wish i had enough money to buy a 97-98 240, doing the conversion is something way way down the road. As for now i just want to get used to the car and see what it has to offer.

[noodl35]

if you dont mind me asking. Why did you sell that car? Thats one of the cleanest s14s ive seen. nice

[Grant]

Originally posted by noodl35
if you dont mind me asking. Why did you sell that car? Thats one of the cleanest s14s ive seen. nice

because I got sick of it..

took it to the track to realize how crappy the car handles and how expensive parts were to replace on that car when something does happen (like turn signal falling off), with a 95-96 front, parts are cheap... I could have invested all that money into more useful parts.


and does my car really look any better than this one?
http://www.zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?s=&threadid=34317

that's my roomate's car. (and he prob spent about the same amount of money I did, maybe less).

[aznpoopy]

5k is expensive... unless it has uber low mileage. the rust would worry me. just cuz u only see a bit doesnt mean theres not more there. rust = death for any car. the headlight would need replacing... how are the tires? if they're worn u'll need a new set. if you only have 5k then u really can only afford a 4k car imo. i learned that the hard way. u need a bit of buffer for anything that goes wrong after the sale. btw i got mine in the low 4000s... after tires, general maintenance and repair the total cost was about 4600. btw make sure its not a wrecked title. this car is rwd and alot them have been crashed.

there was a chart somewhere showing the differences between the SE and base. just do a search for it and u'll find it i'm sure. if not in zilvia then on google. anyway if you do buy it be careful. its a bit of a jump from fwd.

[KoukiS14]

Originally posted by Sundi240
Usually people research the car they will be buying BEFORE they actually purchase it. If you want the "angry eye" look, just buy a 97-98. And yes, they look the same as the mad tyte Silvias in Japan.

Same sheetmetal, different headlights.

And for 5k? You're better off buying the 95 and then doing the conversion if you want the 97 look. . you'll save a good deal of money.

But it IS a lot easier just. . buying it that way. . I wound up just spending a bit more and buying a 97.

edit: after reading Grant's post? Just a buy a 97 to begin with. . haha
you can pretty much get one in brand new condition for 8-12, depending.

I found my S14 on autotrader.com back in 2000, after owning an S13 for awhile. . The closest two I could find were both located in Murfreesboro, TN (6 hour drive for me from Indiana). . It was worth the drive. Don't try and find one locally... almost never seems to happen.

[KoukiS14]

Originally posted by noodl35
lol im not trying to be different, in all simplicity i just think the jdm lights look better!

The JDM lights aren't to be confused with 97-98 240sx or 96-98 Silvia headlights.


http://home.insightbb.com/~s14_240sx/82103/images/240sx3.jpg

my car: it's not JDM. (those headlights are slightly different, however. . they're made for LHD, and the projector is moved further inward, and is a bit smaller. . if you want the "jdm" headlights, don't buy JDM headlights, buy euro 200sx headlights, so they'll be aimed properly)

[rrobe99999]

It seems difficult to get friendly replies to posts on this forum. Knowledgable users don't reply, but there are many members who enjoy flaming users with simple questions. I'm also a newbie, and I think that all replies should be friendly, informative, and relevant to the topic. Price the car at edmunds.com. Use that to talk the dealer down. Prices for 240SXs are very inflated right now, so it really comes down to how bad do you want that car. You probably won't be able to get a bank loan for the amount that you'll end up paying. The main advantage to getting an SE over base model is the 5-lug wheels. This matches the Z32(90-96 300ZX)lug pattern and allows you to easily do brake and wheel upgrades. Everything else is mostly cosmetic. I also wanted a 97-98 model, but settled for a 95. I thought that the money I saved would go towards the angry eyes conversion, but now that I have the car, I appreciate it the way it is. I think the most important feature to get is the 5sp.

[KoukiS14]

Originally posted by noodl35
yea i only got like 5g's from the insurance and in oklahoma its too rare to find the 97-98 silvias, so im opting for the 95 model. Right now i'm deciding if i should go with the s15 sr or go with ka24det, ive heard some positive notes on turbochargin the ka motors. Still gotta find out more info.

You're not likely to find many Silvias ANYWHERE in the U.S.

[KoukiS14]

Originally posted by rrobe99999
It seems difficult to get friendly replies to posts on this forum. Knowledgable users don't reply, but there are many members who enjoy flaming users with simple questions. I'm also a newbie, and I think that all replies should be friendly, informative, and relevant to the topic. Price the car at edmunds.com. Use that to talk the dealer down. Prices for 240SXs are very inflated right now, so it really comes down to how bad do you want that car. You probably won't be able to get a bank loan for the amount that you'll end up paying. The main advantage to getting an SE over base model is the 5-lug wheels. This matches the Z32(90-96 300ZX)lug pattern and allows you to easily do brake and wheel upgrades. Everything else is mostly cosmetic. I also wanted a 97-98 model, but settled for a 95. I thought that the money I saved would go towards the angry eyes conversion, but now that I have the car, I appreciate it the way it is. I think the most important feature to get is the 5sp.

your post = good. . I'm trying not to flame, but I realize some of my posts may come off as it. . I'm just tired. . haha. . a lot of us are pissed because the 240sx has becomea ricer's dream, and a huge bandwagon car. . it was better left in obscurity. Much better.
But, hey, with that said. .

Yeah, the differences on 97-98 (Kouki) over 95-96 (zenki) USDM 240sx models are:

-different front end
-larger brakes for non-abs versions (same size calipers on front as ABS versions)
-sideskirts standard on SE / LE, -introduction of LE model to the U.S. (was available in Canada, and is Canada's "SE" version)
-different colors (naturally)
-interior of LE added two more leather choices: tan and titanium, black was available on SE in 95-96.
-Different gauges (subtle, however)
-different taillights
-few very minor differences

SAME car though. I set out to buy a 95, but wound up with a 97.

[noodl35]

wow thanks guys for all the replies, that really helped alot.

[KoukiS14]

Originally posted by noodl35
wow thanks guys for all the replies, that really helped alot.

Yer gonna love the S14. . both my 240s have been reliable, no real problems. . very fun to drive. . I've driven nothing but RWD, but I'm sure it'd take some getting used to over FWD. . if you live in a snowy area, it's gonna take a LOTTA practice .. it can be very frustrating to drive in snow .. (I bought some snow tires, and keep them mounted on old ass 95 Maxima rims. . it's FUN as hell with snow tires. . VERY fun)

And about the headlights. . . you should get e-code (euro) headlights from a LHD country, such as Germany. . . they're made of glass :cool: They look nice, too. . but hard to get.

[noodl35]

well guys i went to look at the car this time in daylight. There are a couple dings here n there, nothing real big. THe right side door when closed is a little offset..really unoticable. Maybe its been in a wreck? My friend tells me that sometimes heavydoors sag due to the weight...i duno. THe bad news is that the car has been sold already and is being financed right now. But i signed a back contract to where if the financing doesnt go through i buy it straight for 4500. Not bad considering the car has 77000miles on it and its pretty good condition.

wow i never knew they made glass headlights...i gotta check up on that.

[KoukiS14]

That's not a bad buy considering the miles. . not bad at all, IMO. Everyone will tell you you can do better, but not likely. . it's a good buy :D

Yeah, some cars have glass headlights. . the advantage is, they don't fog up and yellow like plastic ones do. They look fresh for a LONG time. .

the 97-98 has glass headlights (even on U.S. models). . the Impreza had glass headlights as well. . (I know the 2.5 RS did, anyway)

[Grant]

yup, dont end up getting UK headlamps, those are for RHD too, althought its easier to communicate in English rather than German

[s14joe]

Originally posted by Grant
if you like 97-98 front, buy a 97-98.. dont waste your time doing "silvia conversion"

Yes, I made that mistake once already. the total cost ended up being more than the cost of buying a 97-98 240sx to begin with..

JDM lights? pointless. they point to the wrong side of the road, they dont help as far as lighting..

here's my old car after couple thousand dollars of "conversion"?
what happened when i was done with all that? I SOLD the car, for much less than I bought it for.

http://home.earthlink.net/~stofer007/g328/

pix of that car if you care to see. all looks, no benefit. How the hell did you mess up the '97-'98 conversion so much that you could have bought one in the first place. I helped 2 friends do the front on each of their '95's and aside from the headlight wiring mistakes we have made the whole thing was not so bad. My car is next and I am confident I will be able to the whole front in like 3 hours w/ little help. Are you kidding that you fudged the front that bad? I have news for the newbie, The conversion is not that bad to do. Just buy the '95 and buy the parts from the dealer or from a nissan parts dealer. I can send you intructions on how do the front end swap verbatim. e mail me for info.

[KoukiS14]

Originally posted by Grant
yup, dont end up getting UK headlamps, those are for RHD too, althought its easier to communicate in English rather than German

yupyup. .
what's weird is, it's easier t o get stuff from Japan than it is from Europe, it seems. . haha . .

[S15 Powered]

Originally posted by noodl35
Right now i'm deciding if i should go with the s15 sr or go with ka24det
In case you were wondering, an S15 motor swap is going to cost you in the neighborhood of $7000+. Trust me, I've been there and done that. If you have the money to spend, go for it cuz it's a great motor, but make sure that whoever does it knows what they're doing cuz it's a damn difficult swap.

[noodl35]

i plan on going to japan this summer because my cousins other house is over there. His dad is in the miltary and is living there. THey live right by alot of junkyards. He bought a b16a motor for 50 bux and his ca18det for 75. He said they have alot of s15 motors there for a couple hundred bucks. So im probably gonna end up doing that...and just pay for shipping.

[S15 Powered]

Originally posted by noodl35
i plan on going to japan this summer because my cousins other house is over there. His dad is in the miltary and is living there. THey live right by alot of junkyards. He bought a b16a motor for 50 bux and his ca18det for 75. He said they have alot of s15 motors there for a couple hundred bucks. So im probably gonna end up doing that...and just pay for shipping.
Make sure you get the differential too, the speed sensor's in there. Might as well get the tranny while you're at it.

[RoNiN240sx]

And about the headlights. . . you should get e-code (euro) headlights from a LHD country, such as Germany. . . they're made of glass They look nice, too. . but hard to get.

Where can one find these glass euro headlights, well obviously in Europe but are there any sites? i've searched and i can't find jack.

[ridebmx]

i remember quite some time ago, might have even been before i registered, but there was going to be a deal going down for the headlights, 600 a set, but i believe it fell threw...(seeing as it was over a year ago, and ive read 1000s of posts, the above info might not be totally accurate)

[noodl35]

im in kinda of a lil situation...i found 2 240sx for sale near me. One is a 97 240sx base model and the other is a 95 se (nolsd/noabs). And actually the 97 is over a thousand dollars cheaper. I was wanting the 5 lug but now i think about it id rather have the front headlights done then go to a junkyard and get the 5 lug conversion later. Which one would you guys pick?

[aznpoopy]

dude, get a carfax account and check VINs. if they are all fair prices buy the one that hasn't been in an accident, good condition and lots of service records. a car is NEVER the same after a bad accident; nissans are good but they're not top of the line even before a wreck. other considerations... 5 speed tranny unless you plan on doing a 5k sr swap right after u buy. i personally can't stand driving auto.

by the way you must be extremely lucky to live in a place that has 2 95's and a 97 for sale. i waited 4 months to get my 95.

[96SEChick]

Originally posted by noodl35
yea i only got like 5g's from the insurance and in oklahoma its too rare to find the 97-98 silvias, so im opting for the 95 model. Right now i'm deciding if i should go with the s15 sr or go with ka24det, ive heard some positive notes on turbochargin the ka motors. Still gotta find out more info.

My car is ready to turbo. That's one reason why I've done all the engine maintenance to it. The fuel system performs perfectly, and the engine is sooooo smooth! We dyno'ed it at my bf's dyno shop with the air/fuel meter and we were both very impressed. The stock hp to the wheels wasn't as impressive, but the smoothness of the horsepower and torque curves, and the steadiness of the air/fuel ratio was very reassuring. I was going to turbo my car - there's a guy locally (KBS Turbos) who is itching to do a custom kit for my car for $2500-$3000. Then I decided to go ahead and sell her because my bf wants to build up a 300ZX TT for me (which I may have found and will find out this weekend).

She should be ready for pics and looks this weekend!! :cool:

[KoukiS14]

Originally posted by RoNiN240sx
Where can one find these glass euro headlights, well obviously in Europe but are there any sites? i've searched and i can't find jack.

I give up on them. Me and another board member were organizing a group buy of e-code lights, and it fell through.. it's a serious pain in the ass. For real, driving to Germany would be easier.

Ya know, if someone created a site (such as jspec) that carried **** from europe, it'd OWN

[KoukiS14]

Originally posted by ridebmx
i remember quite some time ago, might have even been before i registered, but there was going to be a deal going down for the headlights, 600 a set, but i believe it fell threw...(seeing as it was over a year ago, and ive read 1000s of posts, the above info might not be totally accurate)

Was mostly started by my friend, but I was the "97-98" headlight guy :D

I'd still love a set of 'em. .