New member saying hello

[kyle242gt]

Hi all-

Considering a 240SX as a DD/track toy/backup wifemobile.

I currently have a bunch of cars, always looking for something new and trying to sell something old:
72 240Z (http://www.sonic.net/~kyle/kylez.html) - had it since 1994, restored in 2001, pretty mint. Probably the only one you care about :)
1996 M3 (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/2595358391.html) with a bunch of Dinan goodies including a supercharger; selling because I'm bored with it.
1967 Skylark convertible
1959 Volvo PV544
2004 Volvo V70

As I ponder selling the M3, it occurs to me that I need a grown-up car to drive to work when the weather sucks, something with AC and wipers, ya know? Needs to have room for four in case my wife needs to haul the kids around. And damn if I don't miss having a turbo... had an MSnS'd Volvo 242gt (http://www.sonic.net/~kyle/242/) a few years ago, fun but slow. Be really nice if I could do track days with it too.

Let's assume I can handle the smog side of things... OBD2 1996+?

Do SR20'd S13/4's commonly have functional AC?

I'm a 38 year old accountant (yes, really), so I'm not too worried about stance/flush/bodykit. Ideally would like something near stock looking but with as much HP/TQ as I can manage without blowing things up.

Think I'm on the right track?

[OBEEWON]

No.

No no no no no.

[kyle242gt]

That's 6 "no"s to four questions. Are the extras a "no-no" to scold me for not being flushed or stanced?

[dOMEmE]

im pretty sure its possible, not too sure but i think the AC condenser doesnt fit on our LHD cars or something like that... but if theres a will theres a way.

stock sr20det with full bolt ons is quick and fun to drive and safe without blowing anything up.

you wanna keep the stock look you can..all you really need are some decent coils and not over the top looking wheels with no aero.

how bout this...you give me your m3 and ill give you my s13 LOL

[adam s]

As I ponder selling the M3, it occurs to me that I need a grown-up car to drive to work when the weather sucks, something with AC and wipers, ya know?

Since when are 240's "grown up cars"?

[OBEEWON]

That's 6 "no"s to four questions. Are the extras a "no-no" to scold me for not being flushed or stanced?

No.
No no no no no.

[Jav1997GSX]

people dont fit in a 240 back seat

[drift freaq]

Well several things come to mind. First off thinking you are going to transport 4 people in a 24sx is like wishful thinking.
Ya you can stuff munchkins in the back seat but that's about it.

Ok that aside once you start setting up the suspension the ride tends to go out the window unless you run Koni's or Bilsteins. Which means a custom setup if you really want to match your spring rates to the dampers.

Sr20 with functional AC is not a problem. Dealing with the smog boys because you are running a SR? Will be.
Perhaps something along the more legal side of things would be better for you. You seem to have conflicting ideas listed here.

First you want a fun DD track car with as much HP as you can handle. Then you want a practical grown up car. A 240sx at this point in time does not present itself as that. Unless its absolutely bone stock looking at stock ride height. Otherwise the kids and the cops look at as a tuner car.
Even then you will be mobbed by High School kids asking you to sell it. LOL

I know this may be blasphemous to some here but have you considered a P10 G20? Ya I daily one and its got suspension, 4 doors and a SR engine stock that can be turboed or install a VE engine. The chassis actually kicked the BMW E30's ass in British Touring Car Championship racing.
Just an idea and yes its is FWD. Wishbone front suspension, independent trailing link rear.
Handles like a bat out of hell.

[kyle242gt]

im pretty sure its possible,thanks for that - sounds like it's commonly ditched. Maybe I don't care that much...

Since when are 240's "grown up cars"?I figure anything less than about 35 years old qualifies. I DD the old stuff generally (my commute is about three miles each way).

No.
No no no no no.You're still messing me up.
people dont fit in a 240 back seatThat's okay, they're children, not people.

Well several things come to mind. First off thinking you are going to transport 4 people in a 24sx is like wishful thinking.
Ya you can stuff munchkins in the back seat but that's about it.That's all I need. Really, a three seater is plenty. Most of the time, a one-seater (in case I have the kids and the wagon). Just need something my wife is comfortable driving - if she can handle the M3 and our previous track slut Miata (which she loved), I'm sure a 240 would be okay.


Ok that aside one you start setting up the suspension the ride tends to go out the window unless you run Koni's or Bilsteins. Which means a custom setup if you really want to match your spring rates to the dampers.Ride's okay, my Z is nearly pissing blood stiff.

Sr20 with functional AC is not a problem. Dealing with the smog boys because you are running a SR? Will be.
Perhaps something along the more legal side of things would be better for you. You seem to have conflicting ideas listed here.

First you want a fun DD track car with as much HP as you can handle. Then you want a practical grown up car. A 240sx at this point in time does not present itself as that. Unless its absolutely bone stock looking at stock ride height. Otherwise the kids and the cops look at as a tuner car.
Cool thing about being an old man is I have friends - two are smog techs with their own shops. Another cool thing about being an old man is the cops don't really look at you anymore. Especially at near-stock height.

Agreed though that I'm conflicted. I was halfway convinced to buy a Mk1 Mini before she said she wouldn't drive it. :naw:

I know this may be blasphemous to some here but have you considered a P10 G20? Ya I daily one and its got suspension, 4 doors and a SR engine stock that can be turboed or install a VE engine. The chassis actually kicked the BMW E30's ass in British Touring Car Championship racing.
Just an idea and yes its is FWD.Ugh, FWD kills me. If I were doing that, I'd probably go with a late model Mini.

[OBEEWON]

List all the cars you have and have had.

Put the 240sx in there...

One of these things is not like the other one.

[kyle242gt]

List all the cars you have and have had.Dude, that'll take a while.

Put the 240sx in there...
One of these things is not like the other one.It's a lot like our 1996 Miata. Otherwise I don't have a lot of love for modern cars... but need a second "grown up car"... haha.

Also thinking of E24's and C5's. Yes, I'm conflicted.

[OBEEWON]

Dude, that'll take a while.
It's a lot like our 1996 Miata. Otherwise I don't have a lot of love for modern cars... but need a second "grown up car"... haha.

Also thinking of E24's and C5's. Yes, I'm conflicted.

You don't want a S14 if you are considering those. Seriously.

[kyle242gt]

You don't want a S14 if you are considering those. Seriously.

I could see that. My thought was to get an E24 or similar mid-old Euro for DD and a C5Z06 for track days and general hoonery.

Sorta wondered if a SR'd S13 would fill both needs.

Derp, should have asked that in the OP. :goyou:

[drift freaq]

One of these things is not like the other one.

And that reminds of this LOL

Foo Fighters - The Pretender - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBjQ9tuuTJQ)


That's all I need. Really, a three seater is plenty. Most of the time, a one-seater (in case I have the kids and the wagon). Just need something my wife is comfortable driving - if she can handle the M3 and our previous track slut Miata (which she loved), I'm sure a 240 would be okay.

Ride's okay, my Z is nearly pissing blood stiff.

Cool thing about being an old man is I have friends - two are smog techs with their own shops. Another cool thing about being an old man is the cops don't really look at you anymore. Especially at near-stock height.

Agreed though that I'm conflicted. I was halfway convinced to buy a Mk1 Mini before she said she wouldn't drive it. :naw:
Ugh, FWD kills me. If I were doing that, I'd probably go with a late model Mini.

Sounds like you have made your decision already. I don't think you need us to guide you down the road.

Oh and yes a S13 can be a blast. LOL I own one and have owned many. There are just downsides to owning one these days.

[OBEEWON]

http://www.thetorquereport.com/09_pontiac_g8gxpred.jpg

[kyle242gt]

Sounds like you have made your decision already. I don't think you need us to guide you down the road.

Oh and yes a S13 can be a blast. LOL I own one and have owned many. There are just downsides to owning one these days.
Well... yes and no. I made my decision to buy an E24, E24M6, E55AGM, CLK55AMG, C5, C5z06, oldmini, newmini, RSX-S, E30+T, E39...
:picardfp:
didn't buy any of them....

turbo
trackable
four seat
two door
manual trans
light weight

I swear, I often wish I'd kept the Miata and boosted it.

[ThatGuy]

This Thread REEKS of a lack of Research.

:lockd: