Hi, I'd like to introduce myself, im a Zguy>

[[email protected]]

and would like useful info on 240sx (s13), what year would be the most wanted or should i say, best to get? I am possibly thinking of dumping my 300ZX for a 240SX (s13) 89~94 I would plan on SR20 not too long after of course. I would also like to know what to look out for>> trouble spots so to speak. I dont know didly squat about 240SX's but do know alot about 300ZX's. Thanks in advance for your replies -Ed:)

[Bill Roberts]

Easy, do a search.


I like 89-90, SOHC fastbacks preferably dark gray.

The SX SE with performance option are the best. Try to get a pre 02/89 build for the high power engine and true silvia frame stiffning.

My 10/88 car is leaps and bounds better in all areas than my 04/89 car.

No comparison.



The 90 model is the same as the 3/89 after, and the 91-94 DOHC models with the round nose, not pig nose have more rated HP...but are DOHC and are not set up to the performance mode as the pre March 89's were.

Best S-13 is a pre March 89..without the recall on the hi-perf. engine.

S-14's I do not have or have an opinion of at this time.

S-15 went back to same scale stiffning of old s_13, 189 and 200SX Euro in chassis.

A german S-15 is da bomb to have.


Original old-S13 is the one to have. Extra frame parts.

[rrobe99999]

Welcome to the board. I am also a Z-guy. I recently sold my '90 NA Z32 and got a '95 SR powered 240SX. I,ve also owned an '82 280ZX. IMO the 240SX is more similar to the 1st and 2nd gen Z cars than the 3rd Gen Z32. My turbo 240SX is faster than my NA Z32 was, but will never compare to the power of a stage III twin turbo. Other 240SX owners I've talked to are also Z-guys, and this car is a good, fun, reliable replacement. Its so much easier to work on compared to the cramped engine bay of the Z32. When buying a 240SX, try to get one with LSD. This is a hard to find option but is a must for any kind of performance driving. Its a pretty expensive upgrade if you have to add it. From what I've read, the fastback S13s tend to rust out where the spoiler attaches to the hatch.

[aznpoopy]

very informative Bill... i didn't know that before. i had always thought the 91+ was better b/c of the twin cams... hmm. i was looking for a cheap car for my gf. she really wants to learn about cars... driving, drifting, fixing, tuning etc; and she only wants manual + rwd. ;) i was looking to get her a rx7 fc or a s13... i was afraid that the fc would be too much for her mehanically and i don't know jack about rx7's or rotarys. would u suggest a old 89 per your spec or a 91+?

welcome to zilvia twin turbo! the s14 is a rarer car then the s13. performance wise there's not much of a difference between the two. i've heard people say the 14 is stiffer then the 13, but thats about it. the cost of s14 parts tends to be higher. aesthetically they both look nice to me but i know some other people have some strongly biased views towards one or the other. i think a s14 turns more heads though, simply b/c you don't see one too often.

[nightwalker]

I'm trying to sort out what Bill said. So the early early 89, made in 88 SOHC S13s have better frame stiffening? How so? I'm curious because mine is a late 88 made model without a check engine light.

[datzun]

yay for Z guys :) as mentioned before, the 1st and 2nd gen Z's are more comparable to the 240SX. Definitely a different feel. Drove my best friends Z32TT a couple of times. Sure its fast, but its weight makes it somewhat sluggish in the corners :) and if you like corners (like me) then you'll definitely like moving on to a 240SX or early Z. Not too mention that the SR20 swap would put you close to the stock Z32 times in the quarter anyway with little modding. I have the SR20 swap planned for summer...woohoo! Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[silvias13_180sx]

i personally like 93 ones

89 or 90 ones are somewhat too old for me

oh, and welcome

im new here too

[S13SilviaGirl]

Hello, and welcome. I personally, like my 89 coupe. But, being a Z guy, you probably want the FB to have more of that Zappeal. They both have their good points and bad points. Good points, they are fun and get pretty good gas mileage. Bad points, they are a very old car and need lots of luvin and TLC. You can buy em fairly cheap compared to the Z, but unfortunatly the prices are on the rise again. Just remember...find one low miles, and a clean body, clean title and you got a winner (typically). Sooo good luck and let us see your new find when you get her!

[ez1286]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by silvias13_180sx
[B]i personally like 93 ones

89 or 90 ones are somewhat too old for me

-who cares if its a few years older if you doin an sr20 swap anyway?