240sx Popularity: How did it happen?

[180sxmaniac]

So my friend recently bought a 350z and I assisted him in finding the right Z to his liking.One thing I noticed was man there are quite a bit of Z's available and for reasonable prices considering it's one of the few Japanese FR layout cars that was released here in the states in large quantities. Right now would be the perfect time to buy a Z because eventually it will end up like the 240sx as far as it being difficult to find a clean one. So I began to think and I wanna now from everyone out there when did the 240sx become "THAT CAR" that everyone had to have. Specifics would be great. Like what type of people owned most of the 240sx say a decade ago? Was it easy to find an S14 as it was an S13? How much did it cost to buy a 240sx from a private party about a decade ago? Did people selling there 240sx realize the potential of the car? Really interested to hear feedback from everyone!!

[Felipe]

your going to have to ask some one that is 50+

[The Dude]

Honda tech members stumbled upon drifting, realized they couldn't do it with their civics, then immediately bought 240s and ruined all of them. Now they have taken over zilvia.

I bought mine a decade ago for 2700ish (1995 SE with abs/vlsd that still works).

[Oakville]

cheap FR with parts a plenty, very easily swap-able. I assume the Z33s will come down...but not as much, I think its still holding its value because its considered a more expensive car (when new) than the 240 was. V6 vs 4 banger right

[180sxmaniac]

Honda tech members stumbled upon drifting, realized they couldn't do it with their civics, then immediately bought 240s and ruined all of them. Now they have taken over zilvia.

I bought mine a decade ago for 2700ish (1995 SE with abs/vlsd that still works).


Lucky you,was the car still in mint condition as far as paint and interior etc

[EDacIouSX]

Honda tech members stumbled upon drifting, realized they couldn't do it with their civics, then immediately bought 240s and ruined all of them. Now they have taken over zilvia.

I bought mine a decade ago for 2700ish (1995 SE with abs/vlsd that still works).

I got mine in 2004 for 5600. 107,xxx miles clean chasis bone stock minus 4 blown struts mod (har har), and an apexi exhaust.



Basically yes, Honda people discovered what drifting was/is and that's about it. community went to shit when honda buddies from the 90s bought up 240s.... you can also thank tokyo drift.

[OrangeVirus1]

Most likely it was a normal everyday car, that car enthusiasts found out how to swap and then watching touge drifting thought " wow I wanna do that" and started the craze.

It's like any other car man.

What made people wanna turbo Chevy Cavaliers? people figure out how to mod what they have..

[180sxmaniac]

Most likely it was a normal everyday car, that car enthusiasts found out how to swap and then watching touge drifting thought " wow I wanna do that" and started the craze.

It's like any other car man.

What made people wanna turbo Chevy Cavaliers? people figure out how to mod what they have..

Yea I get that,just curious how easy/cheap they were to buy and like around what year did they really become popular here in the states

[OrangeVirus1]

Yea I get that,just curious how easy/cheap they were to buy and like around what year did they really become popular here in the states

Well my car new ( as per the DMV ) was only 14k$.. so some of these cars sell for more then a brand new one with zero miles.

I'd just take a wild guess and say around the same time the TT supra came out. The cheap teens found an "equivalent" to the TT supra with their budget... RWD 240sx. lol

[180sxmaniac]

cheap FR with parts a plenty, very easily swap-able. I assume the Z33s will come down...but not as much, I think its still holding its value because its considered a more expensive car (when new) than the 240 was. V6 vs 4 banger right

Yea ur right the z33 ain't gonna be as cheap as a 240sx anytime soon but if I recall sticker price on a z was 30k+ now you can find a nice one for less than 14k so they're quickly losing value every year

[xoxide]

I'd just take a wild guess and say around the same time the TT supra came out. The cheap teens found an "equivalent" to the TT supra with their budget... RWD 240sx. lol
What?

240sx is the budget supra.. said no one ever.

[OrangeVirus1]

What?

240sx is the budget supra.. said no one ever.

I actually know a dude from high school who had a 240sx and called it a supras little brother.. that's what gave me that idea.

[180sxmaniac]

I actually know a dude from high school who had a 240sx and called it a supras little brother.. that's what gave me that idea.



Is it just me or do supras feel like 1 seaters with how the entire console is slanted towards the driver

[OrangeVirus1]

Is it just me or do supras feel like 1 seaters with how the entire console is slanted towards the driver

I love cars like that. Like an eclipse / talon too. I don't like a huge stupid nothingness between the driver and passenger.

[KiLLeR2001]

S-chassis is the little brother to the Z-chassis, not the Supra.

And you can thank Tokyo Drift (2006) for the drifting craze.

[holemilk00]

I bought a 97 SE brand new two years after graduating high school. It was $23k after tags and shit. The 240 scene has gone way down hill since, it started as soon as people in the states started to learn about drifting and applied their "I want to do that, but I work at McDonald's" mindset to our cars. I remember when I had my 97 people didn't know what the hell it was, I had someone ask me almost daily what kind of car it was.

[holemilk00]

Oh and hack job kids were ruining s-chassis' for drifting state side way before Tokyo drift. Initial-D had some of the Honda kids into drifting.

[OrangeVirus1]

Oh and hack job kids were ruining s-chassis' for drifting state side way before Tokyo drift. Initial-D had some of the Honda kids into drifting.

I never even knew what drifting was until my friend with a 240 ( mr 240 is a supra's little brother dude ) showed me Initial-D videos.

And that was back when "drifting" was doing donuts in a parking lot.

[xoxide]

I had someone ask me almost daily what kind of car it was.
I still have that problem today. That or is it a skyline.

[holemilk00]

What do you mean "back when"?? 70% of the drifting videos posted on YouTube today are still 1st and 2nd gear donuts.

[Agent S14]

I loved the car back in 1996 when my parents were looking at a 1996 pathfinder to replace our sentra I was still in elementary school when I saw it. Years later when I was 16 I was looking for a mr2 turbo but it was out of my budget. I looked for similar RWD Japanese car found a 96 se reminded me of how much i loved the car as a kid and I bought it in 2004. Still drive it everyday never regretted buying it, the car makes me happy.

[holemilk00]

I still have that problem today. That or is it a skyline.

True, my 97 was bone stock. My black car now is far from it. So I still get those questions, but it's understandable.

[OrangeVirus1]

What do you mean "back when"?? 70% of the drifting videos posted on YouTube today are still 1st and 2nd gear donuts.

I just mean back When I was first starting to get into cars.

[xoxide]

True, my 97 was bone stock. My black car now is far from it. So I still get those questions, but it's understandable.
Sometimes I wish I didnt drive such a "clean" 98, because I cant really go anywhere without someone approaching me about the car.. Sometimes its a little sketchy if you know what I mean.

[180sxmaniac]

Does anybody know the sticker price from Nissan for the S13 and S14 USDM?

[OrangeVirus1]

1992 S13 original tax value was 14.5k.. that's what it says on my registration.

[180sxmaniac]

1992 S13 original tax value was 14.5k.. that's what it says on my registration.

That's unbelievably reasonable,Nissan should re release this car with or without SR20 it would be a line outside of people waiting to buy one

[DJ-of-E]

Honda tech members stumbled upon drifting, realized they couldn't do it with their civics, then immediately bought 240s and ruined all of them. Now they have taken over zilvia.

I bought mine a decade ago for 2700ish (1995 SE with abs/vlsd that still works).

This is very much true. I bought my first 240sx in 2003 when people were still a Honda craze and high school people looked at my car and said "why you buy a Ford Phobe." Then drifting and initial D happened and people then asked "do you drift your car?" :facepalm:

I bought my car because I wanted a nice looking and fairly simple RWD car because my dad has Nissan 280zx turbo and he had me daily drive a 1985 Toyota Celica GT-S (also RWD). I "was" looking for Honda Civics, but they were around $3000 range and I found a Nissan 240sx (was looking at 300zx) for $2300 1 owner 110,000 miles. Drove it, felt like the Celica GT-S, loved it.

Production numbers In the United States

All models (including convertibles):
1989 - 68118
1990 - 60582
1991 - 34534
1992 - 27033
1993 - 21471
1994 - 1391
1995 - 25114
1996 - 7334
1997 - 3655
1998 - 2178

I remember doing a report about sales numbers for 240sx as a Statistics project

Judging by the numbers, I say it sold pretty damn well in 1989 to 1992 "only' because of the following conditions:
1) 1982 to 1991 was the generation were demand for "coupe" vehicles were very high.
2) car was pretty cheap brand new, but I do know the S14 . I actually found previous owner's sales receipt of my 1991 Nissan 240sx was $16K OTD...bought by a college age lady (also found 1992 Santa Monica college booklet).
3) 1989 to 1991 models look better than its competition (Honda Civic and Honda Prelude)

Then the numbers went down because of the introduction the 4th gen Honda Civic and 4th gen Honda prelude due the following:
1) Honda's incredibly aggressive sales and marketing to compete with Toyota. You would get cars via invoice price without haggles. While MSRP existed, people would get these cars at almost 20% off of MSRP.
2) Nicer curves to fit the "demand."
3) Growing trend of buyers no longer looking for a "sport coupe" as a vehicle.

One of the questions my professor asked me was "Would a new version of 240sx be successful in today's market." I replied "no way, not possible (see 350z sales numbers over the years)"

[daftcon]

edit: i severely misunderstood what op was asking. thats what i get for strolling around hammered on a sunday nite :duh::mepoke:


i first started noticing s14s when i was a junior in high school (2003) and knew it was the first car that i would get and spend copious amounts of money on. picked up a '97, in 2007 for $5500 and didn't really do too much with it. small cosmetic things, but nothing near what i wanted to. mainly because i was uneducated and therefore lacked the drive. sold it and got a bike. regretted that decision very quickly and knew i had to get another one.

that didn't happen until 2011. only this time i had done my research, research, and a bit more research and knew exactly what i wanted to do and what i was getting myself into. picked up a bone stock, fully running and driveable '95 for $1800. the lady i bought it from got it in 1996 from a dealership lease. she paid nearly 14 or 15k for it. it was auto, SE, power windows, sunroof, typical goodies. i've since done a few minor things. coil suspension (needed something quick and fairly cheap cause rear struts were beyond blown), radiator and fans, exhaust, and it's completely primed and ready for some paint. i've got a ka completely torn down in my garage waiting for some parts that should be coming soon. it's moving along slowly but i'm making sure to do things the right way so i'm not covering up shotty work with patchy fixes. i absolutely love what i'm getting myself into and the culture that comes along with it.

[OrangeVirus1]

That's unbelievably reasonable,Nissan should re release this car with or without SR20 it would be a line outside of people waiting to buy one

car manufacturers nowadays are all about MPG. and maybe 1 of their entire line up is for enthusiasts.

They should release something completely new.
not a 240sx.
not a 350/370z


they should make a 200ZSXT!

a RWD ( or awd option ) 2.0 Turbo that has a completely new engine.
and should also come with other options like AWD, NA or turbo, and A turbo diesel. and it should be tuned for high boost high compression direct injection and get around 35MPG off boost

[180sxmaniac]

This is very much true. I bought my first 240sx in 2003 when people were still a Honda craze and high school people looked at my car and said "why you buy a Ford Phobe." Then drifting and initial D happened and people then asked "do you drift your car?" :facepalm:

I bought my car because I wanted a nice looking and fairly simple RWD car because my dad has Nissan 280zx turbo and he had me daily drive a 1985 Toyota Celica GT-S (also RWD). I "was" looking for Honda Civics, but they were around $3000 range and I found a Nissan 240sx (was looking at 300zx) for $2300 1 owner 110,000 miles. Drove it, felt like the Celica GT-S, loved it.



I remember doing a report about sales numbers for 240sx as a Statistics project

Judging by the numbers, I say it sold pretty damn well in 1989 to 1992 "only' because of the following conditions:
1) 1982 to 1991 was the generation were demand for "coupe" vehicles were very high.
2) car was pretty cheap brand new, but I do know the S14 . I actually found previous owner's sales receipt of my 1991 Nissan 240sx was $16K OTD...bought by a college age lady (also found 1992 Santa Monica college booklet).
3) 1989 to 1991 models look better than its competition (Honda Civic and Honda Prelude)

Then the numbers went down because of the introduction the 4th gen Honda Civic and 4th gen Honda prelude due the following:
1) Honda's incredibly aggressive sales and marketing to compete with Toyota. You would get cars via invoice price without haggles. While MSRP existed, people would get these cars at almost 20% off of MSRP.
2) Nicer curves to fit the "demand."
3) Growing trend of buyers no longer looking for a "sport coupe" as a vehicle.

One of the questions my professor asked me was "Would a new version of 240sx be successful in today's market." I replied "no way, not possible (see 350z sales numbers over the years)"


Not really strange to me how the S14 barely sold,the late 90s was arguably the greatest few years of sport cars ever. So I can easily see how enthusiast didn't waste their time on a ka24de S14 when there were turbos cars running around everywhere. In the late 90s you had the supra,rx7 FD,3000gt VR4,Eclipse GST,300zx all turbo cars and many of em twin turbo. Then you had fast NA's like the SC300/400,mustang,camaro,corvette. Back in the late 90s if you really wanted an affordable rwd car the miata was the answer so with that said the 240sx was almost the lost car of the late 90s at least here in the states. Because of the poor sales of the s14 the s15 wasn't released here. But even if the s15 was released in the states the Japs woulda made sure to send us some bs ka24 motor in the s15 anyways.

[OrangeVirus1]

Not really strange to me how the S14 barely sold,the late 90s was arguably the greatest few years of sport cars ever. So I can easily see how enthusiast didn't waste their time on a ka24de S14 when there were turbos cars running around everywhere. In the late 90s you had the supra,rx7 FD,3000gt VR4,Eclipse GST,300zx all turbo cars and many of em twin turbo. Then you had fast NA's like the SC300/400,mustang,camaro,corvette. Back in the late 90s if you really wanted an affordable rwd car the miata was the answer so with that said the 240sx was almost the lost car of the late 90s at least here in the states. Because of the poor sales of the s14 the s15 wasn't released here but even if the s15 was released in the states the Japs woulda made sure to send us some bs ka motor in the s15 anyways.

your post makes it sound like Japan wants to keep all the cool stuff for themselves, and swap in any crap leftover engine's they have for US sales lol

[180sxmaniac]

car manufacturers nowadays are all about MPG. and maybe 1 of their entire line up is for enthusiasts.

They should release something completely new.
not a 240sx.
not a 350/370z


they should make a 200ZSXT!

a RWD ( or awd option ) 2.0 Turbo that has a completely new engine.
and should also come with other options like AWD, NA or turbo, and A turbo diesel. and it should be tuned for high boost high compression direct injection and get around 35MPG off boost


I agree and nobody does FR layout cars quite like the engineers over at Nissan. I'm hoping Nismo does something to counter punch the Toyota 86. Maybe they can give us an upgraded SR20 similar to that in the S15 but hopefully with more power and a true coupe similar to the bodystyle of the S15 that would challenge the T86 which in my opinion is still overpriced considering you only get 161 feet of torque and its a NA, dam shame.

[OrangeVirus1]

I agree and nobody does FR layout cars quite like the engineers over at Nissan. I'm hoping Nismo does something to counter punch the Toyota 86. Maybe they can give us an upgraded SR20 similar to that in the S15 but hopefully with more power and a true coupe similar to the bodystyle of the S15 that would challenge the T86 which in my opinion is still overpriced considering you only get 161 feet of torque and its a NA, dam shame.

no dude the SR20 is dead. we need something new. not a revamped SR20.

They have the 370z to compete with it?

nissan needs to make the first all electric, FLYING CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[180sxmaniac]

your post makes it sound like Japan wants to keep all the cool stuff for themselves, and swap in any crap leftover engine's they have for US sales lol

yea pretty much I mean think about it, really the 350z was the only car released in large numbers here in the states. The Evo,Sti, Rx7 Fd,Supra Turbo, are some of Japan's most legendary cars and they were released in limited quantities. The 240sx didn't come with an Sr20 which still boggles my mind considering all the other turbo Japanese cars that were out at the same time. I really don't understand that one. The s15 nor any of the skylines were released here so the Japs really did screw us with Ky jelly. I mean honestly we as a community magnify the greatness of the s13 and s14 as if they were Skylines but rightfully so bcuz an s14 is the closest thing we will get to an s15 or skyline.

[zerodameaon]

1992 S13 original tax value was 14.5k.. that's what it says on my registration.


That's unbelievably reasonable,Nissan should re release this car with or without SR20 it would be a line outside of people waiting to buy one

Not as reasonable as you think. That is roughly 23k in todays money for a base model. We would most likely not see a 240 remake for much under 30k and the FRS starts at 25k.

[180sxmaniac]

no dude the SR20 is dead. we need something new. not a revamped SR20.

They have the 370z to compete with it?

nissan needs to make the first all electric, FLYING CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOL flying cars. The 370z is too heavy and its pricey. From what I've read and I've done quite a bit of research, Nissan will probably discontinue the 370z within the next 4 years and they will bring something out similar to the T86 as far as light weight,relatively inexpensive and probably a 4cylinder turbo. Sr20 is a very good motor especially the S15 version, and it is alive and well especially where I live most if not all the 240sx are running Sr20s

[180sxmaniac]

Not as reasonable as you think. That is roughly 23k in todays money for a base model.


Yea 23k for a base model 240sx would be absurd. No more than 16k for a brand new 240sx USDM trim

[zerodameaon]

LOL flying cars. The 370z is too heavy and its pricey. From what I've read and I've done quite a bit of research, Nissan will probably discontinue the 370z within the next 4 years and they will bring something out similar to the T86 as far as light weight,relatively inexpensive and probably a 4cylinder turbo. Sr20 is a very good motor especially the S15 version, and it is alive and well especially where I live most if not all the 240sx are running Sr20s

They are swaps, that has nothing to do with factory options. SR20 is dead from the factory as of around 2007.

[OrangeVirus1]

Car's nowaday's are priced high, valued low.. and fall apart quick.

My mazda Brand spanking new with 1 mile was like 23k$.. literally 12 months later it's worth 12k in perfect condition. all the plastic on it is starting to fall apart and it's barely got 30k miles.

Car's aren't made now like they were used to.. it's just Plastic, cheap, and quick. Just last long enough to outlive the warranty. which sucks.

Like turbo cars nowadays, most are already near the limit before blowing the engine because Car manufactures cheap out on parts. Take the Hyundai Genesis 2.0T as example, I've seen one blow up BONE stock just from boosting to redline.

while a Turbo car 20 years ago, would go to redline on a turbo 3x bigger and love it.

Drop forged rods > powder / cast rods.

Another perfect example, Mazdaspeed3's. Mazda MAJORLY cheaped out on the turbo.. a Wimpy ass K04 that can barely flow enough air for a 1.6L engine.. The cars rolled out the door with Shitty turbo's that Blew smoke within a few 100 miles and blew engines.

the FR-S. My friend bought one brand new. We had a rainy day and his WHOLE tail light, both of them, were FULL of rain water. including his headlight. not a mist, not a fog, it was a damn aquarium inside.

[180sxmaniac]

Car's nowaday's are priced high, valued low.. and fall apart quick.

My mazda Brand spanking new with 1 mile was like 23k$.. literally 12 months later it's worth 12k in perfect condition. all the plastic on it is starting to fall apart and it's barely got 30k miles.

Car's aren't made now like they were used to.. it's just Plastic, cheap, and quick. Just last long enough to outlive the warranty. which sucks.

Like turbo cars nowadays, most are already near the limit before blowing the engine because Car manufactures cheap out on parts. Take the Hyundai Genesis 2.0T as example, I've seen one blow up BONE stock just from boosting to redline.

while a Turbo car 20 years ago, would go to redline on a turbo 3x bigger and love it.

Drop forged rods > powder / cast rods.

Another perfect example, Mazdaspeed3's. Mazda MAJORLY cheaped out on the turbo.. a Wimpy ass K04 that can barely flow enough air for a 1.6L engine.. The cars rolled out the door with Shitty turbo's that Blew smoke within a few 100 miles and blew engines.

the FR-S. My friend bought one brand new. We had a rainy day and his WHOLE tail light, both of them, were FULL of rain water. including his headlight. not a mist, not a fog, it was a damn aquarium inside.


So true. Dam I can't believe the FRS let water get in the tail lights smh. I think the BMW 335i is the best turbo car on the US market. I haven't heard any complaints about that car from my Bimmer buddies,however that car is out of my price range at the moment and its more luxurious than sporty in my opinion. One thing I can say about Mazda is they might not make the most reliable cars but dam their cars feel great for dd and they handle very well

[180sxmaniac]

They are swaps, that has nothing to do with factory options. SR20 is dead from the factory as of around 2007.

O Ok I had no idea. Dam I'm sure the engineers over at Nissan can come up with a new 4cylinder turbo maybe they should team up with Mitsubishi to take on Toyotaru

[OrangeVirus1]

So true. Dam I can't believe the FRS let water get in the tail lights smh. I think the BMW 335i is the best turbo car on the US market. I haven't heard any complaints about that car from my Bimmer buddies,however that car is out of my price range at the moment and its more luxurious than sporty in my opinion. One thing I can say about Mazda is they might not make the most reliable cars but dam their cars feel great for dd and they handle very well

that's cuz mazda uses the same suspension setup in some of their cars as the evo uses. McPherson struts and electronically controlled suspension stuff.

[180sxmaniac]

that's cuz mazda uses the same suspension setup in some of their cars as the evo uses. McPherson struts and electronically controlled suspension stuff.

The Rx8 was the best handling sports car that I've driven so far.

[DialedLife]

I like the looks of the 350. Not so much of the 370. Any word about whats coming new for the 370 or after the 370?

[coupesallday!]

When I had my base model s13 coupe the original price was 17k

[180sxmaniac]

I like the looks of the 350. Not so much of the 370. Any word about whats coming new for the 370 or after the 370?

Well I work for Toyota and when I talked to my buddy over at Nissan he told me that Nissan is considering discontinuing the 370z fairly soon and possibly bringing out a car to compete with the T86, now I was tild this mid to late 2012. yes I agree I like the 350z but no too high not on 370z. I drove my buddy's 370z and it was torquey but very heavy,my buddy ended up selling the 370 and got him a Sr20 Kouki S14 now, tells you what he thought about the 370

[zerodameaon]

O Ok I had no idea. Dam I'm sure the engineers over at Nissan can come up with a new 4cylinder turbo maybe they should team up with Mitsubishi to take on Toyotaru

That is a worse team than Toyota and Subaru. Nissan is already with Renault. We don't need a 100% hybrid car company stepping in.

The Rx8 was the best handling sports car that I've driven so far.

You need to drive more cars, the Rx8 is pretty bad.

[180sxmaniac]

That is a worse team than Toyota and Subaru. Nissan is already with Renault. We don't need a 100% hybrid car company stepping in.



You need to drive more cars, the Rx8 is pretty bad.

Yea I do need to drive more cars but the 8 handles well its underpowered but its smooth, let me retract my statement the s2k is by far the best handling car i've driven,forgot about that one

[OrangeVirus1]

1995 Eclipse GSX. Best handling car I've owned by far. AWD, light, double wishbone suspension..

[180sxmaniac]

1995 Eclipse GSX. Best handling car I've owned by far. AWD, light, double wishbone suspension..

That's interesting I've owned a couple eclipses all 3rd gen v6 models not the greatest handling car but surprisingly very torque but i would've never guessed the 2g eclipse had great handling

[KOUKIboy]

Does anybody know the sticker price from Nissan for the S13 and S14 USDM?

S14 was about 20k back in the day, it says so on my registration... I remember I didn't know jackshit about Nissans, until my cousin got me a Super Street :fruit:I saw Ricky Chu's S14.5 and instantly fell in love with S Chassis, I was originally gonna get a CRX, then a Maxima, finally I found my S14 for 800 bucks lol, it was crashed on the driver's side and quarter panel. Found a new door, and had the quarter panel cut and welded, painted the car and bam!!! 1500 S14 w less than a 100k on the motor :D I got an S14 because I wanted to be different, way before the DRFT craze, and everybody had a honda back in those days....

[180sxmaniac]

S14 was about 20k back in the day, it says so on my registration... I remember I didn't know jackshit about Nissans, until my cousin got me a Super Street :fruit:I saw Ricky Chu's S14.5 and instantly fell in love with S Chassis, I was originally gonna get a CRX, then a Maxima, finally I found my S14 for 800 bucks lol, it was crashed on the driver's side and quarter panel. Found a new door, and had the quarter panel cut and welded, painted the car and bam!!! 1500 S14 w less than a 100k on the motor :D I got an S14 because I wanted to be different, way before the DRFT craze, and everybody had a honda back in those days....

Do you still have the S14?Neat story by the way.

[ManoNegra]

Option Videos, Initial D, D1 Exhibitions back in early 2000s...
in the early days 240s were the cars you settled on after not able to find a clean and cheap ae86
by F&F1 it was already full blown AIDS from ex-Honda kids piling on the bandwagon

S13s could be had for ~1 to 2k
zenki s14s for ~6 to 8k and kouki ~10 to 15k
this was for stock clean cars and of course there were always exceptions

[Felipe]

94s are rare as fuck

Production numbers In the United States

All models (including convertibles):
1989 - 68118
1990 - 60582
1991 - 34534
1992 - 27033
1993 - 21471
1994 - 1391
1995 - 25114
1996 - 7334
1997 - 3655
1998 - 2178

[collegekid]

I have always loved cars my whole life. I came out of my moms vagina with a hot wheels in my hand. I didn't really do anything more than just play racing games until around 16 when I got my license. I knew that front wheel drive was bad for any real kind of racing so I knew to get Rear wheel drive. I always thought the 300zx was sexy, any Z car really. I knew I wasn't going to mess with my moms 2006 Honda accord sedan with the automatic 4 cylinder in there.

Time came around to get my first cars and most of the Z's were falling apart and priced very high. I started googling "what to expect when owning a 300zx" and related things, came across things now known as forums and heard that the 240sx was an alternative that would serve me well. I was just looking for something cheap, rwd, somewhat reliable, and a 2 door.

Ended up finding a 96 with 180k and autotragic trans. Spent the next year finding out about all of the extreme modifications and engine swaps while looking for how to convert from auto to manual. Then crashed it by misjudging a turn while trying to do some time attack runs on some back roads.

Spent the next year working my ass off to pay for repairs and started on the whole chassis restoration/upgrade/full build/ make the car I like brand new again.


Never once had the thought to go drifting aside from sliding it in the snow once in a while. I'll leave that for the drift hipsters all over youtube and shit.

Here's a potato for the long post

http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/lenm/lenm1209/lenm120900128/15122101-illustration-of-a-potato-mascot-wearing-a-mexican-hat.jpg

[VertPiper]

94s are rare as fuck

Production numbers In the United States

All models (including convertibles):
1989 - 68118
1990 - 60582
1991 - 34534
1992 - 27033
1993 - 21471
1994 - 1391
1995 - 25114
1996 - 7334
1997 - 3655
1998 - 2178


94s were only verts, thats why so few were made. No coupes or Hatches.

[fliprayzin240sx]

2003...drifting went mainstream in the states.

350z prices may be dropping but S-chassis will still be the chassis to go to due to parts availability and parts pricing. 350z parts cost double what it cost for S-chassis. Thats why folks who go from S-chassis to Z33s almost always comes back to another S-chassis.

[1slicktwo4oh]

My dad is the original owner of my 240 he bought new from downtown l.a nissan. He told me he paid around $25k for it. He picked the 240sx because it was the car of the year in 1989 or 90. He actually wanted a Z but decided on the lower priced 240. I think it worked out for the best I love my 240 and I've been making modifications since he gave it to me in 02'. I used to be into domestics but the high gas prices & low gas mileage swayed me over to turboed 4's. I don't get the facination w/ American v8's in jap cars. When I had my iroc and trans am I always got ricer telling me I had a led sled, slow domestic, 4cyl. turbo is better than v8, engine revving at lights, dumb kids wanting to race..yadayada. if I get a LS its going in a American car where it belongs. There is no replacement for displacement. .real talk!

[ILoveJDM]

i bought my first 240sx in 2003, and I became a "weird" one for having a car out of the norm.

[Felipe]

1994 - 1391 verts made...

with drunks, normal crashes, drift kids, car theifts, old poeple junking them ect.. = like 4 total as of 2013 lol

makes me wonder how many 94s are left :O(

[holemilk00]

I own two 94 verts.

[OrangeVirus1]

edit edit.

[OrangeVirus1]

http://i.imgflip.com/10ze4.jpg (http://imgflip.com/i/10ze4)via Imgflip Meme Generator (http://imgflip.com/memegenerator)

[Felipe]

I own the last two 94 verts.

......fixed lol

[zerodameaon]

......fixed lol

Not really there are two on Naval Base SD. One owned by a older officer and in perfect stock condition and another in decent condition owned by some old lady. They are rare but they are still out there.

[holemilk00]

Not really there are two on Naval Base SD. One owned by a older officer and in perfect stock condition and another in decent condition owned by some old lady. They are rare but they are still out there.

And you know they are 94s?? Because they made verts in other years.

[zerodameaon]

And you know they are 94s?? Because they made verts in other years.

Yes I know this, I own a 93. Chatted with both of them, both have owned them since new. The one the Officer owns is amazing, all the limited edition decals are still there and look brand new.

[J40sx]

Bought my first 240 in 2007, stock 1990 fastback with 65,000 ish miles for $2200.

[Jsal32]

Seems like a lot of you guys are missing the OP's question...

240sx Popularity: How did it happen?

I think a lot of it started with the SportCompactCar magazine article 'Project Silvia'

It claimed you could have a 240sx and an SR for $3000!!

S13 Nissan Silvia - Techh - Sport Compact Car Magazine (http://www.modified.com/tech/0205scc_s13_nissan_silvia/)

Guess who tried?

<----this guy. lol

Ended up spending $300 for a beat chassis and $2400 for an S13 blacktop front clip and $1000 for a silvia front end.

It seems like the popularity started taking off as soon as more of the 'SCC Project Silvia' articles would come out.

-Jose

[onlydrinkkoolaid]

^^ 100% agree with that statement. I remember in high school reading articles about turbo cars and researching what I wanted to do with each car. I bought a 1994 RX-7 when I was 17 in 2005 then bought a motorcycle in 2006. A guy offered to trade me the bike plus 2000 cash for a bone stock S14 and man I wished I would have did it then when I had money.

[deolio]

150% due to tokyo drift

i know only one other person from my group of car friends from high school that had any clue what drifting was, but after that shit came out in 2006 everyone wanted a rwd car, mainly a 240. i started looking for s-chassis/ae86's on craigslist in 2005 and the prices were around $800-$2500, but when i was finally able to drive late november 2006 prices had increased by $2000-$3000. then the quality of s-chassis steadily decreased. more and more had mismatched panels and salvaged titles. when i finally bought my s13 in summer 2007 it was the only clean one with tasteful mods i had seen pop up in 6 months. i definitely bought in a sellers market and always regretted not buying sooner.

doubt i'll ever own another s-chassis unless i feel nostalgic in my 40's and have a shit ton of cash to blow. i expect a clean s14 will be a pretty penny by then.

even now days when people ask me about drifting they always have to put a comment in there about tokyo drift. that's all anybody relates it to.

[HyperTek]

my older brother and a family friend had S13s back in the 90s.. Status wise, i feel they where looked at like how the honda preludes is now back in the day, The prelude isn't the real popular honda, but it looks good.

Back in 2001 I was 18, got my first car, the s13. To me, it was an enthusiast car, easy to work on, had performance potential, a good online community of guys supporting each other, and back than they where not popular with theft!

There was no knock off parts, so when guys built them up, they spent hard earned cash. I really looked up and admired those guys.

I drove mine everywhere in socal with no worries when it was bone stock, no worry about theft etc. When i saved up money from working to build it up, it took me a few years but I did mostly everything to it bolt-on wise , sr20, coilovers, lsd, bodykit etc... by than (2006) I got worried about theft and was tired of getting pulled over (Got a few State ref tickets).

I got rid of it early 2007, I do miss it though, but my favorite times with it where early 200xs when the aftermarket support was picking up, and theft wasn't a big deal for me.

Aftermarket scene is huge now, but I also hear about 240s getting stolen left and right now.

Check out the RX7s, their community is alot smaller and growing,and bandwagon theft doesn't seem to be that bad. But I think FC owners are just as poor/cheap as the S chassis community is now lol.

[BossHogg]

240s were way popular before tokyo drift. You can see the evolution of the bandwagon with in this thread with so many mixed responses, but a few have basically said how it was back then. I remember in high school no one knew wtf a 240 was except for a very very few. I would always get asked wtf my car was. Is that porsche? Is that a supra? 2003 is when they mostly started getting popular. I inherited my parents 240 they bought brand new in 92. It's the only car I've ever really given a shit about. Honda's, mitsu, talons etc are just not worth the time or effort in my eyes and that was the scene back then. Back in those days, there just wasn't much out there for cool japan cars stateside. Supras, rx-7 and 300z were to much for teenager. Unless you got the older versions. My first car I had the choice between moms 240 hatch or grandmas FC rx-7. I was pulling hair trying to decide lol.

[JesusFreakDrifter]

i remember being into 240s around 2002, and i also was on zilvia about that time, but didn't have a user id. I just like the tailights of the hatch, because they were different and everyone had a honda at that time...My first running one i bought was beginning of 06 for 1200. 1992 se coupe with sunroof and leather for 1200, i have yet to pay more than that for any of the other 5 I've sinced owned, even with the recent popularity thank god

[KiLLeR2001]

It all started when Need For Speed Underground 2 came out (2004) and one of the starting cars was a 240sx hatchback. I wasn't able to get my license until 2006 so I had to wait until I could save up for my first 240. I was young and dumb so I ended up overpaying, $4000 for a white '91 hatch with Sportmax 962's and a full xenon body kit, only had 120k miles on it, everything else was original.

http://tehl33tsite.com/240sxdd/white240/91240sx_orig.jpg

[Mishkin_707]

I'm thinking the same with jsal32, shit was so cheap back then, I bought my 89 coupe in 2001, I paid $3,350 for it, it had 189,XXX miles on it, amazing condition factory champagne gold paint, 5spd, HUD power everything stock everything, I had an 85 ford that one day broke down and I said F this car, I was looking for a civic originally, drove past a rent a wreck in fairfield ca, I saw this little gold car, didn't know wtf it was but I fell in love with it, didn't want to get it because I wanted a civic, looked everywhere at civics but that little gold car was stuck in my head, so I went back to see how much they wanted for it, as I get there I see an older couple getting out of it, I ran inside and asked if the little gold car was sold, the guy said "no, they just took it for a test drive" in excitement I yelled I'll take it! He laughed and I just looked at him, half hour later, the little gold car was mine, everyone I knew were I to Hondas and talked shit, "it ain't a honda" constantly hearing from them, i loved my car though, drove it stock not knowing much about it and never really reading up on it, i just loved my car, always had a familiar sense about it but couldnt pinpoint it, I worked at a dealership as a lube tech, a new salesman Was hired and found out I drove it, he asked me if I was planing to do an sr20 I was like wtf is that? Then he explained to me, I was like oh ok cool, then he told me about the "Silvia" that's when I really got all excited, I knew there was some type of familiar feeling about the car, late 90's I was really into gran turismo and my favorite car was the S13 silvia, he brought me some magazine (that I still have somewhere) where I can order parts, back then the silvia front end was $350 whole front end, the sr20 was $600-800.

Fast forward to today, I still own it, drive it daily it now has 239,XXX miles on it running strong, the funny thing I never got tired of my car, I still get the same exact feeling as the same day I bought her in 2001.

I've seen the prices of these cars soar in the past, so many trendy styles to come and go, it's amazing how these kids are treating these cars, beating the shit out of them calling them missiles, cutting quarter panels off just for a set wheels to be called hella flush, what happens after this trend passes? Going to get looked at the same way as molded body kits in today's day, get called a ricer just like you do when you see and old school body kit or set of wheels, I've never fallen into these trends especially "hella flush" I'm old school, I tuck rim.

Sadly our cars have become the new Honda civic and every Honda fuck that got into the 240 game also brought their old low life habits.

I remember the day I can leave my car with the windows open, unlocked and nothing would happen, today I have to look over my shoulders everywhere I go, worry where I park even for five minutes. People tell me don't drive it then, WTF!?!? I bought the fuckin car to drive it not have it stored and walk, it was rare to hear a 240 got stolen, in the past three years I've noticed most of these changes and it sucks, the drifting scene has made these cars scarce, almost every for sale add has multi colored half ass swaps, dents parts cars from idiots trying to be pro drifters on the street, you can barely find anything in original condition, hell I remember my driver side seat didn't even have the normal bolster wear.

Some of you guys are probably not going to read my whole post, but going to reply with some dumb shit, talk all you want you just got your car because of the new trends to me, any 240 bought after 2005 is a trend buy, you know it, I've had my car before it was even thought of being in any trend, you had to know someone that knew someone that knew someone that even knew what the hell it was now every one and their mom know what it is, now everyone is on the "I want a 240 so I can drift it"

Damn, this is long as hell.....

[nekrodev]

It all started when Need For Speed Underground 2 came out (2004) and one of the starting cars was a 240sx hatchback

This was definitely it for me, as well. As soon as I saw it in NFSU, I was hooked. It's been my favorite car ever since.

[DJ 21o3]

I have a s14 which will be my primary project...but when i commented on facebook about trying to find a decent s13 to be my clean daily driver and winter car, i had a guy jump on me because EVERYONE apparently wants one or is buying one. Apparently they are too popular in Illinois, so he told me don't get one so I am not like everyone else...lol I grew up with Need for Speed games and such so always loved the 240sx, Tokyo drift just pushed it a little farther ;) yeah, i am one of those "kids". Honestly, i just dislike FWD and want RWD.

[KOUKIboy]

Do you still have the S14?Neat story by the way.

Yuup still have it, its my daily street warrior lol

[Red Square]

All you fanboys read super street in the early 2000, while us kool catz read Option pre 1994.

[Mishkin_707]

Touché (however its spelled)red square.....lol

[3411]

bout my 1st s13 over 8 years ago for 500$ in payments cause i couldnt aford a z32 at the time :(

[Jack Bauer S14]

Remember playing gran turismo 2 in a mall near home around 1997, think I was 8... I picked a black s14. Didn't know shit what it was back then LOL, after many years finally got my very own s14 for casual use. 120K on it pretty solid but many esthetic details... Still polishing the shit from the past owner.

Sent from my XT910 using Tapatalk 2

[Kaizen.]

Holy shit Red Square still here?!

Join Date: 2003. Post 368.

Damn Unicorn!

[NHTKID]

I've been into cars since I could breathe.. I'm quite young for the 240 scene but I bought my first 240 myself at 15yrs old (2005) I had mowed yards all summer before turning 15 and bought an old broke down Porsche from my neighbor for 500$ and my dad and I cleaned the injectors and it fired right up! I then sold it for 2500$ and used that to buy my 240! It was a white hatch and it just sat in the garage cause I was too young to drive it lol. But None of my friends knew what it was, all of them were into Hondas at the time.. Shit was stupid. Now I'm 22 and on my 2nd white s13 hatch.. Needless to say my mechanical inexperience ruined my first one.. Oh well, I learned and now my current s is beautiful..

To answer the op's question: I may have been 16 in 2006 but I didn't know many people with 240's but I ALWAYS got asked what it was and I saw it's popularity rise significantly between 08-12.. I also think it was because of drifting. I have been modding a chassis for a while now and still have yet to drift my car.. Who knows what the next trend will be

[fliprayzin240sx]

All you fanboys read super street in the early 2000, while us kool catz read Option pre 1994.

And those are the guys doing SR swaps in their S-chassis BEFORE anybody else.

This thread is funny cuz everybody who posted up are the same folks who jumped on the band wagon AFTER it blew the fuck up. :facepalm:

Lil history lesson: Drifting went mainstream summer of 2003 when D1 came over for a couple of exhibition competetion. That was pretty much the beginning of the end for S-chassis in the states. D1 came over after Signal Auto did their country wide drift demos with the twin S13.5s the year prior. Before 2003, having an S-chassis sucked because there were no parts available for these cars.

[180sxmaniac]

240s were way popular before tokyo drift. You can see the evolution of the bandwagon with in this thread with so many mixed responses, but a few have basically said how it was back then. I remember in high school no one knew wtf a 240 was except for a very very few. I would always get asked wtf my car was. Is that porsche? Is that a supra? 2003 is when they mostly started getting popular. I inherited my parents 240 they bought brand new in 92. It's the only car I've ever really given a shit about. Honda's, mitsu, talons etc are just not worth the time or effort in my eyes and that was the scene back then. Back in those days, there just wasn't much out there for cool japan cars stateside. Supras, rx-7 and 300z were to much for teenager. Unless you got the older versions. My first car I had the choice between moms 240 hatch or grandmas FC rx-7. I was pulling hair trying to decide lol.

Thats funny you say that because when I bought my 1st 240sx back in 2010(yea i know i was way late) I was also seriously undecided about whether to get a 240sx or a FC. I wanted a 240sx a little bit more just because they were more popular at the time and it seemed like Japan's holy grail for drift cars but the FC's were more affordable at least on clist. I ended up buying a 90 hatch from my next door neighbor when I saw him list his car on clist i noticed my house in the background. I bought it for $2300 bone stock literally, one owner an old guy car had 205,000 miles but I swear it ran like it had 40,000 miles. Sad thing was not knowing much about the s-chassis some idiot hit my car on the street basically damaging the front bumper(PIG NOSE RARE)and my right front fender.I sold it on craiglist for 1k.SMH I still can't beleive i did that.

[180sxmaniac]

I'm thinking the same with jsal32, shit was so cheap back then, I bought my 89 coupe in 2001, I paid $3,350 for it, it had 189,XXX miles on it, amazing condition factory champagne gold paint, 5spd, HUD power everything stock everything, I had an 85 ford that one day broke down and I said F this car, I was looking for a civic originally, drove past a rent a wreck in fairfield ca, I saw this little gold car, didn't know wtf it was but I fell in love with it, didn't want to get it because I wanted a civic, looked everywhere at civics but that little gold car was stuck in my head, so I went back to see how much they wanted for it, as I get there I see an older couple getting out of it, I ran inside and asked if the little gold car was sold, the guy said "no, they just took it for a test drive" in excitement I yelled I'll take it! He laughed and I just looked at him, half hour later, the little gold car was mine, everyone I knew were I to Hondas and talked shit, "it ain't a honda" constantly hearing from them, i loved my car though, drove it stock not knowing much about it and never really reading up on it, i just loved my car, always had a familiar sense about it but couldnt pinpoint it, I worked at a dealership as a lube tech, a new salesman Was hired and found out I drove it, he asked me if I was planing to do an sr20 I was like wtf is that? Then he explained to me, I was like oh ok cool, then he told me about the "Silvia" that's when I really got all excited, I knew there was some type of familiar feeling about the car, late 90's I was really into gran turismo and my favorite car was the S13 silvia, he brought me some magazine (that I still have somewhere) where I can order parts, back then the silvia front end was $350 whole front end, the sr20 was $600-800.

Fast forward to today, I still own it, drive it daily it now has 239,XXX miles on it running strong, the funny thing I never got tired of my car, I still get the same exact feeling as the same day I bought her in 2001.

I've seen the prices of these cars soar in the past, so many trendy styles to come and go, it's amazing how these kids are treating these cars, beating the shit out of them calling them missiles, cutting quarter panels off just for a set wheels to be called hella flush, what happens after this trend passes? Going to get looked at the same way as molded body kits in today's day, get called a ricer just like you do when you see and old school body kit or set of wheels, I've never fallen into these trends especially "hella flush" I'm old school, I tuck rim.

Sadly our cars have become the new Honda civic and every Honda fuck that got into the 240 game also brought their old low life habits.

I remember the day I can leave my car with the windows open, unlocked and nothing would happen, today I have to look over my shoulders everywhere I go, worry where I park even for five minutes. People tell me don't drive it then, WTF!?!? I bought the fuckin car to drive it not have it stored and walk, it was rare to hear a 240 got stolen, in the past three years I've noticed most of these changes and it sucks, the drifting scene has made these cars scarce, almost every for sale add has multi colored half ass swaps, dents parts cars from idiots trying to be pro drifters on the street, you can barely find anything in original condition, hell I remember my driver side seat didn't even have the normal bolster wear.

Some of you guys are probably not going to read my whole post, but going to reply with some dumb shit, talk all you want you just got your car because of the new trends to me, any 240 bought after 2005 is a trend buy, you know it, I've had my car before it was even thought of being in any trend, you had to know someone that knew someone that knew someone that even knew what the hell it was now every one and their mom know what it is, now everyone is on the "I want a 240 so I can drift it"

Damn, this is long as hell.....

read the whole thing and I completely agree.

[ManoNegra]

I'm thinking the same with jsal32, shit was so cheap back then, I bought my 89 coupe in 2001, I paid $3,350 for it, it had 189,XXX miles on it, amazing condition factory champagne gold paint, 5spd, HUD power everything stock everything, I had an 85 ford that one day broke down and I said F this car, I was looking for a civic originally, drove past a rent a wreck in fairfield ca, I saw this little gold car, didn't know wtf it was but I fell in love with it, didn't want to get it because I wanted a civic, looked everywhere at civics but that little gold car was stuck in my head, so I went back to see how much they wanted for it, as I get there I see an older couple getting out of it, I ran inside and asked if the little gold car was sold, the guy said "no, they just took it for a test drive" in excitement I yelled I'll take it! He laughed and I just looked at him, half hour later, the little gold car was mine, everyone I knew were I to Hondas and talked shit, "it ain't a honda" constantly hearing from them, i loved my car though, drove it stock not knowing much about it and never really reading up on it, i just loved my car, always had a familiar sense about it but couldnt pinpoint it, I worked at a dealership as a lube tech, a new salesman Was hired and found out I drove it, he asked me if I was planing to do an sr20 I was like wtf is that? Then he explained to me, I was like oh ok cool, then he told me about the "Silvia" that's when I really got all excited, I knew there was some type of familiar feeling about the car, late 90's I was really into gran turismo and my favorite car was the S13 silvia, he brought me some magazine (that I still have somewhere) where I can order parts, back then the silvia front end was $350 whole front end, the sr20 was $600-800.

Fast forward to today, I still own it, drive it daily it now has 239,XXX miles on it running strong, the funny thing I never got tired of my car, I still get the same exact feeling as the same day I bought her in 2001.

I've seen the prices of these cars soar in the past, so many trendy styles to come and go, it's amazing how these kids are treating these cars, beating the shit out of them calling them missiles, cutting quarter panels off just for a set wheels to be called hella flush, what happens after this trend passes? Going to get looked at the same way as molded body kits in today's day, get called a ricer just like you do when you see and old school body kit or set of wheels, I've never fallen into these trends especially "hella flush" I'm old school, I tuck rim.

Sadly our cars have become the new Honda civic and every Honda fuck that got into the 240 game also brought their old low life habits.

I remember the day I can leave my car with the windows open, unlocked and nothing would happen, today I have to look over my shoulders everywhere I go, worry where I park even for five minutes. People tell me don't drive it then, WTF!?!? I bought the fuckin car to drive it not have it stored and walk, it was rare to hear a 240 got stolen, in the past three years I've noticed most of these changes and it sucks, the drifting scene has made these cars scarce, almost every for sale add has multi colored half ass swaps, dents parts cars from idiots trying to be pro drifters on the street, you can barely find anything in original condition, hell I remember my driver side seat didn't even have the normal bolster wear.

Some of you guys are probably not going to read my whole post, but going to reply with some dumb shit, talk all you want you just got your car because of the new trends to me, any 240 bought after 2005 is a trend buy, you know it, I've had my car before it was even thought of being in any trend, you had to know someone that knew someone that knew someone that even knew what the hell it was now every one and their mom know what it is, now everyone is on the "I want a 240 so I can drift it"

Damn, this is long as hell.....

long ass post but you do a good job capturing the pride and love the old guys have for these cars.

And those are the guys doing SR swaps in their S-chassis BEFORE anybody else.

This thread is funny cuz everybody who posted up are the same folks who jumped on the band wagon AFTER it blew the fuck up. :facepalm:

Lil history lesson: Drifting went mainstream summer of 2003 when D1 came over for a couple of exhibition competetion. That was pretty much the beginning of the end for S-chassis in the states. D1 came over after Signal Auto did their country wide drift demos with the twin S13.5s the year prior. Before 2003, having an S-chassis sucked because there were no parts available for these cars.

exactly, a lot of us were aware from the Option mags and videos, Initial D and the first few Drift Days but it was those exhibitions that blew the doors wide open. I can still picture the wide eyes and drool dripping from the mouths of teenagers at those events.

[fiznowler]

I paid 2800 for my stock pretty clean 97 SE Kouki in 2005ish. I have had 7 240s over the years. I still have my 97 Kouki that got me hooked. I only have my Kouki and an S13 Coupe that I am working on now. You couldn't buy a totalled Kouki for 2800 today.

[RiskyRick]

There was no import crowd at my high school, I had never heard of initial d until this fall, and I've never seen "tokyo drift" all the way through. How did I find out about the s chassis? There was two local s14's- one rhd, rb25 swapped kouki, and an sr'd zenki- around when I started cruising the strip. About the second time I saw the two cars out I fell in love.

[racepar1]

Seems like a lot of you guys are missing the OP's question...



I think a lot of it started with the SportCompactCar magazine article 'Project Silvia'

It claimed you could have a 240sx and an SR for $3000!!

S13 Nissan Silvia - Techh - Sport Compact Car Magazine (http://www.modified.com/tech/0205scc_s13_nissan_silvia/)

Guess who tried?

<----this guy. lol

Ended up spending $300 for a beat chassis and $2400 for an S13 blacktop front clip and $1000 for a silvia front end.

It seems like the popularity started taking off as soon as more of the 'SCC Project Silvia' articles would come out.

-Jose

^^^This definitely brought the potential of the S-chasis to the mainstream. That's where I first started learning about 240's myself. Granted I was interested in them before that, but that's when I truly learned how easily and affordably modified they were.

As far as the total destruction of almost all 240's from the drift craze, you can that F&F for that. Honda kids immediately sold their civics to go buy a s13 to smash into curbs. Now all we have left are "missles" or really expensive "clean" s13's left...

[cgtdream]

I blame all the japan-boy wannabes who wanted to be super JDM Drift tyte. didnt actually believe that folks were like that though until i saw it first hand...

[240sxMac]

So I've been reading about these people bashing Honda drivers to switch to 240's to drift.

well I switched from a Honda myself, mainly because I loved the way the s13 looked, it's compact and RWD, which I never dabbled in, which I now love. I do not Drift my 240 too often. I actually plan on slamming it and keeping it clean. I picked up the chassis with a blown motor for 1150, There was no rust on my car whatsoever, which in the midwest is hard to find. upgraded from an KA24E to an KA24DE and the swap was super easy, compared to any FWD engine swap.

the aftermarket for the 240 is pretty insane, so I could see why Honda owners came over to the 240 as well.

I guess that's my 2 cents.

[fliprayzin240sx]

long ass post but you do a good job capturing the pride and love the old guys have for these cars.

exactly, a lot of us were aware from the Option mags and videos, Initial D and the first few Drift Days but it was those exhibitions that blew the doors wide open. I can still picture the wide eyes and drool dripping from the mouths of teenagers at those events.

Yup, I was in Englishtown, NJ when Signal Auto came out to our lil Wednesday Night drift event to have their demo. That was where they met Chris Forsberg and impressed them in his brand spanking new Z33. Few months later, Chris was moving to CA to be a driver for Signal, and the rest is history.

[godsmack]

Can't really tell what really made it blow up. I was in oki during the years it seemed to blow up. Before japan I didn't know what a 240sx was. I was all about domestics and was always after a guy I knew for him to sell me his 5.0 over there. Then I bought my 14 and fell in love. Ripped it apart bought a 13 hatch and am still in the process of doing the swap. Had a 5.0 since I was 16 and still DD it for now until the 240 is done and then that car is going under the knife.

[ixfxi]

So I've been reading about these people bashing Honda drivers to switch to 240's to drift.

well I switched from a Honda myself, mainly because I loved the way the s13 looked, it's compact and RWD, which I never dabbled in, which I now love. I do not Drift my 240 too often. I actually plan on slamming it and keeping it clean. I picked up the chassis with a blown motor for 1150, There was no rust on my car whatsoever, which in the midwest is hard to find. upgraded from an KA24E to an KA24DE and the swap was super easy, compared to any FWD engine swap.

the aftermarket for the 240 is pretty insane, so I could see why Honda owners came over to the 240 as well.

I guess that's my 2 cents.

because honda owners are fucking retarded



it took them over ONE DECADE to realize that accelerating with the front wheels is GHEY

being stupid (and broke), they eventually switch to the lowest grade of RWD cars:
- miata
- lexus sc
- 240 (even convertibles, which are fucking lame)
- fc rx7 (because fd's are too expensive)

visit any of these communities and you will see stupid "i once owned a race prepped civic, built and sponsored by MEAGUEN & MOSHIMOTO"

its over. ITS OVER.

[fliprayzin240sx]

If parts for the damn Z33 parts aren't double the price of S-chassis parts, that would be the new civic.

[Fearell]

In 2002-3 a couple buddies had them. One knew all about drifting and one had no idea what he even drove. At the time I didn't care about drifting I just liked driving fast. I used to drive a VR4 and was first starting to get into cars and learning how to mod them. At that time I wanted a Supra but couldn't afford one.... fast forward I ended up in a tech school where I met a military guy who had just come back from Japan. Guess what he drove? An SR powered 240! He got me into drifting hard after taking me on a few spins. I bought my two tone coupe in 2006 and a hatch in 2011. I sold the hatch.

[S14jake]

Drifting is cool 240's are cheap...thread

[240boi115]

formula drift, initial D, youtube, and wanting to be different( which is now not the case.. i think all these helped out a bit. i will be honest and used to drive a 96 civic coupe and i put all the money i made from my crappy job at the time into her. i was 17 and did all the usual...b18c1 swap, si interior, buddy club wheels, all suspension upgrades, ect.... but it all came to an end when i hydroplaned into the rear of a truck.. (traffic stopped real quick on a rainy day and i got screwed bad...) my car was totalled and my stupid step father made me get rid of it:bash:

one week later i see a very clean s13 coupe with a sil front end and i was hooked on the look. i then found out they were rwd and got to experience drifting with my friends brother... i was hooked for life and now love 240sx's and other nissan cars. the fr layout is awesome and got me out of my hondaboy stage maaan i cant believe i used to be like that :doh: idk if others have gone through something like this but thats how it happend for me i do like to drift but dont thrash my cars and prefer the cleaner look.

[180sxmaniac]

So I've been reading about these people bashing Honda drivers to switch to 240's to drift.

well I switched from a Honda myself, mainly because I loved the way the s13 looked, it's compact and RWD, which I never dabbled in, which I now love. I do not Drift my 240 too often. I actually plan on slamming it and keeping it clean. I picked up the chassis with a blown motor for 1150, There was no rust on my car whatsoever, which in the midwest is hard to find. upgraded from an KA24E to an KA24DE and the swap was super easy, compared to any FWD engine swap.

the aftermarket for the 240 is pretty insane, so I could see why Honda owners came over to the 240 as well.

I guess that's my 2 cents.


Don't take this the wrong way but I'm actually against people who think like that and the reason is clearly here in the states we only get limited numbers of Japan's FR layout sport cars(350z being the exception) so if your only going to dd a car why get a japanese rwd car when the numbers are limited,I'd rather you stick to your honda and leave the 240sx for people who are gonna swap em to SR20s and are gonna drift them or track them(no not strip em and part it out,but actually take the car to the track).

At least here in Socal I see tons of people in the S-Chassis community many of them my friends who all they talk about is I'm gonna do this swap that swap,I'm gonna get bride seats,I'm gonna do a kouki or strawberry face conversion and on and on,but none of em say I'm gonna learn how to drift or I'm gonna take a stunt driving class with my 240sx so I can learn how to control my car.Honestly that's the downfall of this community. If you look at the grassroots of Japan,grant it they have way more options as far as FR layout cars are concerned but even when you look at the JDM videos on youtube almost everyone who owns a 180sx/Silvia is a die hard drifter whether amateur or professional. If your dd your car only what's wrong with your civic?

[180sxmaniac]

If parts for the damn Z33 parts aren't double the price of S-chassis parts, that would be the new civic.

True, if I could do it all over again I would've saved up for a Z and just dropped coilovers and threw some varrstoen es2's and called it a day. Bcuz the Z is as good as it gets as far coming straight from the factory and being driftable. Aftermarket parts are expensive but engine mods aren't really needed on the Z,tons of torque and good power for its weight.

[ixfxi]

True, if I could do it all over again I would've saved up for a Z and just dropped coilovers and threw some varrstoen es2's and called it a day. Bcuz the Z is as good as it gets as far coming straight from the factory and being driftable. Aftermarket parts are expensive but engine mods aren't really needed on the Z,tons of torque and good power for its weight.

while you're saving for the Z, you may want to save up for a real set of wheels too

i cant believe in this imaginary "if i could do it all over again" scenerio, you're dreaming of knockoff wheels

this is it folks, ROCK fucking bottom

[FRpilot]

this is it folks, ROCK fucking bottom

Seriously. When young bloods these days are so broke that their dream wheels are xxr, sportmax, mb, varstoen, or whatever...

If you're dreaming anyways:

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTKMq6KMKCgB_tqdTVHBIHlzhdmj7rLT FX-fmCRoLL2h_rNDsRl8g

[usdm180sx]

your going to have to ask some one that is 50+

I'm not 50 lol but when I bought my first s13 hatch new off the lot in 1993. The "in" cars were hondas, acuras and dsm cars. NO one was modding the 240sx.

At the time drag racing was really popular at LACR with "Battle of the Imports" and al that.

But I always loved the 240sx because I know of the car's potential so I had all the Hyper Rev magazines and I wanted to learn as much about the sr20det and why these cars were super popular (if not the most popular car) to mod in Japan.

The s chassis was as popular in Japan as the fr-s is today.

The 240sx and ae86 are the only 2 cars I know of that became popular after production stopped.

Circa 2000-2001 drifting started becoming popular in the states and that's when these cars became so popular here in the states.

Speaking of which, I recently got out of the s-chassis game and got this:

http://i1326.photobucket.com/albums/u653/usdm180sx/mynew370z3_zpsf7e47198.jpg (http://s1326.photobucket.com/user/usdm180sx/media/mynew370z3_zpsf7e47198.jpg.html)

Advan Racing GT's would look so sick in black haha

[fliprayzin240sx]

^^^Fuck you Norm for abandoning me...I cant get away from fucking S14s for the life of me. I think the only way I can start fresh is if this shit gets stolen from me.

[KiLLeR2001]

Norm!!!!! Come back to us. :(

[usdm180sx]

^^^Fuck you Norm for abandoning me...I cant get away from fucking S14s for the life of me. I think the only way I can start fresh is if this shit gets stolen from me.

Norm!!!!! Come back to us. :(

Sorry guys! But I'll always be an s-chassis guy since I've been into them for 20 years now. Yikes!

[Mishkin_707]

Is it me or does every ex Honda guy switched to the S-chassis story start with


1. I saw this drifting video

2. It was a cheap affordable RWD to drift in

3. I always wanted to drift

4. Went to a drifting event/show

It's just like today's young people, no one want to grow up to be a cop or fireman, doctor or banker, everyone wants to be "hood" uurrr-body wanna be "thug"

I wanna drift I need a S-chassis, S-chassis were built for drifting, morons!

Stop trying to "drift" and drive the fuckin car, because right after Honda boy crashes his first time he posts it on Craigslist as "his drift missile" for sale or trade for a civic or integra

[uraznfriend]

Is it me or does every ex Honda guy switched to the S-chassis story start with


1. I saw this drifting video

2. It was a cheap affordable RWD to drift in

3. I always wanted to drift

4. Went to a drifting event/show

It's just like today's young people, no one want to grow up to be a cop or fireman, doctor or banker, everyone wants to be "hood" uurrr-body wanna be "thug"

I wanna drift I need a S-chassis, S-chassis were built for drifting, morons!

Stop trying to "drift" and drive the fuckin car, because right after Honda boy crashes his first time he posts it on Craigslist as "his drift missile" for sale or trade for a civic or integra


completely agree with that
just this past week at a meet
"hey guys I just traded my EM civic for this dope ass drift car, I don't know shit about the car expect the owner told me it has a 350z differential, and the stock KA is fast as shit!"
it was "slammed" to the ground on megans, and some shitty ass wheels

[nekrodev]

Not everyone is a sad fucker like that. I had a 4th gen Prelude a few years back and riced the shit out of it. That taught me several very important lessons and I won't be doing that ever again.

I've always wanted a S13 hatch because I love how they look and I love the way the SR20DET sounds. I'm gonna build it up and it'll be quick, but I'm not gonna drift it and destroy it. That's such a waste of an amazing car.

[Tank_4g63]

I'd rather you stick to your honda and leave the 240sx for people who are gonna swap em to SR20s and are gonna drift them or track them(no not strip em and part it out,but actually take the car to the track).



Sorry I bought my 240sx specifically to be a fun daily. Hondas aren't fun. FWD aint fun. I didn't want another dsm, specfically a fwd dsm as a daily, and I sure as hell don't want a honda. But yeah, my 240 won't ever make it to anything other than test and tune night.

As far as "drifting" is concerened. I don't even recognize it as motorsport. Its figure skating in car.

[greenwood]

figure skating is an olympic sport.

[aligoodn]

Despite the high number of 240sx "missiles" or otherwise beat to shit cars, I think there's still a solid section of real enthusiasts out there. There are still quality companies manufacturing parts for S-chassis cars, everything from aero to suspension to engine components. You can still buy these properly engineered parts new and further support those manufacturers. Unfortunately this popularity doesn't really help Nissan, it doesn't do them any good that a car they stopped making 15 years ago is all of a sudden doing really well in 3rd hand sales. I highly doubt they're going to start making more OEM replacement parts for 240's or anything like that.

In order for the car to survive the way it has, there are going to have to be casualties. You can't maintain this sort of mainstream popularity and be too expensive for a kid at his first job to reasonably afford. Those are the base enthusiasts, the guy who moves out of his parent's house and realizes that he can drive whatever he wants (within his small budget). He buys it because its rwd and it's light and it's easy to mod, maybe he stumbles on what it means to build a car properly and maybe he doesn't. However, a few of those enthusiasts who want to take the time to learn how to build a car properly, the plethora of cheap parts let them make mistakes without costing them too much money. They don't have to pay out the nose to play (initially) until they realize how much of a difference quality parts make and why they might cost 3 times (or more) as much as the cheapest option. Tired of the ride on your megan coils? Buy HKS ones. Tired of your aero fitting like crap? Save up for Vertex.

The general lack of quality in low level parts is an easy way to determine who is just in this because it's trendy and who has a geniune passion for the car. People who want instant gratification can ruin any car with cheap parts that are worse than the factory ones, but for the few that realize if they save their money there are way better upgrades - those are the enthusiasts that keep good companies in business. Without the constant supply of people getting into 240's, you lose that fraction of potential new enthusiasts who care about really building a car. It becomes increasingly hard to build a car because manufacturers will only make what customers want, so you have to find what you want second hand or learn how to make things.

The real enthusiast knows enough to know when he doesn't know enough (that's a real mouthful). And then spends the time researching to understand and fill the knowledge gap. I've been a lurker on zilvia for years (long before I even made an account) and while my latest S14 isn't where I'd like it to be, I know how to get it where I want it. I plan to still own my S14 after the craze is over. I don't go to car meets I'm tired of answering basic questions about it or daily it because I'm worried about someone trying to steal it. I don't drift it either, but when the weekend comes and the weather is nice and I just want to go for a drive with the girlfriend where the road has plenty of curves. That's what my S14 is for.

10 years from now nobody will know what a 240sx is. The drifting craze will have found another platform and the real enthusiasts can emerge again. We can go hang out and just enjoy the 240 for what it is. But beware, because soon after that it's going to start getting really hard to find replacement parts to keep our 240's on the road.

[LockOn!]

I just wanted to take this opportunity to point something out.

IMO it is pretty easy to spot late comers to the s-chassis. Basically if your car has any stickers from non-car related brands (energydrinks, clothing), or a stupid towhook "charm", I automatically assume your just around for the fad. "jdmtyteherrafrushillestyo"

While were bashing people who come over from Hondas, its interesting to see how the cultures translate. It seems to me Honda communities starting picking up on styling ques brought over from RWD JDM chassis, bastardized them, then brought them back when they pick up a s-chassis of their own. No offense to anyone, thats just what I have visably seen through events and meets in my area since 2006.

Its pretty sad how it ruins the pool of available chassis. 2 cars I had some pride in and sold (86 and s13) both fell to this and I was able to track their painful decline to absolute trash via craigslist over the years.

Oh well.



But seriously, take off the retarded stickers, loose the swag, and paint your fucking cars. Have some pride.

[Tank_4g63]

figure skating is an olympic sport.

Hockey is a sport.

Figure skating is an activity for people that want to look pretty.

Does figure skating take skill and athleticism? Yes. Does drifting take skill and seat time? Yes. Are either a sport/motorsport. No.

BTW I love to slide the hell out of my talon, but when I come out of a corner I am usually doing 65+ still. Wish there were more rally-x events in my area. The diff I have don't like getting sideways on pavement.

[shephurd]

Hockey is a sport.

Figure skating is an activity for people that want to look pretty.

Does figure skating take skill and athleticism? Yes. Does drifting take skill and seat time? Yes. Are either a sport/motorsport. No.
:tweak:


QFT

[SilviaSR20DET]

I remember the days when sr20det's were extremely hard to find in the states in 2003 which is when i got my s14. I wanted to put one in but no shops were able to do them for reasonable price or have the knowledge. It was fairly expensive for me since i was in high school and didn't have a good paying part time job to afford it. I believe drifting became really popular after D1 and drifting on youtube that I saw in some of the local shops demoing them. I actually really liked the 240sx being the outcast, it made the car alot more special. A lot of people loved the way it looked but never really found interest in buying them which i find weird. I guess the honda hype was what got everyone to just stick to Hondas instead. I wish it stayed that way....

[palauoriginal]

this got me interested. they made the car sound so affordable for the performance...

http://photos.motoiq.com/MotoIQ/Project-Cars/Project-Nissan-Silvia/i-kQGnsh7/0/M/Silvia%20less%20bouncy%20bits-M.jpg

[Piggy]

After reading everyone's view of being a bandwagoner, I'm not really sure what I would fall into.

My first car was a 91 hatch with a stock redtop and a welded diff. I bought it for 2k from CL Arkansas (2007-8, Junior in high school). I honestly randomly stumbled upon it and had heard of an sr20 but didn't know from where. I did research right then and there and decided that was something I really wanted; I wanted it for the turbo mainly. I replaced suspension and gave it new subframe bushings, along with the water pump that went out and head gasket that blew. That was how it remained as a daily and autoX'er. I hated it as a daily because of the random rattling coming from everywhere that I could never seem to make go away. It had no radio so that did get very old. It was a lot of fun at autoX, but I was never fast. I spent most of the time correcting slides; while fun, not the point. So with that, I first entered a Honda after graduating and having enough to own 2 cars (summer 2009). I bought a 96 Civic coupe for $1k, spent $500 a b20b, changed to S2 b18 intake mani, $350 for a local GSR tranny, cheap coilovers, Hx wheels with decent tires, and proceeded to win 3 races in a row. So, with that, I didn't start with Honda's, but like them for what they are. They could fuel my hobby for racing on the weekends and at a very reasonable price. Fast-forward to late 2010 when I met The local shop owner at a meet. His shop was in charge of anything coming out of our area with a crazy swap. He introduced me to track days by taking me to Barber's raceway in AL. I rode with him all day in his Evo ten as we sped past 911's, Zr1's, ect. It didn't take much thought to see there was no way either of my cars could be competitive at this and luckily around this time I started my career. So winter 2010 saw the start, and summer 2011 saw the completion of my first track day oriented car - a 92 coupe, s2 rb25, holset hx35, Apexi, greddy, ect bla (alottamula). I went back to Barber's and had an epic time passing $100k+ cars in my single stage white painted coupe. It had one other major track xp at Laguna Seca (living the dream). By this time I had traded my DD gs300 for a Kouki with an rb20. It was a salvaged titled car that I was building with the intention of getting into drifting the right way- the first time. I made the front a bash-bar setup and threw on some Origin to get the look, but I missed my Gs300 which brings me to current day. I'm trying the vip life this summer since I'm settling down a bit with the female. As for the popularity of the 'scene', it hasn't affected any decision I've made and I've honestly not noticed it in my area. 240sx's are very rare where I'm at; I actually saw the first and only stock S14 in Meridian, MS only yesterday.

Sorry for the length, I just really like the brutal honesty in this thread so far.

[Niterdr]

i just wish they wouldn't all get molested or trashed. alot of the ones i see on the road look like complete trash cuz banged up means you have street cred.

[BoredEE]

For me in high school (2000) I always wanted a slightly different car. I liked the idea of rear wheel drive, it seemed like every car was FWD or AWD. To me AWD feels like FWD too much of the time. I liked the old 944 (never driven), miata's and even crown victorias (cheap as hell, slow and boat but still neat). I realized the 944 would be too much work and expensive parts, the miata is a death trap and the crown vic would be alright but its a boat, no way around that. However, I'm still debating buying one, could be a good tow vehicle. I also looked into the mustang but I HATE the seating position, I don't know why they think everyone wants to drive it with a gangster lean. I prefer the vertical seat back that the japanese and sedans provide.

I waited until I graduated college and got a decent job before I started shopping. I found out all about engine swaps and the healthy after-market support for the s chassis platform and I was sold. Sadly I paid a healthy drift tax and I end up having the car in parts more often than I like.

If no one were driving 5000lbs trucks I would own a miata. In a miata my damn head is no taller than the door line of a new camry. When you are next to a 18 wheeler and you can't see the top of its wheels you know any accident will be ugly.

[180sxmaniac]

while you're saving for the Z, you may want to save up for a real set of wheels too

i cant believe in this imaginary "if i could do it all over again" scenerio, you're dreaming of knockoff wheels

this is it folks, ROCK fucking bottom


Somebody get this crybaby a pacifier. Got another grown man worrying about what i do with my money.Lord have mercy!!!!

[s13dood]

I first drove a 240 when i was 17. I was never into the car scene, I thought it was stupid to have a loud,low car and drag race. I was always into pre-runner/ lifted trucks more than anything. One day my buddy let me take his s13 for a spin and it changed my life.The feeling and sound I got from the car was unreal.I had never experienced a " race car" untill then.Since then I have owned 3 240's and have never looked back.

[tricky_ab]

I'm not going to jump in and say that I've ALWAYS wanted to own one. I was a young pup when I had seen my first Option VHS (I believe I was in grade 6). It was my friend's brothers copy (Their parents moved them to Canada to go to school). Anyways, I thought it was crazy the way they were speeding and sliding around mountain passes and various tracks.

From then I was more interested in motor sports and cars in general. I ended up buying a RHD Zenki and loved it since it was cheap fun. I ended up selling it since I was in school and it's stupid spending money on something like that, rather then saving and coming out of school debt free.

I'll be back in something fun next year...

[ZenkiKid]

This:
http://photos.motoiq.com/MotoIQ/Project-Cars/Project-Nissan-Silvia/i-kQGnsh7/0/M/Silvia%20less%20bouncy%20bits-M.jpg[/QUOTE]

And:
http://bonobolink.com/cms/sr20store/images/stories/project_s13/DSC00131.JPG

and this cool guy and his even cooler wife:
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3663/3507983671_6d0120c03a.jpg
http://www.nadine180.com/profile/profile_3.jpg

and this guy:
http://sosideways.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/komatsu_sm_1.jpg

and this car:
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2498/3873045385_45359113a5_o.jpg

and this car
http://a2.ec-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/147/000c694a0c514388b6615c9279144767/l.jpg

All got me hooked. Picked up my 89 pignose in 2006 for 2300. Its no longer daily driven and now looks like this: https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/271613_4211924808959_467666028_o.jpg


I didnt want to embed it because for some reason it did not want to automatically resize

[gearhead55]

ZenkiKid those are the exact cars that got me hooked too.

and this event in 2003:
zwQk4YzRH90

there is a better video online somewhere but I don't have time to look for it now. Brian has a picture of the back of my head standing next to Koguchi doing a burnout, I'll dig it up. I was like 15 or 16 and had a 510 at the time.