A trip down memory lane: Old 240SX Reviews

[ixfxi]

Motor Week recently posted these videos online:

Ec8WKVEypkc
^ 1989 NISSAN 240SX Fastback

d2wz6oV9sSU
^ 1989 comparison between:
- NISSAN 240SX Fastback
- Plymouth Laser RS Turbo
- Ford Probe GT

Funny how to me, the Probe and Laser are junk cars. Plymouth what? Ford huh? Barf.

Seeing the 240SX in stock form move through the cones or brake, is depressing. I mean, its the reason why we all modify these cars.. so they dont behave like they did STOCK. Makes me wonder why anyone would want to be a "purist" and keep these cars stock. Its miserable. Oh, the undersized brakes, wheels and tires... ah, the wonderful auto seatbelts that choke you when closing and so often get stuck, jamming and pinning you into the seat. Even through all the bullshit, our cars simplicity is its saving grace. Inexpensive, basic, RWD...

Makes me wonder WHAT THE FUCK all these idiots are doing hoonigan, hellaflushing, aintcaring... fucking moroning our cars into the automotive graveyard. Cant people build these cars with a bit of pride anymore?

/rant

[e1_griego]

Car and Driver posted this, too:

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/nissan-240sx-se-archived-test-review

[OBEEWON]

Jeeze 90's styling was so terrible.
I need that leather blazer so bad though.

[silviaks2nr]

Motortrend really nailed it. Basically all it had going for it was rwd. My god the sohc sounds so bad even when new, too.

I blame superstreet for starting the flat black, junkyard engine swap, spraypaint don't care mentality with their silvia project car in 2005 or so. While it wasn't terrible by current standards, it set the bar pretty damn low.

[e1_griego]

Hilariously, Dave Coleman's car was actually used on the track, not just some parking lot drift slut.

Motoiq had a follow-up article about it: http://www.motoiq.com/MagazineArticles/articletype/articleview/articleid/2031/what-the-hell-happened-to-project-silvia.aspx

And more: http://www.motoiq.com/Projects/Nissan/Silvia.aspx

[bmaddock]

Cool post, it is funny imagining these things coming out new from the factory. I remember my dad picking up a Z31 and I thought it was the best thing ever.

Using http://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/cpicalc.pl?cost1=13499&year1=1990&year2=2014 , the 240SX sold for around $13499 in 1990, which equates to around $24,584 now. Interesting to put into perspective. The FRS really isnt too far off.

[OBEEWON]

Except the FRS can get bent.

[OBEEWON]

Rocket Bunny too.

[Matej]

What is the 'junkyard swap' that the Project Silvia keeps going on about? Where in the US do people find RWD SR20's in junkyards?

[5280VertDET]

Oh, fuck. I just watched these the other day... there is SOOO many awesome ones!

[simmode1]

I wonder if there is an S14 review or better yet, a direct comparison against the S13's.... That would be cool.

[e1_griego]

I wonder if there is an S14 review or better yet, a direct comparison against the S13's.... That would be cool.

As if s14 owners weren't snobby enough ;)


Top gear did a quick 2min s14 review, you can find it on youtube.

[spooled240]

It's right here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLGKV_WByYM

Granted this 200sx was a far cry from the 240sx we had in the states, but it's still fun to watch.

[murda-c]

It's kinda cool when I think about the fact that all of the negatives you hear about in the reviews I have addressed on my car.

Sad when I think about the rust that is starting on it though.

[simmode1]

As if s14 owners weren't snobby enough ;)


Top gear did a quick 2min s14 review, you can find it on youtube.

Shit man, I hate my S14. I much prefer S13's. Accept when it comes to surviving a car wreck. Then its S14 ALL THE WAY! Yay!!!

[KiLLeR2001]

Haha, first video looks identical to my car when I bought it.

http://tehl33tsite.com/240sxdd/2tone240/shoot/IMAG0378.jpg

[Chubs]

Haha, first video looks identical to my car when I bought it.

http://tehl33tsite.com/240sxdd/2tone240/shoot/IMAG0378.jpg

clean virgin......

[Wykydtron]

Let's see here... which one of the three has the biggest aftermarket 24 years later and have engineers in a forum debating in a 220+ page thread over steering angle and actively sharing knowledge on how to attain the best suspension performance at the track............

s-chassis ftw!

Well I guess DSM guys have their own thing... but yuck who in the right mind would smoke meth in their spare time?

[ixfxi]

Motortrend really nailed it. Basically all it had going for it was rwd. My god the sohc sounds so bad even when new, too.

RWD, appearance (both interior and exterior), and the thing that only revealed itself later down the road: parts cross-compatibility. This is the key ingredient as to why these cars are amazing. The SOHC was a heap, but given the circumstances... at least NISSAN nipped that in the bud and released the DOHC 2 years later. Its not like the rest of the world had this problem since they had CA/SR and (optional) turbo.


I wonder if there is an S14 review or better yet, a direct comparison against the S13's.... That would be cool.

Would be interesting. I drove the S14 when it was released and was not pleased/impressed. Maybe because I was comparing it to my fastback, which is not a fair comparison.


Let's see here... which one of the three has the biggest aftermarket 24 years later and have engineers in a forum debating in a 220+ page thread over steering angle and actively sharing knowledge on how to attain the best suspension performance at the track............

DSM community is pretty active. The 4G63 is a good motor. Rest of the cars are shit.

[KiLLeR2001]

Would be interesting. I drove the S14 when it was released and was not pleased/impressed. Maybe because I was comparing it to my fastback, which is not a fair comparison.



Every time I drive an S14 I say to myself... "Hmm, feels much safer than my S13, but also feels less sporty and ultimately less fun."

[ixfxi]

^ Yep. Less creaky, too. But a lot less sporty.

My biggest gripe has to do with the interior layout and for some reason, the non-sprung adjuster for the steering column really bugs me.

[ixfxi]

GQ0972wohFs

They added the JZA80 Supra Turbo the other day.

Shit. 105' stopping distance. Not bad for a pig of a car.

When comparing 90s cars, 350Z does not seem to be a worthy successor to the Z32-TT.

370Z... maybe. Dunno.

[5280VertDET]

They added the JZA80 Supra Turbo the other day.

Shit. 105' stopping distance. Not bad for a pig of a car.


$33K in 93, damn.... What is that like $40-47K Today?

[simmode1]

Every time I drive an S14 I say to myself... "Hmm, feels much safer than my S13, but also feels less sporty and ultimately less fun."

Precisely how I feel. I actually want to trade my S14 for another hatch every now & then...When comparing 90s cars, 350Z does not seem to be a worthy successor to the Z32-TT.

370Z... maybe. Dunno.

Totally agree. IMO, the 350Z was Nissan's watered down compromise since they couldn't afford to offer both the S-Chassis & the Z at that time.

[LockOn!]

I think they also figured out they simply didn't need too.
No one else was offering a 2+2 so they said fuck it, dumped the S-chassis and moved their 2+2 into the Sport/Luxury category with the Z/G and upped the prices.
Fucking 2+2 Infinity, so lame.

I love my Z33, but the 90's magic is definitely missing.

[supersayianjim]

those fucking mk4's are pigs when it comes to fuel comsumption!!!

[simmode1]

I always felt that if the Z/G had come equipped with the single turbo VQ30DET, we would not be missing the S-Chassis so much.

[ixfxi]

$33K in 93, damn.... What is that like $40-47K Today?

Actually, it comes out to be $54,360. Remember, that was introductory pricing because by the last year the Supra was released (1998) the prices of BOTH Z32 and JZA80 had increased significantly.

Not that I'm comparing apples with apples here, but when I see people selling S-chassis cars for 6-10k *STOCK* I kinda think its silly because I purchased my `95 SC for about 7k.
S13 was a sub 20k car
95 SC sticker (which I have) was about 45k

Dollar for dollar, you get a lot more car in the used market... but yeah, its a totally different car. S13 is a sporty garbage can. SC is a luxurious garbage can.


Totally agree. IMO, the 350Z was Nissan's watered down compromise since they couldn't afford to offer both the S-Chassis & the Z at that time.

Considering NISSAN had just gone through a huge financial pinch, the Z33 really made good sense. I mean, everything on the Z33 is practically a shared component used on some other platform - so in the end, the math works. If you ever really look closely at the Z32 parts (or S-chassis), they may look similar to parts from another model.. but they still have a lot of bespoke parts on them.


those fucking mk4's are pigs when it comes to fuel comsumption!!!

I dont think its out of the ordinary. Besides, can you find me ONE performance vehicle that gets good fuel economy? Fuel economy and performance dont go hand in hand. And please, dont post any bullshit battery-box hybrid. People with their unrealistic views of how hybrids are "free mpg" fall flat when it comes time to change/service their battery.


I always felt that if the Z/G had come equipped with the single turbo VQ30DET, we would not be missing the S-Chassis so much.

For being NA, the current VQ37VHR motors really scream - and though I dislike the V6 configuration - they actually look nice too. Still, I'm such a sucker for straight 4 motors like the SR20DET or straight 6 like the RB/JZ.


Fucking 2+2 Infinity, so lame.

Dunno, I really like the G35 Coupe since it was first released. G37 Coupe... so-so. And now with all this Q-nonsense... I'm forever confused. I hope that INFINITI will get their heads out of their asses and get the old nomenclature back. Doubt it, though.


R1BEBKkul1g

^^ damn just posted, another cool review. These guys are really hitting the nail on the head with all these old school sportscars. Someone IS listening.

[Corbic]

$33K in 93, damn.... What is that like $40-47K Today?


Not even close.

$54,360 in 2014 USD.

[Corbic]

Precisely how I feel. I actually want to trade my S14 for another hatch every now & then...

Totally agree. IMO, the 350Z was Nissan's watered down compromise since they couldn't afford to offer both the S-Chassis & the Z at that time.


The 350Z took the best of both cars.

Most Z32s sold in the US where non-turbo. The 350Z cost less then a NA 300ZX while offering near turbo performance.

It also cost only a few hundred bucks more then the antiquated S15 turbo.

Mistubishi did the same thing with the Eclipse and 3000GT. Most people wanted the V6 big FWD 3000GT over the VR4, so when the 3rd gen eclipse came out it basically became a bash of the two cars.

[Corbic]

S13 was a sub 20k car

95 SC sticker (which I have) was about 45k



Dollar for dollar, you get a lot more car in the used market... but yeah, its a totally different car. S13 is a sporty garbage can. SC is a luxurious garbage can.

Luxury cars always depreciate like rocks. Part of the reason is cost of up keep (repairs, fuel economy) and the other problem is "luxury".

What exactly is "luxurious" about a SC300 today?

It's crappy worn, unsupportive "leather" seats? Automatic climate controls? Power windows standard? Optional CD changer?
Passenger front airbag?

A new Ford Focus is a more "luxurious" car in terms of technology, options and safety.
Hell, NVH may even be lower on the Focus.


I dont think its out of the ordinary. Besides, can you find me ONE performance vehicle that gets good fuel economy? Fuel economy and performance dont go hand in hand. And please, dont post any bullshit battery-box hybrid. People with their unrealistic views of how hybrids are "free mpg" fall flat when it comes time to change/service their .


It's the 90's so it's all good, but let's be honest, the RB/JZ are garbage by today's standards. Heavy, expensive, gas guzzling and dirty.

The standard today is 20/30mpg under the modern test procedures. Many 90's cars lose up to 5mpg under these new standards.

The Z4 gets 34mpg and I believe the new TT will be up there as well. Corvette, Cayman and 911 all can reach 30mpg.

[ixfxi]

What exactly is "luxurious" about a SC300 today?
It's crappy worn, unsupportive "leather" seats? Automatic climate controls? Power windows standard? Optional CD changer?
Passenger front airbag?

WHAT IS LUXURIOUS?!?! Well friend, let me tell you...
When you purchase a Lexus, a car of high caliber, you immediately are given membership on one of the most classy forums around: CLUB LEXUS. Even the name is inviting and makes you feel like you're getting VIP treatment. Not only do you get bottle service, but you get to socialize with folks like Obeewon.

The plush leather interior, the automatic climate control, and ah yes, the projector halogen headlights - all just a touch of modern amenities. Even the seats electronically slide forward when you tilt them to allow easy access to the rear seats, while you sit back and have some champagne with Paris and Kim.

The engine is also a beautiful piece of artwork, with an intake manifold that swoops over the valve cover. It restricts access to things like some, but not all, spark plugs - because honestly, only the poor would need to service an engine.

Bullshit aside, the only good thing going for it is the chassis being tank-like. Metal is heavy duty, door hinges are from a bank vault, and a lot is shared with the JZA80. I recently chucked the leather seats and installed Supra seats and reupholstered them with leather/alcantara. But yeah, these cars are old. But at least they are not tin-cans like many of todays cars.


The standard today is 20/30mpg under the modern test procedures. Many 90's cars lose up to 5mpg under these new standards.

When motorweek reviewed the LFA, I thought it was interesting that the car got around 18mpg. Dunno, I thought it would be more efficient.

[l adam l]

I dont think its out of the ordinary. Besides, can you find me ONE performance vehicle that gets good fuel economy? Fuel economy and performance dont go hand in hand.

99 Camara ss with ls1 and t56 got 27mpgs on the highway...not bad for a '90s' v8?

[Bushido]

Cool thread, I like the nostalgic feelings here.



Here's one from Road and Track:

http://www.240sx.org/links/magazine/r&tmag/cover.jpg

http://www.240sx.org/links/magazine/r&tmag/spread.jpg

http://www.240sx.org/links/magazine/r&tmag/toppix.jpg


http://www.240sx.org/links/magazine/r&tmag/index.html

and one from Car and Driver:

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/nissan-240sx-se-archived-test-review

[OBEEWON]

WHAT IS LUXURIOUS?!?! Well friend, let me tell you...
When you purchase a Lexus, a car of high caliber, you immediately are given membership on one of the most classy forums around: CLUB LEXUS. Even the name is inviting and makes you feel like you're getting VIP treatment. Not only do you get bottle service, but you get to socialize with folks like Obeewon.

LOL Clublexus makes my face hurt. I didn't know you were on there Mike? What's your S/N?


Also Lexus affords you the luxury of electronic connectors that never disconnect. And if they do they slice your fingers off and break.

[Bushido]

http://www.240sx.org/links/magazine/car&driver/c&d1190/c&d11901.jpghttp://www.240sx.org/links/magazine/car&driver/c&d1190/c&d11902.jpg

[Bushido]

http://www.240sx.org/links/magazine/car&driver/c&d0691/c&d06917.jpg

[5280VertDET]

Is that some sort OEM lip or just a funny angle?

[Bullitt_180sx]

Is that some sort OEM lip or just a funny angle?

It's just the OEM chuki lip.

[5280VertDET]

It's just the OEM chuki lip.

Yea, I was just looking at it wrong. The glossyness of the bumper made it kinda look like a formed lip; similar to PDM or the "East Bear" lips...

http://www.pdm-racing.com/products/imag/April1esmall.jpg

[supersayianjim]

WHAT IS LUXURIOUS?!?! Well friend, let me tell you...
When you purchase a Lexus, a car of high caliber, you immediately are given membership on one of the most classy forums around: CLUB LEXUS. Even the name is inviting and makes you feel like you're getting VIP treatment. Not only do you get bottle service, but you get to socialize with folks like Obeewon.

The plush leather interior, the automatic climate control, and ah yes, the projector halogen headlights - all just a touch of modern amenities. Even the seats electronically slide forward when you tilt them to allow easy access to the rear seats, while you sit back and have some champagne with Paris and Kim.

The engine is also a beautiful piece of artwork, with an intake manifold that swoops over the valve cover. It restricts access to things like some, but not all, spark plugs - because honestly, only the poor would need to service an engine.

Bullshit aside, the only good thing going for it is the chassis being tank-like. Metal is heavy duty, door hinges are from a bank vault, and a lot is shared with the JZA80. I recently chucked the leather seats and installed Supra seats and reupholstered them with leather/alcantara. But yeah, these cars are old. But at least they are not tin-cans like many of todays cars.




When motorweek reviewed the LFA, I thought it was interesting that the car got around 18mpg. Dunno, I thought it would be more efficient.



yes you swap in some mk4 supra seats and get some new door panels and you have something more modern. I get much better gas mileage in my s13-rb25 than in my 1jz sc400. prob because the lexus weighs 1k more.

[supersayianjim]

wow, remember when 155hp was a big deal? seems like only yesterday. and in terms of the ls1, that is the only and I mean ONLY thing that is saving gm or keeping them afloat. at least the other Japanese companies can make different engines and variations of them.

back in the 90's yes they used the same engines in different models. but since 98 the only thing worth a damn is the ls-engine.

I know if it's not broken don't fix it. but it shows just how ADVANCED the American companies are when it comes to new car tech. now FINALLY a new lt-engine after how many decades?

[O$mo]

WHAT IS LUXURIOUS?!?! Well friend, let me tell you...
When you purchase a Lexus, a car of high caliber, you immediately are given membership on one of the most classy forums around: CLUB LEXUS. Even the name is inviting and makes you feel like you're getting VIP treatment. Not only do you get bottle service, but you get to socialize with folks like Obeewon.

The plush leather interior, the automatic climate control, and ah yes, the projector halogen headlights - all just a touch of modern amenities. Even the seats electronically slide forward when you tilt them to allow easy access to the rear seats, while you sit back and have some champagne with Paris and Kim.

The engine is also a beautiful piece of artwork, with an intake manifold that swoops over the valve cover. It restricts access to things like some, but not all, spark plugs - because honestly, only the poor would need to service an engine.

I need a Lexus now. My life's value has significantly dropped due to not owning a Lexus

:facepalm:

[AFSil80]

GQ0972wohFs

They added the JZA80 Supra Turbo the other day.

Shit. 105' stopping distance. Not bad for a pig of a car.

When comparing 90s cars, 350Z does not seem to be a worthy successor to the Z32-TT.

370Z... maybe. Dunno.

When the MKIV Supra Turbo made it's debut, it took the record for Car&Driver's braking distance...and it held that title until the Carrera GT came around.

Yes, the Porsche supercar.

[ixfxi]

This blew my mind the other day....

"With its middle finger raised to physics, the C7 also stopped from 60 mph in only 93 feet, which is the shortest stopping distance we've ever measured."

http://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/corvette-stingray/2014/road-test.html

[ixfxi]

s_1fDRLG-yU

enjoy

btw, i always love reading idiotic comments on youtube (almost as bad as modern zilvia)

" gvi341984 3 days ago
Very expensive for a medicore car "

$19,535 is expensive? psssshahahah

[dorkidori_s13]

$19,535 is expensive? psssshahahah

remember, the younger generations pretty much have no financial sense in how to save money, work multiple jobs or financially plan for their futures due to instant gratification... because unless theres an app for it, TLDR! :keke:

the only 240s theyve ever know are the beat up pieces of shit that litter forums and facebook because drifting has pretty much ruined these cars

personally i cant wait to pay $18-$20k for an S15 in 10 years time that has been meticulously maintained thru its life span and never beaten on as the Japanese still have a sense of pride and respect for their cars (and their little chunk of the world in general).

[ixfxi]

personally i cant wait to pay $18-$20k for an S15 in 10 years time that has been meticulously maintained thru its life span and never beaten on as the Japanese still have a sense of pride and respect for their cars (and their little chunk of the world in general).

apparently, you dont look at the used cars on the yahoo auctions much, do you?

i am not fully disagreeing with what you are saying, but i have looked at a lot of the used cars available in japan and there is an equal amount of abused/beatup/poorly modified S-chassis vehicles JUST like here in the US. Now I am not saying that what you are saying does not exist, but I also do not think Japan is some land of utopia where S-chassis are cared for and loved.

[ixfxi]

some more funny comments, if only i could respond (since the google+ integration, I opt'ed out)

" Ashley Wolf 2 days ago
Great car ruined by a TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE engine (the KA24DE) "

^^^ let this be proof that women, or maybe "most women," have no fucking clue what they are talking about.

the DOHC is sooooooooo much better than the SOHC. And there are sooooooo many WORSE engines out there, the KA is not great - but its surely not terrible.

[dorkidori_s13]

ka series engine = worst motor ever to put in the 240

nissan shouldve stuck to their original plan and put the CA18det in the S13 when they brought it over... fucking dumb asses

[FaLKoN240]

Turbo tax stopped them. Not the product made by Intuit.

[dorkidori_s13]

Actually, lack of the GTR in the US stopped them.

[omgRWDgoodness!]

"Built for the Human Race"...talk about a tagline. Not just "Driven" or whatever lame shit they're using now.

^^^ let this be proof that women, or maybe "most women," have no fucking clue what they are talking about.
This must be one of those female impersonators akin to the days of online chatrooms, we all know there's no such thing as women on the internet.

[kashira kureijii]

But would the silvia culture here have been the same if they had brought the ca18det and the gtr to america? I don't think so, while there are plenty of people who are shitty with their cars here, I would argue that the fact that the cars are shitty here that makes the good ones more respectable. For instance if every car had come with the correct good motors (ca18/sr20) We would not mark them as unique and for properly built cars, merely because they had those motors already, and hence are an easy setup. Here i feel like people who have nice cars actually have to do a lot more work, and know more because they have to correct all the lameness.
In japan you can just go an buy an sr20 silvia do a few things, and your car is "nice", here you have to resurrect your car from lame fanboyness, then swap in a rebuilt junkyard motor from japan, then give it all the nice japan aero then repaint then balance everything out etc.

And yes, its probably for the best that they never brought gtr's here, cuz then you would see swaggot gtr's and LS swapped gtr's and all matters of hell.

[simmode1]

^^^That's an interesting point. Thats the same reason the MR2 turbo doesn't get more respect/attention. It was already offered with a good engine here. No need to reinvent the wheel like in the early S-chassis days, so theres no hype. It boggles my mind why more ppl don't go batshit crazy over a legit 2 seater, mid-engined, JDM turbo car that you can buy for as low as $4500 like the MR2 turbo. Not to mention that sexy ass optional T-top.....

[ixfxi]

ka series engine = worst motor ever to put in the 240

nissan shouldve stuck to their original plan and put the CA18det in the S13 when they brought it over... fucking dumb asses

you have no idea what you are talking about

the KA made perfect sense based on the demographic and terrain that these cars are used in: long flat roads, welcome to america, land of torque. americans have no interest in wind up high RPM motors. you guys forget that we would not get ONLY the turbo engines, what about the non turbo engines? our cars *were* sold with NA engines, remember? You seriously think Americans would want a NA 1.8 or NA 2.0 over a torquey 2.4? Besides, the SOHC was only sold for 2 years before offering the much better DOHC engine.

you guys also forget about the price difference between the S-chassis and Z32. Towards the end, the Z32TT was significantly more expensive. Even if you compare it to todays Z34, the last year TT models sold for what 55k? Thats pricey. How much would a Skyline sell for in the States, and what trims would be available? Again, you guys forget that not all Skylines were GTR. I can only imagine how many people would want a 4-door Skyline here in the US.

I am just saying, all of this made perfect sense AT THE TIME. Given the circumstances that NISSAN was on the path of financial ruin back then.

[kashira kureijii]

^^^That's an interesting point. Thats the same reason the MR2 turbo doesn't get more respect/attention. It was already offered with a good engine here. No need to reinvent the wheel like in the early S-chassis days, so theres no hype. It boggles my mind why more ppl don't go batshit crazy over a legit 2 seater, mid-engined, JDM turbo car that you can buy for as low as $4500 like the MR2 turbo. Not to mention that sexy ass optional T-top.....

Agreed I used to have one and they're awesome, put some work into them and I'm sure they would own. I got rid of mine cuz i got tired of my head hitting the roof. But yes they definitely haven't developed the same scene as 240's have

[dorkidori_s13]

...over a PAIN IN THE ASS TO WORK ON BECAUSE OF ITS MID-REAR ENGINE, legit 2 seater, JDM turbo car that you can buy for as low as $4500 like the MR2 turbo. Not to mention that sexy ass optional T-top.....

there, went ahead and fixed that for yah :hsdance::keke:

[ixfxi]

" Originally Posted by simmode1 View Post
...over a PAIN IN THE ASS TO WORK ON BECAUSE OF ITS MID-REAR ENGINE, legit 2 seater, JDM turbo car that you can buy for as low as $4500 like the MR2 turbo. Not to mention that sexy ass optional T-top....."

there, went ahead and fixed that for yah :hsdance::keke:

and for the record, let me remind you that its a toyota - they're overbuilt to the point where they (very) rarely need major service.

[kashira kureijii]

there, went ahead and fixed that for yah :hsdance::keke:
:coolugh::coolugh::keke:
Hahaha like the procedures for anything coolant related? having to do all sorts of special steps in order to save your head gasket:) having to raise the car like 9 feet in the air so you can actually do stuff . Other than that though, its kinda like most jap cars (ie 240's),you have to basically pull the engines to do anything, if you aren't like Japanese sized :). Otherwise your hands are gonna get all cut up
This vv
"and for the record, let me remind you that its a toyota - they're overbuilt to the point where they (very) rarely need major service"

[dorkidori_s13]

and for the record, let me remind you that its a toyota - they're overbuilt to the point where they (very) rarely need major service.

try changing a clutch or anything related to pulling the motor to work on it... not fun in any way at all. removing the drivers side axle is like pulling teeth!

[simmode1]

MR2's might be a PITA to work on, but it might be worth it. Just depends on how much one might want a reasonably reliable mid-engine turbo car. And I've been wanting one alot more than an S-chssis lately. I keep hearing from owners that the labor & snap oversteer issues are petty overblown. These cars were pretty similarly priced to 240's when they were both on sale, weren't they? I wonder if there were any comparison reviews...

[VROOOM]

MR2's were kind of expensive

27k for a turbo in 1994 was quite a bit



Base 2dr Coupe
See Specs
4 cyl.
130-hp, 2.2-liter I-4 (regular gas)
22/29
$22,538/$19,045
Destination charge: $385

T-Bar 2dr Coupe
See Specs
4 cyl.
130-hp, 2.2-liter I-4 (regular gas)
22/29
$23,718/$20,042
Destination charge: $385

Turbo w/TBar 2dr Coupe
See Specs
4 cyl.
200-hp, 2.0-liter I-4 (regular gas)
20/27
$27,588/$23,312
Destination charge: $38

a 1993 240sx SE fastback was 10k cheaper

[Corbic]

MR2's might be a PITA to work on, but it might be worth it to have a reasonably reliable mid-engine turbo car, IMO. I keep hearing from owners that the labor & snap oversteer issues are petty overblown. These cars were pretty similarly priced to 240's when they were both on sale, weren't they? I wonder if there were any comparison reviews...

Not even close in terms of price.

The SW20 was priced closer to a Corvette.

Base 240sx was $16,000 ($26,200 in 2015)
Base Civic SI was $10,000 ($16,400 in 2015)

Base Mustang Cobra $17,195 ($28,154 in 2015)
Z28 Camaro (T56 + LT1) $19,550 ($32,665 in 2015)

Base MR2 $20,749 ($33,973 in 2015)
Turbo MR2 $29,243 ($47,881 in 2015)

Completely different markets.


As for working.... It's just a backwards FWD car.

[ixfxi]

try changing a clutch or anything related to pulling the motor to work on it... not fun in any way at all. removing the drivers side axle is like pulling teeth!

i know we're totally off topic here, but have you ever wrenched on a Z32TT?

real convenient car to work on.... :-P

[simmode1]

Oh, I thought the mr2 was cheaper than that new... Still, its an indication that it was a higher caliber car than the s-chassis. Good thing they're unappreciated so they're still relatively cheap & beneath the notice of the ratchet spec crowd.

[kashira kureijii]

MR2's might be a PITA to work on, but it might be worth it. Just depends on how much one might want a reasonably reliable mid-engine turbo car. And I've been wanting one alot more than an S-chssis lately. I keep hearing from owners that the labor & snap oversteer issues are petty overblown. These cars were pretty similarly priced to 240's when they were both on sale, weren't they? I wonder if there were any comparison reviews...

I have had one, and now i have a couple 240's, mr2 was like my first car, so i learned to drive well in it, heel toe, etc. The shifting is kinda lame compared to 240's, because its cable shifting, so its hard to get right, but after a while you get better at it, and can even shift without the clutch(despite cable lag).

My car was N/A, and i have heard that some of the mr2 enthusiasts actually prefer it ( though if i was going to do a N/A mr2 i would build a beams one).

Car was super reliable, and if you need to do anything, i would just do what you do here and look it up, someone has usually found a better way to do it. It might be fun to start out with a cheap high mileage N/A, and swap it, but then you would need to swap brakes for turbo breaks etc.

Also snap oversteer is a factor especially in the 91 and 92 models, but if you get enough experience you know the limit and what not to do, you feel like a badass.( one time i took mine to the limit in the rain, snap oversteer kicked in around an onramp, and i spun out in the middle of the highway, luckily this is texas, so there wasn't really anyone on it)

Also toyota is badass:):):naughty:, and mr2's are super fun. If your tall it might get old though, like 6'3+

240's are easier to work on tho......

[simmode1]

^^^Yeah, as I looked around there seemed to be plenty of ppl maintaining their SW20's without needing to drop the engine. Z32 is similiar, ppl have figured out ways around a lot of those things. I mean, I'm pretty sure an R35 GTR is a bitch to work on too... Gonna give up on that one as well? If I ever get rid of my S14 for another inexpensive JDM toy, it will be probably be for an MR2 turbo. Otherwise, I'll just hold on to my 240 and hope that the GT4 Stinger or something like it eventually hits the market.

[omgRWDgoodness!]

Forget the MR2 Turbo...the Celica All-trac/GT-Four is my JAM! It's a crying shame we never got the ST205 chassis '94-99 models like the rest of the world :rolleyes:

[simmode1]

^^^I used to have an ST183 GTS. Those things are ghastly to me now. The st205 is even uglier. Making either of them look good is impossible. Would much rather have the MR2 & certainly wouldn't give up an SR swapped 240 for those rollee pollee things.

[kashira kureijii]

Forget the MR2 Turbo...the Celica All-trac/GT-Four is my JAM! It's a crying shame we never got the ST205 chassis '94-99 models like the rest of the world :rolleyes:

The 86-89 all tracs are badass plus we got a few of them they're just like never for sale, such rally champion 80's nostalgia awesomeness. MR2's are better though, more sexy lines and supercar fighting skills yo!

[simmode1]

Found some goodies!

Dori Dori compares the S13 to the then new S14 & throws in a Mine's Zenki for fun:
4kk63m_LR7s

Dori Dori now compares the S14 Silvia against the SW20 in a N/A AND Turbo showdown! NA MX5 & FD3S also make an appearance!
-rxueyuWKAU

Early S14 tuning tips & showdown against R32 GTR!
AjP6tgKYhgE

Early S13 tuner Shoot-Out... When is the last time Keiichi drove this many cars with lowering springs?!? lol
U5rtEYoxkRk

[ixfxi]

0oulONbutow

Z32 first review - non turbo

[Wabash9000]

HLGKV_WByYM

[iStayBroke]

Gonna go through my old Best Motoring videos. I remember there being one where they compared the new Z32 with a MR2, FC, S13, and a couple of cars.

August 1989 Best Motoring had S13 as part of comparison against the FC
hTLwcMMDcVY


Found the one I was looking for
November 1992 Best Motoring with Z32 vert
wKjAYGErPcc

[5280VertDET]

5TBc78UZw2s

[simmode1]

^^^Sweet. Can't wait to watch that when I get off work.

[kashira kureijii]

does anyone now what they name was of that old fellow with the jdms ? he has a bluebird SSS just like this, and I though it was interestingly old school and awesome.

Thought I should post this nismo/autech bluebird SSS video cuz its cool

Thought bluebird guy would appreciate it too, its also sorta old school so it counts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBTv-i4e6Bo&feature=youtu.be

vBTv-i4e6Bo

sorry I don't know how to embed,
but it magically embeded itself! that or some mod pittied me and my non-embedded insolence

[ehhhregartless]

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/78316_509517752400340_817395278_o.jpg?efg=eyJpIjoi dCJ9.https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/fr/cp0/e15/q65/665455_509517949066987_866906730_o.jpg?efg=eyJpIjo idCJ9

[ixfxi]

Sukj17ZxRwo

^ this get posted yet?

[ixfxi]

g2Sokqyk2Sk

[afishysilvia]

Well prepared for all challengers.....best thing I’ve seen all day. Fuck I wish I could have had one new look how nice it was.

[ixfxi]

i like how he says that the engine has "serious internal refinements" and the transmission "shift action is better, more precise"

uhmm.......... its the same engine and transmission.

im one of those people that think the s13 hatch is better than the s14 in too many ways.

[EF_jaycee]

s14 ka refinements= less aggressive cams, no scv, and double cone synchros on some of the gears

[supersayianjim]

i peeped this last video also,

memories!!!

[jedi03]

rofl...that post is very current to me...just different Toyota, had 06 corolla come to me with ~12 CEL codes...replaced spark plugs an all were resolved!

My mr2, 1st gen, was a very reliable car...got it horribly abused, took about 2k in parts an who knows how much of my labor and was a perfect car...sold it to fix front end damage on my civic partially due to the fact that I for some reason did not want to spend money to fix the AC on it or the civic would have probably been gone at that point...plus the gas mileage

[Future240]

"A car most evolve to survive"

Well that aged like milk.
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