Help!

[240sx2Nur]

Hello everyone, I'm planning on buying a 1996 240sx SE automatic. It has 95,000 miles on it. What should I do to get the engine in top performing condition again (ie. spark plugs etc.)? What companies would you recommend and how much. Is there anyway to improve the performance of the automatic tranmission to make it shift harder or quicker? Thanks your help is greatly appreciated!

[Apparition]

As I've told all my friends, if you're looking at making this car, a blast to drive, learn to drive stick. I'm not a big fan of automatics, I find it takes away a lot of the driving experience. That being said, I'll get on with it. &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'> &nbsp;

To get the engine somewhat fixed up, do the basic oil/filter change, and have a general tune up done.

To improve performance, get it chipped. Which means to buy a new computer for your car, it'll change where the shift points are, and change other things to make your car a little more responsive. Along those lines, you can do intake/header/exhaust, and it makes it a little quicker yet. Don't expect huge gains. If you want a night/day difference, you're looking at a different engine, and a turbo setup.

Good luck purchasing it. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

[240sx2Nur]

What brands of plugs, wires, etc. would you recommend for the tune up? I don't want to buy the stock components.

[uiuc240]

OEM or NGK wires.
NGK copper or platinum plugs.
OEM or K&N air filter
OEM or K&N or Mobil oil filter (don't forget OEM copper washers for the drain plug!!! &nbsp;I always do....)
OEM or other fuel filter (300ZX TT replacement if you want)
OEM cap and rotor
Amsoil ATF
Castrol GTLMA brake fluid

That should get you started and put a big enough dent in your wallet. &nbsp;Oh, and rip out the resonator and y-pipe while you're in there doing the air filter.

Oh, and I second the notion to get a 5-speed. &nbsp;Trust me. &nbsp;With a car this cool, you owe it to yourself to learn how to drive stick. &nbsp;You might be uncomfortable for the first week, but then you'll know why we all love it. &nbsp;At least try one before you buy the slushbox.

Eric

[240 2NR]

I third the idea of getting a 5 speed. &nbsp;Much cooler and a lot more fun. &nbsp;I have to admit, driving my gf's altima around with an auto was nice when my car was up on jacks for a week and I was really tired and running to parts stores all the time. &nbsp;But at the same time having an automatic just pissed me off all the other times (have to guess when it will downshift, uneven power delivery, and no engine braking). &nbsp;If you have never driven a 5 speed you will not understand the fun it is, as well as the control you get over your car. &nbsp;It's sort of like torque steer. &nbsp;It never bothered me till I drove a car without it.

Beisdes, an auto trans weighs more and makes the car slower (more wieght, fewer gears, and it takes power from the engine to run it).