What to expect?

[Se7enth Sin]

I'm 15, I've been putting money away for a 240 lately. My neighbor had one(Found it had an RB26) when I was living with my grand parents, and I thought it was crazy how loud and fast it was as compare to the cars my family drove; but that's beside the point. I'm dead set on getting a 89-94 S13. I intend on dropping an SR20 in it if it hasn't already been done by the previous owner, what should I expect with the swap? I'll be doing it with my friend and his cousin who work on cars together daily. Should I look for a car that has already been modified to an extent and save money, or build it myself and get the experience of building your car? I'm the kind of person that takes pride in the things I do, but am also about getting a good deal, so that's something I've been thinking about. Also; any common problems I should look for when buying a used 240? Thanks.

[AsleepAltima]

you need to look at the faq thread and youll see that pretty much everything youre asking has been covered in there.

try here: http://zilvia.net/f/s-chassis/ and here: http://zilvia.net/f/chat/

you cant go wrong with these two links.

[Se7enth Sin]

Ah, my bad!

[Nicelyphe]

*WARNING* Going have to expect to be chewed up by Zilvia members.

Also read FAQs thoroughly as there is a lot of information on these vehicles. Learn and study the common areas before purchasing, such as rust issues, leaky areas, and everything else.

Also I suggest you buy a un-molested chassis and build it yourself, then you will know the car, and know what you have and have more of a background knowledge of it all first hand. Rather than locals coming up to you asking you questions that you cant answer cause you bought the car the way it is and have no clue.

[fliprayzin240sx]

You're 15, last thing you need is a fast car...and you live in NJ. The car insurance hell of the US. Get something cheap and reliable, enjoy not working on a piece of shit and wasting whatever lil money you have to trying to keep it road worthy.

[Chaluska]

You're 15, last thing you need is a fast car...and you live in NJ. The car insurance hell of the US. .


This

Get a 1998 nissan sentra, it gets 41 mpg, and it is pretty reliable

[SLiDe_WaYz]

You're 15, last thing you need is a fast car...and you live in NJ. The car insurance hell of the US. Get something cheap and reliable, enjoy not working on a piece of shit and wasting whatever lil money you have to trying to keep it road worthy.

No sir Louisiana has the most horrible insurance in the US.

So your 15, no source of reliable income and you want to buy a 20 year old car and put a RB in it? I hope you've saved up $15,000 minimum to fix your headaches ahead of time.

[memphis180sx]

Don't do it every 240 is a money pit it took me 3 years to figure that out the cars are great but not worth the time and money unless u plan on tracking the car. The others are right u dont need a fast car at 15 learn car control before u get anything fast i dont mean to scare u but ive seen and heard of to many kids about your age wrapping them around telephone poles.Just get u a civic or something along those lines keep it stock and when u get better as a driver add mods or buy a 240 and work on it slowly youll be much happier trust me but thats just the way i see it. Its your money do with it what u want.

[J40sx]

Use that money on a new car, will prove to be the best decision in the long run.

[Nickys13]

Find a 240 that's bone stock. Don't get it from craigslist or here. If you see an old man or lady driving a 240 ask them if they'd be interested in selling their car. 240's are over priced right now because "drift tax"...Slowly modify your car as you become more and more comfortable with it. If you get a "fast" car chances are you'll wreck it. Good luck and expect to have dirty hands and empty pockets.

[40flash]

I turned 16 a long time ago. I had saved enough money to buy a great little Austin Healy 100-6. I told you it was a long time ago.
My dad wouldn't let me buy it even though I had the money. I was mad at him at the time because he wouldn't give me an explaination for why I couldn't have it. Years later he told me he did it because he knew I'd kill myself with it. He was correct. MY DAD SAVED MY LIFE. He made me drive a big old chevy. I crashed it at 17. Probably wouldn't have lived in the Austin Healy.
Smart parents make their new driver/teenagers drive something large and survivable because they will crash it. Only a matter of time. That's why their insurrance is so high. DUH!
A 240sx, especially a fast one isn't the right choice if you want to see 20.

[JdmDrift4Food]

http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee431/JdmDrift4Food/allstate-ad.jpg

I say buy a cheaper car for your first car. By the time you hit your 20's, you will own or want a different car anyways.

[DDB240sx]

I'm sure this kid didn't come in here expecting to hear all this. But it is sound advice. Especially if you don't have a decent paying job to fund a money pit. And that's what it will be: a money pit. There's this weird mentality that you can take a 20 y/o car and stick a 20 y/o turbo motor and it's suddenly a racecar. That's a bunch of crap. I've been through 5 s-chassis and I'll never try and build one that's supposed to be my dependable daily driver. Sticking an sr20 in a 240 doesn't make it magically a brand new car. There's a lot of upkeep and maintenence, plus odds most of the 240's out there have been dogged and abused unless you find some crazy car that's bone stock with super low mileage.

[Se7enth Sin]

I doubt this makes it too much different, but this kid has been like a brother to me since 1st grade, and his family is what got me into racing culture, not so much the building/mechanical aspect, as the driving. They taught me how to drive stick in the eclipse they were in the process of modding, so handling a car that's fast isn't too much of a problem. I guess I'll see when I actually get on the road, but I didn't have any issues in my uncles G37 when he let me drive it through my home town on New Years Eve. The first car I drive wouldn't be the 240, my father wants me to use his Mazda 3 hatch for my test, driving school, and until I get my own car. In the summer I'm doing construction with my other friend for $400/ week until senior year, so around $4k per summer. I'm also getting a part time job during the school year as long as my grades are in check. I don't drink either, if that holds any weight. This post is really unorganized, sorry, but I understand a lot of 240's have been to hell, the one down the street from me is full of fresh new battle wounds from a drift accident. Thank you for all the help though!

[Driftwire]

Kid im 22 ive had a honda civic, 3000GT, RX8, Integra, another Rx8 i still drive and i bought a 240. Youll get to your dream car eventually. Dont rush it! stay alive too

[shalezzz]

buy a cheap s13 and enjoy driving dont dump 10 grand into it right away, dont pay extra for a prestine body your prolly gonna crash it... seriously almost everyone gets in some sort of accident in their teens. get coils, arms, brake swap then buy the motor when you get a legit job. worst thing i did as a teenager was save money for my car and not go out

[SLiDe_WaYz]

I doubt this makes it too much different, but this kid has been like a brother to me since 1st grade, and his family is what got me into racing culture, not so much the building/mechanical aspect, as the driving. They taught me how to drive stick in the eclipse they were in the process of modding, so handling a car that's fast isn't too much of a problem. I guess I'll see when I actually get on the road, but I didn't have any issues in my uncles G37 when he let me drive it through my home town on New Years Eve. The first car I drive wouldn't be the 240, my father wants me to use his Mazda 3 hatch for my test, driving school, and until I get my own car. In the summer I'm doing construction with my other friend for $400/ week until senior year, so around $4k per summer. I'm also getting a part time job during the school year as long as my grades are in check. I don't drink either, if that holds any weight. This post is really unorganized, sorry, but I understand a lot of 240's have been to hell, the one down the street from me is full of fresh new battle wounds from a drift accident. Thank you for all the help though!

You've obviously never ridden in a fast car by listing those vehicles as references to "fast".

Buy a DD, then buy a 240 as a project.

[Se7enth Sin]

I didn't plan on going balls out with mods as soon as I got it. If I buy one from here(as in zilvia) that's already modified I'm gonna take it slow for the first few weeks and get used to it's power, or drive the Mazda during the day, and 240 at night while it's quiet/empty. But it's a money pit in what fashion? Maintenance?

[Se7enth Sin]

You've obviously never ridden in a fast car by listing those vehicles as references to "fast".

Buy a DD, then buy a 240 as a project.

No, the eclipse is fast. That thing is a monster in auto cross... They put a LOT of work into it...

[ManoNegra]

I doubt this makes it too much different, but this kid has been like a brother to me since 1st grade, and his family is what got me into racing culture, not so much the building/mechanical aspect, as the driving. They taught me how to drive stick in the eclipse they were in the process of modding, so handling a car that's fast isn't too much of a problem. I guess I'll see when I actually get on the road, but I didn't have any issues in my uncles G37 when he let me drive it through my home town on New Years Eve. The first car I drive wouldn't be the 240, my father wants me to use his Mazda 3 hatch for my test, driving school, and until I get my own car. In the summer I'm doing construction with my other friend for $400/ week until senior year, so around $4k per summer. I'm also getting a part time job during the school year as long as my grades are in check. I don't drink either, if that holds any weight. This post is really unorganized, sorry, but I understand a lot of 240's have been to hell, the one down the street from me is full of fresh new battle wounds from a drift accident. Thank you for all the help though!

That's a pretty mature response, I'm impressed.

My advice to you would be, if you're set on an s13, is to find the cleanest
un-modified one you can and just drive it.
Do the basic maintenance, replace all the wear items - fluids, bushings, sensors, etc.
Attend driving events and slowly build/upgrade the car as you progress.
People forget that you can have fun in these cars with the stock KA and the right mods.
Save a good 5k when you're ready and do the swap once and right without making compromises.

Get a cheap reliable daily driver that you don't modify aswell if possible.
Good luck.

[SuperBlackS14]

Buying a 240 was the worst mistake, and the best lesson of my life.

I bought it as my second car, a black 1996 with an SR Swap, cut springs, and a whole lotta other niggly things. I had the car 3 days and put it in a ditch trying to "drive fast" with bald tires.

I got the car out, and because of all the people telling me I'd never get it done, dumped a lot of cash it in. Had an engine swap done, and even hunted down emissions components to pass OBD-II. If I'd just waited, I could have spent the money on an FR-S... Brand new with Factory Warranty, and easily accessible parts...

But I didn't. I built the car. I came here and got torn apart for considering cheap parts... But it probably saved me...

As it sits now, I'm proud I put the work in. I wish I wasn't in debt now, but that was the point. I learned a lot about cars, my own car, money, and time management. Hell it was probably the most expensive lesson of my life, but I learned a lot... I love driving the thing.

But like everyone here is saying. Think. These guys have lived the dream. I have too... If you're still dead-set on an S-chassis, like I was, good luck, take your time, and do your research.

[dawagarage]

anyways. like previously stated, buy an unmolested, unmodified vehicle. preferably from an older lady/gentleman. you dont want to inherit someone elses problem

[Se7enth Sin]

That's a pretty mature response, I'm impressed.

My advice to you would be, if you're set on an s13, is to find the cleanest
un-modified one you can and just drive it.
Do the basic maintenance, replace all the wear items - fluids, bushings, sensors, etc.
Attend driving events and slowly build/upgrade the car as you progress.
People forget that you can have fun in these cars with the stock KA and the right mods.
Save a good 5k when you're ready and do the swap once and right without making compromises.

Get a cheap reliable daily driver that you don't modify aswell if possible.
Good luck.
Thank you. I think my father is giving me the Mazda, but he's not very consistent with keeping his word, so that COULD be my DD. My only thing with the KA is that once you get into the upper 300's in hp, it has trouble handling it; that's a conclusion based off reading alone, so I could be taking someone elses biased opinion. Though, I do know how much fun I can have with the KA. I think I'm just anxious to get on the road, hopefully in the car I've wanted since I was little, and the set up I've been putting together in my head since sixth grade. Thank you for your input!

[94spitfire91]

You dont need to be an experienced driver to own an s13.. thats out of the question. Although at your age I will generalize thats usually when it goes wrong but you seem mature for your age I think the only thing you have to worry about is maintenance cost/wanting every upgrade you see out there. especially with the aftermarket scene behind 240sx's youll find yourself spending alot of money to modify or even upkeep it in good condition

[shalezzz]

expect to find rust, try to avoid rusty frame. if you buy a hatch with a wing assume your gonna need a new one

[PeaceOnesxWai]

Damn... Zilvia is filled with bunch of old hacks just telling kids "Dont get a 240.. its a piece of junk!"

You guys are like parents.. just let a kid be a kid and learn mistakes. I agree they have alot of problems but you live and learn.. I wish i sold my honda accord when i was 16 and straight up bought a s13 instead of wasting time and finally salvaging my car to get the money to buy a 240. I enjoy driving my s13 and i had a blast with it but i still think what i did with my accord in high school was much more fun.. Live young, dont let old people tell you what you cant and cant do.

[Se7enth Sin]

You dont need to be an experienced driver to own an s13.. thats out of the question. Although at your age I will generalize thats usually when it goes wrong but you seem mature for your age I think the only thing you have to worry about is maintenance cost/wanting every upgrade you see out there. especially with the aftermarket scene behind 240sx's youll find yourself spending alot of money to modify or even upkeep it in good condition

The every upgrade thing won't be a problem, more maintenance than anything, my friend, his cousins, and I, made a list of parts, and the order we're going to swap/install them. My only worry is that out of high school once I'm paying for health insurance, rent, utilities, and all that since I'm not going to college(College route isn't for me), that I'm not going to be able to afford to own/maintain the 240. Of course that all depends on the job(s) I get, and how well I can manage my money. But I'm putting away money now, and keeping my grades in check, that way I can get a job during the school year and buy the car senior/late junior year, and be able to build it a bit/fix it up before the summer of senior year. Hopefully everything goes as I've been planning, but these responses will definitely impact my decisions!

[JdmDrift4Food]

You sound like a very organized 15 year old. lol great to see someone that young setting priorities. If you stay on the route your on, you should go far in life. And reading more, it seems like you have done a little research and this is something you really want to do. I can't say you will still own the same car when your in your 20's, but it will be fun while it lasts. Try to do everything yourself on the car by reading/getting help from people you know that know their stuff. You will be better off that way, and getting a all STOCK s13 is a must. Do the work a little at a time. Otherwise, I guarentee you wont be driving the same car after a couple years... you will get sick of it, as its not a car you built yourself.

[Se7enth Sin]

You sound like a very organized 15 year old. lol great to see someone that young setting priorities. If you stay on the route your on, you should go far in life. And reading more, it seems like you have done a little research and this is something you really want to do. I can't say you will still own the same car when your in your 20's, but it will be fun while it lasts. Try to do everything yourself on the car by reading/getting help from people you know that know their stuff. You will be better off that way, and getting a all STOCK s13 is a must. Do the work a little at a time. Otherwise, I guarentee you wont be driving the same car after a couple years... you will get sick of it, as its not a car you built yourself.

Off topic:
Thank you, although college isn't something I see in my future, I've been planning/budgeting business ventures as well. Big things. :P

On Topic:
My chances of getting one all stock are slim. I could probably buy a riced out one from the idiots in my school, but I feel like that's the closest I'll get to stock. Although I do remember seeing a Goldish colored S13 being driven around town a few times throughout the year, but I'd have to get the owner to sell it, which could be hard if he's attached to it; like how my grandfather has his 69 camaro sitting in our garage, he was the original owner, but instead of selling it he let's it rot because of the sentimental value; which I 100% understand. I want to do all my own work, it'd be embarrassing for me to be at a car meet, or a track day, and have some kid come up to me and tell me he knows who built my car. :duh:

[MuteTurkey]

My advice is go out and get one. Like everyone else is saying find one stock, check the frame, and be ready to put money in it. I heard all of this talk about how you'll hate it, money pit, you'll wreck it but I went for it. I love the car. Granted I've already put 3k in it, some from my own mistakes and some from new parts needed, but I knew that going into it. Probably the best advice in this post is to drive it for a while first. The driving world is different once you're out on your own. A guy I knew died because he had a very fast car at too young of an age. He hit a brick wall doing 150. So in short, get a stock one, drive it for a while, then start the mods.

[JdmDrift4Food]

You will find one if your patient. I have seen a few over in this area over the past 2 years, just keep an eye out while youre saving up moolah

[AsleepAltima]

i got my 91 hatch about 3 years ago or so and it had about 110k miles on it. probably one of the few ive seen with an uncracked dash. as good as it is though, all of the rear suspension rubber is shot and the seats are bad. im pretty sure all of the front suspension bushings are shot too. you will be putting money into it, rest assured. no matter how good the outside looks - the suspension is still from the 90's. you can find one though. i bought a 93 coupe about 5 years ago in maryland with hud for 1200 from a dude that was selling it for his aunt. it had 65k original miles on it too. just be patient and dont buy the first one that comes along unless you are POSITIVE its what you want. when you do get one, there will be a lot of reading for you to do here so you can start fixing it up and then modding it.

[Se7enth Sin]

OH WAIT. I just remembered my cousin got in accident with his s13 and never drove it again, it's been sitting in his garage. Should I talk to him about letting me have it, and build off of that? It was hit on the drivers side. The door and everything behind it is fine. I'll have him send me pics and I'll put them up. I could be off with certain details, but I know for a fact it's a 240.

Would it be practical to build off of that?

[94spitfire91]

The every upgrade thing won't be a problem, more maintenance than anything, my friend, his cousins, and I, made a list of parts, and the order we're going to swap/install them. My only worry is that out of high school once I'm paying for health insurance, rent, utilities, and all that since I'm not going to college(College route isn't for me), that I'm not going to be able to afford to own/maintain the 240. Of course that all depends on the job(s) I get, and how well I can manage my money. But I'm putting away money now, and keeping my grades in check, that way I can get a job during the school year and buy the car senior/late junior year, and be able to build it a bit/fix it up before the summer of senior year. Hopefully everything goes as I've been planning, but these responses will definitely impact my decisions!

You sound just like me.. im serious I think thats cool. Were similar in a lot of ways sounds like. College wasnt my route either and im doing succesful. If you keep your attitude the same as it is now sounds like youll manage your money wisely and have enough for this upcomong project. Have fun man I know you will. My vote is go get one. More importantly youll regret if you never did always try something out theres room for mistakes in life too though but i believe youll be fine. Now go find the perfect one. Be picky too dont hop on the first deal just because your excited. I think youll make the right decision

[JdmDrift4Food]

If you have alot of time and money, yes. Lol it could be an after school project if you get it cheap. If the front end is damaged, you could do a tubed front end if you know someone thats a good fabricator, or get it on a frame rack and straigten it out if its that bad. Orrr rhd if your going to be jdmtyte.. lol Like I said, alot of time and money. It would be better to get a clean straight bodied 240 if you want a car you are going to dd.

[Se7enth Sin]

If you have alot of time and money, yes. Lol it could be an after school project if you get it cheap. If the front end is damaged, you could do a tubed front end if you know someone thats a good fabricator, or get it on a frame rack and straigten it out if its that bad. Orrr rhd if your going to be jdmtyte.. lol Like I said, alot of time and money. It would be better to get a clean straight bodied 240 if you want a car you are going to dd.

He'd give it to me free. We're pretty close, he doesn't drive, he just takes the train to work. Doesn't have his license either, public transit is cheaper for him.

[towlie]

I was 16.. 17??? When I got my s13. taught me a lot of lessons. I say go for it I it's really what you want. Just expect to spend $$$$ on the simplest shit.. Gas, insurance, keeping your car alive, etc. adds up to you being broke at the end of the week

[JdmDrift4Food]

If you can get it for free, Id say go for it. But have a dd and just make the 240 a project car. Take your time on it, so you do it right the first time.

[bussitcustoms]

My advice: Buy a $600 FWD four cylinder to daily, and build yourself a 240 on the side.

Gas and insurance will be way cheap on a '92 Sentra or some bullshit, and you wont have to do the whole awkward daily/project thing. You cant BUILD a car if youre dailying it. 240's suck to daily anyway. Pick up a shitbox that you wont mind putting into a telephone pole, and be glad that the 240 was safe and sound at home.

[Se7enth Sin]

To my knowledge, there's two stock 240's in my town. One gold one driven by a middle aged man and his wife, automatic, and another grey one, driven by an older guy, manual tranny. Gonna try for the manual if it isn't sold by the time I'm buying. Is a tranny swap time consuming if I end up with the automatic..?

[badbob2121]

What the fuck is with all the life lesson preaching?

A S13 is a cheap car and a great, fun car to learn with....

I had a fast car when I was 16... never crashed it and was never randomly killed in it.. like half of you claim is sure to happen to OP..

my advice: Buy what you want, do what you want to it, have fun and ignore forum opinions..

there are plenty of FAQ threads to answer any questions you might have along the way..