Beginner Help with 240sx Build - Tips

[240sxSliderr]

Hey everyone! Im new to here but thats okay since ik some stuff about the 240sx and things. Well since im 15 and my dream car is a 89-94 and 95-98 240's I want to build a project 90-93 240sx for a daily driver and drift/track. So here are some things i was thinking about doing and as i get older to add and other things. It would be really helpful if i had people that have the car so i can get some tips on parts and a cheaper way to buy and put on. So lets begin! :D

First: I need the car so when I do get one(hopefully this will be good).

Second: Engine Wise:
1. I was thinking maybe putting in an LS1 or LS3 (my dad is the muscle car type i wouldnt mind putting on in.
2. Leaving the Stock KA in and just upgrade as I go on
3. Putting a Blacktop SR20DET with a T25 turbo?

Tips on engine wise would be helpful but I was thinking about the LS motors then the Stock ones.

Cams:
1. I was thinking about doing 272 or 262 cams
2. For LS motors i can pick out easier

3. Pistons:
1. LS i would pick out my own
2. I would need help on the Nissan motors

4. Valves:
1. LS i would pick out own
2. Nissan would need help on

5. Oil and Cooling:
1. LS I would pick out own
2. Nissan I would need help on

6. Intake:
1. LS i was thinking a K&N
2. Nissan i was thinking AEM or Apexi

7. Differential:
1. LS I was thinking maybe a Ford 9 Inch 2-Way
2. Nissan I was thinking 300zx Diff or even a Welded Diff or maybe a 2-way

8. Exhaust:
1. LS I would create own
2. Nissan Greddy or ISIS Straight Pipe with Megan Manifold

9. Manifolds:
1. LS I would pick out
2. Nissan I would need help on

10. I forget what else List what I forgot with engine stuff

2. Suspension:
All together I was thinking about Putting Megan Suspension on the whole car.
I want a cheaper way but still make the car sit even and not rub against the wheel wells, but still with a good stance. If anyone has any suggestions that be great.

If anyone has any tips please tell me, it would be great to find out cheapways to build the cat and everything else
Thanks again - Matt

[itsjustdaphne]

Well that's something to keep you busy, stressed, and broke for the next 10-15 years.

Sounds fun. Dream big.

[e5s4y]

Well that's something to keep you busy, stressed, and broke for the next 10-15 years.

Sounds fun. Dream big.

^this guy speaks the truth.

just sit back and read as many threads as you can, get involved with your local scene, and try pricing this dream of yours out. Once you actually get the car, you'll realize that the goals you have now will most likely change, haha


inb4theflamers

[240sxSliderr]

^this guy speaks the truth.

just sit back and read as many threads as you can, get involved with your local scene, and try pricing this dream of yours out. Once you actually get the car, you'll realize that the goals you have now will most likely change, haha


inb4theflamers

Thats my dad says but like i said itll be a project that will take a while, its the project i dream and probably alot of others. Btw i have a 327 Corvette motor that would need to be rebuilded so thats a plus right there 2, thanks for the replies man, until i hit the lottery than ill make the car like it was never before, Craigslist and Ebay would be my bestfriends with this and the Junkyard lol. Again Thanks. The engine would cost the most but a Stock LS would do just fine for me i dont need all the upgrades and even a cold air intake and an exhaust would boost me up an extra 50-70 hp so thatll do, since it comes with like 305 stock i think

[240sxScores]

If you do it cheap at first, it'll probably be expensive in the long run with headaches. If you do it with quality parts that may be more expensive, you'll be one and done with no headaches.

This also depends on your mechanical skills too, at fixing stuff.

Sent from my One X using Tapatalk 2

[KOUKIboy]

OP, the first and foremost thing you're gonna need is a stable job, because 240's can turn into money pits in a heartbeat!!!! Good luck with whatever you do....

[240sxfan6882]

These guys speak the truth:

What begins as simple goals end up turning into a big money pit! The amount of cash that you can toss into a car is almost endless.

I began with simple shocks and springs... like $15k later and im still tossing money at it lol because my goals have completely changed.

I was getting super $$$$ coilovers, solid suspension, top mount t3/t4 and all sorts of things, and I came to realize that I did not want that anymore.
Im converting to a bottom mount stock-looking setup, and Im not digging the coilovers with the roads that we have in Los Angeles, and I will never install that solid suspension! I'll end up selling most of it and getting some street-friendly stuff; so be ready for your goals to change. Plus... this is an aging car and it will surely have had several owners (maybe 4th owner), and they have been beat to hell and back. You will be shelling out cash replacing parts so be ready with some serious funds.

Just do it right the first time and stick to trusted/known parts ( I got scammed once for a good chunk of cash).

Good luck!

[unwtdhero]

Just buy one from a reputable person on here. You will thank yourself.

[240sxSliderr]

Just buy one from a reputable person on here. You will thank yourself.

The Car or parts

[240sxSliderr]

If you do it cheap at first, it'll probably be expensive in the long run with headaches. If you do it with quality parts that may be more expensive, you'll be one and done with no headaches.

This also depends on your mechanical skills too, at fixing stuff.

Sent from my One X using Tapatalk 2

Your correct on that aswell, and i am good with tools and everything. If anything i would actuallu get a rebuilding manual if they sell them and learn and read the book like how my dad did wiyh building a chevy small block and big block

[240sxSliderr]

These guys speak the truth:

What begins as simple goals end up turning into a big money pit! The amount of cash that you can toss into a car is almost endless.

I began with simple shocks and springs... like $15k later and im still tossing money at it lol because my goals have completely changed.

I was getting super $$$$ coilovers, solid suspension, top mount t3/t4 and all sorts of things, and I came to realize that I did not want that anymore.
Im converting to a bottom mount stock-looking setup, and Im not digging the coilovers with the roads that we have in Los Angeles, and I will never install that solid suspension! I'll end up selling most of it and getting some street-friendly stuff; so be ready for your goals to change. Plus... this is an aging car and it will surely have had several owners (maybe 4th owner), and they have been beat to hell and back. You will be shelling out cash replacing parts so be ready with some serious funds.

Just do it right the first time and stick to trusted/known parts ( I got scammed once for a good chunk of cash).

Good luck!
Thanks for the tips man! I also live in NY alot of potholes and stuff but i dont live in the city so the roads by me do have bumps and potholes and stuff so ik already suspension is a must. I would also take in consideration like the street springs that you mentioned, Coilovers themselves go for like 1600$-3000$ depending on how good you want the car to be. I was thinking maybs simple like KYB lowering springs and like tein suspension parts, something that i can go and buy but not spend to much money like you said. A stock KA would be fine for me, and id probably put a intake and most likely an exhaust and then later onto gearing and valves and displacement and all the goodies. Cars are Money Pits and ill agree with you all on that. I just got a job working as a busboy at a Pizzeria-Restaurant and I get paid 4$ an hour since im off the books, so on a busy day like friday and saturday i can bring home like 30-50$ dollars depending on how much the waitresses get tipped and everything, plus i get paid the night i work so i dont gotta wait and crap. My ideas will probably change once i actually get a full time job and then Ill get taxed - Yay (not). Hopefully i can get on the right track and get the car that I want. I rather get a car that has been engined swapped already like with an SR so i dont need to hassle with alot of stuff since that motor by me costs 1800$ imported from Japan with about 50-60k miles. Ill probably do minor stuff and then move on! Thanks Again - Matt

[dizzariot]

:duh::duh::duh:

I can't believe you haven't been flamed yet. You're going to hate your fucking life once this thread makes it's way around Zilvia...

You live and learn...

Get the car first.
You're not even considering what state a 90-93 is going to be in when you find it. I guarantee you that you're going to have to get it up to 'decent factory standards' before you can dump money to it.

I/E: You're going to spend money on a ton of shit you WON'T enjoy before you can buy k00l m0dz.

[240sxSliderr]

:duh::duh::duh:

I can't believe you haven't been flamed yet. You're going to hate your fucking life once this thread makes it's way around Zilvia...

You live and learn...

Get the car first.
You're not even considering what state a 90-93 is going to be in when you find it. I guarantee you that you're going to have to get it up to 'decent factory standards' before you can dump money to it.

I/E: You're going to spend money on a ton of shit you WON'T enjoy before you can buy k00l m0dz.

Well Ovbiously i need to get the car first. Thats my main mission as it is standing right now. So wish me luck lol

[s14ton]

read up on builds best you can do

[RWDGTZ]

Seat time is your best friend practice makes permanent i seen old datsuns go sideways cleaner than a turbod black top sr

[zerodameaon]

OP, the first and foremost thing you're gonna need is a stable job, because 240's can turn into money pits in a heartbeat!!!! Good luck with whatever you do....

Truth, just spent more on suspension then I bought the car for. Also Chiltons manuals for these cars blow, you will find better info on the S chassis on here and a few other sites before you get anything worth a damn from that book.
You just have to have a really good BS filter for the wrong info.

[blessedhellrider]

dont get a bitch preggers !! ...babys are a brick wall!!!!!

[KiLLeR2001]

I made plans in high school for my 240sx project and have not deviated since. I projected to be finished by the end of 2010. I calculated all costs of parts I would buy and calculated my bills and income etc etc. I even gave myself thousands of dollars of buffer room on more expensive items.

Guess what? It's 2013 and I'm still not done with my project. In fact, I'd say I'm at the half way mark now. You see, I forgot to calculate the greatest cost of all.....

Women.

Good luck young grasshopper.

[DJ-of-E]

I made plans in high school for my 240sx project and have not deviated since. I projected to be finished by the end of 2010. I calculated all costs of parts I would buy and calculated my bills and income etc etc. I even gave myself thousands of dollars of buffer room on more expensive items.

Guess what? It's 2013 and I'm still not done with my project. In fact, I'd say I'm at the half way mark now. You see, I forgot to calculate the greatest cost of all.....

Women.

Good luck young grasshopper.

haha, i deviated nearly 10 years into my 240sx to the point where i just halted for a good 4 years because of the 3 things:

1) college (3.75GPA makes me happy for grad school)
2) studied abroad in Japan (more broke, but soo damn worth it!)
3) wanting to buy a house

while my 240sx is very much incomplete, I am MUUCHH better off than trying to finish it early. I'd rather be 30 years old and could afford a house or two than worrying about whether I could afford a damn oil change.

I remember my Dad told me one thing, "you could have a very nice car, but it's not worth it if you cannot live your life out in the world"

Hell, I want to paint my 20 year old car, but I ended up using the money to make plans for backpacking through Europe later this year or next year.