I'm thinking of getting an S13....

[BlkGto]

Hi everyone,

I got back from visiting Japan this summer and WOW... there are some CRAZY S13s over there. Actually, all the 240s were pretty amazing. It's really made me take a closer look at them and I like what I see. Especially the hatchbacks. =)

Could you guys give me some info on the 89-94 240sx? For example, was there a year that produced cars w/ more problems? What should I watch out for when searching for one of these? Is there any specific year thats easier to mod(engine swap/turbocharge)? Ohh... are the prices listed in kbb.com overpriced or underpriced? I only ask b/c I know that Mitsubishi 3000GTs usually sell for less than what's listed. I'm hoping to get one by the end of November and become a regular on this board!

[LanceS13]

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

As for the cars...
'89-'90 had same body but different front bumper...the &quot;nostril&quot; bumper. &nbsp;The engine is the KA24E 2.4L SOHC w/ 140hp and timing chain problems.
'91-'93 had the smooth front bumper. &nbsp;The engine is the KA24DE 2.4L DOHC w/ 155hp 160lb.ft. of torque and the timing chain problems are pretty much rememdied.
'94 only the convertible was available with the same KA24DE as '91-'93....it's heavier, flimsier, and slower.

The '91-'93 KA24DE's had weaker internals than the '95+ KA's, so turbocharging is limited w/o a rebuild. &nbsp;Popular swaps are the JDM SR20DET and CA18DET.

As far as price...not sure, but I got my '92 base model fastback in excellent condition 6 months ago for $3K.

[BlkGto]

Thanks for the reply. If you don't mind me asking, how many miles were on it?

I was thinking of going the engine swap route too. A friend of mine in college had it done. What's the difference between the two motors you listed? And how much does a swap run on these cars?

(Edited by BlkGto at 12:29 am on Oct. 12, 2001)

[LanceS13]

I just checked what the value of my car would have been with the mileage on it when I bought it (127K) and it was $3005...so I guess kbb is pretty close. &nbsp;I drive alot so now I have over 146K...20K in 6 months!

The SR is a 2.0L turbocharged engine...it has alot of aftermarket support and good to great hp ratings (different versions range from 205-250hp). &nbsp;They tend to be the more expensive of the two.
The CA is a 1.8L turbocharged engine...it's a little harder to find parts for. &nbsp;I just started looking into this motor and so far am planning on this swap somewhere down the road. &nbsp;It has lower hp rating (180hp) but strong internals and tons of potential. &nbsp;It's also the cheaper route. &nbsp;For prices, check out www.unstable-hybrids.com .

[misnomer]

Uh, Lance pretty much covered it. The '91 models ahd the most robust camshaft is 'bout all I have to add.

I picked up my '92 SE bout six months ago for $4k from the dealership w/ about 100k miles (used imports in general are pricier in my region). KBB pricing all depends on what yer looking at. Dealer price in my region is about $2000 over what I paid. Private party is right in line, though perhaps a wee bit high.

Anyhow, the s13 is a #### fine vehicle, and unless yer used to supercars yer gonna love it.

(Edited by misnomer at 1:43 am on Oct. 12, 2001)

[BlkGto]

Okay... I've been taking a look at the classifieds in my area. Can someone please tell me the difference between the base and the SE? thanks.

[LanceS13]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from BlkGto on 4:20 pm on Oct. 12, 2001
Okay... I've been taking a look at the classifieds in my area. Can someone please tell me the difference between the base and the SE? thanks.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
We were trying to figure out ourselves a while ago. &nbsp;Here's the discussion...
<a href="http://www.zilvia.net/forums/cgi-bin/topic.cgi?forum=1&topic=293" target='_blank'>http://www.zilvia.net/forums/cgi-bin/topic.cgi?forum=1&amp;topic=293</a>

[DSC]

I believe the SE has the same HP but has some other features like cd player, leather, sun roof, LSD, ABS, and maybe a few other thing I don't know about. &nbsp;Thats what my s14 came with, I dono about the s13 but I think it is just extra stuff like that, no difference in the engine or anything major.

[LanceS13]

Basically, base and SE have the same power/trim options except SE's have an ABS/LSD option and standard(?) 5 lug alloy wheels in place of the base 4 lug. &nbsp;Some people say the SE has a stiffer suspension, but I don't know about that.

[BlkGto]

From the things that you guys have listed, it seems that there isn't much of a difference. By the time the car gets that old, you should replace the suspension anyways. 5 lug would be handy though since my other car is also 5 lug. Thanks guys.

[zephyr]

####...if what you said about the se is true than I got screwed...I bought my 93 fastback about a year ago with 93k on it for 4600 dollars...I dont think I have abs or lsd but I guess Im not really sure...I know for a fact that I have 4 lugs, not 5...all I have is a spoiler

[LanceS13]

5 lugs may have been an SE option...but I'm pretty sure they were standard

[BlkGto]

zephyr:

You should check w/ your insurance company and get that VIN # checked to make sure that you didn't get a base w/ an SE badging. I've heard of this happening but it's really rare. Best of luck

[BlkGto]

Hi guys!

I'm back! It's been a while since I posted since the project silvia was delayed for some time due to "economic conditions". Well, it's back on! I just found out that my uncle ships engines from Japan so I'm gonna see what he can do for me. He says it's pretty tough to get an engine into the US b/c they're pretty strict but he's gonna try to think of something. Sooo... if all goes well, I should be looking for a car in the next two months. From the looks of it, I should be going 91-94 240sx. These years seem to be the better of the bunch for my future plans. &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/inlove.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':love:'>

I'm going to ask for a 91-93 red top or a 94-98 black top. I really like the red top since it is supposedly easier to mod but the black is a newer motor. Does anyone know which of these two is easier to swap? Decisions... decisions.... &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='???'>

If anyone knows where there are step by step instructions to completing the swap, I'd be more than grateful. Hopefully by sometime early next year, I'll have the only 180sx in northern cali!

[JEdubz]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (BlkGto @ Aug. 12 2002,02:59)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">my uncle ships engines from Japan</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
scanning your post and realized i just made my new bestfriend....

[AKADriver]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (BlkGto @ Aug. 12 2002,02:59)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I'm going to ask for a 91-93 red top or a 94-98 black top. I really like the red top since it is supposedly easier to mod but the black is a newer motor. Does anyone know which of these two is easier to swap? Decisions... decisions.... <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='???'>

If anyone knows where there are step by step instructions to completing the swap, I'd be more than grateful. Hopefully by sometime early next year, I'll have the only 180sx in northern cali!</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
If the "black top" you're referring to is the RPS13 180SX motor, it is no different to swap than the PS13 red top. &nbsp;The S14 black top isn't much different except for slightly different wiring.

As for those of you who were saying crap about S13s with 5 lug wheels... <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/hmmm.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':hmmm:'> &nbsp;Not true. &nbsp;Never, no, nowhere from the factory. &nbsp;The late S13 SE package was appearance/convenience only. &nbsp;S13 models and options are detailed here (http://www.socal240sx.org/faq/specifications.html).

Oh, and about being the only 180SX in northern Cali... I think you've been beaten to the punch multiple times... &nbsp;The west coast is fulla nice cars.

[BlkGto]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (AKADriver @ Aug. 12 2002,08:54)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Oh, and about being the only 180SX in northern Cali... I think you've been beaten to the punch multiple times... The west coast is fulla nice cars.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
That's what I like to hear! I was hoping someone would say that. Can you point some of them out? When technical questions arise, I would like to ask someone that has gone through the process.

[nrcooled]

I am glad someone staightened out the whole 5 lug thing on the SE. &nbsp;I have the SR, uuninja does also, Civickilla, greaser, sr20fastback. &nbsp;There is tons of help on the board if you need it so all you have to do is ask. &nbsp;The SE fastback also has the suspension and four wheel steering package called HICAS and it sucks if you are doing a swap so stay away from it. &nbsp;We would have finished the swap in two days instead of three if it weren't for the HICAS and also there is clearace probs w/ the altinator and the steering lines for the HICAS &nbsp;just a little FYI

[240 2NR]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (nrcooled @ Aug. 12 2002,12:08)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">The SE fastback also has the suspension and four wheel steering package called HICAS and it sucks if you are doing a swap so stay away from it. </td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Super HICAS was part of the Handling package which is not the same as the standard SE models. &nbsp;The HICAS equipped models say Super HICAS on the side molding just in front of the rear wheel wells. &nbsp;Don't avoid SE's just to avoid Super HICAS, they are not one in the same.

The base and SE models in the S13 were mostly trim items, seats, and wheels. &nbsp;The S14's were drastically different by comparison.

[BlkGto]

AKADriver:

I checked the profiles of all the names that nrcooled mentioned and they are all east coast peeps. Do you know of any west coasters on this board or are you just blowing wind?

I realize that this vehicle is no where close to carb legal. How often does a car of this age need to be smogged? thanks for all the help guys!

[KiDyNomiTe]

let me just say that if that carin ur sig is urs very nice <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':thumbsup:'>

[SR20Fastback]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (KiDyNomiTe @ Aug. 12 2002,12:03)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">let me just say that if that carin ur sig is urs very nice <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':thumbsup:'></td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Yes agreed, that 3000 is gorgous. You should give that to me and I'll give you my S13 (if yours is a VR4 that is). <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

[BlkGto]

Thanks for the complements guys. If any of you living in Northern Cali want to check it out, there's gonna be a meet on Saturday, August 24th at D&B in the afternoon. Come check it out!!!

[240 2NR]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (BlkGto @ Aug. 12 2002,1:42)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">AKADriver:

I checked the profiles of all the names that nrcooled mentioned and they are all east coast peeps. Do you know of any west coasters on this board or are you just blowing wind?

I realize that this vehicle is no where close to carb legal. How often does a car of this age need to be smogged? thanks for all the help guys!</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
I don't understand what you are asking. &nbsp;Are you saying because a short list of people supplied by another memeber includes only east coast cars you think no one on the west coast has an SR'd 240? &nbsp;Unless you plan to spend a lot of money on this or custom fabricate something, rest assured that it has been done before. &nbsp;If you are asking how to do it and expecting an answer from experience, how can you think you might be the first to do it?

There are plenty of west coast members, though I don't know who off hand has an SR (but they certainly exist in growing numbers), but I do know of three in the midwest personally.

The amount of "smogging" a car receives is determined by the emmisions laws in the area it is registered in. &nbsp;Most of the country has no emmisions check of any kind. &nbsp;Check your local laws.

[nrcooled]

That 3000GT is sexy as hell. &nbsp;Is it the VR4...yeah yeah I know they are virtual land beasts (at almost 2tons) but damn that to hell I want one that looks like that <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':crazy:'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'> &nbsp; Anyway nice ride, why a s13. &nbsp;And yes I should have mentioned that it is an option on the SE fastback just try to avoid it the only good is that it comes standard w/ an LSD

[BlkGto]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (240 2NR @ Aug. 12 2002,2:18)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I don't understand what you are asking.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
I guess what I'm trying to get is a close up view of a SR20DET in a 240sx without having to travel to the east coast. From the past, I've realized that a lot can be picked up by just spending half an hour with someone that has done the swap and to take a look at the setup. The only thing that I have to go off of at this point is an old issue of Sports Compact Car where they perform the swap. Just trying to get a good grasp at what I'm jumping into. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

[SR20Fastback]

I live on the west coast, but I live in Washington. What part of northern Cali are you from? I'm moving to Sacramento next year probably around June or July... Its best to pay someone for the swap, especially with the wiring, or thats my opinion... Id rather not screw my car up and have to live with it....

PS is it a VR4??

[BlkGto]

No, it isn't a VR-4. I have some mods on it but it definitely isn't above 300hp. This car was meant to be more of a show car. &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

[SR20Fastback]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (BlkGto @ Aug. 12 2002,2:31)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">No, it isn't a VR-4. I have some mods on it but it definitely isn't above 300hp. This car was meant to be more of a show car. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'></td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Well its still a very clean car, I think an S13 will suit you nicely. What part of California are you from? I might take a road trip down in the near future for kicks <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

[BlkGto]

Northern .. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

I actually live in Cupertino/San Jose. If your curious of how far that is from you, just go to yahoo maps and type in the zip code 95129.

There's a Monterey meet for the 3000GT folks on September14th and there's also a celica meet on August 24th which my brother and his friends are gonna attend.