Automatic S13 Opinions?

[Finkingtons]

Just wanted to ask some other owners/enthusiasts a question I've been itching to ask for a while, but finally decided to ask it. I'm 17, and just bought my first 240 yesterday, its a 91 S13 coupe, however, it is an automatic transmission. I've been looking for probably 2 years to find a good, well condition, 5 speed S13 within 300 miles of me, and couldn't manage to do it. I was however given the opportunity to own an almost mint condition 240sx with 70,000 original miles, zero rust, minimal cosmetic wear, etc. The only problem I have is that its an automatic. So I guess my question is, how acceptable to others is an automatic S13? I am currently unable to swap it to a 5 speed, and to be honest, I like the car the way it is. and in my opinion shouldn't have to spend almost a thousand dollars on it just to be accepted. I know I shouldn't care what other people think, but in some ways I do. Its not like I can't drive stick, I have another car that I daily that is a 5 speed, but couldn't turn this offer down, automatic trans or not. Hopefully this thread is acceptable, and ALL opinions are appreciated. Thanks!

[dizzariot]

I have nothing nice to say. I'm practicing extreme self-control.

[Almighty So]

^loooool this is why i haven't been posting lately. on the same mission.

Hopefully this thread is acceptable

hahahaha ill give you a pass in my book since this made me laugh.

crimsonrockett built a pretty cool s13 that was auto iirc.

it's more about your attitude and modifications to the car in my opinion.

a clean stock auto 240 will ALWAYS be cooler than a shit beat up 5 speed with tasteless mods.

refer to Doing it Wrong thread and Doing it Right thread.
They will hopefully set you on the right path of not doing dumb shit to your car.

[Reece]

Is this fucking real oh my god



refer to Doing it Wrong thread and Doing it Right thread.
They will hopefully set you on the right path of not doing dumb shit to your car.

listen to this

[Almighty So]

All my friends are here

[Kuma]

If you like it auto, keep it auto. Might keep dbags from trying to buy it off you at the gas station. If someone hates on you for having an auto car, it'll save you a lot of time getting to know them before figuring out they suck. Kind of like people with confederate flags or anti-vaccine bumper stickers.

[Reece]

Idk man the best 240 I ever owned was an auto

[deolio]

as long as you aren't going to try to pass if off as a drift car who cares. good daily.

[RB25GUY]

All you guys with these nice answers im proud of all of yous... yea man, i would just get a sick stall converter and drag it.

[imoverherre]

Pictures of said car?

If it's clean? Why switch it you said it was hard to find an unmolested s13 with 300 miles from you. Why fuck up a really good car. Just to fit in the group?

[economix]

If it's what you like, go for it. Don't let anyone sway you, even the purist driving shamers who say you must have three pedals in order to enjoy your ride.

[bmaddock]

lol, nice diary submission.

Just swap it, it's not as hard as you think, you'll learn a lot and enjoy it more.

refer to Doing it Wrong thread and Doing it Right thread.
They will hopefully set you on the right path of not doing dumb shit to your car.
+100000

[Finkingtons]

Thanks for the answers, I feel better about keeping it auto now. The most I'll be doing to it is coils and wheels to sit pretty, other than that it'll be stock, so yeah. I'll post some pictures of it up of it later tonight.


Pictures of said car?

If it's clean? Why switch it you said it was hard to find an unmolested s13 with 300 miles from you. Why fuck up a really good car. Just to fit in the group?

Yeah, that's my logic lol. I didn't actually plan on doing the swap, but just wanted to hear others opinions on an auto S13.

[tuzzio]

step one: stop being a pussy

who gives a fuck what thousands of people with shitboxes think about your car.

[dizzariot]

step one: stop being a pussy

who gives a fuck what thousands of people with shitboxes think about your car.

+235,467,676,678.08

I'd get more e-peen if I had 18" wheels, stretched tires, and mega camburrrr...but instead I have 16" and decently sized tires. Go with what you feel...








...but first, tell us how you feel about HOONIGAN and plasti-dip?

[KAT-PWR]

You're 17, young, and impressionable. You bought the car because you wanted one and obviously the automatic didn't bother you that much. It's an S-bucket, save money and slowly buy the 5 spd stuff then swap it to learn about turning wrenches. Keep fluids in it and enjoy the car.

[Rich260z]

Meh, if everything works, they make decent daily drivers. I drove my auto s13 for 2 years pretty much 100% stock. Then I was an idiot and spent money on it.

[5280VertDET]

Keep it, do other stuff first. Wear and tear items, bushings, suspension etc...

Enjoy it for what it is, if you want power down the line then think about factoring in a trans swap.

I am finishing my auto SR20 swap with a forcedfour shift box to control it. I don't plan on drifting or much road racing, but mostly a daily driver and canyon crusier.

http://www.forcedfour.com/shiftboxbasic2.htm

It's meant for DSMs, but chatting with the owner it should be able to control the RE04 as well. Kinda of push button shift system with protection and programmable shift points. Plus, I can switch between the OEM TCU and this box. That's the plan anyway...

[Almighty So]

^ that's pretty damn cool

[ixfxi]

Its a transmission, the only purpose it serves is to shift the car for you - or for you to do it manually.

My car started out as a SOHC auto. After numerous years, the auto started to slip and I chucked it in the gutter and swapped to manual. Then when I blew up the SOHC, I swapped the SR20DET. Fortunately, by then I already had all the nice parts on my car: wheels/tires/brakes/suspension/differential/seats/etc. Adding power LAST has always managed to keep my cars from getting wrapped around telephone poles, curbs and mountain sides. Power is the typically the problem. Most guys here want more power like they want a longer penis, its never enough. Learn to be happy with what you have.

First, I would be more concerned about what motor is in it. You have a DOHC, so thats nice. Hopefully the paint is nice and the interior is black.

Swapping that transmission is a weekend job.

ps: Dont worry about people who comment "ah man its an auto" because those are (were) the same people who used to say "ah man its a 240SX, should have gotten the 300ZX"

[Crazyced]

And with dark enough tints, nobody at the meets will be the wiser.

[Finkingtons]

90069
90070
Click em'.


Heres some quick pictures I took when I got home from the long journey bringing her home, haven't had time to take any after I washed her, oops. Salt is a bitch. And yes, the interior is black.

[10psitx]

Keep the car auto until it becomes necessary to swap it...my son and my nephew both have auto SR20 powered cars and they are great. Best to put time and effort into refurbishing the suspension, brakes and maintenance items on the car first.

[AnonymousBlackX]

looks better than my s13.....


90069
90070
Click em'.


Heres some quick pictures I took when I got home from the long journey bringing her home, haven't had time to take any after I washed her, oops. Salt is a bitch. And yes, the interior is black.

[Reece]

That thing is clean as fuck. First order of business, wash it immediately and put it away until spring.

I wouldn't do much aftermarket wise other than some coils and nice wheels and some interior stuff. I'd give anything to have another clean auto 240 daily driver. But like everyone else I decided to do a manual swap and turn that one into my drift car and so on... No idea where the thing is now. Probably in a dump.

[Almighty So]

first order of business, trade for auto kouki s14? hehe

[SoundEfx]

Do what YOU think is best for YOU and not what others think you should do.

I have had a few boosted cars and ALL of them were auto because I got tired of hearing about manuals being superior. Keep in mind that this was from the Honda fanboys who couldn't shut up about vtek....lol

Also, when I was in the market for a 240, I only looked for autos because I knew they would have been the least molested....lol

The point is to do what YOU want to your car and leaving it auto is not a bad thing.

[Finkingtons]

Yep, car was washed and waxed, now just waiting for a day when the roads are dry so I can safely transport it to storage for the rest of winter. Ill upload some more pics after it was cleaned and of the interior as well, soon. I am also not letting myself fuck this thing up lol. Coils and wheels are the most that's going to be done, I love the stock interior in the condition its in. I have also decided that I will probably leave it auto. Next 240 will definitely be a 5 speed. I appreciate all the responses! Pics soon

[simmode1]

Edit: Nevermind.

[NOTsliden]

dont hack that car up. it might be cool now but you will regret it later and try and put it back to clean form. Under coat everything underneath and some por-15 will be your friend to keep the rust grimlens away on top of washing it off regularly. i think a clean Automatic build would be pretty cool. and when one blows up you can practicly get another one for free.

[Almighty So]

I am also not letting myself fuck this thing up lol. Coils and wheels are the most that's going to be done


dont hack that car up. it might be cool now but you will regret it later and try and put it back to clean form.

IBf82N4B9zI

[CrimsonRockett]

If you're able to afford it, my first recommendation would be a bash bar, hoonigan sticker, and a large "TWERK IT MILEY" banner.

On a more serious note, there's nothing wrong with an auto S13. One of my personal favorite S13's I ever owned was an automatic '90 Fastback that I got with 60k original miles. Minor mods, kept it practical. Drove that thing around everywhere.

Doing a manual transmission swap is not difficult, finding parts is pretty easy, and you can definitely handle it over a weekend. It will add value to the car.

Finding a clean coupe like that is very uncommon these days.

[Finkingtons]

90079

90080

90081

90082

Pictures after she was washed, also decided that I'm not going to risk transporting it for storage, so she'll be covered up here tomorrow until the snow leaves. Can't wait for spring.

[KiLLeR2001]

When the black paint on the wiper arms has not yet flaked off, you my friend have yourself a good car. Looks to be a hardtop too, good decisions have been made on this day.

[cured13]

Healthy sr20det automatic s-chassis is a really fun to drive and feels much more light and eager than kade. I think sr auto transmission is better and shift much faster. Try it if you can and it might change upgrade plans for your s13.

[Almighty So]

^ Right cause he said he can't swap the trans so just swap the motor instead way easier thanks

[jaymatic]

i thought this dude was about to get his cheeks flamed into dust, but my god that thing is clean man.

[10psitx]

Awesomely clean car bud!, as i stated before...maintenance items, lower it a few inches and a set of decent 4 lug wheels...that car is a keeper, congrats on acquiring it!

[dizzariot]

Is it grey or purple...?

[tuzzio]

Put it up for 10k OBO.

[CrimsonRockett]

Can't believe it's missing the fender extension.

Car is totaled dude.

Just send it over to me. I'll cover the cost of transport.

[Finkingtons]

I believe the official color name is charcoal grey. Crimson hahaha, is that what's missing there right where the bumper ends, fender extensions? I was trying to find out what's missing there.

[Konster]

I would get rid of it. That's just me though.

[CompleteXen]

in my opinion shouldn't have to spend almost a thousand dollars on it just to be accepted.

You answered your own question. Literally just don't do it, and no one is going to care. Auto S13's are lame, its just like an auto Miata. Its a fun chassis with lots of potential and the auto transmission takes all the fun and control out of the car.

Do what you please, but auto's are lame. I don't even know why I'm wasting time posting this when you aren't able to understand what "being accepted" is.

Albeit, that coupe is very clean. Wait till the spring, save some money, get a manual swap done. Seriously, its not about being accepted. You will enjoy the car more than you ever have.

You're 17, young, and impressionable. You bought the car because you wanted one and obviously the automatic didn't bother you that much. It's an S-bucket, save money and slowly buy the 5 spd stuff then swap it to learn about turning wrenches. Keep fluids in it and enjoy the car.

Also this, just take it easy. Learn about the car, if you do it right you will learn a lot.

[dizzariot]

I believe the official color name is charcoal grey. Crimson hahaha, is that what's missing there right where the bumper ends, fender extensions? I was trying to find out what's missing there.

One of the pictures got my hopes up lol. No worries. Just follow through with your initial ideas. A lot of new guys come here to be 'accepted' by the forum and are laughed off or ridiculed because they're fucking idiots. If you're truly one of those guys that wants to preserve that car then you'll make a ton of e-peens hard and fit in quite nicely around here. Auto S13s aren't 'lame' if you're into restoration. It was nice having one when I owned my gold coupe. Just stick to your guns. You've already got a ton of the resident assholes in here cheering you on...



...and that's better than having them (us) talk crazy amounts of shit lol.

[Finkingtons]

987779877698775
Just wanted to give a little update on how the car is doing. I've been trying to keep it as clean as possible. I did end up doing the manual swap, and am extremely happy with how it turned out. Is currently sitting on Stance GR + Pros, with Square G8 wheels. I think I'm going to keep the interior stock, I personally love the OEM look with the clean dash and stock shift knob.

As for future mods, I would love to get a set of 4 lug VSXX's, but I'm having a hell of a time trying to find a set. Other than that, to keep it as clean as possible and to enjoy it :)

[d9m13n]

Good lord that car is beautiful. This is how I fell in love with coupes lol

[Trap Star]

Damn, so thats what my car looked like with decent paint.


I would 5 speed swap it but thats mainly because I've done it before and know its not a difficult job. Can be kind of a pain in the ass but not technically difficult. Really you should do whatever makes you happy, if you like it auto keep it auto. They made a lot of 240's, if you really want a 5 speed one (and can't do the swap yourself or pay someone GOOD to do it) keep looking and when you find one buy it and just drive this as your daily.

If there's one thing the past 13 years of working on cars has taught me its that you don't want to daily a project car. Especially a project 240.

[Finkingtons]

if you really want a 5 speed one (and can't do the swap yourself or pay someone GOOD to do it) keep looking and when you find one buy it and just drive this as your daily.

Yeah, I did end up swapping mine as I said above haha. Wasn't hard, just a pain I guess. I definitely learned a lot so I'm glad I did it.

[Standard]

Clean car man! Looks familiar, did you ever have it on local Craigslist?

[Finkingtons]

Clean car man! Looks familiar, did you ever have it on local Craigslist?

Thank you! I had it on Zilvia as a feeler a while ago, but I haven't put it up on Craigslist before.

[Reece]

I feel like I saw this car in shawano or at automotion or something.

[Finkingtons]

I feel like I saw this car in shawano or at automotion or something.

It hasn't made it to Shawano yet, but it'll definitely be there to SPECTATE (couldn't bring myself to drift this thing) at final bout and maybe a few other events. It was at automotion last year though, it'll be there again this year!

[Standard]

It hasn't made it to Shawano yet, but it'll definitely be there to SPECTATE (couldn't bring myself to drift this thing) at final bout and maybe a few other events. It was at automotion last year though, it'll be there again this year!

Cool man, yeah I saw it at automotion, that's why it looked familiar!
I'll be there again this year with my black '93 fastback, hope to see you there! Are you from SE Wisconsin?

@Reece, My buddies and I always stay at Mt. Olympus, hit me up this year man!

[Reece]

Cool man, yeah I saw it at automotion, that's why it looked familiar!
I'll be there again this year with my black '93 fastback, hope to see you there! Are you from SE Wisconsin?

@Reece, My buddies and I always stay at Mt. Olympus, hit me up this year man!

YES! Hopefully all three of us can squad up this year