Will 240s and Sr20dets will still be popular in another 20 years?

[jdm_land]

Do you think 240s and Sr20dets will still be popular in another 20 years? It seems in the past 13 years the popularity for the 240 has died a lot. I’d also imagine Srs and 240s will be hard to find one day.

Any thoughts on the future of the s-chassis?

[xsil20x]

Hard to say but as far as I know it’s been popular for decades now I got my first 240 in 2002.


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[merlz]

I definitely think they will be popular in 20 years time. They will be rare asf though and will be a rare occurrence to see on the road.

[feito]

maybe as rare as s30's are now.

[jdm_land]

I first got into 240s around 2005. Iv definitely noticed a decline of 240s on the road around the Tampa Bay Are over the past 13ish years (modded and stock). 2019 I can get a classic car tag for my coupe. There will always be a core 240 following. As for Srs, it seems Nissan Japan sold a lot of Silvia’s. Srs shouldn’t get hard to find for a very long time.

[Bnr32gtr]

I think sr20 will be way harder and lot more $. I used to be able to pick up s13 sr20 complete swaps( Motor trans ECU wire harness maf) for 1500 bucks all day every day,now my dude is getting $2500-2800. So I will never buy another sr. As for the Chassis i think they r getting more rare with time but don't think they will ever bring crazy $ for the simple fact you can buy the z33 for 5k now and it's a way better chassis all around and don't need to motor swap it. 80% of 240sx are shit boxs. The whole missile craze is what ruined the drift seen for me. Drift events should be a rolling car show.

[RalliartRsX]

I a still waiting on a 5K 350Z that's worth much more than scrap metal value.

Drift tax is catching up with that chassis as well unfortunately........

[Bnr32gtr]

I've bought 3 z33 for 6k and under I picked up one for 3500 don't get me wrong they were far from mint but they r out there just have to search every day. Good deal don't last long.

[RalliartRsX]

THat's the thing. Non one wanted a 350Z a few years ago and you didn't have to look far for a clean stock chassis. Not the case any more.

If I have to drive 7+ hours or have to search tirelessly for clean chassis, then the cheap, under 5k shipped has sailed....

I could throw a stone and hit 3-5 clean 350Z under 5K a few years ago :(

[jdm_land]

I think sr20 will be way harder and lot more $. I used to be able to pick up s13 sr20 complete swaps( Motor trans ECU wire harness maf) for 1500 bucks all day every day,now my dude is getting $2500-2800. So I will never buy another sr. As for the Chassis i think they r getting more rare with time but don't think they will ever bring crazy $ for the simple fact you can buy the z33 for 5k now and it's a way better chassis all around and don't need to motor swap it. 80% of 240sx are shit boxs. The whole missile craze is what ruined the drift seen for me. Drift events should be a rolling car show.


The only Srs for sale that are $1500-2000 now a days are pieces of trash that people have been beating on for years now. I actually just picked up a complete s15 engine set w/ tranny for $3200 picked up. The guy pulled it out of his bone stock s15 with 40k on it. Got to actually see the s15 run and drive before buying the swap. The car sat in his garage in Florida for the past 3 years, only turned it on to charge the battery and circulate the fluids around.


It also seems the SR is being replaced with LS swaps. I personally know more people with LS swapped 240s then Sr swapped.

[jdm_land]

Tampa Bay CL currently has 7 350s for under $6000, cheapest is $3500 running with 6 speed

[tuzzio]

S-Chassis will always have a following, but day by day those numbers are dropping. Drifting is cool, but the beat and trashy thing got out of hand real fast a few years ago and its a bummer.

240's fell off a bit when people realized that drifting an E36 was very simple to do as well. And 350z's as stated above are going to be the next s-chassis, for all the 240 peoples children.

That being said, drift tax sucks if you're trying to buy, but shit, a few years from now my coupe will be a 30K, so keep crashing em, suckers.

On the subject of the SR, I never understood the hype when they were $1500-2K for a full swap (not trying to start a KA vs SR argument, just my opinion) BUT its insane theyre 3K now. (the prices of KA's are arguably worse inflation) wait until JZ's go up in price.

[jdm_land]

Literally 2jzgte engine sets are selling for around the same price as red top SR20s.

And yes driving a beat up drift machine held together with zip ties around town got old really quick for a lot of us. Now I’m older I’m building a clean and fun weekend 240 with AC.

[simmode1]

10 years from now, the S-chassis will be about as sought after and popular as the S30 and 510 are today. The Z33/34, 86 will be the new go to cheapshit econoboxes buzzing and bouncing around town, with the Genesis coupe falling into obscurity like the Dodge Conquest and Fiero. All of their owners will have deep seated inferiority complexes about Mustang & Camaro drivers, just like today.

If you like the 2J now, you better get one before the new Supra drops. The way Toyota is talking about it being 2J compatible, those motors are going to disappear almost overnight. Hell, go grab an N/A one to build if you have to.

[Future240]

On the subject of the SR, I never understood the hype when they were $1500-2K for a full swap (not trying to start a KA vs SR argument, just my opinion) BUT its insane theyre 3K now. (the prices of KA's are arguably worse inflation) wait until JZ's go up in price.

This man speaks the truth.


https://www.ebay.com/p/JDM-89-93-Nissan-SR-20-DET-240-SX-Silvia-S-13-Black-Top-Turbo-Engine-Manual-Trans/1124971774?iid=273423535261&chn=ps


$2,999 for an s13 blacktop.


Want a notchtop?


$3,500


https://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-NISSAN-SR20DET-ENGINE-S14-KOUKI-5-SPEED-TRANSMISSION-WITH-ECU/123387430726?hash=item1cba76c746:g:VEQAAOSw6sdbbwx R

[zenkicpe]

dang crystal balls all up in this piece

[RalliartRsX]

This man speaks the truth.


https://www.ebay.com/p/JDM-89-93-Nissan-SR-20-DET-240-SX-Silvia-S-13-Black-Top-Turbo-Engine-Manual-Trans/1124971774?iid=273423535261&chn=ps


$2,999 for an s13 blacktop.


Want a notchtop?


$3,500


https://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-NISSAN-SR20DET-ENGINE-S14-KOUKI-5-SPEED-TRANSMISSION-WITH-ECU/123387430726?hash=item1cba76c746:g:VEQAAOSw6sdbbwx R

For a 25+ and a 20 year old engines lol.

P.S People who think LS or 2JZ swaps are the new hotness. Yes and no. The reason why people buy a SR is because you can drop it in over the weekend and spend barely $1000 + engine to have it done

$1000 on a 2JZ swap gets you an oil pan.......Definitely out of the missile crowd budget for sure

[turboshoebox]

This man speaks the truth.


https://www.ebay.com/p/JDM-89-93-Nissan-SR-20-DET-240-SX-Silvia-S-13-Black-Top-Turbo-Engine-Manual-Trans/1124971774?iid=273423535261&chn=ps


$2,999 for an s13 blacktop.


Want a notchtop?


$3,500


https://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-NISSAN-SR20DET-ENGINE-S14-KOUKI-5-SPEED-TRANSMISSION-WITH-ECU/123387430726?hash=item1cba76c746:g:VEQAAOSw6sdbbwx R

pretty sure in 2004 or so I purchased a notch top sr20 about 3500 give or take. But it was a whole front clip not just the motor set

[ILoveMyRHS13]

This man speaks the truth.


https://www.ebay.com/p/JDM-89-93-Nissan-SR-20-DET-240-SX-Silvia-S-13-Black-Top-Turbo-Engine-Manual-Trans/1124971774?iid=273423535261&chn=ps


$2,999 for an s13 blacktop.


Want a notchtop?


$3,500


https://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-NISSAN-SR20DET-ENGINE-S14-KOUKI-5-SPEED-TRANSMISSION-WITH-ECU/123387430726?hash=item1cba76c746:g:VEQAAOSw6sdbbwx R
It fucking sucks that SRs are so expensive right now. I bought my full swap for $1600 back in like 2012/2013.

Maybe they went up in price because they became a popular swap for non-S chassis? I see them in a lot of odd things these days.

[dizzariot]

10 years from now, the S-chassis will be about as sought after and popular as the S30 and 510 are today. The Z33/34, 86 will be the new go to cheapshit econoboxes buzzing and bouncing around town, with the Genesis coupe falling into obscurity like the Dodge Conquest and Fiero. All of their owners will have deep seated inferiority complexes about Mustang & Camaro drivers, just like today.

If you like the 2J now, you better get one before the new Supra drops. The way Toyota is talking about it being 2J compatible, those motors are going to disappear almost overnight. Hell, go grab an N/A one to build if you have to.


The part about the Genesis made me laugh.

This whole paragraph is why I tell myself to keep my Type X.



pretty sure in 2004 or so I purchased a notch top sr20 about 3500 give or take.


Oh you bought one for that galaxy-changing S-Chassis car you have? Cool story. Dude you're so knowledgable. God. What would we do without you? Fucking S-Chassis King, over here.



But it was a whole front clip not just the motor set

...then, like your threads, this information is totally irrelevant. Thanks again.

[Future240]

It fucking sucks that SRs are so expensive right now. I bought my full swap for $1600 back in like 2012/2013.

Maybe they went up in price because they became a popular swap for non-S chassis? I see them in a lot of odd things these days.



I'm think supply and demand. People have been importing this engines for over a decade. As the supply dries up prices go up.

[xsil20x]

^^Yep true true


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[dorkidori_s13]

prices for SR motor sets have gone up quite a bit in Japanland too! roughly $1800-$2000 for a complete set with lower miles

S13s will always be in high demand, but they will be rare. the S13 is probably the most coveted of the the S-Chassis in the US. i dont plan on getting rid of mine for a LONG time. the ONLY other S-Chassis i will ever consider owning after my current S13 is a pristine and nicely kept S15 Spec-R Aero when they become US legal. i will gladly dish out the money for one and keep it nice! no track duty, no beating on it, just add coils, control arms, replace any worn bushings, drop on nice wheels, add front mount and nice exhaust and do nothin but cruise in it! ;)

[Future240]

prices for SR motor sets have gone up quite a bit in Japanland too! roughly $1800-$2000 for a complete set with lower miles

I would pay 2000 for a notchtop sr with lower miles in a heartbeat.


I wish I had a connect in J land that could hook it up. 2G's for the engine and trans + 500 for shipping and 200 finder fee would be doable.


With today's prices, the thought of swapping my car gets further and further away.....

[jdm_land]

I imagine we will be seeing more JDM Zenkis and Koukis on the streets in the next few years. They will start becoming legal very soon. I think another 9 years and S15s will start becoming legal. And I’m sure there will be a long line of people that will buy one (including myself).

Just look how the US market has become flooded with R32 gtst. Sorry for any Non GTR R32 owners, but I definitely think people should look at other opinions or save the money for something better.

I'm think supply and demand. People have been importing this engines for over a decade. As the supply dries up prices go up.

There is definitely a supply in my area. Mostly red tops from $1500-3500. The problem is these engines have been in the states for years now and have been beat to death by multiple owners. I don’t trust a lot of these SRs people are selling nowadays.

I wonder if SRs are cheaper in Canada or the UK because they actually have Silvia’s in those countries?

[Future240]

I imagine we will be seeing more JDM Zenkis and Koukis on the streets in the next few years. They will start becoming legal very soon. I think another 9 years and S15s will start becoming legal. And I’m sure there will be a long line of people that will buy one (including myself).

Just look how the US market has become flooded with R32 gtst. Sorry for any Non GTR R32 owners, but I definitely think people should look at other opinions or save the money for something better.



There is definitely a supply in my area. Mostly red tops from $1500-3500. The problem is these engines have been in the states for years now and have been beat to death by multiple owners. I don’t trust a lot of these SRs people are selling nowadays.

I wonder if SRs are cheaper in Canada or the UK because they actually have Silvia’s in those countries?


I would think there won't be many Silvia's running around because so many have been chopped up for the SR's in them.


Yea see no way I would pay 2500 or more for a redtop. A notchtop sure.

[Abeo]

I wonder if SRs are cheaper in Canada or the UK because they actually have Silvia’s in those countries?

I bought my blacktop s13 in 2014 for $1400, now they are going for $3000+. Gone are the times when the JDM importers had a stockpile and you could swap one in on the weekend after blowing one up...

[Kingtal0n]

Its getting expensive to re-use these old motors. Building them has become a necessity and that is something we have never been really good at.

So in the end it will be down to only people that know how to assemble a good motor, so they can drive their expensive 30 year old cars around before gasoline prices get to the point we all switch to home-made ethanol.

[DRIFTER-M]

240sx hasn't died in popularity as much as it seems, the issue is that many of the chassis have been completely destroyed. Back in 2003-2004, autotrader showed 10 pages of them within 100 miles of my zip. 2010, maybe 1 page? The chassis are not being created anymore, and the car has been a victim of heavy abuse.

Not saying it hasn't reached it's peak popularity. It definitely has, and whereas 6-8 years ago they were on the cover of every magazine and website, those same crazy builds on sub 5k chassis are now happening on other cars that are now in that range but way newer; Z, RX8, newer 3 series, etc.

TBH, chassis wise - I am not sure there was ever a better set up car than the s-chassis ever produced at least in readily available production cars. Jalopnik once said the LS1 s14 was the best sport car option in the world.

BUT

The chassis is simply rare now and the youth today (16-20 year olds) were not even born yet when they last USDM s14 was produced, or born the same year. They have seen newer cars, and those are simply replacing it.

As for the SR - idk. Prefacing I own a built notch top - but today's price compared with frankly better motors (Ls1 and others) it really just isn't as worth it anymore. There are better options for not AS much money. The SR thing has always been kind of funny too, many drivers in D1 / friends of mine in Japan kind of laugh at the SR. It's their junk motor, it's never been as dependable or sought after as the JZ or RB especially. It was so cheap there and easy to install, they would drive it to it's death and just replace everything for under a grand. In the US, that's never been a real option. It's always been above the price of it's true value IMO, and when you consider the current cost combined with it's decent (but not top shelf) dependability, it's just not quite on par with other more readily available swaps.

Still love my SR though. But I own it mainly because I am a purist, not because I think it's the bees knees.

[dorkidori_s13]

the SR is actually a very well built motor for what it is. my current SR ive had for 8 years and honestly have never had anything major go wrong with it. just kept up on normal maintenance and what not, still runs like a top :) but then again, im not using it for a damn race car setup. motor has a GT28 S15 spec r turbo on it set to 12psi... has been that way for like 6-7 years now. i have a PowerFC djetro + 740cc tomei injectors that will go into it one day, but im only looking to push 16psi on a good tune... thats it. 300hp is good enough for me

point is... dunno why the SR gets so much hate. i guess because drifting is no longer a 300-400hp motorsport. its a 1000+hp motorsport (at least in the US it is). but as a motor in general, the SR20det is an INSANELY OVER BUILT engine that will last as long as you take care of the silly thing. ;)

[RalliartRsX]

The only unreliable SRs are the ones
1) Built by idiots (there is a FSM for a reason)
2) Bang off the rev limiter umpteen times a lap
3) Built by just throwing bearings in without any actual measuring of any components.
4) Expect a 20 year old engine at it's youngest to just be slapped in, crank the boost up and beat to hell.

None of those scenarios mean it is a bad engine. Fix the rocker arm issue and move along

My past 3 SRs did well on many a track days no problem. Stop banging them off of limiters.......or fortify the head....or just go VE.

Everyone loves to bag on the SR but unwilling to fix it's deficiencies as every engine has them.

The LS for instance needs at minimum an Accusump. Many just forgo and go to a dry sump.

The only people I see bag on SRs regularly are drifters........and they use this as an excuse to go LS....like they didn't want to go LS to begin with :D :D :D

[DRIFTER-M]

The only unreliable SRs are the ones
1) Built by idiots (there is a FSM for a reason)
2) Bang off the rev limiter umpteen times a lap
3) Built by just throwing bearings in without any actual measuring of any components.
4) Expect a 20 year old engine at it's youngest to just be slapped in, crank the boost up and beat to hell.

None of those scenarios mean it is a bad engine. Fix the rocker arm issue and move along

My past 3 SRs did well on many a track days no problem. Stop banging them off of limiters.......or fortify the head....or just go VE.

Everyone loves to bag on the SR but unwilling to fix it's deficiencies as every engine has them.

The LS for instance needs at minimum an Accusump. Many just forgo and go to a dry sump.

The only people I see bag on SRs regularly are drifters........and they use this as an excuse to go LS....like they didn't want to go LS to begin with :D :D :D

NS if this is in reply to my post, I am a proud SR owner - simply saying, there are more reliable and frankly better motors available today for around the current price of a SR, especially if your primary goal is drifting.

Not trying to rip the SR, again <--- owner of one I have put 10k into, just stating facts; LS1, 2JZ, RB25 all superior in some ways, and with today's SR inflation, it's hard to completely justify an SR purchase over those options ^

the SR is actually a very well built motor for what it is. my current SR ive had for 8 years and honestly have never had anything major go wrong with it. just kept up on normal maintenance and what not, still runs like a top :) but then again, im not using it for a damn race car setup. motor has a GT28 S15 spec r turbo on it set to 12psi... has been that way for like 6-7 years now. i have a PowerFC djetro + 740cc tomei injectors that will go into it one day, but im only looking to push 16psi on a good tune... thats it. 300hp is good enough for me

point is... dunno why the SR gets so much hate. i guess because drifting is no longer a 300-400hp motorsport. its a 1000+hp motorsport (at least in the US it is). but as a motor in general, the SR20det is an INSANELY OVER BUILT engine that will last as long as you take care of the silly thing. ;)

I wasn't intending it as a slam. Mine is fully built on a super conservative 16PSI tune that runs 3xx HP. It's plenty quick for me, personally.

Just saying that with today's price due to increasing rarity of sources and inflation of popularity - there are better motors for similar $, especially if your primary goal is drifting. I addressed this in my above post, which I would have multi-quoted by I didn't see your post at the time.

I am full of SR <3, don't get me wrong. It's a solid motor, just I believe there are more solid options today that tend to push it aside (and for a reason).

Still SR <3 all day from me though. It makes pretty sounds.

[RalliartRsX]

^^ Wasn't directed at you just in general :)

Every engine has it's nuances. Just gotta fix them and move one considering end goal.

For a balanced track setup?? I wouldn't look much futher than a EFR powered VET. The added weight of the iron block straight 6 is a non starter. Also, a LS anything is going to require rethinking the oiling system.

However, if I am drifting. Any one of a number of LS, RB, JZ or whatever other alphabet soup you want to throw in is good to go :)

[DRIFTER-M]

^^ Wasn't directed at you just in general :)

Every engine has it's nuances. Just gotta fix them and move one considering end goal.

For a balanced track setup?? I wouldn't look much futher than a EFR powered VET. The added weight of the iron block straight 6 is a non starter. Also, a LS anything is going to require rethinking the oiling system.

However, if I am drifting. Any one of a number of LS, RB, JZ or whatever other alphabet soup you want to throw in is good to go :)

Concur!

Drifting has always been my main squeeze, and again - I am a purist through and through which I why I have a SR. I do get jealous of the easy gaines and throttle play of my v8 friends though from time to time lol.

Most of my SR issues were due to a certain shop that decided to steal parts of my car without permission and was DOWN RIGHT FRAUDULENT when I had health issues and couldn't do certain work myself, but I digress. Sucks when a member off a local facebook group contacts you about what they witnessed at said shop, and there really wasn't much I could do about it without getting involved in court. Can't get that money back and won't bad mouth them by name as I don't believe in that.

Outside of that, the motor has been darn good even with some abuse. I wouldn't ever talk someone out of one, just I recognize the fact that the ease of access and "domination" of the SR with the S-chassis has become a thing of the past to some degree. That's change, I suppose, which is of course inevitable.

[jdm_land]

the SR is actually a very well built motor for what it is. my current SR ive had for 8 years and honestly have never had anything major go wrong with it. just kept up on normal maintenance and what not, still runs like a top :) but then again, im not using it for a damn race car setup. motor has a GT28 S15 spec r turbo on it set to 12psi... has been that way for like 6-7 years now. i have a PowerFC djetro + 740cc tomei injectors that will go into it one day, but im only looking to push 16psi on a good tune... thats it. 300hp is good enough for me

point is... dunno why the SR gets so much hate. i guess because drifting is no longer a 300-400hp motorsport. its a 1000+hp motorsport (at least in the US it is). but as a motor in general, the SR20det is an INSANELY OVER BUILT engine that will last as long as you take care of the silly thing. ;)

Agreed. My first SR was a S15 swap. I drove that car around everywhere for 5 years and never had 1 issue. I broke 2 transmissions but the engine was solid. Had normal mods, running 18 psi with a PowerFc. I ended up parting out the car and selling the swap. I currently have another s15 swap I’m getting ready now.

The down side to SRs are you have to build them pretty good to make high HP. People want to bolt on 800hp and never see the machine shop.

Mazworx has proven the SR can run with the best........ if your pockets are deep enough.

[RalliartRsX]

To be fair, a reliable 800 engine is not going to be cheap

And no junkyard v8 don't apply. As stated reliable :)

[jdm_land]

To be fair, a reliable 800 engine is not going to be cheap

And no junkyard v8 don't apply. As stated reliable :)

I thought the JZ, RB and LS could handle 800ish with stock internals; big turbo, fuel system and standalone.

And I believe reliability has to do a lot with how you drive the car and keeping up with routine maintenance.

[RalliartRsX]

I thought the JZ, RB and LS could handle 800ish with stock internals; big turbo, fuel system and standalone.

And I believe reliability has to do a lot with how you drive the car and keeping up with routine maintenance.

Its not that simple. If it was, there would be alot (and instagram/youtube doesnt count) of them running around like Hondas. To support enough fuel for 800HP for instance, you are looking at spending a few thousand dollars in injectors, twin pumps, lines, fittings, surge tank, etc etc. That's more than people spend on buying an entire 240.

Reliable 800 is NOT the same as banging out one dyno 800HP session. Not to be offensive, but not remotely close if we are talking about reliability, functional power.

Reliability has ALOT to do with initial prep prior to actual maintenance/driving. 800HP generates ALOT of heat for instance. Another few thousand in proper cooling system in order to shed 800HP for a reliable setup.

You can see how this becomes a propagating effect.

Don't let 800 youtube and instagram posts fool you :)

[jdm_land]

Its not that simple. If it was, there would be alot (and instagram/youtube doesnt count) of them running around like Hondas. To support enough fuel for 800HP for instance, you are looking at spending a few thousand dollars in injectors, twin pumps, lines, fittings, surge tank, etc etc. That's more than people spend on buying an entire 240.

Reliable 800 is NOT the same as banging out one dyno 800HP session. Not to be offensive, but not remotely close if we are talking about reliability, functional power.

Reliability has ALOT to do with initial prep prior to actual maintenance/driving. 800HP generates ALOT of heat for instance. Another few thousand in proper cooling system in order to shed 800HP for a reliable setup.

You can see how this becomes a propagating effect.

Don't let 800 youtube and instagram posts fool you :)

Your right. A dyno queen is a lot different then a sit in traffic car.

I understand reliable 800 requires some extra attention to detail and in depth knowledge of what you are doing. I just don’t think it takes as much money to get there with a JZ, RB, or LS compared to starting with a SR20.

A metric ton of money is wasted when people pay shops to put together their car. That is usually where a lot of money goes. On top of that most the builds are still janky after it’s said and done. I ONLY trust myself to touch my car.

If someone is capable, has the knowledge and has the correct tools, they can put together a reliable 800hp engine for around $8-10k. Maybe even cheaper if you can fab and weld. Like myself.

People pay shops close to that kinda money to swap a Sr20det with the normal bolt ons.



Great conversations I like

[Future240]

Since we are talking engine's. Given today's prices what would yall swap in for a street machine/DDish car?


I've always dreamed of an RB powered car with AC, heat and all that, but it seems like a tall order without dropping 10-15k.


The notchop sr (I have an S14) seems like it would meet all these criteria fairly easy. The issue is it seems I would be remiss to trust an engine without a rebuild.

[RalliartRsX]

I would drop in a S15, but those engines are 3-4K. But you get the peace of mind of a newer engine

If I was to do it, 2JZ and done. Parts available. Not as many issues as the RB. Can retain AC. Has the 3 liter torque. You do not have to touch the internals for anything. I am a Nissan man in and out, but not if parts pull a premium before race wars.........or I have to overnight parts from Japan especially if its a car I drive regularly. No thanks.....

If worried about emission; slap in a LS or ERod and done.

[jdm_land]

I would think there won't be many Silvia's running around because so many have been chopped up for the SR's in them.


Yea see no way I would pay 2500 or more for a redtop. A notchtop sure.

So since you mentioned this I started a little research on production numbers.

Before that I’ll mention this, I just paid $3200 for a complete S15 swap with a brand new Driftworks duelmass delete flywheel. I went to Orlando and actually drove the S15 before purchasing the engine to verify all was good. They pulled it out and I picked it up next day.

On to numbers, I’m just going to keep it simple. I’ll post the links below, there is way to much info to post here. Very interesting information about rare Silvia’s and colors. I also didn’t notice a link for s14’s. In any case there should still be a good number of Silvia’s running around......for now. I now am wondering how many Sr20det and Silvia’s have been brought to the states over the past 15ish years. 20,000, 30,000 engines? Maybe a couple hundred Silvias.

Total S15 built 43097 S15s (41954 coupe and 1143 convertible)
38741 Japanese Silvias (37598 coupe, 1143 convertible)
3879 Australian 200SX
477 New Zealand 200SX

Total 302,761 JDM S13s built
4 colours (4J1, 4J2, 6G1, TK3) were only used once, and 5G9 twice.

https://www.carthrottle.com/post/49lbl5o/

https://www.carthrottle.com/post/vrd8p66/

[jdm_land]

I would drop in a S15, but those engines are 3-4K. But you get the peace of mind of a newer engine

If I was to do it, 2JZ and done. Parts available. Not as many issues as the RB. Can retain AC. Has the 3 liter torque. You do not have to touch the internals for anything. I am a Nissan man in and out, but not if parts pull a premium before race wars.........or I have to overnight parts from Japan especially if its a car I drive regularly. No thanks.....

If worried about emission; slap in a LS or ERod and done.


I whole reason I didn’t go RB was the oiling issues I hear about. And it’s not cheap to fix the oil problem. The JZ series is nice but I’m a Nissan man.
I love the Sr20det, A well built engine from the factory, easy to mod and parts are cheapish.

If I had the money I’d love to do the BMW M5 V10 with ITBs in my S13

[Future240]

I would drop in a S15, but those engines are 3-4K. But you get the peace of mind of a newer engine

If I was to do it, 2JZ and done. Parts available. Not as many issues as the RB. Can retain AC. Has the 3 liter torque. You do not have to touch the internals for anything. I am a Nissan man in and out, but not if parts pull a premium before race wars.........or I have to overnight parts from Japan especially if its a car I drive regularly. No thanks.....

If worried about emission; slap in a LS or ERod and done.

The only issue with the S15 SRs is the 6 speed. I honestly don't want to deal with that extra headache, which means another what 500-800 for a 5 speed trans.

[JrDarknes]

Since we are talking engine's. Given today's prices what would yall swap in for a street machine/DDish car?

Probably would be a RB25. I really love the RB motors and the sound they make. I honestly do not mind working on the engine either. As for now I am happy with my RB20 though, very fun motor for me.


I've always dreamed of an RB powered car with AC
.

Same :(, Working on this next year. Going to buy a new compressor and see if I can get lucky with custom lines.

[RalliartRsX]

The only issue with the S15 SRs is the 6 speed. I honestly don't want to deal with that extra headache, which means another what 500-800 for a 5 speed trans.

SR trans are 1-300 around here. You would probably need s clutch/flywheel combo anywho.

That's all you should need. S15 6 sold on here for 400 so you would recoup a majority of your own investment..

My rule of thumb; buy the newest thing you can afford. Which means I would also buy a vvti 2j over a standard head. Torque curve is much better and generally newer engine

[RalliartRsX]

PS even if you have to buy with a 6 speed it would still be a fair amount cheaper than a 2j swap

[Dolph_KYAS13]

This man speaks the truth.


https://www.ebay.com/p/JDM-89-93-Nissan-SR-20-DET-240-SX-Silvia-S-13-Black-Top-Turbo-Engine-Manual-Trans/1124971774?iid=273423535261&chn=ps


$2,999 for an s13 blacktop.


Want a notchtop?


$3,500


https://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-NISSAN-SR20DET-ENGINE-S14-KOUKI-5-SPEED-TRANSMISSION-WITH-ECU/123387430726?hash=item1cba76c746:g:VEQAAOSw6sdbbwx R

You guys think Drift tax is bad? R chassis tax is a whole other ballgame :facepalm:

[Future240]

You guys think Drift tax is bad? R chassis tax is a whole other ballgame :facepalm:



dannnnnnnnnnnnnnngggg


https://www.autotrader.ca/a/nissan/skyline/ottawa/ontario/19_10851960_/?showcpo=ShowCpo&ncse=no&orup=2_15_21&sprx=-1


edit:


S chassis for comparison
https://www.autotrader.ca/a/nissan/silvia/vancouver/british%20columbia/5_39017907_bs200451911413/?showcpo=ShowCpo&ncse=no&orup=1_8_8&sprx=-1

[DRIFTER-M]

Your right. A dyno queen is a lot different then a sit in traffic car.

I understand reliable 800 requires some extra attention to detail and in depth knowledge of what you are doing. I just don’t think it takes as much money to get there with a JZ, RB, or LS compared to starting with a SR20.

A metric ton of money is wasted when people pay shops to put together their car. That is usually where a lot of money goes. On top of that most the builds are still janky after it’s said and done. I ONLY trust myself to touch my car.

If someone is capable, has the knowledge and has the correct tools, they can put together a reliable 800hp engine for around $8-10k. Maybe even cheaper if you can fab and weld. Like myself.

People pay shops close to that kinda money to swap a Sr20det with the normal bolt ons.



Great conversations I like

Sort of, I see a lot of cut-up home projects that would have been far better at a reputable shop.

And I have seen bad shop work, and have been a victim of it.

Do what you are capable of doing to your car, but don't be scared to pay a shop either if it's something important you don't really know. My .02.

I use to be all about DIY, but sometimes now I am fine with some help, if you can afford it of course.

[Future240]

SR trans are 1-300 around here. You would probably need s clutch/flywheel combo anywho.

That's all you should need. S15 6 sold on here for 400 so you would recoup a majority of your own investment..

My rule of thumb; buy the newest thing you can afford. Which means I would also buy a vvti 2j over a standard head. Torque curve is much better and generally newer engine


Hm. That makes sense. Honestly I'd prefer an s15 sr with the bigger injectors and turbo. I think with a fmic and exhaust and a tune running 12psi, would be a fun car to drive. With cody ace brackets and a clutch fan (I don't like the look of e-fans) a/c would not be an issue.


I just fanboi over the thought of an RB25. I know the JZ series is better but I am one of "those guys" Nissan in a Nissan type of thing.

[RalliartRsX]

Nothing wrong with being a fanboi lol

And that is why the S15 (and purchasing the newest item you can afford). Those ittems (injectors, turbo, etc) would add up to the difference in price essentially however you would have an engine about 10 years newer than a S13.

A 280-300WHP S chassis is plenty in day to day life.

[jdm_land]

Sort of, I see a lot of cut-up home projects that would have been far better at a reputable shop.

And I have seen bad shop work, and have been a victim of it.

Do what you are capable of doing to your car, but don't be scared to pay a shop either if it's something important you don't really know. My .02.

I use to be all about DIY, but sometimes now I am fine with some help, if you can afford it of course.


Yes, better to have someone else do it then rig it and have to do it twice. At the end of the day it’s all about having a nice reliable car. Which ever way someone chooses.

I have also seen hack jobs from shops and individuals.

[DRIFTER-M]

Yes, better to have someone else do it then rig it and have to do it twice. At the end of the day it’s all about having a nice reliable car. Which ever way someone chooses.

I have also seen hack jobs from shops and individuals.

I had a shop steal parts from me. I was injured and had my car there for something I couldn't do. Paid the price for it when someone off FB contacted me and told me the shop had been selling my parts and replacing them with other parts.

I didn't fight it, but I am ticked off. Just going through a ton over the last few years and pursuing that would have been just another thing I didn't have the time or health for, unfortunately.

[Kingtal0n]

If someone is capable, has the knowledge and has the correct tools, they can put together a reliable 800hp engine for around $8-10k. Maybe even cheaper if you can fab and weld. Like myself.


A 5.3 gen4 rod engine (02-04) will support 800 horsepower. That engine will cost maybe $1000~. The 5.3 L33 version will support over 1000hp to the wheels and costs about $2000~. Stock bottom L33 is a record holder in some class or other.

the engine is the cheapest part.

[Malik]

By Craigslist numbers the price of 240's is trending down.

[DRIFTER-M]

By Craigslist numbers the price of 240's is trending down.

Well - yeah, does that include shells though? I feel like this is due to condition more than it is of a trend down in pricing?

I will say though, I don't know what has been worse over the last 10 years - the hella inflation or the whining about it. It's annoying. Let people sell their car for what they want to. The higher they sell, the better for those of us who have 1 or 2 owner clean s-chassis lol.

[Malik]

everyone loves low prices that the truth. thats what the whining is for.

as for the shells i see them from between 500 - 1000

I saw a hatchback automatic that was a 8/10 for about 4000.

but these days for me at least, its more worthwhile to just get a running car. garage space is a hassle in the metro ny area

[240sx_sr20det]

the SR is actually a very well built motor for what it is. my current SR ive had for 8 years and honestly have never had anything major go wrong with it. just kept up on normal maintenance and what not, still runs like a top :) but then again, im not using it for a damn race car setup. motor has a GT28 S15 spec r turbo on it set to 12psi... has been that way for like 6-7 years now. i have a PowerFC djetro + 740cc tomei injectors that will go into it one day, but im only looking to push 16psi on a good tune... thats it. 300hp is good enough for me

point is... dunno why the SR gets so much hate. i guess because drifting is no longer a 300-400hp motorsport. its a 1000+hp motorsport (at least in the US it is). but as a motor in general, the SR20det is an INSANELY OVER BUILT engine that will last as long as you take care of the silly thing. ;)

SR gets a bad name because everyone tries to use them in the US Drift Scene (power battle and constant ON throttle situations). This is mostly because of the track layouts people create in the US. The car never gets a break.

The SR is more reliably used in Japan because MOST of the tracks are off throttle (decelerating) entries. The motor just can't handle what the US "drifters" throw at it. That's why the JZ and LS is so popular here...

[DRIFTER-M]

SR gets a bad name because everyone tries to use them in the US Drift Scene (power battle and constant ON throttle situations). This is mostly because of the track layouts people create in the US. The car never gets a break.

The SR is more reliably used in Japan because MOST of the tracks are off throttle (decelerating) entries. The motor just can't handle what the US "drifters" throw at it. That's why the JZ and LS is so popular here...

I agree with some of that for sure, but I feel like some of that is largely perception from US people. A friend of mine owns a pretty well known performance shop in Japan - and he thinks the pricing of US SRs are crazy. He says most dudes there want RB or JZ, and the SR is a choice purely because of the cheap cost and ease of swapping - dudes just rag them until they blow up.

SR is a good motor, but just saying from my relatively anecdotal yet relevant info. Still love mine, so whatever lol.

everyone loves low prices that the truth. thats what the whining is for.

as for the shells i see them from between 500 - 1000

I saw a hatchback automatic that was a 8/10 for about 4000.

but these days for me at least, its more worthwhile to just get a running car. garage space is a hassle in the metro ny area

I wouldn't call an old s13 for 4k a trend down though, that's kind of my point. Especially automatic.

I think prices have stayed about the same over the last 5 years, prices seem to trend down a tad IMO due to the horrible condition of most of the cars today.


I don't think I will ever sell my current s14. I have had it for nearly half of my life, I am the 2nd owner. My first s-chassis (a white 2 owner hatch) I got from working when I was 14 years old. I had always wanted a white hatch because my sister had one back in the late 90s, and as a kid who got interested in that car drifting kind of just became a thing for me back in the super early 00s. When I bought the car for $2500, I couldn't even drive the car outside of track events which back then were like 1 venue per state (if that), we had to drive 3 hours to the track. I had to have someone drive it there so I could drive it if I wanted on the track lol.


Over the years I have owned every USDM s-chassis, proudly. I never tried to sell them for a ton, but my point is that I was paying sub 4k for ridiculously clean s-chassis in the mid 00s. So prices have definitely sky rocketed, and now I think they are simply stabilizing.


How the world turns, I suppose. Is what it is. I don't really care about the drift tax stuff, to me - it's great for the value of my s14 if I ever do sell it. But I also can't stand the constant whining probably more so than the over inflated price for rotting chassis. It makes out scene look so darn juvenile.

[240sx_sr20det]

Ofcourse this was with proper maintenance in mind...not the Ebisu/Aussie special. ��

[Future240]

In none drifting applications the SR seems hard to match in terms of ease and reliability.

Like that guy here that has like 200k on his notchtop.

My only interest in drifting is simply learning car control. Some of us just want a street machine that we can have fun with.

[RalliartRsX]

In none drifting applications the SR seems hard to match in terms of ease and reliability.
.

And that the thing; predominantly the only folks who bitch about the SR are drifters. Simple.

Step out of the tiny world which is drifting, and the landscape changes. The Aussies have been campaigning non VVL SRs with great success.

I personally have had great success with SRs as trackday weapons.

[jdm_land]

In none drifting applications the SR seems hard to match in terms of ease and reliability.

Correct. There aren’t to many decently priced 4 cylinder RWD swaps that are easy to drop in and enjoy. Matter of fact the Sr20det is actually really good if you consider your other options. Which are next to none; if you have the money, time and skills, someone could go Toyota 20v or S2000 swap.

Why the hell can’t we make FWD Sr20det VVL into RWD with a adopter plate or something. That is bull. K series engines can be made RWD

[jdm_land]

And that the thing; predominantly the only folks who bitch about the SR are drifters. Simple.

Step out of the tiny world which is drifting, and the landscape changes. The Aussies have been campaigning non VVL SRs with great success.

I personally have had great success with SRs as trackday weapons.

Maybe people wouldn’t bitch so much if the Sr20det was actually produced in the USA and we had a stock pile of them. Japan and Australia have been playing with Sr20dets a lot longer then us and can probably find them in their local junk yard.

[CamryOnBronze]

Maybe people wouldn’t bitch so much if the Sr20det was actually produced in the USA and we had a stock pile of them. Japan and Australia have been playing with Sr20dets a lot longer then us and can probably find them in their local junk yard.

While this is definitely true and is probably a factor, I feel like the "It's so hard to get parts for SR20s" argument is almost out the window these days. So many companies produce aftermarket replacement maintenance parts and so many of these engines have been brought over to the states by now. The world is smaller than ever these days and RHD Japan and Jesse Streeter can get you just about any OEM Nissan part you desire in a matter of days. It's still not as easy as going to AutoZone and buying something for your KA or LS, but it isn't all that hard anymore either.

Not sure this is even what you are really trying to say here, but I thought it was relevant to the conversation either way. lol.

[jedi03]

Jdm land...i have been told they bolt right up just the distributor hits the firewall...if they do have COP and I'm mistaken then an adapter plate should be something you do and make some big bucks!

[RalliartRsX]

Correct. There aren’t to many decently priced 4 cylinder RWD swaps that are easy to drop in and enjoy. Matter of fact the Sr20det is actually really good if you consider your other options. Which are next to none; if you have the money, time and skills, someone could go Toyota 20v or S2000 swap.

Why the hell can’t we make FWD Sr20det VVL into RWD with a adopter plate or something. That is bull. K series engines can be made RWD

As Damion as said above; engine manufacturer location has zero to do with the inherent drift issues with the SR. SR works great doing everything else

Also, They already make a VVl swap kit. Overall not a cheap swap, but by the time you blown an engine due to the rocker arm breaking and having to replace the engine, you are already at the price of a simple swapped VVL.
Not to mention my time is worth money.....and not to mention not missing a track day (several hundred $$$) due to a broken rocker and you are well above the price of a simple swap VVL.

[economix]

I believe the only thing that will be popular in the future for 240SX, is stock, cherry, unmolested vehicles. The influx of motor swaps and a lot of heavy mods being made (ie holes int he body) will hurt their value and what a collector would want is the stock version in the rare colors.

I don't think the SR will help the value of a USDM vehicle let alone other swaps.

Just like other collector car markets, buyers want stock or something with a respected racing lineage. 240s with the SR swap will be deemed 'retro-mods' or the likes.

All IMHO of course. I say all that because our cars are no different than other cars and there are known frameworks for this sort of discussion.

[brndck]

1: s30 is NOT RARE (at least near me in socal). I still see plenty of them driving around, just regular people cars, in total unrestored and unmodified condition. the present trend of people paying $25-30k for bone stock ones is nuts.

2: if people would stop parting out every damn 240 they can get their hands on, then clean chassis will still be readily available in 15-20 years, but since that seems to be a fucking business model.......

[RalliartRsX]

1

2: if drifters would stop wrecking or missiling out every damn 240 they can get their hands on, then clean chassis will still be readily available in 15-20 years, but since that seems to be a fucking business model.......


Fixed

Atleast if parted out, a clean shell is still available. The minute it is wrecked, all bets are off and I for one (in addition to many other people) won't touch it.

[jdm_land]

While this is definitely true and is probably a factor, I feel like the "It's so hard to get parts for SR20s" argument is almost out the window these days. So many companies produce aftermarket replacement maintenance parts and so many of these engines have been brought over to the states by now. The world is smaller than ever these days and RHD Japan and Jesse Streeter can get you just about any OEM Nissan part you desire in a matter of days. It's still not as easy as going to AutoZone and buying something for your KA or LS, but it isn't all that hard anymore either.

Not sure this is even what you are really trying to say here, but I thought it was relevant to the conversation either way. lol.


No, not really lol. Correct, parts are not a issue by any means. I was talking about whole engine sets. Like how we can find KAs in junk yards; other countries have SRs in junk yards. I’m sure in Japan and Australia they aren’t paying $3000 for a 25 year old red top.





As Damion as said above; engine manufacturer location has zero to do with the inherent drift issues with the SR. SR works great doing everything else

Also, They already make a VVl swap kit. Overall not a cheap swap, but by the time you blown an engine due to the rocker arm breaking and having to replace the engine, you are already at the price of a simple swapped VVL.
Not to mention my time is worth money.....and not to mention not missing a track day (several hundred $$$) due to a broken rocker and you are well above the price of a simple swap VVL.


I am talking whole FWD VVL engine with RWD transmission. Is this really possible. Can someone bolt a RWD SR20DET transmission to a p12 engine or Xtrails? Not just the head swap. I can get the a p12 swap for $2200.

If all we need is a adapter plate then all our problems are solved.

[RalliartRsX]

Having an engine in the junkyard or available doesn't fix it's the inherent issues.......Unless you are referring to development, which the point is moot as it has already been developed properly across the world and the US. Availability hasn't affected the Mazworx guys from going 7s and making 1500+ HP on a VET........

Also, to put a P12 (or P11) into the RWD chassis there would be a fair amount of changes

- Engine mounts. The Engine mounts are at the timing side of the block
- Bell housing and starter (sure you can make an adapter, but you have to weld up the starter hole. Also, the starters bolt up to the block differently as compared to a RWD SR)
- Coolant necks would have to be changed out
- Upper and lower oil pans (FWD does not have upper oil pan baffle or bossed to screw one in)
- In addition to all the other items which need to be addressed when doing a VVL RWD swap (CAS and distributor don't fit, etc etc)
- Why??

A boosted P12 or P11 would be a bit of a pain due to smaller ring lands and much higher compression (10.3:1 and I think 11:1).
You could go with a xtrail, but no vvl on exhaust cam

So yeah, why reinvent the wheel?? So now you have spent a few thousand on just fabrication and you still have a small ring land, high compression stock VE block with a non baffled oil pan......lol

[DRIFTER-M]

Fixed

Atleast if parted out, a clean shell is still available. The minute it is wrecked, all bets are off and I for one (in addition to many other people) won't touch it.

I think you discount to some degree how much a ton of people kill them without drifting. The s13 is particularly prone to rust, for example, and fairs pretty badly in the US. I know many people who drift and have super clean cars - the issue I believe is a bit more to do with general upkeep and pride. Stateside, we have moved away from that. Cars have become basically disposable. In Japan (among other places) there is still a great bit of pride in what you own. They tend to simply have better upkeep.

%99 of the shells I find are garbage, regardless of drifting. That's just the new norm with the s-chassis. It was a cheap car, that cheap people buy and cheaply destroy. Drifting doesn't have as much of an influence on that as I think you believe. IMO of course.

[jdm_land]

Having an engine in the junkyard or available doesn't fix it's the inherent issues.......Unless you are referring to development, which the point is moot as it has already been developed properly across the world and the US. Availability hasn't affected the Mazworx guys from going 7s and making 1500+ HP on a VET........

Also, to put a P12 (or P11) into the RWD chassis there would be a fair amount of changes

- Engine mounts. The Engine mounts are at the timing side of the block
- Bell housing and starter (sure you can make an adapter, but you have to weld up the starter hole. Also, the starters bolt up to the block differently as compared to a RWD SR)
- Coolant necks would have to be changed out
- Upper and lower oil pans (FWD does not have upper oil pan baffle or bossed to screw one in)
- In addition to all the other items which need to be addressed when doing a VVL RWD swap (CAS and distributor don't fit, etc etc)
- Why??

A boosted P12 or P11 would be a bit of a pain due to smaller ring lands and much higher compression (10.3:1 and I think 11:1).
You could go with a xtrail, but no vvl on exhaust cam

So yeah, why reinvent the wheel?? So now you have spent a few thousand on just fabrication and you still have a small ring land, high compression stock VE block with a non baffled oil pan......lol

I’m referring to the price of SRs, if they were everywhere they would be cheaper. In all reality, we should only be paying like $1500-2250 for SRs depending on mileage and condition. Not $3000+.


If your looking for a 800hp drift machine, a Sr20det is a bad option.

IMO, The Sr20det is ment for <500hp and track racing.


And thank you very much for that info. That’s the kinda info I’m looking for. I wouldn’t be worried about the compression. I run E85. I was meanly wondering if anyone has ever tried making it work. But as you just explained, that is wayyyy to much work.

[jdm_land]

Look at what people go through to restore classic cars. Some of them start with rusted and wrecked cars. I don’t think we will ever have hardcore enough 240sx fans in 40 years doing ground up restoration on a numbers matching 240sx lol

[jumpman2334]

1: s30 is NOT RARE (at least near me in socal). I still see plenty of them driving around, just regular people cars, in total unrestored and unmodified condition. the present trend of people paying $25-30k for bone stock ones is nuts.
just because you see 'plenty of them', doesn't mean they aren't 'rare' (a better term to use is 'harder to find'). you have a shitload of people around you, more so than anywhere in the entire united states (with maybe the exception of NY?). statistically speaking you will always see more than, say, someone in north Dakota (extreme example to make my point).


bone stock classics, even unrestored (as long as its a good canvas to start with), will always be some of the most desirable form of that specific car. would you want a stock 240 or one that has been F'd with to oblivion and back? the smog exempt thing in CA is weird too because most people know that a pre 76 car does not have to be smogged, so that is also used as a bargaining chip to drive up the price.


some of these cars remind me of the older truck market. ive been looking for a30ish year old 4wd truck and good god are the prices all over the place. that's what I see when im looking at s30s, 510s, etc. they are only going to go up in price.

[Future240]

I don't think unmolested S-chassis will go for that much as collector cars. Lets be honest here. A stock KA 240sx is ok to drive but its far below a lot of other cars. Most enthusiast would prefer it to make more than 155 crank HP. Its not Miata nimble. It is basic. The S-chassis basically needs mods to accentuate its base features.

[RalliartRsX]

I don't think unmolested S-chassis will go for that much as collector cars. Lets be honest here. A stock KA 240sx is ok to drive but its far below a lot of other cars. Most enthusiast would prefer it to make more than 155 crank HP. Its not Miata nimble. It is basic. The S-chassis basically needs mods to accentuate its base features.

HP is not what determines collectability. History, want and rarity have a lot more to do with it than HP.

Old Air cooled Porsches are fairly anemic. That doesn't prevent someone from paying 6 figures for one

The E30 M3 with a non Evo 4 banger made less than 200 HP. 30-50K for a clean example currently. The Evo 2 S14 engine cars fetch more (and were never available stateside).......a lot more (130-145K +) and only makes 217 HP.

Old School Muscle (market has died off) are all 5000+ lb barges with big block V8s that are useful only for a smoke show and drive like a tug boat. 6 figures for some.

So yeah, the 240SX has zero history in the US outside of drifting. Actually, that goes world wide as well.

[Future240]

HP is not what determines collectability. History, want and rarity have a lot more to do with it than HP.

Old Air cooled Porsches are fairly anemic. That doesn't prevent someone from paying 6 figures for one

The E30 M3 with a non Evo 4 banger made less than 200 HP. 30-50K for a clean example currently. The Evo 2 S14 engine cars fetch more (and were never available stateside).......a lot more (130-145K +) and only makes 217 HP.

Old School Muscle (market has died off) are all 5000+ lb barges with big block V8s that are useful only for a smoke show and drive like a tug boat. 6 figures for some.

So yeah, the 240SX has zero history in the US outside of drifting. Actually, that goes world wide as well.


I don't mean it just has low HP. I mean all those cars you mentioned are likely a blast drive it their own ways.


The stock s-chassis is.....boring. It is uninspiring in most ways. Nevermind the snore fest that is the KA. The stock form is not great handling. It is just ok.


Now once coils, arms, lsd is added then it wakes up but then that wouldn't be stock. Which is my point a bone stock S-chassis (Im referring to an s14 as I have not driven an S13) is pretty to look at boring to drive.

[dorkidori_s13]

S-Chassis w/KA is a VERY different car than S-Chassis w/SR20det

still to this day, any time i drive an S13/S14 with a KA... it just never feels right. i remember when i did my first SR swap back in 2003, the car felt SO much better to drive with 210hp instead of my stupid single cammer slammer. for the first time, my S13 actually felt RIGHT.

[jumpman2334]

Datsun 510s were called the poor mans bmw and were not all that desirable at one point in time. now look at them and the premium they can fetch. they never had 155hp and were very 'basic'. ive never driven one, but my money is they drive (in stock form) 'boring', 'uninspiring', and a 'snore fest'. (using Future's words to drive my point)


not saying this guarantees that 240s will be desirable in the future. although, I think with the hype today, it will continue somewhat into the future.

[DRIFTER-M]

Datsun 510s were called the poor mans bmw and were not all that desirable at one point in time. now look at them and the premium they can fetch. they never had 155hp and were very 'basic'. ive never driven one, but my money is they drive (in stock form) 'boring', 'uninspiring', and a 'snore fest'. (using Future's words to drive my point)


not saying this guarantees that 240s will be desirable in the future. although, I think with the hype today, it will continue somewhat into the future.

It was a different time and had a different splash though. There isn't many well built 4 door "fun cars", it was an ushering of an era that is longed for still (but I would still consider it a niche community).

The 240sx is kind of a launch in the hey day of 2 door "enthusiast" cars. It has a good bit more competition in it's age range, especially being it was during the hay day of Japanese sport cars.

I don't have a horse in that argument either way though. I think the 240sx will be inflated / sought after, but I don't put it far in line with other cars that are truly "collector" vehicles. Many of those were produced in far lower numbers and had a far larger cultural impact. Not that the s-chassis didn't / still doesn't have a splash, it's literally my favorite chassis of all time and I am completely bias since being in my first one in the mid 90s, but still.

S-Chassis w/KA is a VERY different car than S-Chassis w/SR20det

still to this day, any time i drive an S13/S14 with a KA... it just never feels right. i remember when i did my first SR swap back in 2003, the car felt SO much better to drive with 210hp instead of my stupid single cammer slammer. for the first time, my S13 actually felt RIGHT.


I will agree with DorkiDori here though, I think the sought after ones will be properly restored/ clean s-chassis with mild mods. Stock just isn't going to cut it unless we are talking about a showroom spec 2 tone coupe or Lavender or something. A mildly built and well executed SR 240sx will be the "grail" IMO, just from a purist/ enthusiast standpoint and with the combined cultural splash of the SR motor.

I will say though, I somewhat miss the nostalgia of running KAs hard until you could afford a SR swap. I think it made us appreciate and value the SR more and more once we got them lol. I believe it was Matt Panic ( I could be wrong) yeaarrrsssss ago that use to compete with a NA KA and he drove it like a MAD MAN.

[RalliartRsX]

Datsun 510s were called the poor mans bmw and were not all that desirable at one point in time. now look at them and the premium they can fetch. they never had 155hp and were very 'basic'. ive never driven one, but my money is they drive (in stock form) 'boring', 'uninspiring', and a 'snore fest'. (using Future's words to drive my point)


not saying this guarantees that 240s will be desirable in the future. although, I think with the hype today, it will continue somewhat into the future.

1 word in regards to the 510: TransAm. Well maybe two more words; Giant Killer.

The 240 has no history to fall back on.

[jdm_land]

A mildly built and well executed SR 240sx will be the "grail"


In 20 or 30 years from now I wonder how much something like this would sell for? Would anyone be willing to pay $25k+ for such a car.......


Iv seen Japanese classic car auctions and old Skylines sell for $100k+ ( I don’t think we can compare 240 with Skyline though)

[RalliartRsX]

I don't mean it just has low HP. I mean all those cars you mentioned are likely a blast drive it their own ways.


The stock s-chassis is.....boring. It is uninspiring in most ways. Nevermind the snore fest that is the KA. The stock form is not great handling. It is just ok.


Now once coils, arms, lsd is added then it wakes up but then that wouldn't be stock. Which is my point a bone stock S-chassis (Im referring to an s14 as I have not driven an S13) is pretty to look at boring to drive.

BMW was a turd to drive actually. The Porsche was a widow maker. The Muscle car was overall a piece of shit apart from the 1000lb big block stuffed between the fenders.

But the common theme is emotion (and well history in terms of the M3 and Porsche). Kids who lusted after these vehicles now have enough disposable income to buy what the heart desires to relive the wonder years. That's why a DC2 type R USDM went for $60+K recently. One of the greatest handling FWD of all time, however they really do not stack up well against any of the current offerings.

When kids who couldn't afford a 240 grow up, want to relive their wonder drifter years and have real disposable income, prices will jump

Outside of race breed cars, that is another main reason why cars become collectable. Supply and demand. And when all the drifters are finished, supply will go way down, and when one rich kids decides he wants to pay 60K for a clean 240, everyone's ears perk up and suddenly prices skyrocket. That is exactly why the E30 M3 went from a sub 8-10K vehicle to a 40+K vehicle literally overnight. One single personally literally drove the prices up.

[jumpman2334]

That is exactly why the E30 M3 went from a sub 8-10K vehicle to a 40+K vehicle literally overnight. One single personally literally drove the prices up.
Good example with the m3 e30, i still cant believe how pricey they are. The same thing is happening with the MK4 supra. These things can take a couple of months or years to climb, but it does not happen 'literally overnight'


although you are flat out wrong to attribute this to one person. like you said, supply and demand.

[[240sx]]

S-chassis & the SR will always be popular.

waiting for the thread... '300zx, will people eventually give a shit?' :confused:

[RalliartRsX]

Good example with the m3 e30, i still cant believe how pricey they are. The same thing is happening with the MK4 supra. These things can take a couple of months or years to climb, but it does not happen 'literally overnight'


although you are flat out wrong to attribute this to one person. like you said, supply and demand.

As I said, literally (relatively speaking) "over night".

https://www.hagerty.com/articles-videos/articles/2015/06/19/graph-of-the-week-5-vehicles-you-should-have-bought-5-years-ago

https://d32c3oe4bky4k6.cloudfront.net/articles-videos/-/media/uscamediasite/images/story-images/2015/6/gotw-5-year-change.ashx?modified=20170725092846&w=800&h=600&CenterCrop=1&useCustomFunctions=1&hash=86458EBCDDDA4FD82EB4E9E49B3D90F971A6BDF3

I will try to dig up the info, but in general several key sales occurred during that time frame which skyrocketed the prices. The E30 M3 was overweight, didn't produce a whole lot of power and even during 2014, there were many to go around. A good friend of mine actually bought one and sold it a few years before the frenzy hit. Fair, not exactly one person, but in general, that is exactly how things played out. Someone (or a few people) came in and wanted the vehicle so bad, they were willing to pay 400%+ on market value and that is how the snowball started

In addition, same shit happened with the Aircooled Porsches. No one wanted anything to do with those widow makers until a few key sales skyrocketed the prices not but 2-3 years ago.

[DRIFTER-M]

In 20 or 30 years from now I wonder how much something like this would sell for? Would anyone be willing to pay $25k+ for such a car.......


Iv seen Japanese classic car auctions and old Skylines sell for $100k+ ( I don’t think we can compare 240 with Skyline though)

I don't think $25K, and I don't want to even take a guess.

But relative to their market price / window price, I think they will fair ok. But I am talking about the 1% of s-chassis. It's going to be hard to find that, again - cheap car attracted cheap people who did cheap things.

Very few people who own a s-chassis today have actual pride or history with the chassis, they just want it to be like a Rockstar Energy or Monster Energy car, or they watch a lot of "Tuerck'd" and think that his 300HP+ middle hatch is the same as their rattle can 200HP went knock missle.

I guess the abbreviated version, IMO of course, is that a lot of people are into 240sx and drifting because it's "cool", and not because of the art or passion. I think we are seeing a purging of this, which is why there is a constant dialogue of divide between people regarding FD and grassroots, but yeah.