First Nissan 240sx(possibility)

[nk4e]

With my closeness towards my first car and license. Im interested into the Nissan 240sx fastback. I have asked about the RPS13 towards DR(Delphic Reason) and he told me bout the HICAS. But mainly I was worried about is the cost issue.I use to drive a 2001 Nissan Xterra or that I learned how to drive in the Xterra, but my question is now. What are the good points on owning a 240sx(either auto or stick)? What are the bad points? and for the CA owners, how is the insurance and gas mileage? And I would like to have fun as in drifting. THese are from GT4( trying to not to get flamed..))((Im mainly looking for Manual))



edit:

Im a potenial buyer of a S13 and I was wondering if the 240sx's come with a LSD because I heard they do and I heard that they don't? can you help me out here?

and one more...
Since im on a budget, and im looking just to have fun with drifting, would it be possible just to drift LSD and no suspension, can you please help me clear up this ignorance of mine? and Thanks in Advanced

-NK​

Sure, no problem...

The only 240sx that comes with an LSD (Viscous Limited Slip Differential, actually) is the HICAS equipped hatch back models... HICAS sucks though, so steer clear of that... HICAS is a rear wheel steering system that is supposed to help you around corners... Foir drifting, it's just a major pain...

 

[JCE]

Gas mileage is great as long as you don't constantly use more than 1/3 of the accelerator. Shift at lower RPMs and refrain from the fun stuff and you'll get some great MPG. As for the fun stuff, I had an '89 5spd coupe 240SX and it was probably the second most fun car I've ever owned, along with my 200SX SE-R that I had in 2004. I'd get a manual transmission, it's just a whole lot more fun in the 240SX and as a bonus you can squeeze out an extra 2-3mpg over the automatic. Learning to drift in one of these is VERY easy and quite fun. Plus there is so much after market for the 240SX...and if you don't want the KA24DE motor you can always swap out an SR20DE or RB25DE. As for insurance, I'm not sure how it rates today versus when I owned mine. I owned mine before all of the "Fast and Furious" crap, plus in my state they now pull your credit score as a factor on insurance premium.

Which generation are you thinking about getting?

Here's exactly what mine looked like:

 

[nk4e]

Gas mileage is great as long as you don't constantly use more than 1/3 of the accelerator. Shift at lower RPMs and refrain from the fun stuff and you'll get some great MPG. As for the fun stuff, I had an '89 5spd coupe 240SX and it was probably the second most fun car I've ever owned, along with my 200SX SE-R that I had in 2004. I'd get a manual transmission, it's just a whole lot more fun in the 240SX and as a bonus you can squeeze out an extra 2-3mpg over the automatic. Learning to drift in one of these is VERY easy and quite fun. Plus there is so much after market for the 240SX...and if you don't want the KA24DE motor you can always swap out an SR20DE or RB25DE. As for insurance, I'm not sure how it rates today versus when I owned mine. I owned mine before all of the "Fast and Furious" crap, plus in my state they now pull your credit score as a factor on insurance premium.

Which generation are you thinking about getting?

Here's exactly what mine looked like:

Im posting pictures in the original post

 

[Jay]

With my closeness towards my first car and license. Im interested into the Nissan 240sx fastback. I have asked about the RPS13 towards DR(Delphic Reason) and he told me bout the HICAS.

RPS13's were not sold in the US, did US 240sx get HICAS?

 

[maki]

Doesn't seem like a good idea to get something like that for your first car. Insurance wouldn't be cheap, you'd have to pay the Fast and the Furious tax, CA has super strict rules on modding...having only one car that you bought to learn to drift because you do it in a video game...I wouldn't do it. If you do any of that sort of stuff, you'd probly want a backup anyways, for when it breaks down.

 

[JCE]

RPS13's were not sold in the US, did US 240sx get HICAS?

No, the US did not get HICAS--all-wheel steering as far as I know.

 

[nk4e]

Doesn't seem like a good idea to get something like that for your first car. Insurance wouldn't be cheap, you'd have to pay the Fast and the Furious tax, CA has super strict rules on modding...having only one car that you bought to learn to drift because you do it in a video game...I wouldn't do it. If you do any of that sort of stuff, you'd probly want a backup anyways, for when it breaks down.

Its not that I do it in the video game, it just seems interesting. Im not going to mod heavily, I also want it as a daily driver. Im not going to drift everyday, probably when there is like some track time. I know that CA has its rules, my brother got alot of tickets for his eclipse. Plus, I like how the S13 looks like just stock.

 

[Suzuki]

this isnt too old of a thread so ill comment on what i can.
there ARE usdm hicas model 240's. but 100% stock non hicas 240's have open diff.
yes you can drift on stock suspension and stock open diff. its not much fun though. if you dont want to pay out the ass for a lsd, get a welded diff. do it yourself or get someone else to do it for you. i welded my friends up for under 15 bux. went to the hardware store, got 8 bolts for under a dollar, got some 90 wt gl5 gear oil for not sure how much. under 10 bux i assume, then went and got a rear differential gasket for 3.xx. welded diff is for the most part just like a 2 way, but with minor differences.
if you do go look at one, check for rust on the frame rails under the car, and on the front strut towers. although your in cali, it shouldnt have any rust, but its always good to check. also have 200 dollars saved up after buying to replace any worn parts or do a needed tune up.

 

[nk4e]

kk

 

[Shadow Drifter]

Wow, I really like what you guys have done with the place

*sniff sniff*

Smells tidy.

Jon, you already know how I feel about the 240. Yes, they are great cars, but for the price, you can get a less expensive, just as capable car, or a car for around the same price that is just as capable. The 240 is not the BE ALL, END ALL, of drift cars or even of cars that are fun to drive. The average price of a 240SX from all years is around $2,500. That's not cool in my book, and I can only assume that it has a lot to do with the drifting craze that has stricken our nation.

As a new SCCA Instructor, I see a LOT of students that come in every weekend with 240sx's and early model Corollas who think they are the next Initial D character. So the 240 has lost its charm with me.

If you have any questions or if you are ready for some instruction, I'll give you my entire course for free bro, we go back far enough. I'll even take a trip out to the west coast to teach you. I think, I'm not too sure, but I think the Skip Barber course has a deal worked out with the SCCA where Instructors get a discount if they are teaching on the course. We'll see.

Take care little bro,
-Dave

 

[nk4e]

Thanks bro, thanks for everything.

 

[Jay]

there ARE usdm hicas model 240's. but 100% stock non hicas 240's have open diff.

So you're saying no factory standard Hicas fitted 240sx's has a limited slip diff?

 

[Suzuki]

So you're saying no factory standard Hicas fitted 240sx's has a limited slip diff?

no i was saying that there ARE hicas equipped 240sx's in the usa. but then i said all non hicas 240's come with open differential. only 240's in the us that come with a diff are hicas model s13 and 97-98 SE model s14.

also NK, another person that has a 240 here is rsmith, so if you need any info you also have another person to ask.

also VLSD=crap imo.

 

[=V8 Power=]

Doesn't seem like a good idea to get something like that for your first car. Insurance wouldn't be cheap, you'd have to pay the Fast and the Furious tax, CA has super strict rules on modding...having only one car that you bought to learn to drift because you do it in a video game...I wouldn't do it. If you do any of that sort of stuff, you'd probly want a backup anyways, for when it breaks down.

I agree 100%. You are prob going to end up getting hurt with a car like that. Just get something that is cheap and economical for your first car. Wait till you have a job and insurance is lower to get more of a sports car.

 

[nk4e]

I agree 100%. You are prob going to end up getting hurt with a car like that. Just get something that is cheap and economical for your first car. Wait till you have a job and insurance is lower to get more of a sports car.

Like I said,its mostly going to be a daily driver than a drift car. I know how expensive drifting is. Shadow drifter told me it also, but also, my other choice is a 2000 Honda Civic Hatchback Type R

 

[Jay]

no i was saying that there ARE hicas equipped 240sx's in the usa. but then i said all non hicas 240's come with open differential. only 240's in the us that come with a diff are hicas model s13 and 97-98 SE model s14.

Ah so the SE edition S14 has Hicas.

also VLSD=crap imo.

Much better than open diff.

 

[Wolfe]

The average price of a 240SX from all years is around $2,500. That's not cool in my book, and I can only assume that it has a lot to do with the drifting craze that has stricken our nation.

That's the only bad thing about the 240SX, in my opinion -- its price. If you can find one that is being sold by someone who either doesn't care about or is oblivious to the car's popularity (in other words, someone asking for a reasonable price), then I say go for it, granted that the car itself is actually worth buying.

Other than the price, the only other real issues that I know of are that the gas mileage isn't all that great for a 4-cylinder, the interior is microscopically tiny (at least it seemed like it when I rode in one briefly), and it's a Nissan, which means it'll rust faster than almost any other type of car.

 

[Suzuki]

Ah so the SE edition S14 has Hicas.




Much better than open diff.

umm no.
i said the hicas model s13 and 97-98 model s14 have vlsd.
abd yes vlsd is better than open diff unless it has high miles on it.
if i had the choice of getting welded or vlsd i would deff go welded.
man i think you would enjoy rwd better than fwd. just be responsible and you should be ok.

 

[Jay]

I find it hard to follow what you say most the time Suzuki....

the interior is microscopically tiny (at least it seemed like it when I rode in one briefly)

I find the front interior size/room ok for a sporty car (180sx and Silvia in my case) but the rear seats................. don't bother.

 

[Shadow Drifter]

For the price, I say go with a Z31 300ZX Turbo. With one of these, if you spend $2,000, you're not only going to get a car in great condition, you're going to get a stronger engine, bigger engine, a clutch-type LSD, Nismo Racing Suspension, HUGE 11inch rotors, and last but not least a turbo.

Did I mention that these all are equipped stock?

I was going to pick up one of these vehicles before I purchased by BMW. I still sometimes wish that I went for the turbo Z, however, the BMW was just a more "available" offer. I might still get one, depending on what I can find one for.

-Dave

 

[rsmithdrift]

I know I'm late, but I HAVE to chime in..........

I LOVE my S13. I have a 93 f/b and it's great fun. One thing you'll want to replace right away is those sway bars. They are the cars major suspension problem, too much body roll. Once that's gone if you want to drift you need a LSD and as others have said, AVOID HICAS and VLSD like the plague. Also avoid auto slushbox transmissions like the plaque. But if you're on a budget, just get your diff welded. There aren't enough negative side affects to make it not worth while, and the car still handles well.

I will say one thing though. I sure do miss my old 84 z31. The 240 handles better and is quicker but just lacks that edge to it that the z31 had. It just felt like a big go cart compaired to the 240 that feels like a 90's econo car that happens to be rear wheel drive.

Good luck with it man. They're very easy to flick and fun cars. And yes, drifting the 240, even in stock form, is a TON easier than trying to drift any other car I've driven.

Stop by NICOclub.com if you have any questions about it.

 

[Jay]

It's his first car and he is just getting his licence, I don't know why people are advising him to weld his diff and talking all about drift.

Just practise, practise, practises driving, jumping into the deep end is silly.


BTW HICAS and VLSD are just fine unless you want a competition drift car which I would advise against. I have done plenty of sliding in HICAS and VLSD Nissans and if you can't control it with them, then you wont be much better if you remove them........Practice.

 

[Wolfe]

It's his first car and he is just getting his licence, I don't know why people are advising him to weld his diff and talking all about drift.

Just practise, practise, practises driving, jumping into the deep end is silly.


BTW HICAS and VLSD are just fine unless you want a competition drift car which I would advise against. I have done plenty of sliding in HICAS and VLSD Nissans and if you can't control it with them, then you wont be much better if you remove them........Practice.

Agreed. 👍

 

[nk4e]

It's his first car and he is just getting his licence, I don't know why people are advising him to weld his diff and talking all about drift.

Just practise, practise, practises driving, jumping into the deep end is silly.


BTW HICAS and VLSD are just fine unless you want a competition drift car which I would advise against. I have done plenty of sliding in HICAS and VLSD Nissans and if you can't control it with them, then you wont be much better if you remove them........Practice.

I don't know but thanks also..Correction , Have ^^ got my license acouple of weeks ago..that problem solved and my research is almost complete. Thanks you all but keep on posting if you have any more tips or tricks.

 

[rsmithdrift]

Hmph, my apologies, I thought you were an expereinced driver and was just getting your first FR sports car.....

In that case. DO NOT WELD YOUR DIFF!! YOU WILL CRASH!! Trust me on this. You have to be a very expereinced driver to handle a real LSD/welded diff. Open diff will be your freind while you learn the ropes.

Ok, so when you get the car, just drive it normal for a few months, grip only and take it very easy, remember, better to under drive a corner and be too slow than to overdrive it and crash. Also you must crawl before you walk and walk before you run....... same goes for driving, must learn to drive before you push your grip limits, be a good gripper before you can be a good drifter. Your first mod should be suspension, not coil overs, just sway bars and stiffer springs/struts is all you need.

To learn drifting........... find a wet parking lot (only way you can drift an open diff is in the rain) and a corner in it, pop the clutch and turn to intiate and learn to control it. When you feel confident find a secluded turn on a rainy night (the slower the better) and do it there, take it easy and learn to keep it in your lane while drifting and control in general.....

After year and years of practice you'll be able to hold drifts around an entire 270* clover leaf style on/off ramp and at highway speeds and mountain passes.............if you're rich/lucky, there will be drift events to attend that are legal and your best way to learn fast. You need an LSD before attending these though......

Have fun, don't kill yourself lol.

 

[nk4e]

.

Have fun, don't kill yourself lol.

Thanks....*someone has real faith in me*

 

[rsmithdrift]

Thanks....*someone has real faith in me*

It's just that if your anything like me you'll go and push yourself beyond your limits and make mistakes out of ignorance........ I made plenty when I was in high school.

Example......DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES DRIFT A 99 CHEVY BLAZER!!!!!! I almost got myself and two of my friends killed that way. On more than one occasion. First time was spinning out on a mountain road and nearly going off the cliff. The second time was rolling it. Never again..... Also going 135mph on a busey highway in my old 84 300zx......not so smart, lucky my old z had a low front end and was able to fit UNDER the semi's rear bumper and he didn't cut me off 1 milisecond later or I would have been eating steel.....

Seriously, if it seems we dont trust a teen with a sports car it's only because we've been there and barely survived that ourselves and know how dangerous they can be in inexperienced hands.....and unless you've been driving for years, and I mean really driving, not just commuting, like autox and such.... your going to make mistakes that can cost you your life.

Hence. May the car gods smile upon you and hopefully you'll get lucky and your mistakes wont hurt you or your car.

One day you'll understand......

 

[nk4e]

One day you'll understand......

Lets see...Almost got cuaght by a local highschool teacher by driving through a park and foot ball field, got a few stares from golfers and one luagh from a drunk man..he was cool he encouraged us to do more donuts.

 

[nk4e]

Well, the good news. I currently own a 1990 Nissan 240sx SE Hatchback

 

[Wolfe]

Congrats! It's a great thing when you get exactly what you want for your first car. 👍

(or have you had a car between last year and now?)