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The Nissan 240SX was a car introduced to the North American market by Nissan in 1989. It replaced the 200SX (RWD) in 1989. The 240SX was equipped with a 2.4-litre inline 4 engine, also with a inline 6 3.3 rear wheel drive. (KA24E from 1989–1990 and KA24DE from 1991–1998). Two distinct generations of the 240SX, the S13 (1989-1994) and the S14 (1995-1998), were produced from the Nissan S platform. The 240SX is closely related to other S vehicles: the Japanese-market Silvia and 180SX and the European-market 200SX.

[edit] First generation / S13 (1989-1994)

The first generation of the 240SX can be divided into two distinct variants: Zenki ("early period" in Japanese and commonly known as "pignose" to US 240sx enthusiasts) and Chūki (translated to "middle period" in Japanese). Each of these variants came in two distinct body styles: hatchback (base and SE) and coupe (base, SE, and XE) Notably, Nissan marketing and documentation almost exclusively used the term "fastback" in relation to the hatchback model. However, due to differences of the hinge location, the car is technically not a true fastback, though it is frequently mistaken for such. Both styles shared the same front bodywork as the Japanese-market Nissan 180SX, which was a hatchback, and featured the sloping front and pop-up headlights. This bodywork distinguishes the coupe model from its Japanese-market counterpart, the Silvia, which featured fixed headlights. Both styles, and all markets, share the same chassis, and with few exceptions, most components and features are identical.

The Zenki (前期, lit. preceding period) was sold under model years 1989 through 1990. It was powered by a 140 hp (105 kW) 2.4-litre SOHC KA24E engine with 3 valves per cylinder instead of the 1.8-litre DOHC I4 CA18 (offered in Japan and Europe during these years), with no turbocharged engine available in the United States. Four-wheel disc brakes were standard, with antilock brakes as an option on the SE. Both models were offered with either a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. Coupes offered a Head-Up Display showing a digital speedometer as part of the optional Power Convenience Group.

For the 1994 model year, the only available car was a Special Edition of the Convertible body style with a 4-speed automatic transmission.

The S13 was known for its sharp steering/handling (thanks to front MacPherson struts and a rear multilink suspension) and relatively light weight (2700 lb) but was regarded in the automotive press as being underpowered. The Nissan KA24E engine, while durable, was a heavy iron-block unit that produced meager power for its size. It was only modestly improved by the introduction of the DOHC version in 1991, denoted with a "D" in the designation, KA24DE. These engines are the primary difference between the North American 240SX and the world-market Silvia/180SX. Other differences include: VLSD on all Silvia/180SX and Canadian 240SX vs. VLSD standard only on USDM HICAS models; available digital climate control in Japan vs. mechanical slider control in North American cars; and manual seatbelts standard in Japan vs. automatic restraint seatbelts in North America. The Canadian model also had daytime running lights located in the lower vent holes for the North American version.

[edit] Second generation / S14 (1995-1998)

The second generation of the 240SX can be divided into two distinct variants, Zenki and Kouki.

The 240SX was redesigned with the S14 Silvia body in spring 1994 as an early 1995 model. The hatchback and convertible were eliminated, leaving only the coupe. The wheelbase of the car grew 2 inches, the track width was increased, while the overall length of the vehicle was slightly shorter than the S13. The curb weight of the vehicle went up about 23 pounds from the S13 with the SE at 2753 lb (1249 kg). Aside from adding dual air bags and removing the pop-up headlights, the S14 was almost the same car as the S13 mechanically, with the main differences being cosmetic. The chassis was changed slightly sporting a stiffer frame and a slightly longer wheelbase with higher rear strut mounts.

From 1995 to 1996 the 240SX (S14b) is considered the Zenki model. The base model had 4 lug 15-inch wheels, a softer suspension, and no rear sway bar. SE and LE models came equipped with 16-inch, 5-lug alloy wheels, a stiffer suspension versus the base model, and a rear sway bar all standard on the SE. The LE was equipped with leather seats, keyless entry, an antitheft system, and a CD player. Antilock brakes and a viscous limited-slip differential came as an optional package to the SE model. JDM and USDM S14b (b = before) both had plastic housing lights while the European version had glass.

Every 240SX was built in Kyūshū, Japan. The last 240SX rolled off the assembly line on July 23, 1998.

[edit] Aftermarket Tuning

Automatic models featured Nissan's "DUET-EA" system, an electronic link between the engine control module (ECM) and the transmission designed to facilitate smoother, more controlled shifts. Many users have been known to circumvent this system however in favor of a more "sports car" feeling to the ride, similar to that of an aggressively shifted manual transmission. This modification was done by simply unplugging the transmission pressure sensor located on the US driver side in the engine bay.

As the cars have aged, Japanese I4 SR20DET, I4 CA18DET, I6 RB series, Nissan V8 VH45DE and V6 VQ35DE engine swaps have become an increasingly popular 240SX modification. As a cheaper alternative, V6 VQ30DE from Nissan Maxima models from 1994.5 through 2001 is also possible with relatively fewer modifications. At the same time, a large community has developed of owners turbocharging the 2.4-litre KA engines. The stout stock rear end and accommodating engine bay has even lead to rarer, more drastic engine swaps, such as the V8 General Motors LS series.

It is also popular for owners to import body parts from the Japanese-market S13 Silvia and install them onto their S13s (to make a Sileighty out of the hatchback and Silvia clone for the coupe and convertible) or the 1996-1998 Kouki 180SX Type X and install them on their S13s. Owners of 1995-96 240SXs often change the exterior to the S14 Kouki look. Since the three modern S-chassis cars (S13, S14, and S15 have similar widths, there are aftermarket conversion kits that allow buyers to add the front clip of one generation to be attached to another generation S-car. These conversions include the S13.4 (S13 chassis with S14 front end) S13.5 (S13 chassis with S15 Silvia front end), and S14.5 (S14 chassis with S15 Silvia front end). Other swaps have been recorded such as a 240Z front end on a S13, a Nissan 280z front end on a s13, a S14 with S13 (pop-up headlights) front end (S14.3), and a S13 with R32-chassis Skyline front end.

[edit] Production Numbers In the United States

All Models (including convertibles):
1989 - 68118
1990 - 60582
1991 - 34534
1992 - 27033
1993 - 21471
1994 - 1391
1995 - 25114
1996 - 7334
1997 - 3655
1998 - 1232

Total cars produced from 1989 to 1998: 251410

Convertibles only:
1992 - 2327
1993 - 4602
1994 - 1391

Total convertibles produced from 1992 to 1994: 8320

Production numbers total those acquired by American Specialty Cars.

[edit] See also

• Nissan Silvia
• Nissan 180SX
• Sileighty

[edit] External links

• 1991-1998 Nissan 240sx KA-Turbo
• RiceBoyTV - Drifting Coverage and Nissan 240sx Information
• [1] different body conversions that have been done to the 240sx
• [2]240sx and other cars drifting forumja:日産・240SX