Nissan 240SX: Difference between revisions
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The Nissan 240SX was a car introduced to the North American market by Nissan in 1989 and sold there until 1998. It replaced the 200SX (RWD) in 1989. The 240SX was equipped with a 2.4-litre inline 4 engine (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/Australian-market 200SX.
1989-1994 "S13"
The first generation of the 240SX can be divided into two distinct variants: Zenki (otherwise known as the pignose) and Chūki. Each of these variants came in two distinct styles: hatchback (base and SE) and coupe (base, SE, and XE). The coupe was closely related to the Japanese-market Silvia. It differed, however, in that it featured the same front bodywork as the Japanese-market Nissan 180SX, instead of the front bodywork found on the Japanese-market S13 Silvia. The hatchback (commonly confused with a fastback) was closely related to the Japanese-market 180SX. The two styles share the same chassis, and with few exceptions, most components and features are identical. 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.
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 CA18, 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.
The Chūki (中期, lit. middle period) was available from model years 1991 to 1994. This gave the car an overhaul that included mostly minor body modifications and an upgrade to the engine. The Zenki front bumper was replaced by a smoother, more modern-looking bumper, and a new (LE) hatchback trim package was added that included leather interior. The SOHC KA24E was replaced by a new DOHC KA24DE with 4 valves per cylinder that produced 15 more hp, for a total output of 155 hp (116 kW). An optional sports package including a limited slip differential and Nissan's HICAS four wheel steering was added to the hatchback. In 1992, a convertible body style was added to the lineup. It was exclusive to North America and was partially assembled in Japan, with final assembly taking place in the California facilities of American Specialty Cars (ASC).
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, with only slight improvement when upgraded to the DOHC version. This engine is the main difference between North America's 240SX and world-market Silvia/180SX.
1995-1998 "S14"
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, 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 received a host of minor detail changes, however.
From 1995 to 1996 the 240SX is considered the Zenki model. The base model had 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 than the base model, and a rear sway barwas standard on the SE. The LE was equipped with leather seats, keyless entry, an antitheft system, and a CD player. Antilock brakes and a limited-slip differential came as an optional package to the SE model.
From 1997 to 1998 the 240SX is considered the Kouki/kōki (後期, lit. latter period) or S14a model. The change mainly included updated bodywork - aggressive projector headlights; a new front bumper, hood, and fenders; and revised taillights. Side skirts were now standard on the SE and LE trim level. The 1998 marked the end of production for the Nissan 240SX, with no further variations of the S platform released in America.
Every 240SX was built in Kyūshū, Japan. The last 240SX rolled off the assembly line on July 23, 1998.
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.
As the cars have aged, Japanese I-4 SR20DET, I-4 CA18DET, I-6 RB series, and V-6 VQ35DE engine swaps have become an increasingly popular 240SX modification. 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, included the V-6 Nissan VQ series and V-8 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 S14a 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, an S14 with S13 (pop-up headlights) front end (S14.3), and a S13 with R32-chassis Skyline front end.
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 - 2178
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.
