Nissan launched the 240SX, a sporty compact automobile, to the North American market in 1989 for the 1990 model year. It took the place of the previous 200SX (S12) model. The 2.4-liter inline 4 engine was used to the majority of 240SX vehicles (KA24E from 1989 to 1990 and KA24DE from 1990 to 1998). While the KA24DE had two overhead cams, the KA24E only had one. The Nissan S platform was used to build two unique models of the 240SX, the S13 (1989–1994) and the S14 (1994–1998).
The 240SX shares a tight relationship with other S platform-based cars, including the 200SX sold in Europe and the Silvia sold in Japan. The 240SX is unrelated to the 240Z or 280ZX, despite the nomenclature being similar.
Even though it is no longer manufactured, drifter and tuners continue to enjoy it. However, costs for cars and parts have surged as a result of the S-chassis’ popularity in drifting events; this is commonly referred to as “drift tax.” [Reference needed] Numerous video games, such as Midnight Club and Forza Motorsport, include the Nissan 240SX.
In This Article...
What other names does the 240SX go by?
The Nissan Silvia, also known as the Nissan Shirubia in Japanese and Hepburn, is a line of compact sports automobiles made by Nissan. For export, some Silvia models have been marketed as the 200SX or 240SX, while others have been offered under the Datsun name.
Sylvia, the name of the nymph who served Diana, the Roman goddess of virginity and the hunt, is where the name “Silvia” comes from. The Latin equivalent of the name is “forest.” [1][2]
Is a 240SX unusual?
There aren’t many of this specific body style 240SX left, they’re usually quite damaged up, and a good number of them have been modified into missile cars by amateur drift fanatics.
S13 or S14, which is preferable?
Some claim that the 240SX in both generations, as compared to the 180SX, was plagued with the same pretty subpar engine when looking at the factory models.
Some even claimed that the 240SX was a sports vehicle simply in appearance. Many people evaluated the 240SX in this way, despite the fact that some of you may recoil at the idea of such thoughts or statements being said.
But when it comes to drifting, performance will obviously rely heavily on how well and how much one has customized it with aftermarket parts.
The S13 feels more visceral and raw while driving. In stock trim, the S14 appears a little more “grown-up. However, the personality and feel of any modified car will drastically alter. It’s important to keep in mind that the 240sx was more of a “tourer” than a pure sports vehicle.
It may be argued that the S13 has some advantages over the S14 when you take into account how much easy it is to install various performance engines.
The S13 will require less power to get the same performance as the heavier S14 because of its lighter chassis. The S14’s improved geometry and sturdier chassis do, however, result in a noticeable performance improvement.
There isn’t much in it in terms of overall performance. Both cars have very “moderate” performance right out of the box, so you’ll probably wind up modifying it and there won’t be much left in it at that point.
The 240SX’s merits as a decent drift vehicle
The Toyota AE86 is widely regarded as the ideal drifting vehicle. This little, lightweight, and agile RWD coupe, also known as the “Hachiroku, is responsible for popularizing drifting in the modern era. But despite the iconic Toyota’s importance to the drifting community, aficionados frequently overlook the Nissan 240SX, better known as the Silvia in Japan.
Even though it arrived later than the AE86 to the drifting scene, the 240SX continued and improved upon what the AE86 had begun. The Nissan 240SX also brings easier power upgrades to the table, which are crucial in the drifting sphere. These upgrades are based on the same principles as the Nissan 240SX: front engine and rear wheel drive configuration, affordable price, lightness, simple mechanics, and balanced weight distribution. But first, let’s look at the Silvia/240SX’s drifting history before we go into tuning.
Why is the 240SX such a hit?
7 A Legendary Drift Car Is The Nissan 240SX The vehicle is still a popular option for a drift car project three decades later. The 240SX was liked by many drift car builders because of its lightweight design, front-engine, rear-wheel-drive setup, and 55/45 weight distribution while drifting was still in its infancy.
What makes it a 240SX?
The reason Nissan cared to use distinct names for its various markets may have puzzled you, but their first-generation engines are the real culprit.
The 1.8L CA18DET engine of the 180sx and the 2.4L KA24E engine of the 240sx were each given names. Even if the engine metrics changed after that (more on that is below), the names persisted, thus they were maintained.
Despite the different names, the two cars are actually essentially the same in terms of design.
There are also more distinctions, some of which result from the various legal and safety frameworks between the US and other countries, and others which are just aesthetic.
We will now go on to the article’s main points.
What variations exist between the two?
A JDM automobile is what?
The term “Japanese Domestic Market” (JDM) describes the domestic market for automobiles and auto parts in Japan.
[1]
Contrary to popular belief, not all Japanese-branded automobiles fall under the JDM category. JDM refers only to a car built to be sold in Japan. [Reference needed]
When opposed to the American market, where car owners now keep their vehicles for longer periods of time—the average age of the American fleet of cars is 10.8 years[2]—JDM market cars are more affordable. Gray markets and stringent motor vehicle inspections are challenges faced by Japanese owners. The Fdration Internationale de l’Automobile estimates that the average annual mileage of an automobile in Japan is only 9,300 kilometers (5,800 miles), which is less than half of the average annual mileage in the United States of 19,200 kilometers (12,000 miles). [3]
Vehicles made in Japan for the domestic market may be very different from those made there for export or from automobiles constructed elsewhere using the same platforms. Japanese automakers are forced to develop innovative technologies and designs first in domestic automobiles because Japanese car owners prioritize innovation above long-term ownership. For instance, Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management made its debut in the 2003 Honda Inspire. However, VCM, which had a bad image from Cadillac’s attempt in the 1980s with the V8-6-4 engine, was absent from the 2003 Honda Accord V6, which had the same basic car and was primarily aimed for the North American market. The Accord V6’s facelift for 2008 saw the successful introduction of VCM.
The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) put safety-related limits on JDM cars in 1988, limiting them to 280 horsepower (PS) (276 hp) and a top speed of 180 km/h (111.8 mph). The speed limit of 180 km/h (111.8 mph) was maintained despite the removal of the horsepower cap in 2004.
A 240SX: A good vehicle?
The Nissan 240sx excels at lacking charisma. Although enjoyable to drive, it is not very athletic and the handling is unremarkable. It lacks the power to overtake the majority of contemporary family sedans on the highway with its 155 horsepower at the crank. A 6 foot frame may fit comfortably within, and the trunk has enough room for storage. Beautiful to look at and available in a few different trim levels with a variety of cosmetic options, some of which make it appear lot sportier than it actually is. Even though it’s underpowered and uninspiring, I still had a great time driving it and would buy one if I could find one that wasn’t changed. Beware of former owners who mistreated these vehicles in an effort to emulate the Fast and the Furious cast, as well as corrosion.
240SX is it RWD?
The Nissan 240SX has long been a favorite among drifters. It was embraced in Japan during the heyday of drifting even though it was never advertised to the drifting community when it was first released. Its balanced weight distribution of 55/45 front to rear and overall lightweight RWD design were factors in the decision.
Some people think the Nissan 240SX is only a beginner’s drift car because the other Nissan models have more power. The 240SX is a prized collectors item right now in the United States. [Reference needed]
The Nissan S13 is it permitted in the US?
A few weeks ago, an Ocean Springs man admitted to importing a Nissan Silvia into the country. He might receive a 20-year prison term and a $250,000 fine as his maximum punishment.
For a car that can be acquired online for less $20,000, it sounds exorbitant (Australian). a few things to think about
What is a Nissan Silvia? The Nissan Silvia range of sports vehicles from the Japanese automaker all have a similar chassis. The closest thing to a Silvia in the US is the Nissan 240sx.
Why this automobile is so unique: Its aerodynamic frame, chrome accents, and turbocharged engine are distinctive. In other words, it moves quickly. Their hoods slope downward, and they have low platforms and rounded upper bodies. The Nissan Silvia S15 has a sleek front appearance with an integrated grill and a low front bumper. One website claims that the combination of lower fog lights and the wide headlights, which slope inward from the sides, gives the driver excellent visibility in poor lighting.
Because it did not adhere to federal safety and environmental regulations and featured a right-hand steering column, like cars in England, this particular vehicle was deemed unlawful in the United States. However, some Silvia vehicles have been registered in the US after being modified to comply with US laws.
First off, only the accused (Kendall Noble) is authorized to explain why he took the risk of transporting the car to the United States. But the Nissan Silvia S15 is popular among auto fans because it excels in local drag racing (street classification), drifting events, and street racing. The S15 has won seven D1 Grand Prix titles in drifting with five different drivers (Nobuteru Taniguchi:2001; Ryuji Miki:2004; Yasuyuki Kazama:2005; Masato Kawabata:2007; Youichi Imamura:2009,2010,2011)
Which Nissan Silvia is authorized in the US?
The Nissan Silvia S15 will be legal when? The 1999 Nissan Silvia S15 will turn 25 in January 2024. At that point, the NHTSA’s limits won’t apply. Therefore, once an S15 reaches the age of 25, importing it into the US will be permitted.
Are 240SX and Silvia the same thing?
You have probably heard of the Nissan Silvia, or the 240SX as it is known in North America, if you are even remotely familiar with drifting or have watched any of the Fast and Furious films. The Silvia was never advertised to the drift community while it was being produced, despite the fact that it is perhaps best known as a drift car.
The best chassis is…
The Top 10 S-Chassis Builds of All Time
- The DeathKart from Speed Warhouse’s 1991 Nissan 240SX (S13).
- Nissan 180SX Type X built in 1996 by Masaru Ishikawa (S13)
- The 1990 and 1991 Nissan 240SXs owned by Eliot and Jarrett Ewald (S13)
- Adam LZ’s 1999 Silvia Spec-R Formula D Pro 2 915HP (S15)
- 1995 Nissan 240SX owned by John Markadakis (S14)