Nissan 240SX

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This article is about this vehicle's American model. See Nissan 180SX for information on the Japanese model and Nissan Silvia for information on the S13 and S14 platform in general.

Nissan 240SX
FR layout
PlatformNissan S platform
Related
Chronology
PredecessorNissan 200SX

The Nissan 240SX is a

inline 4 engine (KA24E from 1989 to 1990 and KA24DE from 1990 to 1998). The KA24E had single overhead cams and the KA24DE had dual overhead cams. Two distinct generations of the 240SX, the S13 (1989–1994) the S14 (1994-1998) were produced, based on the Nissan S platform
.

The 240SX is closely related to other S platform based vehicles, such as the Japanese-market

280ZX
.

The 240SX is known for its popularity within drifting and tuner culture. However, due to the popularity of the S-chassis in drifting and related competitions, prices for vehicles and parts have greatly increased due to higher demand. This problem is sometimes known as "drift tax".[1]

First generation (S13; 1989–1994)

See also:
Nissan Silvia S13
First generation
(S13)
Curb weight
1,224 kg (2,698 lb)

The first generation of the 240SX can be divided into two distinct versions: the

pop-up headlights. This front bodywork distinguishes the coupé model from its Japanese-market counterpart, the Silvia
, which featured fixed headlights. Both styles in all markets share the same chassis, and with few exceptions, most components and features are identical.

1991 - 1993 Nissan 240SX photographed in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada
1991-1993 Nissan 240SX LE coupé (rear)

1989 and 1990 models are powered by a

Heads-up display
(HUD) with a digital speedometer as part of the optional Power Convenience Group.

The 240SX received some updates in 1991. The matte silver, teardrop wheels were replaced by polished aluminium 7-spoke wheels that had better brake cooling properties but more drag. The nose was smoothed out by getting rid of the non-functional slots and gave back the aerodynamic efficiencies lost by the wheels. This gave the car an overhaul that included a minor update of the exterior and a new cylinder head. A new "LE" hatchback trim package was added that included leather interior. The

four-wheel steering
was now available on hatchback models.

The facelift model Nissan 240SX SE Fastback (S13) in the USA.

The S13 was praised by journalists for sharp steering and handling (thanks to front

DOHC version in 1991. Furthermore, despite the modest power output, relatively low weight, and good aerodynamics, gas mileage was mediocre. These engines are the primary difference between the North American 240SX and the international-market Silvia/180SX/200SX. The KA24DE did not come turbocharged while the CA18DET and SR20DET did. Other differences include a standard limited-slip differential
on overseas and Canadian models, available digital climate control in Japan, and manual seat belts standard in Japan and Canada vs. automatic restraint seatbelts in the U.S.

Convertible

Nissan 240SX convertible in the USA.

In 1992, a

convertible was added to the lineup and was exclusive to the North American market. These vehicles began life in Japan as coupés and were later modified in the California facilities of American Specialty Cars (ASC).[5]
For the 1994 model year, the only 240SX available was a Special Edition (SE) convertible, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission.

The North American 240SX convertible differed from the Japanese market version, in that the Japanese market models had a powered top cover boot, whereas the North American market models had manually-installed boot covers once the top is down. It was also produced in Japan by Autech rather than by ASC, and was introduced early on in the S13's production in Japan (the Japanese market models were released in 1988, four years before the 240SX convertible).

Second generation (S14; 1994–1998)

See also:
Nissan Silvia S14
Second generation
(S14)
Curb weight
1,253 kg (2,762.4 lb)

The second generation 240SX was released in the spring of 1994 as a 1995 model. The hatchback and convertible body styles were eliminated, leaving only the coupe. The wheelbase of the car grew 2 in (51 mm) and the track width was also increased, while the overall length of the vehicle was slightly shorter than the previous generation. The

DOHC KA24DE engine from the first generation, producing the same 155 bhp (157 PS; 116 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 160 lb⋅ft (217 N⋅m) of torque at 4,400 rpm, but features internal revisions for improved throttle response and reduced shake and vibration. When tested by MotorWeek, the 240SX achieved a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time of 7.3 seconds and a quarter mile time of 15.5 seconds at 89 mph (143 km/h).[7] Upon its launch, Nissan said the primary target demographic for the new 240SX was single women with no children, stating that women already made up 61% of 240SX buyers, and that they hoped to increase that number.[8][9]

The base model had 4-lug, 15-inch wheels, a softer suspension, and no rear

sway bar. The base model had several options and features available to be fitted to the car such as leather seats, ABS
, and a viscous limited-slip differential. SE and LE models came equipped with 5-lug, 16-inch alloy wheels, a stiffer suspension than the base model, and a rear sway bar. The LE was basically an upgraded SE model, but with more standard equipment such as leather seats, keyless entry, an anti-theft system, and a CD player. Anti-lock brakes and a viscous limited-slip differential could be had as an optional package to both base and SE/LE models.

Nissan 240SX (S14) pre-facelift "Zenki"

In 1996, the 1997 model year 240SX received minor updates. The different looks of the S-Chassis are referred to as before change "Zenki" and after change "Kouki". Changes were mostly aesthetic, including new

projector headlights
, front bumper, hood, fenders, and revised taillights and center panel. Side skirts became standard on the SE and LE trim level. 1998 marked the end of production for the Nissan 240SX, with no further variations released in North America.

This generation of the 240SX suffered in sales due to competition from other car manufacturers and consumers at the time choosing more practical vehicles, such as

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

Motorsport

Nissan 240SX IMSA GT racing car.

The IMSA GTU Nissan 240SX was originally piloted by vintage Datsun and Nissan racer Bob Leitzinger through the late 1980s and 1990s. It is currently owned and raced by Philip Mendelovitz. The tube chassis was custom built for IMSA GTU class racing. From Speedhunters: "The roofline and taillight lenses are some of the only parts this thing shares with a normal S13.[10] The engine is Nissan's VG30 V6 typically found in the Nissan Z and D21 truck. It is naturally aspirated and dry sumped, and a United States engine builder who managed to help the single overhead cam V6 to make about 340 horsepower. Chassis code LR-001, seen right, was entered in nearly 80 different events during its career, and it helped Nissan earn four-straight manufacturers championship wins between 1991 and 1994.[10] The engine tuning system utilizes a Sony Walkman to write engine performance metrics to tape. These tapes are fed to a special computer to change fueling, timing, and other tuning parameters.

Drifting

Two 240SXs drifting in tandem

The Nissan 240SX is a popular platform within the drifting community, both in amateur competition as well as in professional series such as Formula D. Although never marketed to the drifting community during its production, its Japanese counterparts, the Nissan 180SX and Nissan Silvia (S13), were adopted in Japan during the foundational years of drifting. They were chosen for their balanced weight distribution of 55/45 front to rear, and their overall lightweight RWD layout.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b Wilcox, Adam (2020-04-08). "How the Nissan Silvia (240SX) went from humble coupe to drift king". Hagerty Media. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
  2. ^ Griffin, Larry (1989-02-01). "Tested: 1990 Nissan 240SX Rekindles the Spirit of the Original Z-Car". Car and Driver.
  3. ^ Antoine, Arthur St. (1992-04-01). "Tested: 1992 Fun Four-Cylinder Two-Door Showdown". Car and Driver.
  4. ^ Csere, Csaba (1989-07-01). "Tested: 1989 $20K Sports Coupe Roundup". Car and Driver.
  5. ^ "ASC, American Sunroof Corporation, ASC Custom Craft, Heinz C. Prechter, ASC Holdings, American Specialty Cars, ASC/McLaren - Coachbult.com". Coachbuilt.com. Retrieved 2010-10-15.
  6. ^ "1995 Nissan 240SX Road Test: Performance, Engine, Transmission, Suspension, Brakes, and Handling". Automotive.com. Archived from the original on 2009-02-20. Retrieved 2010-10-15.
  7. ^ Silvestro, Brian (January 28, 2021). "1995 Nissan 240SX In-Period Video Review by MotorWeek". Road & Track. Retrieved February 5, 2021.
  8. ^ By (1994-04-14). "NISSAN SHIFTS GEARS, AIMS NEW 240SX AT WOMEN". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved 2024-04-24.
  9. ^ Demere, Mac (1996-08-02). "Acura 2.2CL & Nissan 240SX SE". Motor Trend.
  10. ^ a b Garrett, Mike (September 2016). "Cool, S13 Bro: The IMSA GTU 240SX". Speedhunters.com. Retrieved April 8, 2022.

Works cited

  • Evanow, Pete (11 October 2005). Z: 35 Years of Nissan's Sports Car. Motorbooks.
    ISBN 9780760321812
    .
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