Nissan 240SX

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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.
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Nissan 240SX

1990 Nissan 240SX XE Hatchback (S13) in the USA.

Overview

Manufacturer Nissan

Production 1989–1998

Assembly Japan: Kanda, Fukuoka (Nissan Motor Kyūshū)

Body and chassis

Class Sports car

Layout FR layout

Platform Nissan S platform

 Nissan Silvia
Related
Nissan 180SX/200SX

Chronology

Predecessor Nissan 200SX

The Nissan 240SX is a sports compact car that was introduced to the North

American market by Nissan in 1989 for the 1990 model year. It replaced the
outgoing 200SX (S12) model. Most of the 240SXs were equipped with the 2.4-
liter 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 Silvia and 180SX, and the European-market 200SX. Although
their names are similar, the 240SX is unrelated to the 240Z or the 280ZX.
While the car is no longer being produced since 1998, it remains popular
in drifting and tuner culture. However, due to the popularity of the S-chassis in
drifting or other related competitions, prices for vehicles and parts have greatly
increased because of higher demand of the vehicles or parts. This problem is
sometimes known as "drift tax".[citation needed]
Because of its extreme popularity in drifting or similar competitions, the 240SX is
featured in numerous racing video games such as Midnight Club and Forza
Motorsport, among others.

First generation (S13; 1989–1994)[edit]

See also: Nissan Silvia S13

First generation
(S13)

The facelift model Nissan 240SX SE Hatchback (S13).

 Overview

Production 1989–1994

Body and chassis

Body style 2-door coupé

3-door hatchback

2-door convertible

Powertrain

2.4 L KA24E I4 (gasoline)
Engine
2.4 L KA24DE I4 (gasoline)

Transmission 5-speed manual

4-speed automatic

Dimensions

Wheelbase 2,474 mm (97.4 in)

Length 4,521 mm (178.0 in)

Width 1,689 mm (66.5 in)

Height 1,290 mm (50.8 in)

Curb weight 1,224 kg (2,698 lb)

The first generation of the 240SX can be divided into two distinct versions, both
having the sporting advantage of rear wheel drive. The hatchback, which was offered
in base, SE, and LE trims, and the coupé, which was offered in base, XE, LE and SE
trims. Both styles shared the same front bodywork as the Japanese-market Nissan
180SX, featuring the sloping front with 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. The 240SX is
a popular car in the sport of drifting due to its long wheelbase,[1] low cost, ample
power, light weight, well-balanced chassis and abundant aftermarket support.
1991-1993 Nissan 240SX LE coupé (rear)

1989 and 1990 models are powered by a naturally aspirated 140 hp (100 kW),

152 lb⋅ft (206 N⋅m) 2,389 cc (2.4 L; 145.8 cu in) SOHC KA24E 4-cylinder engine with
3 valves per cylinder (instead of the turbocharged and intercooled 1.8-
liter DOHC CA18DET offered in Japan and Europe in the 180SX and Silvia). Four-
wheel disc brakes were standard, with anti-lock brakes available as an option on the
SE. Both models were offered with either a 5-speed manual or 4-
speed automatic transmission. Coupes offered 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 SOHC KA24E was replaced by the DOHC KA24DE, now with 4
valves per cylinder, rated at 155 bhp (157 PS; 116 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 160 lb⋅ft
(217 N⋅m) at 4,400 rpm of torque. An optional sports package including ABS,
a limited-slip differential, and Nissan's HICAS four-wheel steering was now available
on hatchback models.

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

The S13 was known for sharp steering and 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 engine, while durable
and relatively torquey, was a heavy iron-block truck unit that produced meager
power for its relatively large size. It was only modestly improved by the change to
the DOHC version in 1991. Furthermore, despite the modest power output, relatively
low vehicle 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. The U.S. version was regarded as a highly
capable sports car that only needed a better engine. 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[edit]
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).[2] 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 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)[edit]

See also: Nissan Silvia S14

Second generation
(S14)

Nissan 240SX (S14) pre-facelift

Overview

Production 1994–1998

Model years 1995–1998

Body and chassis

Body style 2-door coupe
 Powertrain

Engine 2.4 L KA24DE I4 (gasoline)

4-speed automatic
Transmission
5-speed manual

Dimensions

Wheelbase 2,525 mm (99.4 in)

Length 4,498 mm (177.1 in)

Width 1,727 mm (68.0 in)

Height 1,288 mm (50.7 in)

Curb weight 1,253 kg (2,762.4 lb)

The 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 curb
weight of the vehicle increased by about 80 lb (36 kg) relative to the 1994 model.
[3]
 Dual air bags were added and the automatic seatbelts were replaced with common
manual type. The pop-up headlights were relaxed with fixed headlamps. The
cupholders were also removed in this generation of the Nissan 240SX. Though the
general layout remained the same, almost all parts were redesigned to the extent
that very few parts are interchangeable. The chassis was changed slightly to
increase stiffness (Nissan claimed 50% torsional, 100% bending rigidity increase) [citation
needed]
 and utilized higher rear strut mounts. The fuel tank, previously located at the rear
end under the trunk floor, now sits in front of the rear suspension and behind the rear
seats.
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.

The facelift model Nissan 240SX (S14).

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 SUVs. In this generation, every 240SX was built in Kyūshū, Japan. The last
240SX rolled off the assembly line on July 23, 1998.

Motorsport[edit]
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this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be
challenged and removed. (May 2022) (Learn how and when to remove this template
message)

Nissan 240SX IMSA GT racing car.

The IMSA GTU Nissan 240SX was originally piloted [see image] 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. [4]
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. (Speedhunters)
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.