Nissan 240SX

Nissan 240SX

Manufacturer	Nissan
Also called	Nissan Silvia (Notchback) Nissan 180SX (Hatchback) Nissan 200SX (In Europe)
Production	1989–1998
Assembly	Kanda, Fukuoka, Japan, (Kyūshū Plant)
Class	Sports car
Layout	FR layout
Platform	Nissan S platform
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual

The 240SX is a two-door compact car that was introduced to the North American market by Nissan in 1988 for the following model year. It replaced the outgoing 200SX (S12) model. All versions of the 240SX were equipped with the 2.4-liter inline 4 engine (KA24E from 1989–1990 and KA24DE from 1991–1998). The KA24E being single over-head cam and KA24DE being dual over-head cam. Two distinct generations of the 240SX, the S13 (1989–1994) and the S14 (1995–1998), 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.

First generation / S13 (1989–1994)

First generation
(S13)

Production	1989–1994
Body style	2-door coupe 3-door hatchback 2-door convertible
Engine	2.4 L KA24E I4 2.4 L KA24DE I4
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 standard. Each of these variants came in two distinct body styles: fastback, which was offered in both base and SE trim, and coupe, which was offered in base, LE and SE trim levels. Both styles shared the same front bodywork as the Japanese-market Nissan 180SX, featuring the sloping front with pop-up headlights. This bodywork distinguishes the coupe 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, low cost, ample power, and gratuitous aftermarket support.

1989 and 1990 models are powered by a naturally aspirated 140 horsepower (100 kW), 150 foot-pounds (200 N·m) 2.4l SOHC KA24E engine with 3 valves per cylinder (instead of the turbo-charged and intercooled 1.8-liter DOHC CA18DET offered in Japan and Europe in the 180SX and Silvia). Four-wheel disc brakes were standard, with antilock brakes available as an option on the SE. Both models were offered with either a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. "Coupes" offered a Heads-up display (HUD) with a digital speedometer as part of the optional Power Convenience Group. This model of S13 is sometimes referred to by its front bumper style named "Pig-nose" due to the front bumper sticking out in a square shape. The 1989-1990 model is also referred to as the S13 Zenki.

Nissan 240SX convertible

The 240SX received some updates in 1991. This gave the car an overhaul that included a minor update of the exterior and a new cylinder head. The front bumper was updated and 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 horsepower (116 kW) and 160 foot-pounds (220 N·m). An optional sports package including ABS, a limited slip differential, and Nissan's HICAS four wheel steering was now available on hatchback models. In 1992, a convertible was added to the lineup and was exclusive to the North American market. These vehicles began life in Japan as coupes and were later modified in the California facilities of American Specialty Cars (ASC).^[1] For the 1994 model year, the only available 240SX was a Special Edition convertible equipped with an automatic transmission. 1991-1994 model year cars are sometimes referred to as the "S13 Kouki".

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, was a heavy iron-block unit that produced meager power for its relatively large size. It was only modestly improved by the change to the DOHC version in 1991. These engines are the primary difference between the North American 240SX and the world-market Silvia/180SX/200SX. Other differences include a standard limited slip differential on overseas and Canadian Kouki models, available digital climate control in Japan, and manual seat belts standard in Japan and Canada vs. automatic restraint seatbelts in America.

Second generation / S14 (1995–1998)

Second generation (S14) Production 1995–1998 Body style 2-door coupe Engine 2.4 L KA24DE I4 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 completely redesigned 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 inches (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 decreased by about 80 pounds relative to the 1994 model.^[2] Dual air bags were added and the automatic seatbelts were replaced with common manual type. The pop-up headlights were removed in favor of fixed lamps. 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 sat in front of the rear suspension and behind the rear seats.

The base model had 4-lug, 15-inch wheels, a softer suspension, no rear sway bar, and no remote trunk opening option. 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, equipped with leather seats, keyless entry, an antitheft system, and a CD player. Antilock brakes and a viscous limited-slip differential could be had as an optional package to both base and SE/LE models.

S14 "Kouki"

In 1997, the 240SX received minor updates. The different looks of the S-Chassis are referred to as before change "Zenki" as seen on the right, and after change "Kouki" as seen on the left. Changes were primariliy 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 America.

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

Motorsports

The 240SX was successfully raced in several motorsports including the IMSA GT series. The 240SX ran in the GTU class in the IMSA Camel GT series and won several manufacturer and driver championships.^{[citation needed]} The 240SX is also used in the World Drift Series.45

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 - 1024 Total cars produced from 1989 to 1998: 251410
^{[citation needed]}
Convertibles only:
1992 - 2327
1993 - 4602
1994 - 1391

Total convertibles produced from 1992 to 1994: 8320^{[citation needed]}

Production numbers total those acquired by American Specialty Cars.

See also

• Nissan Silvia
• Nissan 180SX
• Sileighty
• Nissan KA engine

References

1. ^ "ASC, American Sunroof Corporation, ASC Custom Craft, Heinz C. Prechter, ASC Holdings, American Specialty Cars, ASC/McLaren - Coachbult.com". Coachbuilt.com. http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/a/asc/asc.htm. Retrieved 2010-10-15. 
2. ^ "1995 Nissan 240SX Road Test: Performance, Engine, Transmission, Suspension, Brakes, and Handling". Automotive.com. http://www.automotive.com/1995/43/nissan/240sx/reviews/driving-impressions/index.html. Retrieved 2010-10-15.