8 of the Most Popular Ways to Customize the Nissan 240SX
Whether you’re into drifting, racing, or just having the hottest ride on the block, the Nissan 240SX is a solid performer. It’s extremely affordable, yet it’s highly praised by many of today’s most seasoned sports car veterans and luxury vehicle owners.
Even when it first came out in 1988, the Nissan 240SX was a hit, as you can see in this New York Times review. Today, it has become more popular than ever, for a number of reasons.
The Nissan 240SX handles remarkably well, and it’s extremely lightweight. This car can definitely take a hit, and repairing it is a joy. However, the real reason why this car is a legend in the automotive community is because it’s a fantastic platform for modifications.
Even if you’re on a tight budget, you can still turn a Nissan 240SX into a high-powered beast. The chassis can handle as much power as you want to throw at it, and there’s no shortage of aftermarket parts out there that make upgrading your car’s performance and aesthetic incredibly cheap and easy. There’s also a thriving online community if you ever need to talk shop.
Let’s take a look at 8 of the most popular ways to customize the Nissan 240SX.
1. Engine Swap
If you want to add power to your 240SX, an engine swap is a solid starting point. Many backyard tinkerers opt to swap engines from Japanese Nissan vehicles such as the 180SX, Silvia, and Skyline. A less common choice is using domestic V8 engines or Q series engines from the US Market 350Z and Maxima.
Here are some of the most frequently used aftermarket engines:
CA18DET
SR20DET
RB20DET
RB25DET
RB26DETT
KA24DE-T*
*The KA24DE-T is technically not an aftermarket engine, as it’s the stock engine in 1991 to 1998 S13 and S14 240SX cars.
Each of these engines offers their own unique performance, so do your homework before you buy one.
If you spend some time shopping around, you should have no problem finding a solid engine at a decent price. Some are ready to drop in and go, but if you’re savvy, you may be able to get a better price if you buy a non-working engine and fix it up with components from Enjuku Racing. It all depends on your building experience or how willing you are to learn as you go.
2. Transmission Upgrade
Switching from an automatic transmission to a manual one (or vice-versa) is another popular modification. Many 240SX owners use their vehicles for street racing, and a manual transmission allows them to select an ideal gear ratio according to current driving conditions. This switch is especially common in turbocharged vehicles.
If you do decide to go with a manual transmission, you may want to also look into a short shifter. Short shifters reduce the time it takes for a gear shifter to switch between gears. This allows you to reach your desired speed quicker. One of the major appeals of manual transmissions is that they’re a whole lot of fun to drive, and short shifters amplify that.
An automatic transmission can provide advantages in the right circumstances. For example, cars with lower final drive gear ratios that have been built specifically for road racing can benefit from the smoother performance that electronic automatic transmissions offer. If you’re using your 240SX for drag racing, an automatic transmission may be the best bet.
3. Exhaust Replacement
Yes, replacing your stock exhaust with a larger high-performance one will give you more ‘growl,’ but a roaring ride isn’t the only reason to make the switch. Factory-installed exhaust systems are designed to keep the sound of engine exhaust noise to a minimum, but in doing so, it sacrifices horsepower. A more open exhaust system is louder, but it also boosts engine performance.
4. Aftermarket Suspension
If you’re modifying your car to increase power and performance, you’re going to need to make sure the suspension can keep up. Otherwise, it’s going to be a bumpy ride. Here are some factors to consider as you choose the right suspension setup:
1. The size and type of your wheels
2. The type of powertrain
3. Typical driving conditions
When in doubt, fully adjustable coilover struts are a solid choice, as they allow you to adjust the spring rate and ride height as needed, depending on current driving conditions. If you’re going to be taking tight curves (i.e. racing on a track), you may want to look into the following upgrades:
1. Front and rear anti-sway bars
2. Lightweight control arms
3. Tie rod end links
4. Chassis stabilizers
5. Neoprene bushings
6. Panhard bars
5. Better Brakes
Again, if you add power to your car, you must also upgrade your safety components to match. Fortunately, brakes tend to be some of the most affordable upgrades, as most should be compatible with your current factory brake master cylinder and booster assembly.
It’s important to note that bias is critical if you’re thinking about upgrading your brakes. It’s essential that you upgrade the front and rear brakes proportionately. Upgrading one or the other can actually do more harm than good.
6. New Tires and Wheels
Upgrading your wheels and tires is especially critical if you plan on using your 240SX for competitive racing. In general, wider tires adhere to the track better. You must also use speed-rated tires if you plan on racing.
You may also want to tweak the degree of wheel offset according to your preferences. As far as color and composition of your wheels go, do some research and make your choice based on personal preferences and requirements. There are a lot of factors to consider, so spend some time doing some research. This Popular Mechanics article is a good starting point.
7. Chassis Rigidity Upgrades
A stiffer car often handles better than a stock one. These upgrades may not be essential for casual owners, but if you want to squeeze the most possible performance out of your Nissan 240SX, we recommend looking into the following aftermarket additions:
Fender Braces
Tension Rod Braces
Strut Tower Reinforcement
Strut Bars
Lower Rear Tie Bar
C-Pillar Bars
8. Custom Paintjobs
Finally, once your vehicle’s specs are maxed out to your liking, why not make it look the part? A freshly painted Nissan 240SX is truly a thing of beauty, and it really makes it your car. You can bring your car to the shop and have it painted professionally, or if you’re willing to DIY it, you can enjoy a gorgeous paint job for very little money. Just make sure you take your time and do it right.
Be Creative
The beauty of the Nissan 240SX is that you’re only limited to your imagination, your bank account, and technical prowess. We’ve only scratched the surface here, and there are countless resources out there that will help you to upgrade your car effectively — even on a tight budget.
Here are some other common modifications you can look into:
Ignition and Fuel Management
Differential
Driveshaft
Final Drive
Coilovers
Control Arms
Weight Reduction
4 Lug to 5 Lug Conversion
Reach Out to the Community
There is a fantastic community out there, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you have an idea, talk to someone about it. Working on your car is fun and rewarding, so don’t be afraid to really go for it and make something totally unique.
The more you work on your vehicle, the more comfortable you’ll be on your next project. Stick with it, and don’t forget to enjoy the fruits of your labor.