Nissan 240SX
Encyclopedia
The 240SX is a two-door compact car that was introduced to the North America
n market by Nissan in 1988 for the following model year. It replaced the outgoing 200SX (S12) model. Most 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(Some of which were equipped with SR20DE and SR20DET (1995–1998), were produced based on the Nissan S platform
. The 240SX is closely related to other S platform based vehicles, such as the Japan
ese-market Silvia
and 180SX
, and the Europe
an-market 200SX
.
Although their names are similar, the 240SX is unrelated to the 240Z or the 280ZX
.
, 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 abundant aftermarket support.
1989 and 1990 models are powered by a naturally aspirated 140 hp, 150 foot-pounds (203.4 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 brake
s 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.
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 hp and 160 foot-pounds (216.9 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). 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 strut
s 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.
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 (50.8 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. 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) 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.
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.
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
Convertibles only:
1992 - 2327
1993 - 4602
1994 - 1391
Total convertibles produced from 1992 to 1994: 8320
Production numbers total those acquired by American Specialty Cars.
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
n market by Nissan in 1988 for the following model year. It replaced the outgoing 200SX (S12) model. Most of the 240SX were equipped with the 2.4-liter inline 4
Straight-4
The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
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(Some of which were equipped with SR20DE and SR20DET (1995–1998), were produced based on the Nissan S platform
Nissan S platform
The Nissan S-platform was Nissan's rear wheel drive sport compact automobile platform, produced from model year 1976 to 2002. It was sold in every major market where Nissan cars were available. It was usually equipped with an inline four-cylinder engine, and had four seats in a "two-plus-two"...
. The 240SX is closely related to other S platform based vehicles, such as the Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
ese-market Silvia
Nissan Silvia
The S12 was produced from 1984 to 1988, with revisions to the exterior trim in 1987 . It was sold in three configurations—a coupe , a hatchback, and a widebody chassis called grandprix .A number of different engines were equipped in the S12 chassis, depending on production year and more...
and 180SX
Nissan 180SX
The Nissan 180SX was a hatchback coupe based on the S13 chassis from the Nissan S platform, and sold in Japan; and in some other countries under the 200SX name....
, and the Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
an-market 200SX
Nissan Silvia
The S12 was produced from 1984 to 1988, with revisions to the exterior trim in 1987 . It was sold in three configurations—a coupe , a hatchback, and a widebody chassis called grandprix .A number of different engines were equipped in the S12 chassis, depending on production year and more...
.
Although their names are similar, the 240SX is unrelated to the 240Z or the 280ZX
Nissan 280ZX
The Nissan 280ZX was a sports coupe produced from 1978 to 1983. It was the second generation Z-car, replacing the Datsun 280Z in late 1978. The 280ZX was the first time where the "By Nissan" subscript was badged alongside the Datsun logo, along with the Nissan trucks. The 280ZX was Motor Trends...
.
First generation / S13 (1989–1994)
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: fastbackFastback
A fastback is a car body style whose roofline slopes continuously down at the back. The word can also designate the car itself. The style is seen on two-door coupés as well as four-door sedans.-History:...
, 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
Nissan Silvia
The S12 was produced from 1984 to 1988, with revisions to the exterior trim in 1987 . It was sold in three configurations—a coupe , a hatchback, and a widebody chassis called grandprix .A number of different engines were equipped in the S12 chassis, depending on production year and more...
, 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 abundant aftermarket support.
1989 and 1990 models are powered by a naturally aspirated 140 hp, 150 foot-pounds (203.4 N·m) 2.4l SOHC KA24E
Nissan KA engine
The KA engines were a series of inline-4 four-stroke gasoline piston engines manufactured by Nissan, which were offered in 2.0 L and 2.4 L versions.The engines blocks were made of cast-iron, while the cylinder heads were made of aluminum....
engine with 3 valves per cylinder (instead of the turbo-charged and intercooled 1.8-liter DOHC CA18DET
Nissan CA engine
The CA engine is a 1.6 L to 2.0 L Inline-4 piston engine from Nissan designed for a variety of smaller Nissan vehicles to replace Z and smaller 4-cylinder L series engines. It is an iron block, aluminum head design with a timing belt, thus was cheaper to make than the timing chain setup...
offered in Japan and Europe in the 180SX and Silvia). Four-wheel disc brake
Disc brake
The disc brake or disk brake is a device for slowing or stopping the rotation of a wheel while it is in motion.A brake disc is usually made of cast iron, but may in some cases be made of composites such as reinforced carbon–carbon or ceramic matrix composites. This is connected to the wheel and/or...
s were standard, with antilock brakes available as an option on the SE. Both models were offered with either a 4-speed automatic
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
or 5-speed manual
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
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 KA engine
The KA engines were a series of inline-4 four-stroke gasoline piston engines manufactured by Nissan, which were offered in 2.0 L and 2.4 L versions.The engines blocks were made of cast-iron, while the cylinder heads were made of aluminum....
was replaced by the DOHC KA24DE
Nissan KA engine
The KA engines were a series of inline-4 four-stroke gasoline piston engines manufactured by Nissan, which were offered in 2.0 L and 2.4 L versions.The engines blocks were made of cast-iron, while the cylinder heads were made of aluminum....
, now with 4 valves per cylinder, rated at 155 hp and 160 foot-pounds (216.9 N·m). An optional sports package including ABS, a limited slip differential
Limited slip differential
A limited slip differential is a type of differential gear arrangement that allows for some difference in angular velocity of the output shafts, but imposes a mechanical bound on the disparity...
, and Nissan's HICAS
HICAS
HICAS is Nissan's rear wheel steering system found on cars ranging from the more recent Skyline and Fairlady Z iterations to smaller models like the Nissan Cefiro , 240SX/Silvia /180SX and Nissan Serena/Nissan Largo. It is also found on models from Nissan's Infiniti division, such as the Q45,...
four wheel steering was now available on hatchback models. In 1992, a convertible
Convertible
A convertible is a type of automobile in which the roof can retract and fold away having windows which wind-down inside the doors, converting it from an enclosed to an open-air vehicle...
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
American Specialty Cars
American Specialty Cars is an automobile supplier of highly engineered and designed roof systems, body systems and other specialty-vehicle systems for the world’s automakers...
(ASC). 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 strut
MacPherson strut
The MacPherson strut is a type of car suspension system which uses the axis of a telescopic damper as the upper steering pivot. It is widely used in modern vehicles and named after Earle S. MacPherson, who developed the design.-History:...
s 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
Limited slip differential
A limited slip differential is a type of differential gear arrangement that allows for some difference in angular velocity of the output shafts, but imposes a mechanical bound on the disparity...
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)
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 (50.8 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
Curb weight
Curb weight or kerb weight is the total weight of a vehicle with standard equipment, all necessary operating consumables , a full tank of fuel, while not loaded with either passengers or cargo.This definition may differ from definitions used by governmental regulatory agencies or other...
of the vehicle decreased by about 80 pounds
Pound (mass)
The pound or pound-mass is a unit of mass used in the Imperial, United States customary and other systems of measurement...
relative to the 1994 model. 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) 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
Sway bar
A sway bar or anti-roll bar or stabilizer bar is a part of an automobile suspension that helps reduce the roll of a vehicle that is induced by cornering or road irregularities. It connects opposite wheels together through short lever arms linked by a torsion spring...
, 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.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
Every 240SX was built in Kyūshū
Kyushu
is the third largest island of Japan and most southwesterly of its four main islands. Its alternate ancient names include , , and . The historical regional name is referred to Kyushu and its surrounding islands....
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
. 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. The 240SX is also used in the World Drift Series.45Production 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
Convertibles only:
1992 - 2327
1993 - 4602
1994 - 1391
Total convertibles produced from 1992 to 1994: 8320
Production numbers total those acquired by American Specialty Cars.