I have a 96 5 spd. Max now, and I am looking for more power on a budget. I have come to the possible conclusion that if I sell the Max, I could pick up a decent 240sx(95-98) for around $5K. With the rest of the difference I could add a turbo, plus the fact that the 240 has RWD is appealing. I'd just buy a supercharger or maybe even a custom turbo, but I'm a poor student and will be for a while.
Anyone have any suggestions? I have a 60 shot of NOS, y-pipe, and an intake now. But I'm looking for some constant power that I can afford. Not trying to be cheap, just realistic. Please let me know of any suggestions, or if you know of any alternatives. Thanks.

 

If you get it boosted, go for it. But the Max is a much faster car naturally aspired. If you are not 100% positive you are not boosting don't do it. If you are turboing be prepared for a slow take off. If it's a supercharger then I'd go for it.

 

well if u get 240 then u have to a motor swap to the SR2xDET or spend 3g for the max and get a supercharger

 

in stock form, the 240sx (sucks) sux0rs! can't even get the tires to chirp. i suppose with mods it will be faster, but i'd rather have a 5spd maxima w/ mods, or a 300ZX

 

Only if you're going SR20DET (engine swap) or KA24DET (turbo stock motor).

 

my friend has a 240sx with just a stereo and intake, the thing is a dawg, slooooow as heck. Keep the max and s/c it or go for a different car, i agree with the used 300zx.

 

a 95-98 240sx for 5000.00? nice...

 

youre not going to find a 97-98 240 for anywhere near 5k..unless it has around 200k miles on it, then you REALLY will need a motor swap.

dont forget that with the SR20DET swap, you wont pass emmissions, and unless you do it with a reputable shop (not to mention if you get a bad engine), youre going going to have LOTS of problems.

a supercharger is NOT an option, at leeast not for cheap. there are currently NO aftermarket S/C options for a 240, at least none that I have seen. there are plenty of turbo kits, go for it.

some people say that turbocharging the KA is not worth it and its better to swap in a sr20det...but some poeple say that if you add a turbo to the KA, you'll have more torque (thats probably true). do some research.

the stock 240 is pretty damn slow...a turbokit is a great idea right away...

oh yeah, the RWD thing is great but its nothing much unless you get an LSD ($750).

 

I've seen numerous 95-96 240's in the 5-7k range. 97-98 usually averaged 10-11k.

Quote:

oh yeah, the RWD thing is great but its nothing much unless you get an LSD ($750).

Just find a 240 with LSD...it was an option on some years SE model with ABS. I'm still searching.

 

they look great, i love those cars
i know a guy with a 95 automatic 240, it is definately not nearly as fast as a maxima, even my 3rd gen... but it rides nice, i like RWD. handling and steering response feels good

 

I'm pretty sure an indicator for LSD on those cars was the HICAS 4WS, if the car has that then it was the LSD.

 

i think the only 95+ 240sx that had LSD were the SX-SE verisions. or at least, those were the ones the LSD were available on. i could be wrong.

after i wrecked my 95 GXE, i thought about buying my uncle's 95 240SX SE. his is a five speed, mine an auto. what turned me away was that we raced a few times and my maxima beat him every time.

if you are going to get a 240, get a SX-SE. consider boosting or spraying. a SR20DET swap is what i was planning. be prepared to hunt for it though. i know over on the west coast, there are like a bunch of them around, but find a "good" one and a "good" shop to do it. also be prepared if your gauges and what not do not function or if they don't function properly. the KA motor is good, but not worth turboing in my opinion. plus you can tell people you have an SR motor (like any of the honda heads know what that is).

also think about doing a front conversion. find a silvia 14A or 14B.

btw, i ended up buying a 95 SE maxima.

 

On my wish list:

93 S13 240SX Conv. with a SR swap and a auto to manual trans swap (friggin convertibles only came with auto).

Someday when I have enough time and money ....

 

I found a good scrap 98 249sx online. it has turbo, timers, ignition stuff.. for 5k. He got into a car accident and is bailing on his car.

Email me for the Addy.
I would post it, but I might get it for myself...
someone buy my I30 5 speed

 

buy the cheapest 240 you can..highest mileage. Get a SR20DET motor swap for $4000 installed into your car. Then can we say bye bye Maxima. Even a max with a supercharger wouldnt even be able to keep up. Plus..RWD!!

Where are you located..East or West coast?

 

If your only about speed then stick with the Maxima. If you like handling and amazing response and something more fun to drive, go for the 240SX.

My family has a '99 Maxima GLE and recently we got a '95 240SX 5-spd. I'd rather drive the 240SX instead of the Maxima now. While the Maxima has power, its just not fun. The 240SX engine makes a beautiful sound as you rev it up and row thru the gears. It's handling and ride is wayy above the Maxima. Since I'm in Canada, most 240SXs have LSD (like mine ).

About HICAS, they were only offered on '91 to '93 240SX Fastbacks (hatchbacks). And if you have HICAS you have LSD. However from '95+ no 240SX in North America were offered with HICAS. I think the JDM ones do though..not positive about that.

I'd suggest you buy the 240SX and a few years down the road do the SR swap. My 240SX is more comfortable to drive than the Maxima also even tho it has no space! (Hey its comfortable to me, not my passengers!). It has leather seats which are way more supportive than the Maxima.

It all boils down to what you want. I personally love the 240SX, it may be slower but its wayyy more fun to drive than the Maxima.