Long time 240sx owners (10 years or so)

[estrada42]

I've been a Datsun guy since high school, always having an S30 Z car or two in various stages of repair. I bought my first 240sx in 2005 for $1000 because I wanted a commuter that had four seats.



It was a junker that looked decent. It was a 5-speed swapped 92 that needed "help" passing smog. I loved it, but one of my customers sold me his 300zx Twin Turbo for a bargain so I sold the S13. I remember having a rough time selling it for $2000, and some kid came up from LA for it. Now, I would have gotten $4000, because it's the same color, lowered and has a triple projector front.

I went through a few more Z's and some non Nissan car's but came back to the 240sx when I needed a cheap commuter that had 4 seats and was rear wheel drive. I was shocked to see how much the "scene" has changed and how much more these cars went for.

Seems like the 240sx crowd is becoming flooded with kids. Theres still the small but vocal older crowd but the younger guys don't listen to the older crowd and don't really want to do the work. I've been a member here forever, but have a super low post count because I'm from the generation that search 2-3 times before I post and find what I need instead of demanding someone tell me what I need. The same thing happened tot he Subaru crowd when WRX's hit the sub-$6000 price.

Now I have a 93 Automatic coupe that legit passes smog every time. I won't post a picture of it because it's not lowered and it's on horrible Konig 17's. The front end needs to be replaced, but I probably won't Silvia face it. I'll lower it because it looks ridiculous, but I'm not SR/JZ/VQ/LS swapping it anytime soon. I'm at a point in my automotive life where I don't need my DD to have a shit ton of power. I want a good handling street coupe that I can put my two kids in the back of if I have too.

[chris_240sx]

I got my S14 as my first car back in 2007, so nearly 10 years ago. Still have it, although it's more beat up from people running into it and the occasional drift day.

I remember back then when the sticker thread was huge and I wanted ALL of the cool ones. Pretty glad I'm over that. Now I just want to finish my Navan kit and have it look nice and feel nice to drive.

[silviaks2nr]

I have had the same s14 for 12 years. If you go on the Wikipedia 240sx page you will find a photo of my car which has been there since a friend wrote the page.

[MrMigs]

Have had one 240 (s14) for 15 years. Opinions on the scene? Hard to say because I'm pretty sure that while the scene changed, but I've probably changed too. Before, everything is exciting. See so many people with common interest with strong respect. First drift events and competitions in SoCal? So awesome. Drift is life. Could say that there were many less "fukbois" but maybe I was a bit of a fukboi at the time too, so naturally, perspective is a little bit different.

I can only say these things from this 32 y/o point of view:

Changed: Now, people getting much more of a "pass" to put together really crappy 240s. Some ppl even get props for building ultra junky cars. Sense of pride in purposely making poop-mobiles. Before, if your car was shit, at least you knew it. Late night mountain runs much more secretive. 20-car meetup at mountain? Ultra risky now (cops). Before, hell ya, party time no problem. Those were all kind of bad changes...

Good? Ahhh.... hmm... parts are more accessible? I don't know... that's not really "community" stuff. As sheit got kind of crappy, I've started to slowly drop out of the community, although I pop back in from time to time.

Future? What future? Next generation of enthusiasts are running these cars to the ground. At least it's making the value of my car go up. Pretty sure it's going to be considered rare, which is kinda cool, but super sad at the same time.

[Crazyced]

I've only owned mine for a little over a year. But I have to disagree with the claim that the 240sx is the new Civic. Drive around and you still see 90's Civics everywhere. I don't know about you guys, but I can count on one hand the amount of times I randomly ran across an S-chassis driving around. Saw one in a Home Depot parking lot the other day and took a picture of it. Because it was nice? Not really. Simply because it was there, on the streets.

Most of the ones I see for sale are unplated/undriven projects. Sadly mine is one of those as well, but I bought it fully aware of that. Got too many plated vehicles already.

But who knows, I might change my mind someday and get the thing back on the street.

[Future240]

^The green kouki?


This thread makes me feel better about my car. I've had it for 6 years and it is not boosted yet.

[MrMigs]

Originally Posted by Future240

^The green kouki?

yuppers that's the juan

[Future240]

Originally Posted by MrMigs

yuppers that's the juan

Dude.

When I was younger. I spent years going to that page staring at that car. I literally bought one same color.

[MrMigs]

Originally Posted by Future240

Dude.

When I was younger. I spent years going to that page staring at that car. I literally bought one same color.

W...wha? What page? Wait... you spent years going to my forsale thread? lol

[crzsteveo]

Wow this is an awesome thread. I got my first coupe at 16. I had that bullshit ain't care mentality for a couple of months then started to paint my rusty old coupe white then got totaled. Pick it up for 700. Then got a hatch with insurance money for 1500. Clean, straight min rust, DHO chassis. ( I'm a nerd look it up not a lot are left). Going on 6 years I believe. Drifted it, crashed it and drove around looking like shit during college. Finally painted it, and "brought it back to its former glory" so to speak.

Biggest thing I've seen personally in the community( east coast wise) is no personal style. Everyone is doing something they see online, which is cool to get inspiration but change things up just a little. Also self centered peeps. Like I'm always trying to help other 240 owners out but it's getting played out because everyone is just using everyone. Also a lack of just good vibes. I have OG peeps I met at my first 240 meet and we're still friends today. But that number is getting smaller and smaller every year. I don't even hang out with other 240 guys. I just want Bro time and good vibes. :,(

[Dboyizmlg]

13 years strong here!

I remember I wanted an Integra when I stared getting into the car scene lol.
I was in high school and bunch of kids where into Honda and shit was dope lol, every one wanted to be fast and furious.

One of my classmate was into the S-chassis scene, he showed me the light!
I was then introduced to Drifting and how cool it was to have a rear wheel drive.
I bought my first S14 zenki bone stock from a Paisa in San Diego.

Swaped SR20 in it, coil overs, a few mods,then bought an S13 hatch for daily.
Had a few other S13's after that which I dont want to get into detail.

I had a lot of car friends and a few S-chassis friends, over time most of them fell off the scene. I stuck through but I was not consistent; in some point I really didn't care much so I didn't do any thing to the 240 I was just working and paying bills and worried about my ex-girlfriend cheating on me (young and stupid) I know... lol

I know some OG cats till this day. But I have witnessed the scene change as I have changed.

Superior Nissan was my destination for parts, So was Wayne from Phase 2 (still is).

I remember S-chassis owners being more humble and respectful in the early days, giving us the thumbs up at a red light.

Times change, and so do we.

[ryandriftingfat]

I miss being able to show up to Balcony and get parking because everyone drove their drift cars to the track. And drifting in Fontana. And all day events at Irwindale. Drift Day.

But we have Horse Thief now.

Sales are god damn awful now though, that is for sure.

[MADE]

This will be my 10th year of ownership of my S14, life changes and its been in the garage for about 2 years just waiting on minor things. I just don't have the time for it, but I love driving. I have owned Nissan FR platforms since 1999 and yes the community was different in the beginning and turned into what the majority has become. This isn't new the car culture always changed from the "old to new" enthusiast. Drifting, entry level parts and the way we treat people in our culture started with some of us that allowed others to not embrace the new generation of owners. The older crowd remember when these cars rolled off the show room floor, the younger crowd just want something they can drift of fulfill their love of motorsports with. Its not valued the same and that is hard to except.

Twenty fucking years
Thats how long I've owned my `90 hatch, bought it in 1996.

After putting say, about 100k on the car - that car got put on ice for a nice, long, 11 year full resto-mod project. But you know, life happens. We get married, kids, and all of a sudden our fun projects are on the back burner.

I picked up a couple other cars along the way, also fun projects. 2 days ago, decided to pick up a `95 S14 from a long-time friend in the 240 community who decided that he really just didnt want to deal with "old car ownership" anymore. Makes sense, and I'll be more than happy to explain...

You guys who say "keep it stock" really dont know what you're talking about. In stock form, these cars are complete shit boxes. The beauty in these cars is tuning & modifying them, but how? By installing the proper parts. And this is where most people's projects go to shit. You guys fail to use good quality parts, or you start projects that are over-ambitious. I am guilty of that as well, but I am a firm believer in finishing what you start.

But now, these are just old fucking cars - and they are not mostly made of metal, like the old Domestics. Lots of plastic thats old, worn and brittle - and now OEM parts from NISSAN is no longer an option. So, we're pretty fucked and these cars honestly are destined for the garbage can. Unless NISSAN decides to extend support for all the little needed bits-n-bobs to keep our cars fresh.

The 240SX recipe is simple: cheap & fun car, easy to tinker with, and young, inexperienced amateur mechanics can sharpen their teeth and gain knowledge with the cars and form friendship within the community.

Thats how it *was* - I am uncertain if thats how it will *be*. New-era is responsible for the Doing It Wrong thread. Our generation of Doing It Wrong was the S12 200SX. :-)

[zombiewolf513]

Originally Posted by ixfxi

You guys who say "keep it stock" really dont know what you're talking about. In stock form, these cars are complete shit boxes. The beauty in these cars is tuning & modifying them, but how? By installing the proper parts. And this is where most people's projects go to shit. You guys fail to use good quality parts, or you start projects that are over-ambitious.

...If you can't appreciate a car in its raw form and well maintained, a LOT of enthusiasts would say you don't know what you're talking about. especially a 240, where 1/25 are stock and clean. Keeping it stock and maintained is almost as much of an art as modifying it well. It's like having a blank canvas in a world full of half ass tagged walls.

Originally Posted by zombiewolf513

...If you can't appreciate a car in its raw form and well maintained, a LOT of enthusiasts would say you don't know what you're talking about. especially a 240, where 1/25 are stock. Keeping it stock and maintained is almost as much of an art as modifying it well. It's like having a blank canvas in a world full of half ass tagged walls.

There's nothing RAW about a stock 240SX.

Whats RAW about a clutch dampener that restricts clutch feel. Ah yes, the oh so grippy stock clutch - a real gem.

Whats RAW about the stock brakes, which are totally undersized for any spirited driving. The stock brake system for the S-chassis should have been the Z32 brakes. Stock brakes for the Z32 should have been the R33 GTR brakes.

Whats RAW about the boat-ride suspension. If our cars came with Tokico blues and a slight drop I could understand, but stock suspension sucks shit.

Whats RAW about the absolutely SHITTY stock S13 seats? If you want to spinal damage, keep those moon-shaped seats. At least the S14 seats are acceptable.

How about the finely crafted auto seatbelts, WOW, I feel so lucky and blessed to own a USDM S13. We got the worst seatbelt system while the rest of the world, bless them, got normal seatbelts.

I wont even get started with the engine, the SOHC is a complete dog turd. The DOHC is an improvement, but its still rough. Once again, the rest of the world had much better engine options.

I am not trying to turn this into a mod or not mod debate, but please - dont try to sell the wine-and-cheese purist belief that these cars are perfect *as-is* because they're not. This is coming from someone who's owned the car much longer than you, and who's taken every nut and bolt off and back on. And I'm a stickler for cars that are well-maintained with OE parts. Respect your elders, son.

[zombiewolf513]

Originally Posted by ixfxi

I am not trying to turn this into a mod or not mod debate, but please - dont try to sell the wine-and-cheese purist belief that these cars are perfect *as-is* because they're not. This is coming from someone who's owned the car much longer than you, and who's taken every nut and bolt off and back on. And I'm a stickler for cars that are well-maintained with OE parts. Respect your elders, son.

I didn't say they were perfect in stock form. It's a chassis I admire and find pride in by keeping it maintained in original form. I didn't say raw as in 'dope hawt phresh', I said raw as in 'original/factory'. I've taken these cars apart and put them back together by every single nut and bolt as well, multiple multiple times. Disagreeing that appreciation for stock (regardless of factory performance or lack there of) is in no way disrespect. I'm talking about the nostalgia of them, not the go-fast show boat supercar from the factory or modified love. All of my best memories have been in and around 240s, my stock daily is an extension of those memories. Calm down.

[nightwalker]

Originally Posted by ixfxi

There's nothing RAW about a stock 240SX.

Whats RAW about a clutch dampener that restricts clutch feel. Ah yes, the oh so grippy stock clutch - a real gem.

Whats RAW about the stock brakes, which are totally undersized for any spirited driving. The stock brake system for the S-chassis should have been the Z32 brakes. Stock brakes for the Z32 should have been the R33 GTR brakes.

Whats RAW about the boat-ride suspension. If our cars came with Tokico blues and a slight drop I could understand, but stock suspension sucks shit.

Whats RAW about the absolutely SHITTY stock S13 seats? If you want to spinal damage, keep those moon-shaped seats. At least the S14 seats are acceptable.

How about the finely crafted auto seatbelts, WOW, I feel so lucky and blessed to own a USDM S13. We got the worst seatbelt system while the rest of the world, bless them, got normal seatbelts.

I wont even get started with the engine, the SOHC is a complete dog turd. The DOHC is an improvement, but its still rough. Once again, the rest of the world had much better engine options.

I am not trying to turn this into a mod or not mod debate, but please - dont try to sell the wine-and-cheese purist belief that these cars are perfect *as-is* because they're not. This is coming from someone who's owned the car much longer than you, and who's taken every nut and bolt off and back on. And I'm a stickler for cars that are well-maintained with OE parts. Respect your elders, son.

^ THIS! Oh man, it's been ages since my old 240 buddies and I talked in length about the "diamond in the rough" that 240s are.
You and your generation were the ones that influenced me and mine. I thought that we would be able to do that for the next, but shit just got out of hand.

[Future240]

Originally Posted by MrMigs

W...wha? What page? Wait... you spent years going to my forsale thread? lol

No the pic on Wikipedia. In my teens and really early 20's I would go to the wiki page read it for the 230402348 time and stare at the kouki wanting one.

Originally Posted by ixfxi

There's nothing RAW about a stock 240SX.

Whats RAW about a clutch dampener that restricts clutch feel. Ah yes, the oh so grippy stock clutch - a real gem.

Whoa whoa whoa hold up. Is this why the stock feels like shit? When I first got my s14 the first thing I noticed was how soft and spongy the clutch felt compared to the 88 Maxima I had just come out of.

[lunchmeat]

I wish 240s had the same aftermarket support for oem reproductions as classic mustangs have. You can literally build an entire car, piece by piece, from one catalog. Hell, even the Fox bodies are almost the same way.

The main reason why I'm wanting one in stock form is that it's a blank canvas. I don't have to unfuck a previous owner's bad decisions. Now will I keep it stock? Probably not in the long run. Basically fix the factory shortcomings, as was mentioned. There will be no body modifications, that's for certain.

[KiLLeR2001]

Mike is right, as much as it hurts to read. The 240sx in stock form is extremely lackluster. I will admit its fun at first, but then the car's disadvantages show themselves pretty early on. I drove my two-tone in 100% stock form for a few months before I decided it was time to "upgrade" some things.

Very moderate, went with HKS coilovers, S15 HLSD, Volk GT-C wheels 17x8, 17x9 setup, Koyo aluminum radiator, replaced worn out bushings, hicas rear sway bar, strut tower bar. Really the only thing the car needs now is the Z32 brake setup and a good solid powerplant, the KA24E has been very reliable but just doesn't have the right amount of power.

[Agent240sx]

About 15 years now, currently working overseas and about to return home... then the search will begin for another S-chassis.

Maybe its ageing and maturing but like Quail and Future240, I've outgrown the aggressive bodykits etc. I've owned half a dozen hatches and 1 s14 in the past. I've always loved the look of the s13 hatch but over the last 2 years I started to see it as a youngin car. I feel like I would be a bit embarrassed driving a s13 hatch around as a daily (a track car is a different story). I seem to now be more drawn to the s14 now while in the past I wasn't a huge fan.

Originally Posted by KiLLeR2001

Mike is right, as much as it hurts to read. The 240sx in stock form is extremely lackluster. I will admit its fun at first, but then the car's disadvantages show themselves pretty early on. I drove my two-tone in 100% stock form for a few months before I decided it was time to "upgrade" some things.

Very moderate, went with HKS coilovers, S15 HLSD, Volk GT-C wheels 17x8, 17x9 setup, Koyo aluminum radiator, replaced worn out bushings, hicas rear sway bar, strut tower bar. Really the only thing the car needs now is the Z32 brake setup and a good solid powerplant, the KA24E has been very reliable but just doesn't have the right amount of power.

Yes, but none of the modifications you are making to the car are anything that, IMO, are detrimental - irreversible - or make the car worse. They are necessary / tasteful improvements. You never hear anyone say "ah man, these wide stick wheel/tire setup just sucks, and these 4POT brakes make the car stop too well." There is a reason why certain things were OPTIONAL. Want an LSD? Pay for it. Its the moron owners who buy 19x12 wheels and beat the shit out of the fenders to MAKE things fit, thats the problem.

Originally Posted by zombiewolf513

I didn't say they were perfect in stock form. It's a chassis I admire and find pride in by keeping it maintained in original form.

I am sure we agree more than we disagree, we're kinda arguing the same point that a well kept, well maintained car is the priority here. But the other aspect is that keeping it 100 is also rather annoying. Its only a matter of time before that stock clutch wears out and you say: OE NISSAN clutch or ACT? Or when the stock brakes are done: OE sliding calipers or 4POT? All of these improvements are no brainers.

Originally Posted by Agent240sx

About 15 years now, currently working overseas and about to return home... then the search will begin for another S-chassis.

Maybe its ageing and maturing but like Quail and Future240, I've outgrown the aggressive bodykits etc. I've owned half a dozen hatches and 1 s14 in the past. I've always loved the look of the s13 hatch but over the last 2 years I started to see it as a youngin car. I feel like I would be a bit embarrassed driving a s13 hatch around as a daily (a track car is a different story). I seem to now be more drawn to the s14 now while in the past I wasn't a huge fan.

Because its the process that we all love. Its the "hunt and find" for the stock car. Its the "customize and make it YOUR way" that we seek. And if its anything we hate, is the mistakes WE have made along the way. So what do we do? Find another S-chassis, rinse and repeat. This is why I made the wrecked S-chassis thread, might as well start documenting the dead and see if we can even come close to an estimate of whats left.

In the end though, its just a car and we cant re-create what NISSAN made. We wont have the quality OE parts to keep our cars pristine. In the end, we're going to have aftermarket junk fenders and poor fitting weatherstripping, just like they have for the older Z cars and the domestics. This is what sucks the most.

[Frank_Jaeger]

The desire to keep these cars stock isn't because they're so amazing out of the box, it's because so many are being lost to accidents, partouts, and worst of all general fuckery. It's a matter of preservation in the face of rapidly dwindling stocks.

You can scoff at it now, but 20 years from now my barn full of low mileage unmolested S13s and S14s will make me RICH. Absolutely fucking filthy RICH.

[lunchmeat]

Originally Posted by Frank_Jaeger

The desire to keep these cars stock isn't because they're so amazing out of the box, it's because so many are being lost to accidents, partouts, and worst of all general fuckery. It's a matter of preservation in the face of rapidly dwindling stocks.

Especially the general fuckery.

[KiLLeR2001]

Until another Hurricane Charley or some good ole Florida lightning to set your barn on fire proper.

[EDacIouSX]

Yea I have to say a bone stock 240sx is pretty much complete crap LOL. I don't think those really exists anymore anyway. There are so many cool parts for the 13/14 that really make the car shine and you don't even have to cut up the fenders either.

[Teddy Bruckshot]

I like where this thread is going! I've stalked this forum for years before I made an account. I would just read and look through the forums. I've been an S Chasis enthusiast since 2008 and I've only owned 3 s14s. I'm a baby compared to some of you OG's , but I've grown to appreciate stock aero and some personal mods to a car. These cars are becoming more scarce each year , I wonder what the culture will be like in a couple years ?

[crzsteveo]

What I also don't get is the lack of common sense some guys have when I tell them that these cars will increase in value over time. Call me stupid, but that's the way I see it. I guarantee y'all that the one guy who has a stock s14 kouki or coupe or any model, will sell that shit on fuckin barret jackson lol

[cnichols]

I'm old. Hell, look at my join date <----

I bought my first S14 in 1996 and have had one ever since which puts me right at 20 years. I fell in love with the car the first time I ever laid eyes on it in a magazine while I was 15. I still own my 3rd S14, which I bought in 2002.

I remember being in college which was so long ago that it was before forums even existed. Anyone ever hear of the old 240SX Amarok.org mailing list? I was on it...didn't contribute much because I knew next to nothing. But, man did I read. You actually had to sift through e-mails and the responses to follow a "thread"!!!

Like someone else stated, the scene has definitely changed, but I know that I sure have as well. The one thing I will say is that I've made a ton of friends over the years just because we both owned a 240 (DriftKngIII among them), but I can't remember the last time that has happened. That simple observation right there tells me that the scene has gone downhill. I won't sit and try to figure out the exact cause(s), but I will agree that it has definitely changed for the worse. However, that' s not going to stop me from fighting the good fight. Because, like Mike said earlier, I'm still doing this for me and not for anyone else (okay, maybe just a little, but hey, I'm only human).