Would a Nissan 240 SE-R (The top of the line?) be decent competition for track use against Integras, Civics, and the such? Does anyone have any thoughts on this car being used as a track car?


[Modified by 2001 Integra GSR, 4:35 PM 10/20/2001]

 

I don't know all that much about IT racing, but doesn't that car kickass in ITS? Maybe Im wrong.. But Payton Wilson does pretty well in his..

 

Nissans seem to be decent at the track despite modest power ratings. I'd say go for it, but then why not just get an Integra, Civic, or Prelude?

 

I would track my Integra, but it's still a baby with only 4,500 miles on it. Still in the developmental stage (enigne, suspension, braking,...etc.).

I have been considering finding a 99-2000 Honda Civic Si, or even a Prelude. But they are just too expensive. I can't really justify spending another $13-$17,000 on a Honda that I would take to the track and tear up. I still make payments on my Integra, so I guess that is another reason why I don't push my car hard, yet. On the other hand, I was looking in the AutoTrader that comes out every week, and a 240 caught my eye. It seems like it is good shape, and it was a decent price. So I was just wondering.

 

Do you mean "240SX SE" or "200SX SE-R"? Two very different cars.

240sx se: rwd, great chassis, fantastic handling, torquey truck motor, needs more power and needs to rev higher. Can be made to hang with much faster cars in theory, but not cheaply.

200sx se-r: great chassis, fwd, great handling tending toward understeer, legendary torquey but high revving SR20DE motor, limited-slip diff (95-96 models anyway). Can also be made to hang with much faster cars in theory, but also not cheaply.

I think you meant the 240... if so, yes they can be made to go very fast in SCCA roadracing (class: ITA) if they are '94 model year or older. Arguably as quick as ITA CRX's and some Civics. Or, certainly not significantly slower at least.

I'm not sure how a 240 would stack up against a GSR - it's got a few less HP and it's maybe a little bit heavier, but it's got a lot more torque and it's rwd. So, that could be a very good match. I think the 95+ 240's are legal for SSB, like the recent GSR's, but I've never seen one raced.

As for competition, if you're just doing track days then it doesn't really matter - fun to drive and reliable are the two biggest concerns. Any of the choices you list should be both of those things.

Bottom line? If you have found a good deal on an unabused 240, get it... they are very solid cars from what I have seen.

Hope that helps,

Jon

 

I was looking at the 240SX SE.




I guess what I am looking for is the particular body style that was from 94ish to 97 or 98? Nice smooth lines.

I called about the one in the autotrader. The guy told me it had 113,000 miles on it. He was asking $8999. Too much for that car?


[Modified by 2001 Integra GSR, 4:49 PM 10/20/2001]

 

Seems like that's a lot of $$$ for that car.

I think 240's are going to start becoming more popular as they get older and it's a hell of a sports car (more so w/ an SR20DET rather than the KA24 truck motor). They look dope and you can drift 'em.

Sounds like a good chice to me, jsut talk the guy down a grand.

 

I know a certain 240 SX driver that needs to respond to this.

 

the body style ur lookin at is the s14. 8g's is pritty steep considering my buddy just sold is s14 in dam near mint condittion for 8g's. and he only had like 60k on his. but if u do get a 240, swap in an sr turbo motor. then u'll have plenty of hp. not tons, but enough to get u moovin. i'd also sugest the s13 (previous body style 89-9?) only because there lighter. but if u want the style of the s14, then go for it.

 

Now I just have to find one in decent condition. Thanks for everyones help! By the way, I went to look at the car tonight. The body and interior are in very good shape, not perfect, but very good for 113,000 miles. Small quarter size dent right below the side mirror. The front nose has been scraped up a bit. The paint is starting to fade ever so slightly. The original rims are on the car, and they are mint. I might get to test drive the car tomorrow. But I don't know. I was looking for one that had just about every option that they came with. And $9000 is pretty steep. It was at a used car lot, but the guy said he was selling it for the owner, and he would get a commision. Who knows? Most likely I will keep searching for one.


[Modified by 2001 Integra GSR, 8:54 PM 10/20/2001]

 

*enter certain 240 owner*

Sorry for the length of this... I am the very proud owner of a 1995 s14 240sx SE. I bought the car to have fun in, not to run in a certain class - so I went high mileage with the expectation of doing an SR motor swap (which of course screws you for SCCA racing!). I sold my 94 Civic Si for it and am pretty sure I made the right choice. As for keeping up, I did a lapping day with many people from this board a month ago and the 240 - in bone stock trim (+ K&N drop in) w/ 118K, NTB special tires, and a jackass rookie of a driver - was able to keep similar times to other jackass rookies in newer Sis and Tegs.

The car handles very well - it is very forgiving at the limit and communicates nicely. It has a nice weight balance (53/47?). The weight of the s14 SE is only about 2770lbs - not much heavier than a Honda and only about 70lbs heavier than the s13. The newer s14 comes with a stiffer chassis and a softer suspension than its predicessor, and needs some higher rate damping all around. Brakes are adequate, but an upgrade to 4 piston 300zx rotors is a bolt on affair that is quite popular. The KA24de motor was made for torque (rated 155hp/160tq) and delivers a very linear powerband - It is most happy b/n 3400-5800 (not a honda by a long shot!). Because of its large displacement, the 240 takes to bolt ons quite happily - a staight through exhaust and CAI will net significant increases. Reliability is good, as it is a Nissan. Also keep in mind that this engine has received several minor upgrades since its introduction in 1991 - it is well tested and sorted out by the factory. Factory alloys are 16x6.5 and can support decent rubber.

In buying a 240 - a lot depends on where you live. Here in DC, they are very uncommon - I had to go more than 100 mi to get mine (thanks YC). Generally speaking, they have been well cared for and often owned by women who thought they had a sports car (biting lip to not say "but it IS more of a sports car than a Civic" so they were kinda right). What to look for: ABS comes with VLSD - it was an option that no one got (except the handful of people who knew what they were buying and won't sell their cars) (other Nissan product LSDs (NA ZX, J30, M30) mostly bolt up); the only real options on the SE/LE car are moonroof, leater, and ABS/VLSD (moonroof takes away VITAL headroom unless you are 5'10" or less, leather sucks the cloth is reasonably supportive, GOOD LUCK finding ABS/LSD w/o a moonroof!!); beware of "ticking" noise (=timing chain); rear bushings tend to be worn on sticks that had poor drivers (these get expensive to replace); 1995 models are OBD I, 1996-98 are OBD II. As for pricing, I thought I paid a lot ($5700) for a reasonably straight bodied 95 SE @116K w/ an after market CD player, new clutch & brakes, K&N drop in, bra/car cover (not wanted) and new (albeit crappy) tires. I've heard of as low as $4500. Keep in mind that even if you are keeping the US spec motor, those that do the swap sell their motors on the open market (usually under $1000 for eng/trans w/ sub 60K mi and as low as $come pick it up). For more info, come lurk on the freshalloy forum for 240s. Hope the diatribes helps your decision - mark


[Modified by HippoSleek, 4:15 PM 10/21/2001]


[Modified by HippoSleek, 4:17 PM 10/21/2001]

 

While your shopping have a look at this site;
http://www.pdm-racing.com/

Don can answer just about any question you can come up with regarding 240SX's and is well respected in Datsun/Nissan race community. Built them, raced them, destroyed them.


[Modified by DB1-R81, 11:21 AM 10/21/2001]

 

Thank you very much. Your information helped me out alot. It has given me a starting point to begin at. I will keep everyone posted to what I do.

Thanks!

By the way..."lurk on the freshalloy forum for 240s,"...where is that?

 

I tried to register over at freshalloy. I submitted 50 names but could not get registered. Frustrating!

 

eah, sorry - the forum was just updated to a newer format and there may be some lingering problems. Also, on the forums, check out the forum called "Best of 240" or something like that. It is an archive of past questions that cover a lot of basic questions, including bolt-ons, suspension, brakes, etc. It will save you asking the questions that some members sort of avoid re-answering.