Nissan 240SX

The Nissan 240SX was a car introduced to the North American market by Nissan in 1989 and sold there until 1998. The 240SX was equipped with a 2.4 L inline 4 engine (KA24E from 1989–1990 and KA24DE from 1991–1998). Two distinct generations of the 240SX, the S13 (1989-1994) and the S14 (1995-1998), were produced from the Nissan S platform. The 240SX is closely related to other S vehicles: the Japanese-market Silvia and 180SX and the European/Australian-market 200SX.

1989

During the first generation, three body styles were available: hatchback, coupe, and convertible. The coupe is closely related to the Japanese Silvia except for having pop-up headlights. The convertible was introduced in 1992 and was the only body style available in 1994. All S13 240SXs were pretty much the same since differences between trim lines (XE, SE, LE, etc.) were only cosmetic, though 91-93 SE hatchbacks had an exclusive optional sport package containing a stiffer suspension, limited-slip differential, and HICAS 4-wheel steering.

The S13 was known for its sharp steering/handling (thanks to a front strut, rear multilink suspension) and basically having everything a sports car should except for a real engine. The truck-based 2.4 L 4 was a heavy iron-block unit that produced meager power for its size 140–155 hp (104–115 kW), rough sounds, and ever since becoming a 16-valve twin-cammer in 1991, wants premium fuel. It also has a reputation for not being able to produce much more than 200 hp (149 kW). This inferior engine is the main distinction between America's 240SX and every other country's Silvia/200SX. Understandably, SR20DET engine swaps are the most popular 240SX mod. A large community has popped up for turbocharging the 2.4 L KA engine though, and many people are making upwards of 350 HP on a stock block. With built internals, over 500 HP has been attained.

1995-1998

The 240SX was redesigned with the Zenki Silvia body in spring 1994 as an early 1995 model. The hatchback and convertible were gone, leaving only the coupe. Aside from adding dual air bags and normal headlights, the S14 was almost the same car as the S13, but steering became slower and handling softer, lowering its fun-to-drive factor. Its 155 horsepower looked more inadequate with each passing year in light of 200-horsepower Honda Preludes. Note that there was now a difference between base and SE models, the former having having 15-inch wheels (vs. 16s), a softer suspension, and missing a rear stabilizer bar. Antilock brakes and a limited-slip differential came as a package. In 1997 it sported the S14A Kouki Silvia body style (angrier headlights, revised taillights, curved rocker panels). 1998 was the last year of the 240SX in North America.

1999

Japan saw a new version of the Silvia (S15) in 1999, now boasting 220 hp (164 kW) from its SR20DET engine; Australia and New Zealand eventually got it as their new 200SX, though Europe did not. Production of the Silvia (and Fairlady/300ZX) ended in 2002 admist Nissan's efforts to reduce its number of platforms. Nissan's sole sports car platform in the world is now the FM Platform, which underpins America's 350Z and Infiniti G35 and will serve as next the Skyline GT-R. Weight-conscious sports car fans should note that the 2800 lb (1270 kg) 240SX is 500 lb (225 kg) lighter than the new 350Z.

Every 240SX was built in Kyushu, Japan. The last 240SX rolled off the assembly line on July 23, 1998.