240SX Engine Questions.?

Question

So, my beloved 1993 Nissan 240SX SE Hatch has finally given up the ghost after 245K miles on the original engine. I've owned it since new and loved every minute of it, but I believe that it might just be time to put it out to stud. Question is, should I? There aren't too many simple, lightweight rear wheel drive coupes out there, and certainly not many with such a distinctive bodystyle. Plus, other than the engine being broken, the car has hardly a few faults with the body, interior or electrical systems.

As such, I've contemplated replacing the engine with a rebuilt engine... perhaps even buying a Japanese SR20DET for a little power boost. Question is, how difficult are those to install by a shop? Where does one purchase such an engine? What parts and accessories does one need to buy alongside it? Best yet, is this even a good idea from the start?

PS: Serious answers only, please. I don't want kids with SuperStreet subscriptions giving me advice about cars they've never touched.

Answer 1

Has no one thought to ask the poster what his/her goals for the car may be. If he just wants something fun to drive and isn't looking for some high performance street machine, I suggest just getting a rebuilt KA engine.

The 240SX is a well rounded car that performs well in all aspects of its target vehicle demographic. WIth front and rear independent suspension, four wheel disk brakes, rear wheel drive layout, and a stunning 51%/49% front/rear weight distribution, just having a stock KA with an aftermarket exhaust and filter will make for a very fun car.

If the poster wants a performance car with good power, then yes, an SR20DET or even an RB20DET would be good.

Both engines have their pros/cons and stock, they are both pretty equal in power and torque, with the SR having just a slight, and I do mean slight, higher torque output. Both cost about the same, and they are both 2 litre enignes, although, the RB has 2 more cylinders.

Both engines require the wiring harnesses to be modified to fit a left hand drive car. The SR is a direct fit into the S chassis, as the SR came in the Japanese versions of the car. The RB takes a bit more work to fit in, and the wiring is a little more difficult to have done.

An experience shop can do it fairly easy, or even some back yard mechanics are good as well, you just have to look around to see what's available to you.

Just to give you some pricing ideas, an SR swap complete can range anywhere from $4000-$6000 if you have a shop do it, and add a few aftermarket goodies. If you can do it yourself with the help of an experienced person, you could probably do it for about $2000-$4000.

The RB is a little more involved, so look to spend about$1000 more than the SR swap, mostly due to extra parts that will need to be purchased or fabricated.

In the long run, it just comes down to what you want to do with the car.

Answer 2

i have a 1991 240sx LE hatchback and my motor gave up at 258,000 miles. these cars a awsome cars and worth the work you put in it. after my motor gave up a swapped in another motor from a crashed 240 for $300. yes only $300. if you have some friend with yards and cherr pickers then you are good to go. you could go SR20 but in my opinion its not worth. its an all aluminum engine. the block and the head is made of aluminum. it may be lighter but these engines blow like condoms. the KA24 in the other hand has an iron block therefore it'll be a mission to blow it. i would red line my ka for ever until i spun a bearing. that was it and it had 258,000 miles. i still have my old engine and i could repair for under $100. all i need is a crank and bearing. with the 3000 you spend on an sr20 you could buy a KA with very low miles. i know someone that got one with 47,000 off a 98 for 500. you will have 2500 left over to eather turbo the the ka and/or get some suspension for you wont sway of the road with stock struts. an SR come with around 205hp and its turbo charged. you could turbo charge a ka and it'll bring you up to about 240-260 depending on your setup. and if by any chance you break anything it'll be so much cheaper to fix because the KA is all over the junk yards. SR20's are only made in japan. also the ka has longer piston rods than the sr there fore you have more torque which usually exceeds hp.

Answer 3

I have done a couple of the SR20DET motor swaps and it's well well worth the time and the money. It's a great motor and you can do a decent swap for about 6,000 if you add a few minor things to it as you install it. With the type of body style you have the motor fits in there perfectly. I would personally go with the red top SR20DET. You would just have to get a BOV, decent sized FMIC, SAFC 2, and gauges to go on the A-pillar. It's a fun toy to have and if you just push it low you can do 8psi easy. I would suggest redoing the internals with some low compression pistons and rods and redoing all the gaskets. I would also go with little bit larger turbo than the T25 that comes on it. Hope this helps. If you have any other questions feel free to ask.

Answer 4

I drive a 93 240sx se myself. I would put in the sr20det. I believe you can get one off of ebay. Their would be no difference in difficulty when installing the engine. If you do that the car would be amazing. I was thinking f it myself, but i have it easier then you my brother in law is friends with a company that i can buy the engine threw. You might be able to find a place that deals in this too. These cars are rare i would not get ride of it. Good luck!!

Answer 5

It is about time to start another LOVE AFFAIR go out and buy a 350Z even the base model coupe is a great car. It will get the same gas mileage as the old trusty 240SX and run circles around it in power performance and handling. Light weight Air Bags for safety and six speed or automatic and yes rear wheel drive.

Answer 6

Ok.....I have installed alot of what are called " Japanese Exchange" engines. The owner can get into quite a bit of money if this job is done right. I get an engine gasket set and replace seals and gaskets....I even replace the Head gasket....since ALOT of grief comes from this area...money can be from $1500 to $3000 depending on the engine . Now what you should consider is....IF you put that much money into THAT car.........could you get that money back OUT of the car if you sold it? Your talking about a 14 year old car. You may be really attached to it.....but there comes a time to look at the " big " picture. I hope I gave you some food for thought.

Answer 7

an engine sway normally starts from around 700 bucks, depends on where you are and which shop you go to. the power of SR20DET varies from 201hp to 245hp, depends on which year the engine was produced and for what car.

Answer 8

super street is for little white kids, imported tuner is much much better- im 14

and SR20DETT is a twin turbo engine (from a... uh.. s13, s14, s15 iforgot.... damm) get a SR20DETT engine can you handle a twin turbo engine? and MOST IMPORTANTLY, can you HANDLE DRIFTING? lol, just get the JDM SR20DETT engine, once a import, ALWAYS A IMPORT!