1998 Nissan 240SX

Nissan introduced a new sports coupe in 1989 for the 1990 model year. It served as a replacement for the outgoing 200SX and its model designation indicated its engine size of 2.4-liters. Most of the 240SX models were powered by the inline 4 engine, with a single overhead camshaft version (KA24E) from 1989 to 1990 and a double overhead camshaft version (KA24DE) from 1990 to 1998.

The first generation, known as the S13 (and corresponding Nissan Silvia) was built through 1994. It rested on a 97.4-inch wheelbase platform and had a length of 178 inches and a width of 66.5-inches. Four-wheel disc brakes were standard and ABS and a limited-slip differential were optional, and as was Nissan's HICAS four-wheel steering system. A power antenna was also standard. The suspension used MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link with coil springs and an anti-sway bar in the rear.

The naturally aspirated, SOHC engine had three valves per cylinder, a compression ratio of 8.6:1, an electronic fuel injection system, a 146 cubic-inch displacement, and delivered 140 horsepower at 5,600 RPM and 152 lbs-ft of torque at 4,400 RPM. Transmission options included a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic.

The XE could be optioned with a head-up instrument display, which projected the readout of the speedometer onto the windshield at the lower-left corner, near the driver. The sports package, offered on both the SE and XE in 1990, added a sport suspension, cruise control, front and rear spoilers, and alloy wheels.

The DOHC inline 4 had four valves per cylinder and delivered 155 horsepower at 5,600 RPM and 160 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 RPM. The KA24DE did not come turbocharged while the SR20DET did

The Nissan 240 fostered a reputation for its durability of the engine, slippery aerodynamics, and its relatively lightweight package (of 2,700 lbs). The engine, however, was underpowered, modestly improving with the arrival of the DOHC version in 1991.

A convertible body style joined the lineup in 1992 and was exclusive to the North American market. They left the Japanese factories as coupes but after arriving on the U.S. soil, were modified in the California facilities of American Specialty Cars (ASC).

The first generation of the 240SX continued through 1994, followed by the second generation's introduction in the spring of 1994 as a 1995 model. Production would continue through 1998.

The 2nd Gen 240SX rested on a 99.4-inch wheelbase and had an overall length of 177.1-inches. Beneath the bonnet was the 2.4-liter KA24DE inline-4 backed by either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual. Among the styling updates were the replacement of the previous pop-up headlights with fixed lamps. The automatic seatbelts of the 1st Gen were replaced with a common manual type. Dual airbags were added for increased safety.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2022