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 hatchback body style was offered in base, SE, and LE trim levels while the (notchback) coupe was offered in base, XE, LE and SE. Design features of both the coupe and hatchback included a sloping front with pop-up headlights. In the United States, the 1990 240SX XE coupe had a base price of $13,000 and the SE Hatchback was priced at $13,200.

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.

The final 240SX left the factory on July 23rd of 1998.

by Dan Vaughan

A replacement for the 200SX, the Nissan 240SX was introduced in 1989 and came with a much larger engine than its predecessor. The new 240SX also retained the rear wheel drive, which it made it popular for driving enthusiasts. Popular for racing, modifications and tuning, the 240SX came with a sporty profile and race car-like appeal.

Suffering the fate of many sporty coupes of the era, the 240SX only survived two generations before being discontinued. In 1995 a redesign was done on the 240SX.

Introduced by Nissan in 1989, the 240SX was unveiled to the North American market and sold until 1998. Equipped with a 2.4 L inline 4 engine, the 240SX was eventually replaced b the 200SX (RWD) in 1989. The S13 was a generation of the 240SX that was introduced in 1989 and continued in the lineup until 1994. The S14 was another generation that lasted from 1995 until 1998. Both the S13 and S14 were produced on the Nissan S platform. Closely related to other S vehicles, the 240SX was comparably similar to the European/Australian-market 200SX and the Japanese-market Silvia and 180SX.

First generation 240SX models can be divided into two very distinct variants, the Zenki and the Chuki. Zenki stood for ‘early period', while Chuki is translated into ‘middle period' in Japanese. Both of these variants were available in two distinct styles, coupe and hatchback.

Both body styles shared the same chassis, and most components and features were identical. The Zenki was sold during model years 1989 through 1990 and was powered by a 140 hp 2.4-litre SOHC KA24E engine with 3 valves per cylinder rather than the 1.8-leter DOHC CA18. In the U.S., no turbocharged engine was available. Standard features were four-wheel disc brakes. Both models offered either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. As part of the optional Power Convenience Group, coupes offered a Head-Up Display that showed a digital speedometer.

Three body styles were made available during the first generation, the convertible, the fastback and the coupe. Despite having retractable headlights, the coupe was very similar to the Japanese-market Silvia. The Japanese-market 180SX was closely related to the fastback. In 1992 the Convertible was introduced, which was exclusive to the North American market and was the only body style available in 1992. Partially assembled in Kyushu, Japan, the final assembly of the convertible took place in the California facilities of American Specialty Cars.

Closely similar, all S13 240SXs were differentiated basically between trim lines, XE, SE, LE, etc. The 91-93 fastbacks did feature an exclusive optional sport package that featured a stiffer suspension, SUPER-HICAS 4-wheel steering and a limited-slip differential.

Popular for its sharp steering and handling, the S13 unfortunately suffered a bad rep for what the automatic press considered ‘underpowered'. Though durable, the 2.4L engine was a very heavy, iron-block unit that only produced meager power for its size 140-155hp. In 1991 a 16-valve twin cam required premium fuel. This was the main distinction between the world-market Silvia/180SX and the North American 240SX. The Japanese SR20DET engine has become a popular engine swap for the 240SX as the vehicles age throughout the years.

In the spring of 1994, the early 1995 240SX model was redesigned with the Zenki Silvia body. The second generation can b e divided into two very distinct variants, the Zenki and the Kouki. Only the coupe remained as both the hatchback and convertible were deleted from the lineup. The S14 was nearly identical to the S13. The main differences were in the addition of dual airbags and normal headlights. Unfortunately the handling became decidedly softer, and the steering became slower, which made the S14 less fun to drive. Through each passing year, the 155 horsepower became more and more inadequate in comparison to the 200-horsepower Honda Prelude.

Base models now had 15-inch wheels, a softer suspension, and now lacked a rear stabilizer bar in comparison to the SE models. A package offered antilock brakes and a limited-slip differential. The 240SX was considered to be the Zenki model from 1995 until 1996. The LE model featured leather seats, an anti-theft system, a CD player and a keyless entry.

For the 1997 model year, the base model sported the S14A Kouki Silvia body style, which featured aggressive projector headlights, new hood, front bumper, fenders, updated taillights, curved rocker panels. Side skirts were also added on both SE and LE trim levels. The final year for the 240SX in North American was 1999 with the final 240SX rolling off the assembly line on July 23rd 1998.

The S15 or Japanese Silvia was introduced in 1999. Featuring an impressive 250 hp, the new model boasted a SR20DET engine. Europe did not receive this new model, though Australia and New Zealand distributed their new 200SX. Despite Nissan's efforts to reduce the amount of platforms, production of the Silvia ended in 2002.

by Jessican Donaldson