Ok, I really want to get a 240sx, but I can't do the sr20det swap, becuase I don't want to break the law everytime I drive when i'm only 15 years old. I've thought about using the ka24de, but i've heard that the real way to get good power is to basically rebuild the whole engine, and I may not have the money to be able to do that much stuff to the ka24de. So my question is, should I get a 300zx instead of getting a 240sx, or can I get the 240sx up to about 250+hp pretty easily? And if anyone has any advice to these cars, I welcome it. Thanks everyone.

 

Depends........ resale on the 300z/z32 is higher than that of the 240sx.
Out here in Cali " Bay Area" a 300z with 150,000 miles goes for about $6500, s13 240sx cost about $2500, and s14 cost relatively $5000. Weigh out your options.
By the time you fix up a 150,000 mile car the cost of all three will cost about the same.
With the s13 you will defenitely need a new suspension being that it is over 18 years old in production.... KA parts are relatively inexpensive.......
Ditto that for the s14 KA.
On the 300z take into consideration tune ups are more expensive, and less fuel economy than a 4 banger. Built around the time of the s13 you will also need to upgrade the suspension.
Total to get the KA hyped up to HP potential of the VG30de with suspension will relatively cost all the same.
I would go with the s13 if your into 1/4 mile times, lighter design chassis, and a digital HUD speedo, or the s14 if your into luxurious drifting. Remember think of what you will be spending in fuel, and what kind of modifications you want to make.
I payed $2700 for my s13 coupe I payed more because it came with the digital speedo and VLSD which is "VERY RARE", my car had 110,000. Engine runs strong still, and I added mods to give me a guestimate HP at about 165 rear wheel donkeys. I have spent so far $1100 in engine mods and a $1000 in to the suspension, and fixed the digital speedo which cost most people $160. Total I have spent about $4960.00. Since I have a lighter body style s13 I don't have any problems running head to head with my friend Erics 1991 300z, I am obviously a better driver.....

 

What I am really intrested in getting is a 95 or 96 240sx. I've seen some GReddy turbo kits. How much HP do you think that those will add? And am I going to need to do anything special to the ka24de motor to be able to drive it around?

 

You are really young. Insurance is gonna rape you with teh Z32. Just get a car and learn to drive it. Worry about upgrading it after you get the car.

 

Yeah, that's a good point. I guess i'm better off sticking with the 240sx. Thanks for the advice guys.

 

Ive always wanted a blk/blk 300ZX TT...I found a really good deal on a '95 and went to get insurance for it...damn near $370/mo. LIABILITY. With a 240 (and my driving record) I got full coverage (in my name) for $200/mo.

 

Which ever you like better and which ever one you think you can have.

 

WOW this kid IS me from when I joined.

Listen man, I know you want to jump right into the whole sportscar thing, but I'm telling you that you will be happier in the future if you dont. delay gratification. Get a 240, keep it relatively stock (maybe intake exhaust and rims if you want to look cool for your friends), and dont sink too much money into it. thats the most important thing, dont sink too much money into it. You're gonna do dumb stuff in it, because doing dumb stuff is REALLY FUN, and when you're young and with a cheap car, its worth it.