this newbie has a question >_< if i have a 89 year old 240sx and you had 5k by your side....what would be the most recommended parts that you would spend it on......i need users feedback thanks

 

Hmm...Well id swap in the DOHC KA..get a few bolt-ons..Buy sum tein HE's..Tien tie rods/ends..a few more suspension upgrades..ST sway bars..Cusco strut bars (R/F)..Rims/tires..Nardi steering wheel & hub..Sum upgraded seats and belt harness..i think i passes 5k but yea..that gives u an idea i guess. You can always go the SR or RB route..but if i can do it all over again id go for suspension and stik wit the KA..

 

Welcome to the forums

And whats your cars purpose going to be? Like is it going to be a drift, drag, autox, show,etc...?

 

well, if I owned a 89 year old 240sx like you said you had, i'd toss it because it's 89 years old!

but if you had a 89' 240sx, then the answer would be different. Depends on if you want show or go (you want go!! everyone has show now, and you'll just be called rice). If I was you, i'd fine a good looking KA24DE engine with low miles, and if you know/have a friend then redo the head gasket maybe build it a bit, then have a KA24DET, turbo that beach! you can get a engine and tranny & ecu @ harness for under 1K easy, and another 2K can get you a turbo kit, run 6-8psi fine. If you're looking more than that, then you can go straight to SR20, or get a bigger turbo and parts for the KAT. then spend the other 1500 on suspension, a very important and overlooked aspect!

Dr.

 

thanks guys =D yeah my purpose for the car is drift.. but then the c west kit does look tempting

 

If its for drift I would say do your suspension first. If your not going to want to do a swap in the near future either keep the KA in it or get a DOHC KA and swap that in there for cheap, and then get an LSD. You can do some basic bolt ons to the KA or you could buy the kit you want and slap it on. Not sure how much all that would cost though

 

5k:

Bushings front and back $250 - Install $100 Shipping $30
1 Set of SE rims with tires (Crap) $200
1 Set of SE rims with good tires $100 + $360 w/shipping
Helmet $200 + 25 shipping
Gloves $50 + $5 shipping
Helmet bag $25 + $5 shipping
Oil change with dialysis $100 + tax w/tip
AF change with dialysis $75 + tax w/tip
Entry into an event - $50 - 100

Use that until the tires give.

Find out where you are hurting.

The next step is usually:

Coilovers - $1500 + $80 shipping
Swaybars - $300 + $80 shipping
Ball joints - $60 + 15 shipping + 50 install
Another set of tires for the **** SEs + $80
New hoses - $50
New Belts - $30
More AF Fluid - $10
New thermostat (hey the AF is out do it now!) - 25
New waterpump (you will be hurting it revving the **** out of the car) - $80 + $10 shipping
Oil change - $40 + tip
Entry into an event - $50 - 100


Run that until the tires explode.

That is $4099 and you still need gas, food, other ****. Tools and ****.

I would not do a motor swap. These are realistic prices. I love the guys here but this is what you will be going thru. Some of the prices above are not rounded.

You are leaving out real world expenses. This would make a half done project that would not be driven. The goal is to drive the car and grow with it.

Putting a turboed engine in a older car will be a mistake. Slop will be prevelent and adding HP will just make little problems huge ones. 1500 gets you coils which would help for a while but junkyard turbos are a lot of footwork.

Nice and slow. You and the car grow together. I like that.

You do not need bolt ons if you are going to do a swap or turbo unless they serve both the current and the future setup.

Again I love you guys I just don't agree.

 

Oh I know he don't need bolt ons for what he wants to do. I meant if he had any money left over that he didn't need for the other stuff first he could spend it on those type of things or the kit he liked. I agree totally he don't need the bolt ons, and your list is far superior to what I came up with and I know you have a lot more experience with these type of things than I do

 

Yeah guys. Lets all get on the track. Parts come with time. Add this to the list:

Jack - $150
Jack stands - $24
Torque wrench - $100
Breaker bar - $20
Sockets - $30
Work gloves - $5
Work suit - $30
Foot locker (plastic to keep the rain out with option for a lock) - $40.

I am pretty much going thru what I have. I want to share. **** giving swap information. Lets share some track setups!

 

Stanbo

He asked what we would do, no need to critique us for our choices. To each their own.

You're into drifting, and i'm jealous of you for that, i'd love to. But I'm not going for much of a drifting car, I'd rather have a KAT and drive that. I do have upgraded suspension, I do know suspension is important. However, not everyone is into the same thing you are, or the same thing I am. Thats merely what I would do. I've done most of those mods you've listed, but even still i'd rather my KAT, but i'm more of a straight line guy then I guess.

And I don't see how KAT'ing older car is bad, i've seen many people online do it. But thats irrelevant I guess.

Dr.

 

When someone asked his goal this was posted:

I love the ka-t I think it is great. Thing is if you build it out the gate you will have no money to take it to events.

That is why I didn't agree with the answers posted.

Now do I think you guys could do it for the 5k that is another discussion.

 

I dunno if 5K would be enough. For drifting, I totally agree that you don't need a turbo, it's all about suspension. He didn't say @ first he wanted to be a drifter. And putting that much right away would leave you with nothing, thats for sure, heh.

Dr.

 

I was just throwing out ideas..wasnt being serious about it all this..didnt think i would have to put in daily spending in there since it varies to each person.

 

Dood you have to watch. I talk to some of the new guys on the phone and they are running with us. They are looking for advice and take everything as if it is coming from good sources.

I have phone calls and argue for hours at a time because some guy thinks he can install a SR for $3,500 and have a top notch car.

People are impressionable.

 

welcome. looks like i'm late to the party. anyway, u've pretty much gotten all of the information that i was gonna give u (and then some ). anyways, i hope u can see that this place not only has a wealth of knowledge, but a strong sense of family and community!