Loading…
1989-1998
The 240SX occupies an interesting niche in the track car world. It is a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive, front-engine platform with a multi-link rear suspension that is remarkably sophisticated for its era. The S-chassis turns in eagerly and has a natural balance that makes it easy to rotate with trail-braking. The steering is communicative, the driving position is good, and the visibility is excellent. The KA24DE engine is the weak link — 155 hp in a 2,700-lb car means you are not winning any drag races. But the engine is reliable, torquey for its displacement, and allows you to focus on driving technique rather than managing horsepower. Many 240SX track cars eventually receive SR20DET, LS, or K-series swaps to address the power deficit. The drift community has driven 240SX prices up significantly, making the "budget" designation less true than it was five years ago. Finding an unmolested example is nearly impossible — most have been modified, abused, or both. The car rewards patience in acquisition and is best approached with a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Finding a clean 240SX in 2024 is like finding a unicorn. The drift community has chewed through the entire supply of these cars, and what remains has been modified, crashed, repaired, and modified again. The KA24DE engine is painfully slow on any track with long straights, and the "it needs a swap" conversation is exhausting when you just want to drive. Prices have climbed to the point where a decent S13 or S14 costs as much as a newer, faster, and less maintenance-intensive car. The romance of the S-chassis is real, but the reality of owning a 25-year-old car that has been through the drift community meat grinder is significantly less romantic.
Sort the deferred maintenance that every 25+ year old 240SX has, then address safety.
Modifications
Total Estimate
$600 – $1.8K
Master braking, throttle, and steering inputs for your Nissan 240SX.