This is what she looks like currently...
I purchased this '98 240sx used with 80K miles, and I got a great deal on it. The motor still pulls great and runs smooth. I did a compression and leak down test on itm and everything read out to spec. It should be a strong motor for long time to come.
It will be a good platform to build on, being that it is rear wheel drive, has a strong manual tranny, and even a limited slip differential.
My first modification was to switch to some Z32(300ZX) front calipers. I used stainless steel hardlines and some cross drilled and slotted rotors. This is a easy mod for the 240 and makes a substantial improvement in the cars braking ability. The stock front brakes are an iron, single piston caliper. The new calipers are a four piston design and cast out of aluminum. With a little bit of degreaser and high temp paint they cleaned up well.
Installed. The wheels are 5 Zigen FN01R-C's. The fronts are 17x8 and the rears are 17x9.
While I know I want more horsepower I am still weighing my options. So I moved on to a new suspension. These are my new coilovers by KTS, fresh out the cardboard. Spring rates are 8kg/mm front, and 6kg/mm rear. The struts have 15 different levels of adjustable damping, and can be done in about two minutes.
I also picked up new rods and arms to adjust my camber, toe, and caster. I purchased all of these parts from SPL Parts out of Texas.
Parts list:
Cusco Rear Upper Control Arm
SPL Toe Rod
SPL Tension Rod
Z32 Tie Rod w/ SPL Tie Rod Ends
SPL Subframe Spacers
This is the front in mid assembly. None of the install was complicated and I did the whole job in my drive way, in the high nineties no less! Next time I will use the garage...
Profile of stock suspension...
...and everything installed, fresh from alignment.
This is the underneath of the front. You can't see the new tie rod but its back there.
This is the rear.
Talk about handling! Also talk about a stiff ride. But it is a lot more fun to drive than it was before, and it looks pretty sweet as well.
Currently I am looking into a new exhuast and intake, but the objective is to have some sort of turbo setup. With engine swaps and turbo kits there are a lot of pros and cons to consider.
