Project USDM 240sx

Planning to build an all USDM Fastback 240sx (no jdm parts, all parts made in the us.) I am planning to either use the existing Ka24 or an SR20 out of a G (I will have to figure out how to get it to work without using a jdm rwd tranny). I need help finding USDM:

Ground Effects
Fenders
Tail Lights (clear or similar to 180sx lights)
Spoilers
Projection Headlights (similar to eastbear)

Remember all of the products must be made and sold in the US. I welcome any comments/suggestions. My aim name is mojammad.

-Mohammad

I forgot to mention, I am on a budget so im not looking for anything too expensive. Im leaning towards the KA24DE because I dont feel its worth swapping the SR20DE from a G20.... Tell me what you think.

Originally posted by jeelanim
Ground Effects
Spoilers


You can't find either of those yourself?

I'm about 99.9% sure that the sr20de is a step down from the ka24de.

But g/l :D

J SPEC SILEIGHTY, I am not sure of where to find any USDM ground effects... Im not sure which companies are in the US and which are not. As for the spoilers, i just want to know what everyone thinks looks nice. I am sure I could find some but I want to know the opinions of others.

INEEDACAR, why would you choose a ka24 over an sr20? Most people say sr20 but I want to know what u think.

He was referring to a SR20DE not a SR20DET...the KA is more powerful than a NA SR20.

ok... the jdm sr20det would produce about 30 more hp than the sr20de with the same size turbo. That would mean that the ka24 with turbo and the sr20 would produce the same horsepower for the same price and the ka24 would produce more torque. Everyone wants an sr20 but it would be cool to show the JDM that we here are not playing. Also, it would be harder to find parts/service if an sr20 swap was done to the 240sx. So why would you want to do a swap? I think most people who do this swap are just eager to make major mods. I think that is not necessary.

Back to the USDM 240sx... has anyone found out where I could find some nice USDM tail lights??? I love the 180sx tail lights but I want something made here in america. Altezas would be cool too... i might take some off another car. Also, i still need some names of american companies which sell bodykits for the 240sx. If anyone knows of any sites which sell USDM 240sx products, just tell me.

-Mohammad

Just because it's USDM doesn't mean it was made in the US. 180SX tailights and their "USDM" counterpart were probably both made in Japan. If I recall, there wasn't that much production over here during the 240SX production era. Nissan was struggling as Japan was going through a recession. USDM or JDM, it's probably made in Japan.

I'd have to agree with RESuperG on that. But what you are saying is that a KA24DE is more powerful than a SR20DE? I don't know enough about these engines to speculate on there perspective numbers, especially since the SR20 is normally turbocharged as the SR20DET.

Would anyone be able to corraborate or disprove that statement?

Also, do people take off the turbochargers from the SR20DETs? I've never really heard of that except for on an episode of Initial D.

Thank you all.

Originally posted by mrnabeehhasan
Also, do people take off the turbochargers from the SR20DETs? I've never really heard of that except for on an episode of Initial D.


No they aren't taking the turbo off their SR20DET, there is an actual engine with the code SR20DE. It came in a number of cars, inlcuding the 180 SX Type S and the Silvia J's and Q's.



- jeelanim, I think your out of luck in finding a USDM SR20DE that is rear wheel drive. Unless I'm forgeting some us spec cars that have the SR20DE, I believe all the us cars that used that engine were front wheel drive. Such as the G20 like you mentioned, and also the Sentra SE-R.

yup the j spec SR20DE's comes with 160 stock out of a 2.0 liter engine. either way i still see it as a superior engine to the KA even in its n/a trim. all i know is that the SR's in the states aren't as potent. i guess its csuae they use different fuel in japan. but its goin to be pretty hard to put a transversely mounted SR from a G20 to fit in a 240sx. with all that work your better off buying a FMAX stage II turbo.

Okay. I was seriously mistaken. I had no idea of that, but it makes sense to have a NA SR20. Well it's an interesting way to go, but still appears that the KA is somewhat inferior to the SR. I planned on turborcharging the the KA in my sister's car, now I'm considering that she might as well save up for a SR20DET swap. What type of turbo were you going to install on the KA jeelanim?

sr20de us spec - 143hp
ka24de us spec - 155hp

Not a big diff., but i remember a while back, that the ka24de is superior to the sr20de.

Isn't the KA24 a truck engine? Is it in any JDM vehicles? Why try to make a Japanese classic all USDM, are you trying to make it slow?
SR20DET it; or buy a Focus.

I wouldn't really go about comparing the SR20DE and KA24DE on hp alone...both have very different power delivery characteristics. Its all a matter of personal opinion whether you like something smooth and high(er) revving (SR20) versus something with a lot more low end grunt (KA24)...

I agree with tatII on just going KA turbo...just a big headache to attach the FWD sr20de to a rwd layout...

i think i would prefer a smooth revving SR over a torqy KA. cuase that tach just don't want to go no where. i have no mid and top end on this car. all i have is torque. if i had a SR even just the DE, i bet you i would be faster because its higher reving.

You gotta be on crack not to just swap the JDM SR20DET.

I dropped the idea of the USDM 240sx (i dont really care anymore what kinds of parts it has, as long as it looks and runs good.) My current idea is as follows:

92 240sx Fastback SE
KA24DE with F-MAX STAGE 2
URAS 180SX Body Kit
East Bear Head Lights
Either R33 or 180SX Tail Lights
180SX Wing
Jaquemond Door Flares
Flared Fenders, etc.
Vented Carbon Fiber Hood

Ok, thats about it for now... Tell me what you think. If you have any suggestions on what I could do, just tell me.

-Mohammad

Note: These are my opinions of what I like. I know a lot of people prefer the SR20DET, but I prefer the muscle feel and the torque of the KA. I DO NOT WANT THIS THREAD TO TURN INTO AN SR20 VS KA24 ARGUMENT. PLEASE DONT TRY TO CONVINCE ME TO SWAP THE SR. THERE ARE OTHER THREADS FOR THAT. If you do not agree with one of my preferences, tell me why and dont critisize me, anything, or anyone. The above are my preferences and I want you to respect them as I respect yours.

Why don't you just leave it be ?

just for the info... if you were still wondering about a rwd non turbo sr20 they make them... you could get 180's in japan w/o the turbo(although I bet there aren't many like that around).

Ok, i decided to go with the stage 2 fmax in the ka24... it will take me a while to compile the money, etc. What mods should I do first? I want to do whatever will both help the performance now and add reliability when the turbo is installed. Please respond ASAP.

-Mohammad