A lot of people ask me why I like the 240SX platform so much. My answer is simple; because I like them. In my own opinion I think the platform handles great, looks great, and has a lot of potential. Another bonus to these cars is that they are cheap to buy and modify. For those of you who do not know, the 240SX is a lightweight, rear wheel drive, 2+2 sports coupe. The S13 model came out in 1989 here in the United States, and continued through 1994 with three different body styles: the coupe, the fastback and the convertible (in 1994, the convertible S13 was offered only). In 1995, the S14 model was offered in a coupe only through 1998. The United States never saw the S15 model car (called the Silvia in Japan), so 1998 was the last year for the Nissan 240SX.

In the United States, the 240SX received the KA24 engine (single overhead cam from 1989 to 1990, and dual overhead cam engine from 1991 to 1998). This was a 2.4 liter four cylinder engine that put out a modest 155hp and 160lb-ft of torque at best. Overseas the Silvia, as it was called, was offered with a 1.8 liter turbocharged motor for the first couple years, and the 2.0 liter turbocharged motor from then on. These are the three engines that actually came in this chassis. However, with a rather large engine bay, there are countless options for engine swaps. Anything from a small four cylinder to a large eight cylinder will fit, as long as the motor sits in the RWD fashion.

With my car, I chose the 2.0 liter turbocharged motor from a 1993 180SX (The name of the fastback in Japan). This motor is called the SR20DET. This is the most popular swap for a 240SX in the United States, and there is good reason for it. It is relatively inexpensive to buy, it has enormous power potential (over 1000hp has been done), they bolt right in the car with very little modification, and they are very reliable.