Nissan 240SX – S Platform was Nissan’s FR layout sports car chassis. It was used from 1976 to 2002 as the base for many nissan car, including the 240SX, Silvia, 200SX, 180SX, Sileighty, 180ZX, Gazelle, and 240RS. Nissan S Platform cars were sold mainly in North America, Japan, and Europe (with limited sales in Australia, New Zealand, and Scandinavia).
| Model Year | Chassis | Available Engines |
|---|---|---|
| 1989-1990 | S13 | KA24E |
| 1991-1994 | S13 | KA24DE |
| 1995-1998 | S14 | KA24DE |
Nissan 240SX in US
Sale of the 240SX in the US market began in 1989 and continued until 1998. Only the convertible version of the 240SX was sold in the US in 1994. Check out this 1989 Nissan 240SX commercial posted on YouTube.com. It’s damn corny, but I just can’t stop watching it.
In the 1995, the 2nd generation of the Nissan 240SX was released, dubbed the S14. This model brought a new body style and mechanical upgrades, though basics remained the same. The last of the 240SXs came to the US for the 1998 model year.
In Japan, S13, S14, and S15 240s were sold from 1989 to 2002. These cars were equipped with the SR20DET nissan engine, which has about 50hp more than the KA24E or KA24DE that came with the USDM 240SX models. To get more detailed information on the Japanese models, look through some of the factory service manuals for these cars. That’s why the SR20DET swap for the USDM 240 happens to be so popular. But I’ll get to that later in the performance upgrades section.
| Model Year | Chassis | Model | Availabe Engines |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989-1993 | S13 | Silvia | CA18DE/T, SR20DE/T |
| 1989-1998 | S13 | 180SX | CA18DET, SR20DET |
| 1998 | S13 | Sileighty | SR20DET |
| 1994-1998 | S14 | Silvia | SR20DE/T |
| 1999-2002 | S15 | Silvia | SR20DE/T |
Nissan 240SX in Japan
A Sileighty (sometimes written Sil80) is a Nissan 180SX with Silvia front bodywork, including fenders, front bumper, headlights, and hood. The Sileighty became popular as a result of drifting in Japan. Drivers that damaged their 180s often replaced the front bodywork with Silvia components since they were cheaper than replacement 180SX engine parts.
Eventually, this trend became popular due to the aesthetic appeal of the Sileighty. In 1998, a Japanese tuning shop named Kids Heart produced 500 “official” Sil80s that were sold by Nissan. Naturally, tuners in the US have made the same conversions using imported Silvia front bodywork.
Another trend among Japanese tuners is installing 180SX front bodywork on a Silvia. A car with this arrangement is often referred to as the Onevia. In the US, this body configuration was actually sold as the Nissan 240SX coupe.
In Europe, the S13 and S14 – based 200SX was sold from 1989 to 1998.
| Model Year | Chassis | Available Engines |
|---|---|---|
| 1989-1993 | S13 | CA18DET |
| 1994-1998 | S14 | SR20DET |
Nissan 240SX in Europe
The S platform cars are considered by many to be the “boy’s sports car” with the Skyline being the “man’s sports car” in the Nissan lineup. But this is only true when it comes to power. Yes, the S platform cars are underpowered in stock trim, but they are great handling cars and have the potential to make some serious power. So what would I choose if I was going to build a performance car: the Nissan 240SX or Nissan Skyline?
Honestly, I would go with the 240SX because the Skyline is just too damn heavy. The Nissan 240SX has better handling potential. Better yet, get the best of both worlds: the light 240SX chassis with the RB26DETT Skyline engine.