Building A Nissan 240sx Drift Car: Essential Mods List

So, you're looking to build a Nissan 240SX drift car? Excellent choice! The 240SX, especially the S13 and S14 chassis, is a legendary platform for drifting, known for its balance, rear-wheel-drive layout, and affordability (at least, they used to be!). But turning a stock 240 into a sideways machine requires some serious upgrades. This isn't a simple bolt-on affair; we're talking about transforming a street car into a purpose-built drift weapon. Let's break down the essential mods you'll need, why you need them, and what you can expect to spend.

The Foundation: Suspension & Steering

Before you even think about power, you need to get the car handling properly. A sloppy suspension will make drifting unpredictable and dangerous. This is where you should invest the most time and research.

Coilovers: Your First and Most Important Upgrade

Problem: Stock 240SX suspension is designed for comfort, not performance. It's soft, has too much body roll, and lacks adjustability.

Solution: Install a set of quality coilovers. Coilovers allow you to adjust ride height, dampening (compression and rebound), and sometimes camber. This gives you precise control over the car's handling characteristics.

Benefits:

• Lower center of gravity for improved handling.
• Adjustable ride height to fine-tune weight distribution.
• Dampening adjustment to control body roll and grip.
• Some coilovers offer camber adjustment for optimal tire contact.

Practical Tips:

• Research: Don't cheap out on coilovers! Read reviews and choose a reputable brand. Companies like BC Racing, Tein, HKS, and Fortune Auto are popular choices.
• Spring Rates: Consider your driving style and track conditions when selecting spring rates. Stiffer springs are generally better for drifting, but too stiff can make the car uncomfortable on the street. A good starting point is around 8kg/mm front and 6kg/mm rear.
• Tools Needed: Basic socket set, wrenches, spring compressors (usually included with the coilovers), torque wrench.
• Approximate Cost: $800 - $2000+ depending on brand and features.

Steering Angle Kit: Lock It Up!

Problem: Stock 240SX steering doesn't allow for enough steering angle, making it difficult to initiate and maintain drifts.

Solution: Install a steering angle kit. These kits typically include modified knuckles, tie rods, and sometimes extended lower control arms to increase the maximum steering angle.

Benefits:

• Increased steering angle for easier drift initiation and control.
• Reduced understeer when drifting.
• Allows you to correct slides more easily.

Practical Tips:

• Brand Matters: Again, quality is key. Wisefab, Parts Shop MAX, and SerialNine are known for their well-engineered steering angle kits.
• Bump Steer: Be aware that increasing steering angle can introduce bump steer. This is where the wheels steer slightly as the suspension travels up and down. A proper alignment is crucial after installing a steering angle kit.
• Tools Needed: Socket set, wrenches, ball joint separator, pickle fork, alignment rack (or access to one).
• Approximate Cost: $500 - $2500+ depending on the kit.

Suspension Arms: Fine-Tune Your Geometry

Problem: Adjusting ride height and adding a steering angle kit can throw off the suspension geometry, leading to poor handling and increased tire wear.

Solution: Install adjustable suspension arms. These include front upper control arms (FUCA), rear upper control arms (RUCA), rear toe arms, and rear traction arms.

Benefits:

• Allows you to correct camber, caster, and toe after lowering the car or installing a steering angle kit.
• Improved tire wear and handling.
• Greater adjustability to fine-tune the suspension for different track conditions.

Practical Tips:

• Full Set is Best: While you can install individual arms, it's generally recommended to install a complete set for the most comprehensive adjustability.
• Rod Ends vs. Bushings: Rod ends offer more precise handling but can be noisier and require more maintenance. Bushings are quieter and more durable but less precise.
• Tools Needed: Socket set, wrenches, alignment rack (or access to one).
• Approximate Cost: $500 - $1500+ for a complete set.

The Heart of the Beast: Power Upgrades

Once you have a solid foundation, it's time to add some power! The stock KA24DE (or SR20DET if you're lucky) is a good starting point, but it will quickly become the limiting factor as you progress.

Forced Induction (Turbocharging or Supercharging)

Problem: The stock KA24DE engine lacks the power needed for competitive drifting.

Solution: Add a turbocharger or supercharger. Turbocharging is the more common choice for 240SX drift cars due to its greater potential for power gains.

Benefits:

• Significant increase in horsepower and torque.
• Improved throttle response (with proper tuning).
• More exciting driving experience.

Practical Tips:

• Research is Key: Choose a turbocharger that's properly sized for your engine and desired power level. Garrett, BorgWarner, and Precision Turbo are reputable brands.
• Fuel System Upgrades: You'll need to upgrade your fuel injectors, fuel pump, and fuel pressure regulator to provide enough fuel for the increased power.
• Engine Management: A standalone engine management system (EMS) is essential for tuning the engine after installing a turbocharger. Popular options include AEM Infinity, Haltech Elite, and Link ECU.
• Intercooler: An intercooler is crucial to cool the compressed air from the turbocharger, which increases power and reduces the risk of detonation.
• Tools Needed: Full set of tools, including specialized tools for engine work, wiring tools, and a dyno (or access to one) for tuning.
• Approximate Cost: $3000 - $10,000+ depending on the complexity of the build. This is a significant investment!

Engine Swap: The Ultimate Upgrade

Problem: The KA24DE has limited potential, and even with forced induction, it may not be enough for serious competition.

Solution: Swap in a more powerful engine. Popular choices include the SR20DET (if you didn't already have one), JZ series engines (1JZ, 2JZ) from Toyota, LS series engines from GM, and even the RB25DET from Nissan.

Benefits:

• Significantly increased horsepower and torque.
• Greater reliability and longevity (with proper maintenance).
• More tuning potential.

Practical Tips:

• Complexity: An engine swap is a complex undertaking that requires significant mechanical skill and knowledge.
• Wiring: Wiring is often the most challenging aspect of an engine swap. Consider purchasing a pre-made wiring harness from a reputable vendor.
• Mounts: You'll need to purchase or fabricate engine mounts to adapt the new engine to the 240SX chassis.
• Transmission: You'll also need to adapt a transmission to the new engine and the 240SX drivetrain.
• Cooling: Ensure you have an adequate cooling system to handle the increased heat from the new engine.
• Tools Needed: Everything! Full set of tools, engine hoist, engine stand, welding equipment (if fabricating mounts), and a lot of patience.
• Approximate Cost: $5000 - $20,000+ depending on the engine and the complexity of the swap.

Stopping Power: Brakes are Crucial

With increased power comes increased responsibility… and the need for better brakes!

Big Brake Kit (BBK)

Problem: Stock 240SX brakes are inadequate for the demands of drifting, especially with increased power.

Solution: Install a big brake kit. These kits typically include larger rotors, multi-piston calipers, and performance brake pads.

Benefits:

• Improved stopping power.
• Reduced brake fade.
• More consistent brake pedal feel.

Practical Tips:

• Front vs. Rear: While a front BBK is the most common upgrade, consider upgrading the rear brakes as well for balanced braking performance.
• Brake Pads: Choose brake pads that are designed for track use. Hawk Performance, EBC Brakes, and Project Mu are popular brands.
• Brake Lines: Upgrade to stainless steel brake lines for improved pedal feel and reduced brake fade.
• Tools Needed: Socket set, wrenches, brake bleeder, torque wrench.
• Approximate Cost: $1000 - $5000+ depending on the kit.

The Driver's Seat: Safety and Control

Don't forget about the driver! A comfortable and safe driving environment is essential for consistent performance and peace of mind.

Bucket Seats and Harnesses

Problem: Stock seats don't provide enough support for aggressive driving, and the stock seatbelt is not ideal for track use.

Solution: Install bucket seats and harnesses.

Benefits:

• Improved driver support and comfort.
• Increased safety in the event of a crash.
• Better control of the car.

Practical Tips:

• FIA Approval: If you plan to compete in sanctioned events, choose seats and harnesses that are FIA approved.
• Harness Bar or Roll Cage: A harness bar or roll cage is essential for properly mounting harnesses.
• Tools Needed: Socket set, wrenches, drill (for mounting the seat and harnesses).
• Approximate Cost: $500 - $3000+ depending on the seats and harnesses.

Hydraulic Handbrake

Problem: The stock handbrake is often weak and ineffective for initiating drifts.

Solution: Install a hydraulic handbrake.

Benefits:

• More precise and reliable drift initiation.
• Greater control over rear wheel lockup.

Practical Tips:

• Placement Matters: Consider the placement of the handbrake for optimal ergonomics.
• Proper Plumbing: Ensure the hydraulic lines are properly routed and secured.
• Tools Needed: Wrenches, brake line flaring tool, brake bleeder.
• Approximate Cost: $200 - $500+

Building a 240SX drift car is a journey, not a destination. It requires careful planning, research, and a significant investment of time and money. But the reward of driving a well-built, capable drift car is well worth the effort. Remember to prioritize safety, start with the basics, and don't be afraid to ask for help from experienced drifters and mechanics. Happy sliding!