Cxracing Turbo Kit Review 240sx

Nissan
Cxracing Turbo Kit Review 240sx

So, you're thinking about slapping a CXRacing turbo kit on your S13 or S14 240SX, huh? It's a popular choice, especially for those on a budget looking to add some serious power to their KA24DE or SR20DET. I get it. The allure of a turbocharger screaming in your engine bay is hard to resist. But before you pull the trigger, let's dive into what you can realistically expect and address some common problems you might encounter. I've seen enough of these kits come through the shop to know the drill.

The Promise and the Reality

CXRacing markets these kits as a complete, bolt-on solution. The reality, as many of you already suspect, is a little more nuanced. They offer a compelling price point, which is a major draw. However, keep in mind that you often get what you pay for. The kit *might* bolt on (mostly), but there's a strong chance you'll need to address certain issues and make modifications to get everything running reliably.

Common Issues and Solutions

Here's a rundown of the typical hurdles you'll face, along with some suggestions on how to overcome them:

1. Fitment Problems: This is probably the most common complaint. Don't be surprised if things don't line up perfectly.

Solution: Be prepared to do some tweaking. This might involve:

  • Slight modifications to the exhaust manifold and downpipe. Often, the turbo will sit too close to the block, firewall or frame rail. You might need to gently massage the metal with a hammer (carefully!) or even have a professional welder make minor adjustments. Budget $100-300 for welding if needed.
  • Relocating or modifying power steering lines, AC lines (if equipped), and wiring harnesses. Heat shielding is your friend here! You can buy heat wrap relatively cheaply (around $50-100) and it will save you a lot of headaches down the road.
  • Adjusting the intercooler piping. The pre-cut pipes might not fit perfectly. You might need to trim them or purchase additional couplers and clamps to achieve the desired fit.

2. Low-Quality Components: Some of the components in the kit, like the gaskets, clamps, and even the turbo itself, are known to be of lower quality.

Solution: Replace the questionable parts *before* installation. Trust me, it's much easier to do this proactively than to troubleshoot leaks and failures later.

  • Gaskets: Replace all the included gaskets with high-quality replacements from a reputable brand like Cometic or Fel-Pro. Budget around $50-100 for a complete set of gaskets.
  • Clamps: Upgrade to T-bolt clamps for all intercooler piping and exhaust connections. These provide a much better seal than the cheap worm-gear clamps often included in the kit. A pack of T-bolt clamps will cost around $30-50.
  • Turbocharger: This is a tough one. The included turbo *can* work, but its reliability is often a concern. Many people opt to upgrade the turbo immediately to a more reputable brand like Garrett or BorgWarner. This is the most expensive option, ranging from $500 to $1500+, but it's a worthwhile investment if you're looking for long-term reliability and performance. If you stick with the included turbo, keep boost levels conservative.

3. Inadequate Oil Supply and Drain: Proper oiling is crucial for turbo longevity. The included oil lines and fittings are often undersized or poorly designed.

Solution: Upgrade the oil supply and drain lines.

  • Oil Supply Line: Use a high-quality, braided stainless steel oil supply line with properly sized fittings. Ensure the line is heat-shielded to prevent oil coking. Expect to spend around $50-100 on a good oil supply line.
  • Oil Drain Line: The oil drain is equally important. Ensure the drain line is as straight and vertical as possible to promote proper oil drainage. If the included drain flange doesn't fit well or is too restrictive, replace it with a higher-flowing option. Fabricating a custom drain setup might be necessary. Cost varies depending on complexity, but budget $50-150.
  • Oil Restrictor: Depending on your turbo and engine setup, you might need an oil restrictor to prevent over-oiling the turbo. Consult with a turbo specialist or experienced mechanic to determine if a restrictor is necessary.

4. Fuel Management: The stock fuel system on a 240SX is not designed to handle the increased fuel demands of a turbocharger.

Solution: Upgrade your fuel system. This is absolutely critical to prevent engine damage.

  • Fuel Injectors: Upgrade to larger fuel injectors to provide sufficient fuel delivery. 550cc injectors are a common choice for moderate power goals. Expect to pay $200-400 for a set of injectors.
  • Fuel Pump: Upgrade to a higher-flowing fuel pump like a Walbro 255lph. This will ensure a consistent fuel supply, especially under boost. A fuel pump will cost around $100-150.
  • Fuel Pressure Regulator: An adjustable fuel pressure regulator allows you to fine-tune fuel pressure for optimal performance. It's a worthwhile upgrade, costing around $100-200.
  • Engine Management System (EMS): This is the heart of your fuel management system. A standalone EMS, like a Haltech, AEM, or MegaSquirt, provides complete control over fuel and ignition timing. This is the *best* option, but it's also the most expensive, ranging from $800 to $2000+. Alternatively, you can use a piggyback system like an SAFC, but these are less precise and generally not recommended for high-performance applications.

5. Intercooler and Piping Leaks: Cheap couplers and poorly designed piping can lead to boost leaks, which will rob you of power and efficiency.

Solution: As mentioned earlier, upgrade to T-bolt clamps. Also, inspect the intercooler for any leaks or damage. Pressure test the intercooler system after installation to identify any leaks. You can often use soapy water to find leaks by spraying it on joints and looking for bubbles. Welding up any pinholes or weak spots on the intercooler can be worthwhile.

Tools You'll Need

Beyond your standard set of sockets, wrenches, and screwdrivers, here's a list of tools that will come in handy:

  • Jack and Jack Stands: Safety first!
  • Torque Wrench: Essential for tightening bolts to the correct specifications.
  • O2 Sensor Socket: You'll need this to remove and install the O2 sensor.
  • Heat Gun/Heat Wrap: To protect wiring and hoses from heat.
  • Multimeter: To diagnose electrical issues.
  • Cutting Tools (Sawzall, Angle Grinder): For modifying pipes and brackets.
  • Welder (Optional, but highly recommended): For making custom modifications.
  • Pressure Tester: To find boost leaks.
  • Fuel Pressure Gauge: To monitor fuel pressure.
  • Drill and Drill Bits: For creating new mounting points.

Approximate Repair Costs (Beyond the Kit)

As you can see, installing a CXRacing turbo kit is rarely a simple bolt-on affair. Here's a rough estimate of the additional costs you might incur:

  • Gaskets, Clamps, and Fittings: $100-200
  • Oil Lines and Fittings: $100-200
  • Fuel Injectors and Fuel Pump: $300-500
  • Engine Management System: $800-2000+
  • Welding and Fabrication: $100-500+
  • Dyno Tuning: $300-500

So, realistically, you're looking at spending significantly more than just the cost of the kit itself. A realistic estimate for a *reliable* setup is probably double, or even triple, the initial kit price. Don't cut corners on fuel management or oiling! These are the areas where you're most likely to run into problems if you cheap out.

Is it Worth It?

That's the million-dollar question. If you're on a tight budget and are comfortable with doing a lot of the work yourself, a CXRacing turbo kit can be a viable option. However, be prepared to spend extra time and money addressing the issues outlined above. If you're looking for a hassle-free, reliable setup, you might be better off investing in a higher-quality kit from a more reputable manufacturer. Either way, do your research, be realistic about your budget and skill level, and don't be afraid to ask for help from experienced 240SX owners. Happy boosting!

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