Nfs Pro Street: Best 240sx Build And Tune

Need for Speed ProStreet, while divisive among fans for its shift towards circuit racing and realism, still holds a special place in the hearts of many. For those looking to dominate the grip races and drift events, the Nissan 240SX (S13) is a fantastic choice. Its lightweight chassis, combined with its tuning potential, makes it a force to be reckoned with. This guide will walk you through the best 240SX build and tune for NFS ProStreet, helping you achieve victory in every event.

Why the 240SX in ProStreet?

Before we dive into the specifics, let's understand why the 240SX is a good choice in ProStreet:

Balanced Handling: The 240SX offers a great balance between grip and drift potential, allowing you to excel in various event types.
Upgradability: It has a wide array of aftermarket parts available, letting you tailor its performance to your specific needs.
Cost-Effective: Compared to some of the higher-tier cars, the 240SX is relatively affordable, making it a great starting point.
Fun Factor: Let's face it, the 240SX is simply a fun car to drive, and in ProStreet, that fun translates to competitive performance.

The Ultimate 240SX Build Guide

This build focuses on maximizing the 240SX's potential across multiple disciplines. We'll cover engine, suspension, drivetrain, and body upgrades.

Engine Upgrades

The heart of any performance build is the engine. Here's how to maximize your 240SX's power:

Engine Swap: The best engine swap is arguably the RB26DETT (from the Nissan Skyline GT-R). This inline-six twin-turbo engine provides immense power potential and is relatively easy to control. Alternatively, the 2JZ-GTE (from the Toyota Supra) is another excellent choice, offering similar performance characteristics.
Forced Induction: If you opt for the RB26DETT or 2JZ-GTE, you'll already have turbochargers. However, upgrading to larger turbos will significantly increase horsepower. Be mindful of turbo lag, though. Adjust your tuning accordingly.
Engine Block & Internals: Upgrade the engine block, pistons, connecting rods, and crankshaft to handle the increased power output. Forged internals are highly recommended for reliability.
Fuel System: Install a high-flow fuel pump, injectors, and fuel rail to ensure the engine receives adequate fuel, especially with forced induction.
Engine Management System (ECU): An aftermarket ECU is crucial for fine-tuning the engine and maximizing its performance. It allows you to adjust parameters like fuel mapping, ignition timing, and boost levels.
Exhaust System: A full exhaust system, including headers, downpipe, and exhaust, will improve exhaust flow and increase horsepower.
Cooling System: Upgrade the radiator and oil cooler to prevent overheating, especially during prolonged races.

Suspension Upgrades

Proper suspension is key to handling and control. Here's what you need:

Coilovers: Adjustable coilovers are essential for fine-tuning the ride height, damping, and rebound. This allows you to optimize the car's handling characteristics for different track types.
Sway Bars: Upgrading the sway bars (anti-roll bars) will reduce body roll during cornering, improving stability and grip.
Control Arms: Adjustable control arms allow you to fine-tune the camber, caster, and toe settings, further optimizing the suspension geometry for improved handling.
Bushings: Replacing the stock rubber bushings with polyurethane or spherical bearings will reduce suspension flex and improve responsiveness.

Drivetrain Upgrades

Transferring power to the wheels effectively is critical:

Transmission: Upgrade to a close-ratio transmission for quicker acceleration and better gear selection. Consider a 6-speed transmission for optimal performance.
Clutch: A stronger clutch is necessary to handle the increased power output of the upgraded engine. Consider a multi-plate clutch for maximum performance.
Limited-Slip Differential (LSD): An LSD will improve traction by distributing power to both rear wheels, preventing wheelspin. This is essential for both grip and drift events.
Driveshaft: Upgrade to a stronger driveshaft to handle the increased torque and prevent breakage.

Brake Upgrades

Stopping power is just as important as horsepower:

Big Brake Kit: Install a big brake kit with larger rotors and calipers for improved braking performance and heat dissipation.
Brake Pads: Upgrade to high-performance brake pads for increased stopping power and resistance to brake fade.
Brake Lines: Stainless steel brake lines will improve brake pedal feel and responsiveness.

Weight Reduction & Aerodynamics

Reducing weight and improving aerodynamics can significantly enhance performance:

Weight Reduction: Remove unnecessary weight from the car, such as the spare tire, rear seats, and sound deadening. Consider replacing body panels with lightweight carbon fiber or fiberglass parts.
Aerodynamics: Install a front splitter, rear wing, and side skirts to improve downforce and reduce drag. These components will enhance stability and cornering speed at higher speeds.

Tuning Your 240SX for Different Events

The best 240SX build is only as good as its tune. Here's a breakdown of how to tune your car for different event types:

Grip Racing

For grip racing, you'll want to maximize cornering speed and stability:

Ride Height: Lower the ride height as much as possible without sacrificing suspension travel. This will lower the center of gravity and improve handling.
Spring Rates: Use stiffer spring rates to reduce body roll and improve responsiveness.
Damping: Increase the damping settings to control body roll and prevent the suspension from oscillating.
Camber: Add negative camber to the front wheels to improve grip during cornering. Experiment with different camber settings to find the optimal balance.
Toe: Set the front toe to neutral or slightly toe-in for improved stability. Set the rear toe to slightly toe-in for improved traction.
Differential: Use a more aggressive LSD setting for maximum traction out of corners.
Aerodynamics: Maximize downforce with a large rear wing and front splitter.

Drift Events

For drift events, you'll want to prioritize controllability and angle:

Ride Height: A slightly higher ride height can make it easier to initiate drifts.
Spring Rates: Softer spring rates can make the car more predictable and easier to control during drifts.
Damping: Reduce the damping settings to allow the suspension to move more freely.
Camber: Reduce the negative camber on the front wheels to make it easier to initiate drifts.
Toe: Experiment with different toe settings to find the optimal balance between stability and driftability. A slight toe-out in the front can make it easier to initiate drifts.
Differential: Use a less aggressive LSD setting for easier drift initiation and more controllable drifts.
Aerodynamics: Reduce downforce by removing or adjusting the rear wing and front splitter.

Drag Racing

For drag racing, focus on maximizing traction and straight-line speed:

Ride Height: Set the ride height to maximize weight transfer to the rear wheels during launch.
Spring Rates: Use stiffer rear spring rates and softer front spring rates to improve weight transfer.
Damping: Adjust the damping settings to control wheel hop and maintain traction.
Camber: Set the camber to neutral or slightly positive for maximum tire contact patch.
Toe: Set the toe to neutral for minimal drag.
Differential: Use a very aggressive LSD setting for maximum traction off the line.
Aerodynamics: Minimize drag by removing or adjusting aerodynamic components.

Final Thoughts

Building and tuning the best 240SX in NFS ProStreet requires time, patience, and experimentation. Use this guide as a starting point and don't be afraid to tweak the build and tune to suit your driving style and the specific challenges of each event. With the right setup, your 240SX will be a dominant force on the track.

Remember to frequently test your build and make small adjustments until you find the sweet spot. Good luck, and enjoy tearing up the competition!