Technical Guide: 240sx Front End Conversion Options

The Nissan 240SX, a rear-wheel-drive icon, is beloved for its drift-ready chassis and tunability. One of the most common and visually impactful modifications is a front end conversion. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the popular 240SX front end conversion options, helping you make an informed decision based on your budget, goals, and aesthetic preferences.

Understanding Front End Conversions

A front end conversion involves swapping the entire front clip – headlights, grille, hood, fenders, and bumper – of a vehicle with components from a different model. For the 240SX, this usually means replacing the stock front end with one from another Nissan model, typically one sold in Japan that was never originally available on the North American 240SX. This offers a unique look and can significantly alter the vehicle's overall style.

Before diving into specific conversions, it's crucial to understand the considerations involved:

Budget: Front end conversions can range from relatively inexpensive to quite pricey, depending on the rarity of the parts and the complexity of the installation.
Installation: Some conversions are relatively straightforward bolt-on procedures, while others require welding, fabrication, and bodywork. Consider your skill level and access to tools.
Part Availability: Some front ends are easier to source parts for than others. Consider future maintenance and repair needs.
Legality: Ensure that any modifications comply with local laws and regulations. Headlight alignment and bumper height are common areas of scrutiny.
Aesthetics: Ultimately, the chosen front end should complement the overall style you're aiming for.

Popular 240SX Front End Conversion Options

S13 (1989-1994) Front End Options

The S13 generation 240SX came in two main body styles: hatchback (fastback) and coupe (notchback). Each body style has its own unique set of conversion possibilities.

Silvia Conversion (S13 Hatchback and Coupe)

The most iconic and arguably most popular conversion is the Silvia front end. The Silvia was the Japanese domestic market (JDM) version of the 240SX and features a significantly different, more aggressive, front end. There are two main types of Silvia front ends for the S13:

PS13 Silvia Front End (Projector Headlights): This features projector headlights housed within a sleeker, more angular design. This is considered by many to be the quintessential S13 conversion. Finding genuine JDM PS13 parts can be challenging and expensive.
S13 Silvia Front End (Brick Headlights): Sometimes referred to as "brick" or "square" headlights, this is another Silvia variant. It's less common than the projector headlight version and tends to be slightly less expensive.

Considerations for Silvia Conversions:

Genuine JDM parts are often preferred for their quality and fitment. However, aftermarket replica parts are available at a lower price point, but may require additional modification for proper installation.

For either Silvia front end, the conversion generally involves replacing the following parts:

Hood
Fenders
Headlights
Turn Signals
Grille
Bumper
Bumper Support (may require modification)

Wiring modifications are typically required to adapt the JDM headlight connectors to the USDM 240SX wiring harness. Wiring harnesses are available that simplify this process.

180SX Conversion (S13 Hatchback Only)

The 180SX was the Japanese market hatchback version of the 240SX. While technically the same car from the A-pillar back, the 180SX received unique front-end styling updates over the years that were never available on the USDM 240SX hatchback. There are several variants to consider:

Early Model 180SX (Pop-Up Headlights): This is the most common 180SX conversion. It retains the pop-up headlights, but features a different bumper and grille compared to the USDM 240SX. This conversion is relatively straightforward.
Mid-Model 180SX (Revised Bumper): A slightly updated bumper design compared to the early model.
Late Model 180SX (Type X/R): This is the most desirable 180SX front end. It features a more aggressive bumper design, side skirts, and a rear spoiler. Finding a complete Type X/R kit can be costly.

Considerations for 180SX Conversions:

The 180SX conversion is generally easier than the Silvia conversion, especially the early model pop-up headlight version. Wiring is simpler, and parts are often more readily available.

S14 (1995-1998) Front End Options

The S14 generation 240SX also offers several front end conversion possibilities. Like the S13, the most popular involve swapping in JDM components.

Silvia Conversion (S14 Zenki and Kouki)

The S14 Silvia offers two distinct front end styles:

S14 Zenki Silvia Front End (Pre-Facelift): This features a more rounded, organic design. It's often considered less aggressive than the Kouki version.
S14 Kouki Silvia Front End (Post-Facelift): The Kouki front end is characterized by its sharper lines and more aggressive styling. It features projector headlights and a more prominent grille. This is a very popular conversion choice.

Considerations for S14 Silvia Conversions:

S14 Silvia conversions are generally more involved than S13 conversions. The parts are often more expensive and harder to find, especially for the Kouki version. Proper fitment may require some bodywork and fabrication.

S15 Silvia Front End Conversion (into S14)

While not a direct bolt-on, it's possible to graft an S15 Silvia front end onto an S14 240SX. This is a significantly more complex undertaking that requires extensive bodywork and fabrication skills. It’s considered an advanced modification.

Considerations for S15 into S14 Conversions:

This conversion is not recommended for beginners. Requires professional bodywork and significant investment of time and money.

Rare and Less Common Options

Beyond the more mainstream options, several less common conversions exist. These often involve custom fabrication or sourcing parts from other Nissan models.

Autech Version: Autech was a tuning arm of Nissan. They created a special version of the Silvia that had a unique body kit including the front bumper.

Installation Considerations

Regardless of the chosen front end, proper installation is crucial for achieving a clean and professional look. Here are some general tips:

Research Thoroughly: Before starting the conversion, research the specific steps involved for your chosen front end. Numerous online resources and forums offer detailed guides and tutorials.
Gather All Necessary Parts: Ensure you have all the required parts before beginning the installation. This includes the front clip components, wiring adapters, and any necessary hardware.
Proper Wiring: Wiring is a critical aspect of the conversion. Use quality connectors and ensure proper grounding to avoid electrical issues. Consider using a wiring harness adapter specifically designed for the conversion.
Test Fit Everything: Before painting or permanently mounting any components, test fit everything to ensure proper alignment and clearance.
Professional Help: If you're not comfortable with any aspect of the installation, seek professional help from a qualified mechanic or body shop.

Conclusion

Choosing a front end conversion for your 240SX is a significant decision. By carefully considering your budget, skill level, and aesthetic preferences, you can select the option that best suits your needs. Remember to prioritize proper installation to ensure a clean and professional result. With the right planning and execution, a front end conversion can dramatically transform the look of your 240SX and make it truly unique.