| Nissan rolled the first 240SX off its assembly line | | | | look more like its Japanese market counterpart. |
| in 1989, and ended production of this magnificent | | | | However, Nissan did give the newer 240 a two |
| machine on July 23, 1998. During that time frame, | | | | inch wider wheel base and a stiffer suspension. |
| Nissan produced over two million 240s for the | | | | Creating a New History for the 240SX |
| American market. In classic Nissan fashion, there | | | | Nissan owners are true automotive enthusiasts, |
| are two separate generations for the 240, thus | | | | and they are absolutely loyal to the Nissan |
| creating many names that car enthusiasts choose | | | | market. These same enthusiasts have their own |
| to use for this particular vehicle. | | | | groups...some are tuners, some are ricers and |
| The 240SX has been called the S13, S14, Silvia | | | | others are drifters. The modifications these |
| (the Japanese market name), S, 180SX (Japanese | | | | enthusiasts do to the 240 often times depend on |
| market) and the 200SX (the European and | | | | what group they are in. Specifically, tuners are |
| Australian markets), but the American 240SX is | | | | more into a "show car" look, therefore their |
| not quite the same as the other S Platforms. | | | | modifications will be along the lines of vertical |
| Although it is related, there were differences in | | | | doors, dash trim kits, neon and carbon fiber parts. |
| important areas, such as engines and front body | | | | On the other hand, drifters are in a different |
| design. With the similarities, American 240 owners | | | | world from tuners. While they love and respect |
| are a distinct and individual group that idolizes their | | | | their 240SX just a much as a tuner, they demand |
| cars for the things that they can do. | | | | a lot more from the SX than their tuner |
| First Generation 240SX | | | | counterparts. Their modifications often entail |
| Nissan produced the first generation 240SX (aka | | | | engine and performance upgrades that are done |
| S13) from 1989 to 1994. The S13 showed us | | | | in an effort to make drifting easier. Other |
| three separate models, the coupe, the fastback | | | | customizations, such as installing a limited slip |
| (truly a hatchback) and the convertible. The | | | | differential or coilovers for the suspension, are |
| middle period of the first generation, also known | | | | also utilized by drifters to get a more exhilarating |
| as the Chuki, saw a few minor body changes to | | | | drift experience out of their 240SX. In the |
| the SX. For example, Nissan gave it a newer, | | | | unfortunate event of damage to the 240 during |
| more modern-looking front bumper. However, | | | | drifting, replacing body kits and intercoolers may |
| enthusiasts were more excited about the 15 hp | | | | be necessary. While some modifications are a |
| boost that came with the new DOHC engine | | | | result of damage, others are directly related to |
| upgrade. Even with the engine upgrade in the | | | | the sport of drifting causing certain stress to be |
| middle period, critics said that the 240SX was | | | | placed on the 240. SX owners often find |
| under-powered for its size, forcing many tuners | | | | themselves replacing clutches and tires. Serious |
| and drifters to special order the Japanese model | | | | drifters will tell you; however, they do not mind |
| engines. | | | | doing these modifications. The thrill of the sport, |
| In 1992, Nissan produced its "American Only | | | | the recognition from their peers and the prizes |
| Market" convertible, but took it completely out of | | | | involved make these customizations a "necessary |
| the market after 1994. Only 8,320 convertibles | | | | evil". |
| were produced by Nissan for the SX. In fact, in | | | | Regardless of what group an enthusiasts fits into, |
| 1994, the only 240SX available in the United | | | | they both have to find a place that they trust to |
| States was the Convertible Special Edition. | | | | buy aftermarket parts and accessories for their |
| Second Generation 240SX | | | | "baby". While there are huge companies out there |
| The second generation 240SX (aka S14) was | | | | that have some custom parts and accessories |
| created from 1995 to 1998, with most of the | | | | for the 240, most of them are not solely |
| contrast to the S13 coming in the form of body | | | | dedicated to the SX, nor do they carry |
| differences. Nissan replaced the fastback and | | | | everything a tuner or drifter could dream of. But |
| convertible, with SE and LE versions of the coupe. | | | | there is a little piece of paradise, just over the |
| The major differences from the first generation | | | | horizon. |
| were predominately in the body design making it | | | | |