INFO ALL NOOBS SHOULD KNOW

s13 89-93 models - 89-90 are SOHC and 91-93 are DOHC
s13 94 DOHC but the only model made was the convertible (only available in automatic transmission)
s14 95-98 models they also being DOHC
s15 post 98 Silvia models (not sold in the us)

s13, s14, s15 being the chassis (body style) code.

KA24DE: DOHC engine, KA24E: SOHC engines
SR20DET: post 1991 Silvia and 180SX engine (not sold in the us) (You will learn about the different SR20s further down)
CA18DET: pre 1991 Silvia and 180SX engine (not sold in the us)

For a list of all other Nissan engines and their specs refer to:
http://sr20det.nismo.org/nissanengines.htm

Hatchbacks also refereed to as the fastback are available only on s13 models. Seeing as all s14s are coupes. The fastback is the Japanese 180SX and the coupes are the Japanese Silvia with the 180SX front end! Although we didn’t get the nice engines they have! The US robbed us of the turbo engines and gave us a higher displacement engine out of the pathfinder! Therefore some idiots will call the ka24 a truck engine! Don’t do this or you WILL get flamed!

Le, se are trim levels/ LE = luxury/limited edition (with ABS & VLSD and all SE options) and SE Sports Edition (sport suspension, rear spoiler, power options).

You might also hear terms like Sil-Eighty and it just means to the JDM hatchback (180SX) with the front end off of the JDM coupe (Silvia)

THE DIFFERENT SR20DETs

S13 red-top SR20DET
180SX 91-93 and Silvia 91-93
characterized by T-25 turbo and red top (very common)

S13 black-top SR20DET
180SX 94-98
characterized by T-25 turbo and black top

S14 black-top SR20DET
94-98 Silvia
characterized by T-28 turbo and black top (different turbo than S13 among other things)

S15 black-top SR20DET
1999+ Silvia
characterized by T-28 turbo, VTC, and black top (different turbo than S13)

A little more info:

These are from the NADA Official Used Car Price Guide
1990 (SOHC)
Coupe XE - 2657lbs
Fastback SE - 2684lbs

1992 (DOHC)
Coupe - 2699lbs
Fastback - 2730lbs
Coupe SE - 2712lbs
Fastback SE - 2747lbs
Fastback LE - 2748lbs

1994
Convertible - 2870lbs

1995
Coupe - 2815lbs
Coupe SE - 2821lbs

Mine was the most basic bottom of the line 10/92 FS.

Manual locks, windows, and mirrors.

Wingless hatch without the wiper.

15" Steelies, bought it without the hup caps. (Don't like hub caps! )

Has after market pop up sun roof.

Automatic transmossion... FTL!!! (But now I have a Auto ECU!!! FTW.)

S Platform
Production Numbers

1989: 68,118

1990: 60,582

1991: 34,534

1992: 27,033

1993: 21,471

1994: 1,391

1995: 25,114

1996: 7,334

1997: 3,655

1998: 2,178

Total: 251,410

Automatic Transmission Gear Ratios


First: 2.785
Second: 1.545
Drive: 1.000
Overdrive: 0.694
Reverse: 2.272
Final: 4.083

Manual Transmission Gear Ratios


First: 3.321
Second: 1.902
Third: 1.308
Fourth: 1.000
Fifth: 0.759
Reverse: 3.382
Final: 4.083

The 240SX uses a two-piece driveshaft connected to a 200 mm ring gear in the differential. The car came standard with an open differential. A Viscous LSD was offered as an option on various models.

The top speed of the 240SX is electronically limited to 180 km/h (approximately 112 mph). With the gear ratios given above and a redline of 6500 RPM, the 240SX can reach a top speed of 151 mph if the speed limiter is disabled.

1989-1994 240SX Specifications


Wheelbase: 97.4 in.
Front/Rear Track: 57.7 in./57.5 in.
Ground Clearance: 4.3 in.
Curb Weight ('90 SE/'91 Standard): 2684 lbs./2657 lbs.
Length: 178.0 in.
Width: 66.5 in.
Height: 50.8 in.

Note: The above specifications apply to the SE Fastback for ’89-’90 and the Standard Fastback for ’91-’93. Some specifications, especially curb weight, are different for other versions of the S13 240SX.


The S13 240SX was sold in the US from 1989 to 1994. It was available as a fastback (SE) or coupe (XE) throughout its production, except for 1994 when the convertible version was the only model sold in the US. The fastback was the same as the JDM 180SX except for the engine. The coupe was the same as the JDM S13 Silvia except for the engine and front bodywork. The Silvia had regular headlights while the US 240SX had retractable headlights. A Head-Up Display (HUD) showing a digital speedometer was available as an option on the coupe as part of the “Power Convenience Group” package. The S13 coupe was lighter than the fastback, but the fastback had a more even weight distribution with the additional weight being at the rear of the car.

The S13 240SX came with 4-wheel disk brakes standard. Anti-lock brakes were offered as an option on the hatchback. All models came with power seat belts except for the convertible. The 240SX was sold with a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic, except in 1994 when all 240SXs were equipped with a 4-speed automatic. The automatic used Nissan’s DUET-EA system to smooth shifting by allowing the Engine Control Module (ECM) to communicate with the transmission. Many owners choose to disable this system in order allow for more aggressive shifts. It has not been determined whether this modification actually yields quicker shifting and faster acceleration.


The production of the S13 240SX for the US market was divided into two periods: the “Zenki”, or early, period ('89-’90) and the “Chuki”, or middle, period (’91-’94). The major change from the Zenki to the Chuki 240SX was the engine upgrade from the KA24E to KA24DE, which increased power from approximately 140 hp to 155 hp. The bumpers and a few other body details were modified for the Chuki 240SX, providing an overall sleeker look. Another new addition for 1991 model was the LE hatchback trim package, which featured a leather interior. The Chuki 240SX was offered with an optional sports package, which included Super HICAS rear-wheel steering.

The convertible 240SX was introduced for the 1992 model year. Convertibles were partially assembled in Japan and then shipped to American Specialty Cars (ASC) in California for final assembly. They were then distributed to US Nissan dealers.




1995-1998 240SX Specifications

Wheelbase: 99.4 in.
Front/Rear Track: 58.2 in./57.9 in.
Ground Clearance: 5.1 in.
Curb Weight (Zenki/Kouki): 2753 lbs./2800 lbs.
Length: 177.2 in.
Width: 68.1 in.
Height (Zenki/Kouki): 50.8 in./51.0 in.

Note: The above specifications are for the 240SX standard coupe. Some specifications, especially the curb weight, differ for the SE and LE versions.

The S14 240SX was sold in the US from 1995 to 1998. The body of the S13 240SX was, essentially, completely redesigned for the new S14 240SX. Most notably, the retractable headlights were eliminated in favor of stationary headlights. Nonetheless, the dimensions of the two cars are quite similar. The S14 is slightly wider, which improves handling, and also has a longer wheelbase, which increases high-speed stability. The S14 240SX was only offered as a coupe as opposed to the S13, which was available as a hatchback or convertible in addition to the coupe. Another addition to the S14 model was dual airbags.


The production of the S14 240SX can be divided into the "Zenki", or early, period (’95-’96) and the "Kouki", or latter, period ('97-'98 ). During the Zenki period, the 240SX was available with an optional SE package. The SE had 16-in. wheels (5-lug) as compared to the base model 15-inch wheels (4-lug). Also, the SE model featured a stiffer suspension, front and rear sway bars (base model did not have rear sway bar), optional anti-lock brakes, and optional Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD).

The Kouki S14, often called the S14a, was updated with lightly redesigned front bumper, hood, fenders, and rear taillights. Also, projector headlights replaced the old S14 Zenki headlights. The LE package for the S14a was introduced in the middle of 1997. The LE package featured leather seats, keyless entry, an alarm system, and a CD player. The S14a SE and LE models were equipped with small side skirts.

turbojay240z wrote:

Automatic Transmission Gear Ratios


First: 2.785
Second: 1.545
Drive: 1.000
Overdrive: 0.694
Reverse: 2.272
Final: 4.083

Manual Transmission Gear Ratios


First: 3.321
Second: 1.902
Third: 1.308
Fourth: 1.000
Fifth: 0.759
Reverse: 3.382
Final: 4.083

The 240SX uses a two-piece driveshaft connected to a 200 mm ring gear in the differential. The car came standard with an open differential. A Viscous LSD was offered as an option on various models.

The top speed of the 240SX is electronically limited to 180 km/h (approximately 112 mph). With the gear ratios given above and a redline of 6500 RPM, the 240SX can reach a top speed of 151 mph if the speed limiter is disabled.

How about the Manual trans with the auto ECU?...

Too damn fast ......I'd say 175+ w/ auto ecu 7200rpm limiter. Go try it out

I ask cause I'm doing the manny swap on my hatch and I'm keeping the auto ECU...

Just need to make a day of putting it in and wiring it up... If I had a auto to manny diagram...

240sRus wrote:

I ask cause I'm doing the manny swap on my hatch and I'm keeping the auto ECU...

Just need to make a day of putting it in and wiring it up... If I had a auto to manny diagram...

The wiring is the easy part. Getting that damn pilot bushing out while the engine is in the car.......that's the FUN part. Good luck.

I know this makes a good welcome mat for noobs, hence "INFO ALL NOOBS SHOULD KNOW", but should it really be in the "Intro" area?...

Feel free to move it.

Just leave it a few more monts then I'll move it... I'm too lazy to want to deal with that...

but what is the exact whp on a ka24de with a manual trans and stock rear end

k-town-ka-t wrote:

but what is the exact whp on a ka24de with a manual trans and stock rear end

They average around 125-135whp