https://clubnissanarg.com.ar/revision-del-nissan-240sx-noticias: The Nissan 240SX was manufactured by Nissan and launched in 1988 for the North American market, replacing the outgoing 200SX (S12). It was built on the Nissan S platform, assembled in Japan’s Kanda, Fukuoka plant

Who fell in love with this car? Initially, drivers who wanted an affordable, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe. But its deeper fan base grew among:

• Drifting enthusiasts and tuners, especially during the early 2000s, turned the 240SX into an icon of grassroots motorsport
• Owners engaging in engine swaps and S-chassis modifications, including Sileighty conversions (mixing Silvia front with 240SX rear)
• Overall, it’s become a cult classic in car communities and forums, celebrated for its balance, modifiability, and affordability.

2. What — What Is the Nissan 240SX?

The 240SX is a sports compact car produced by Nissan between 1988 and 1998, offered in two generations:

• S13 (1989–1994): Known for pop-up headlights, available as a hatchback, coupe, and later a convertible; powered initially by the KA24E SOHC engine, then updated to the DOHC KA24DE
• S14 (1995–1998): Only offered as a coupe, with fixed headlights, sturdier chassis, and minor styling updates like new bumpers and taillights

It’s closely related to its Japanese counterparts:

• The Silvia (S13/S14).
• The 180SX (hatchback with pop-up headlights).
  These were essentially the same chassis, rebranded for different markets

Under the hood, the engine lineup featured:

• KA24E (SOHC) for 1989–1990.
• KA24DE (DOHC) for 1990–1998

3. When & Where — When Was It Made, and Where Did It Make Its Mark?

The production timeline:

• 1988 (as 1989 model): Entry into the North American market.
• 1994/1995: Transition to S14 generation.
• 1998 (July 23): Final U.S. production wrap-up

Originally, it was a modest seller. But as the used car scene matured and drifting surged in popularity, the 240SX found new life among hobbyists and racers

Geographically, though built in Japan, the 240SX became iconic in:

• North America, where it was sold.
• Online car enthusiast communities, especially forums and racing groups where modded builds and drift events became its legacy.

4. Why — Why Did It Become a Beloved Classic?

Several reasons cement its iconic status:

1. Rear-Wheel-Drive Layout & Balanced Chassis
   With 55/45 weight distribution and responsive suspension, it was perfect for drifting and aggressive driving
2. Tuning Potential
   Affordable and plentiful aftermarket parts, even turbocharging kits for the KA engines, helped DIY builds thrive
3. Simplicity & Customization
   The relatively simple engineering made it an enthusiast’s dream. Add the ability to reshape its look (like in Sileighty creations)
4. Drift Culture & Drift Tax
   Its rise in drifting competitions pushed demand—and prices—up, creating the “drift tax” effect on used prices
5. Media & Projects
   Long-term project coverage and rebuilds (e.g., MotorTrend’s project car) further immortalized its image

5. How — How Was It Used, Modified, and Integrated?

Factory Specs & Variants

• S13 styles: pop-up vs fixed headlight models; trims like SE, LE, XE.
• Engine progression: KA24E → KA24DE.
• S14 upgrades: structural rigidity, updated styling, removal of pop-ups.

Mods & Builds

• Engine swaps and turbo builds: especially KA-T swaps, popular among tuners
• Suspension upgrades: coilovers (e.g., KW Clubsport) and brake overhauls have given it track-ready capability
• Sileighty conversions: blending Silvia front-end with 240SX to create tuner JDM look-alikes

Market Trends

• Early years: affordable priced entry-level sports coupe.
• Post-drift boom: prices rose due to aftermarket and motorsport demand.
• Today: prized by collectors and represent a nostalgic “90s tuner era”

Conclusion

The Nissan 240SX journey is a compelling story: from a modest American import to a beloved cultural icon among car communities. Here’s the snapshot:

• Who created and cherishes it: Nissan, enthusiasts, drifters.
• What it is: RWD sports coupe (S13/S14), KA24 engines.
• When & Where: 1989–1998, revived in drifting scenes worldwide.
• Why it’s beloved: chassis balance, tuning ease, cultural impact.
• How its legacy endures: through builds, modified swaps, community reverence.

Would you like a deeper dive into Sileighty conversion steps, drift build guides, or buying advice in today’s market? Just say the word!