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The S Platform was Nissan’s FR layout sports car chassis. It was used from 1976 to 2002 as the base for many vehicles, including the 240SX, Silvia, 200SX, 180SX, Sileighty, 180ZX, Gazelle, and 240RS. S Platform cars were sold mainly in North America, Japan, and Europe (with limited sales in Australia, New Zealand, and Scandinavia).

Model Year: 1989-1990
Chassis: S13
Available Engines: KA24E

Model Year: 1991-1994
Chassis: S13
Available Engines: KA24DE

Model Year: 1995-1998
Chassis: S14
Available Engines: KA24DE

Sale of the 240SX in the US market began in 1989 and continued until 1998. Only the convertible version of the 240SX was sold in the US in 1994. Check out this 1989 Nissan 240SX commercial posted on YouTube.com.





1990 240SX SE
(USDM S13 Zenki)



1990 240SX SE
(USDM S13 Zenki)



1992 240SX SE Coupe
(USDM S13 Chuki)



1993 240SX Standard Hatchback
(USDM S13 Chuki)



1994 240SX SE Convertible
(USDM S13 Chuki)



1995 240SX SE
(USDM S14 Zenki)



1995 240SX SE
(USDM S14 Zenki)



1996 240SX SE
(USDM S14 Zenki)



1997 240SX LE
(USDM S14 Kouki)

 
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In Japan, S13, S14, and S15 240s were sold from 1989 to 2002. These cars were equipped with the SR20DET engine, which has about 50hp more than the KA24E or KA24DE that came with the USDM 240SX models. (To get more detailed information on the Japanese models, look through some of the factory service manuals for these cars). That's why the SR20DET swap for the USDM 240 happens to be so popular.

Model Year: 1989-1993
Chassis: S13
Model: Silvia
Availabe Engines: CA18DE/T, SR20DE/T

Model Year: 1989-1998
Chassis: S13
Model: 180SX
Availabe Engines: CA18DET, SR20DET

Model Year: 1998
Chassis: S13
Model: Sileighty
Availabe Engines: SR20DET

Model Year: 1994-1998
Chassis: S14
Model: Silvia
Availabe Engines: SR20DE/T

Model Year: 1999-2002
Chassis: S15
Model: Silvia
Availabe Engines: SR20DE/T



1990 Silvia
(JDM S13)



1995 180SX
(JDM S13)



Sileighty
(JDM S13)



1998 Silvia
(JDM S14)



2002 Silvia
(JDM S15)

A Sileighty (sometimes written Sil80) is a Nissan 180SX with Silvia front bodywork, including fenders, front bumper, headlights, and hood. The Sileighty became popular as a result of drifting in Japan. Drivers that damaged their 180s often replaced the front bodywork with Silvia components since they were cheaper than replacement 180SX parts. Eventually, this trend became popular due to the aesthetic appeal of the Sileighty. In 1998, a Japanese tuning shop named Kids Heart produced 500 “official” Sil80s that were sold by Nissan. Naturally, tuners in the US have made the same conversions using imported Silvia front bodywork.

Another trend among Japanese tuners is installing 180SX front bodywork on a Silvia. A car with this arrangement is often referred to as the Onevia. In the US, this body configuration was actually sold as the Nissan 240SX coupe.

In Europe, the S13 and S14-based 200SX was sold from 1989 to 1998.

Model Year: 1989-1993
Chassis: S13
Available Engines: CA18DET

Model Year: 1994-1998
Chassis: S14
Available Engines: SR20DET

The S platform cars are considered by many to be the "boy's sports car" with the Skyline being the "man's sports car" in the Nissan lineup. But this is only true when it comes to power. Yes, the S platform cars are underpowered in stock trim, but they are great handling cars and have the potential to make some serious power. So what would I choose if I was going to build a performance car: the 240 or Skyline? Honestly, I would go with the 240SX because the Skyline is just too damn heavy. The 240SX has better handling potential. Better yet, get the best of both worlds: the light 240SX chassis with the RB26DETT Skyline engine.

 
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240SX Overview

In 1989, the 240SX replaced Nissan’s 200SX model in the US. Two generations of the car were sold in the US, the S13-based 240SX and the S14-based 240SX. An S15 Silvia, a model closely related to the S14, was sold in Japan from 1999 to 2002, but production of the US market 240SX ceased after 1998.

The basic design of the 240SX gives it the potential to be an excellent handling car. The 240SX is relatively lightweight and has a near-perfect weight distribution of 53% front with a relatively low center of gravity. The S13 240SX has recorded 0.89 g on the skid pad in stock form, a respectable number especially considering the age of the car.




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.


USDM S13 Body Styles

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.


S13 Zenki (1990)


S13 Chuki (1993)

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.

 
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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).


S14 Zenki (1996)


S14 Kouki (1997)

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.

 
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The following table shows which 240SX models were available with particular Nissan performance equipment.

4-wheel ABS:

1989-1993 SE Fastback
1991 and 1995-1998 SE coupe
1991 LE Fastback
1995-1996 Standard Coupe
1997-1998 LE Coupe

Viscous LSD:

1991, 1992, and 1993 SE Fastback
1995-1998 SE Coupe

Super HICAS:

1991, 1992, and 1993 SE Fastback

Sport Suspension:

1990, 1991, and 1993 SE Fastback

 
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1989:

SE Fastback
XE Coupe

1990:

SE Fastback
XE Coupe

1991:

Standard Fastback
Standard Coupe
SE Fastback
SE Coupe
LE Fastback
Limited Fastback

1992:

Standard Fastback
Standard Coupe
SE Fastback
SE Coupe
SE Convertible
LE Fastback

1993:

Standard Fastback
Standard Coupe
SE Fastback
SE Coupe
SE Convertible

1994:

SE Convertible

1995:

Standard Coupe
SE Coupe

1996:

Standard Coupe
SE Coupe

1997:

Standard Coupe
SE Coupe
LE Coupe

1998:

Standard Coupe
SE Coupe
LE Coupe

 
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Awesome post, super informative. I'm a big 240 fan and that definitely cleared up a couple questions I had

 
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Holy cow, wicked post.

 
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Very informative post. much appreciated. I really like this car, and would love to own one as a first car... needless to say I really don't know much about it. This post helped me out a lot.

 
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Hey have a question for you,I have two 95 240s and they are the le models,does this mean they're classified as an se.
You know anything about turbocharging a ka24de.
Cool post though,say something like this on edmunds.com but it wasn't so in depth.
I personally think that the s13 and s14 coupes were the best body design from Nissan for the s platform.