- The First Generation (S13 Chassis): 1989 – 1994
- The Second Generation (S14 Chassis): 1994 – 1998
- The Third Generation (S15 Chassis): 1999 – 2002
- Nissan 180SX, 200SX, 240SX, and Silvia Specifications: S13 – S15
- Nissan 180SX, 200SX, 240SX, and Silvia Stock Engine Guide: S13 – S15
- Conclusion
Should you ask round what’s the greatest automotive to get into drifting, most drifting consultants will advocate a Nissan 240SX or a 180SX.
Apart from having a rear-wheel drive configuration, a 240SX will give you glorious dealing with, components interchangeability, and loads of engine swap choices. After all, you possibly can’t neglect that the 240SX has the most effective chassis ever made for drifting.
However let’s not get forward of ourselves and begin from the start. In different phrases, we might be discussing every part that it is advisable know in regards to the 240SX engine.
The First Generation (S13 Chassis): 1989 – 1994
Right here is an attention-grabbing truth: the 240SX traces again its roots to the S13 Nissan Silvia that was launched in Japan in mid-1988 however marketed because the 1989 mannequin yr.
The 1989 S13 Nissan Silvia was so standard amongst shoppers, it received the distinguished Japan Automobile of the 12 months (JCOTY) award just a few months after it was launched.
Along with that, Nissan launched a hatchback model of the S13 Silvia often called the “180SX”. It wasn’t so totally different, besides that the S13 Nissan Silvia was a coupe with fastened headlights however the Nissan 180SX was a hatchback with pop-up headlights.
One other factor; whereas the S13 Silvia got here with both the CA18DE (naturally aspirated) or CA18DET (turbocharged) engine below the hood, the 180SX was solely powered by a 1.8 liter CA18DET engine.
After all, Nissan wished to export its favourite Japanese automotive to the American and European market however there was only one drawback; it was too costly and time-consuming to make use of the identical CA18DET engine within the North American market.
As an alternative, Nissan fitted the KA24E engine within the 180SX vehicles designated for the American market and known as it the “240SX”. Nevertheless, the European fashions constructed on the S13 chassis have been often called “200SX” regardless of coming with a CA18DET inventory engine.
Technically, the 180SX, 200SX, and 240SX are an identical automotive fashions constructed on the S13 chassis however they got here with totally different engines. As you’ve most likely observed, each the 180SX and 240SX are named in reference to the engine used: the 180SX was initially fitted with a CA(18)DET engine, and the 240SX was initially powered by a KA(24)E engine.
Discover the engine codes coincide with the names?
Anyway, the Nissan 240SX was launched to North America in 1989 and it was out there in a coupe and hatchback physique kinds.
It was later in 1991 that Nissan determined to replace the North American 240SX and the Japanese S13 Silvia/180SX engines. The Nissan 240SX was upgraded with a DOHC (twin overhead cam) KA24DE engine, whereas the Nissan S13 Silvia/180SX was revised with a 2 liter SR20DE (naturally aspirated) and SR20DET engines.
Nevertheless, the European 200SX mannequin didn’t obtain an engine replace.
Sadly, the manufacturing of the 240SX constructed on the S13 chassis was discontinued in 1994 for the American market. Equally, the European S13 200SX was discontinued in 1993. However in Japan, the S13 platform was so standard that the 180SX was offered till 1998.
The Second Generation (S14 Chassis): 1994 – 1998
What’s the distinction between the S13 and the S14 chassis? Each the S13 and S14 chassis are excellent for drifting, however the latter is stiffer and heavier with a greater suspension geometry.
Nevertheless, the S13 chassis is smaller and lighter and it’s attainable to stiffen it up and make it barely higher than the S14 chassis.
After the S13 240SX was discontinued within the U.S, Nissan went again to the drafting board and changed the S13 chassis with an S14 chassis. The S14 240SX was launched in 1994 because the 1995 mannequin, however solely a coupe variant with no pop-up headlights was out there.
In truth, Nissan redesigned the S14 240SX to the purpose most components weren’t interchangeable with the S13 240SX. Nevertheless, the S14 240SX nonetheless used the identical 2.4 liters DOHC KA24DE engine that was fitted within the S13 240SX.
In Japan, the Silvia constructed on the S14 chassis was additionally launched; though it debuted a bit bit earlier in 1993. The S14 Silvia physique model was revised to make it decrease and wider than the earlier technology.
On high of that, Nissan up to date the SR20DET engine fitted within the S14 Silvia with a variable timing cam and a bigger turbocharger.
Nissan went on to fabricate the North American S14 240SX and Japanese S14 Silvia till 1998. Regardless of that, Nissan produced the KA24DE engine till 2004.
The Third Technology (S15 Chassis): 1999 – 2002
Nissan launched the S15 Silvia in 1999 and it was offered in Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. Sadly, it was by no means made out there in North America.
The S15 Silvia was designed with a coupe and convertible physique model. It was additionally fitted with an SR20DE or SR20DET engine similar to the earlier technology; though the ability within the S15 Silvia engine was extra bumped up.
In distinction, the S15 chassis is stiffer and heavier with barely higher efficiency than the S14 and S13 chassis; particularly when you’re driving the
S15 Silvia coupe Aero variant with the rear wing and facet skirts.
As historical past goes, the final Nissan Silvia was manufactured in August 2002.
Nissan 180SX, 200SX, 240SX, and Silvia Specs: S13 – S15
| Mannequin | S13 240SX | 180SX / Silvia | 200SX | S14 240SX | S14 Silvia | S15 Silvia |
| Engine | KA24E KA24DE | CA18DE CA18DET SR20DE SR20DET | CA18DET | KA24DE | SR20DET | SR20DE SR20DET |
| 12 months of Manufacturing | 1989 – 1994 | 1988 – 1998 | 1989 – 1993 | 1994 – 1998 | 1993 – 1998 | 1999 – 2002 |
| Structure | Entrance engine, Rear wheel drive | Entrance engine, Rear wheel drive | Entrance engine, Rear wheel drive | Entrance engine, Rear wheel drive | Entrance engine, Rear wheel drive | Entrance engine, Rear wheel drive |
| Capability | 2.4 L | 1.8 – 2 L | 1.8 L | 2.4 L | 2 L | 2 L |
| Energy | 140 – 155 hp | 132 – 205 hp | 166 hp | 155 hp | 220 hp | 250 hp |
| Torque | 152 – 160 lb-ft | 117 – 203 lb-ft | 168 lb-ft | 160 lb-ft | 203 lb-ft | 220 lb-ft |
| Gearbox | 5 pace manual4 pace computerized | 5 pace manual4 pace computerized | 5 pace manual4 pace computerized | 5 pace manual4 pace computerized | 5 pace manual4 pace computerized | 5 pace manual6 pace manual4 pace computerized |
| Weight | 2,601-2,698 lb | 2,601-2,698 lb | 2,698 lb | 2,762 lb | 2,762 lb | 2,646-3,197 lb |
Nissan 180SX, 200SX, 240SX, and Silvia Inventory Engine Information: S13 – S15
CA18DE/CA18DET Engine
The CA18DE inventory engine was utilized in S13 Nissan Silvia from 1988 to 1991. It’s a 1.8 liter naturally aspirated DOHC 16V gasoline engine with an output of 132 hp at 6400 rpm and 117 lb-ft of torque at 5200 rpm.
Its cylinder head is made out of aluminum whereas the cylinder block is forged iron with a five-bearing assist system. It additionally comes with a multiport gasoline injection system.
Then again, the CA18DET engine was fitted in Japanese 180SX and European 200SX. Nevertheless, it’s a 1.8 liter turbocharged DOHC engine with 4 valves per cylinder. In truth, it’s just like the naturally aspirated CA18DE engine besides that it was upgraded with a Garrett T25 turbocharger to enhance the airflow and an intercooler to scale back gasoline consumption; though some items didn’t include an intercooler.
The CA18DET engine model with out the intercooler is able to producing 143 hp at 6400 rpm and 148 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. But when it’s the CA18DET engine model with the intercooler, you must rise up to 173 hp at 6400 rpm and 166 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Here’s a breakdown of the engine code:
CA: Engine household
18: 1.8 liter displacement
D: DOHC (Twin Overhead Camshaft)
E: Digital gasoline injection
T: Turbocharged
CA18DE/ CA18DET Engine Specs
Configuration: Inline 4
Displacement: 1,809 cc
Cylinder block alloy: Forged iron
Valvetrain: DOHC (4 valves per cylinder)
Piston stroke: 83.6 mm
Cylinder bore: 83.0 mm
Compression ratio: 10.0.1 (CA18DE) | 8.5.1 (CA18DET)
Energy output: 132 hp (CA18DE) | 143 hp – 173 hp (CA18DET)
Torque output: 117 lb-ft (CA18DE) | 148 lb-ft – 166 lb-ft (CA18DET)
Gasoline sort: Gasoline
Weight: 249 lbs (CA18DE) | 282 lbs (CA18DET)
Oil change interval: 3500 miles
Engine oil capability: 3.6 l (with oil filter) | 3.2 l (with out oil filter)
Beneficial engine oil: 10W-30| 20W-40 |20W-50
CA18DE/ CA18DET Tuning Potential
To start with, when you have a inventory CA18DE engine and also you wish to enhance the ability, you must first make it degree with the turbocharged CA18DET engine. Meaning you must contemplate updating it with a single Garrett T25 turbocharger and an intercooler.
In any other case, when you have a turbocharged CA18DET engine, it’s attainable to change the engine and obtain over 250 hp. We’ve even seen aggressively modified CA18DET engines which have made 690 hp, however that might require rebuilding the engine on stronger solid internals.
Anyway, if you wish to modify the CA18DET engine, we advocate you add the next components in three levels:
Stage 1: Sports activities exhaust, lighter flywheel, panel air filter and remap.
Stage 2: Gasoline pump upgrades, quick highway camshafts, high-flow gasoline injectors, sport clutch, ported and polished head, upgraded intercooler.
Stage 3: Engine balancing, bigger turbocharger, solid pistons, competitors camshafts, and stronger gearbox.
Because the CA18DET engine is thought for constant sturdy torque and its means to spool sooner at decrease RPMs, it’s vital that you just tune the engine to ship a flat torque curve.
CA18DE/ CA18DET Widespread Issues
The CA18DET is a really dependable engine and so long as you don’t skip upkeep, you possibly can surpass over 200,000 miles with out doing any main repairs. Nevertheless, we advocate the next upkeep checks to keep away from severe and costly issues along with your CA18DET engine:
- Should you’ve modified the engine to enhance the efficiency, just remember to regulate the engine water temperature to maintain it cool.
- After you’ve tuned the engine, improve the gasoline pumps and use higher-octane gasoline to stop knocking or detonation.
- Be sure to change the timing belt/cambelt after each 55,000 to 60,000 miles. When you changing the timing belt, it could be a good suggestion to additionally change the water pump, tensioner, thermostat, loafer pulley, and AUX belts.
- Don’t neglect to alter the engine oil, coolant, and transmission fluid on schedule as really useful.
SR20DE/ SR20DET Engine
It’s a disgrace the SR20DET engine was by no means launched in North America. Nevertheless, it was used within the S13 Nissan 180SX, S14 Nissan Silvia, and S15 Nissan Silvia after the CA18DET was shelved. How good is it? Straight out of the manufacturing unit, the SR engine had higher efficiency than the CA and KA engines.
To be particular, the SR20DE is a naturally aspirated 2 liter DOHC (twin overhead camshaft) gasoline engine with a multi-point gasoline injection system that’s able to as much as 162 hp at 6400 rpm and 141 lb-ft of torque at 4800 rpm. Each the cylinder head and block are made out of aluminum which helps to scale back the load.
The SR20DET is the turbocharged model of the SR20DE engine. To interrupt it down, there are 4 generations of the SR20DET.
The S13 Purple Prime
The primary technology variant is called the ‘purple high’ SR20DET’ engine and it was constituted of 1991 to 1993. It could actually produce 205 hp at 6000 rpm and 203 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.
The S13 Black Prime
The ‘black high’ SR20DET was utilized in S13 180SX from 1994 to 1998. It’s not so totally different from the ‘purple high’ SR20DET engine. In truth, the horsepower and torque remained the identical; 205 hp at 6000 rpm and 203 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.
The S14 Black Prime
The S14 ‘black high’ SR20DET got here with the Nissan Silvia from 1993 to 1998. It was up to date with a variable cam timing, ECU software program, 370cc injectors, oxygen sensors, strengthened pistons, and a much bigger Garrett T28 turbocharger. This model can produce 220 hp at 6,000 rpm and 203 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm.
The S15 Black Prime
The S15 ‘black high’ SR20DET was launched within the S15 Nissan Silvia from 1999 to 2002. It was designed with a variable cam timing similar to the earlier technology however the consumption manifold was upgraded. It’s additionally outfitted with a six-speed gearbox and 480cc gasoline injectors.
Nevertheless, the S15 ‘black high’ SR20DET is dearer and tough to seek out in comparison with different SR variants but it surely has the most effective efficiency stats. It’s able to 250 hp at 6,400 rpm and 220 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm.
Here’s a breakdown of the engine code:
SR: Engine household
20: 2.0 liter displacement
D: DOHC (Twin Overhead Camshaft)
E: Digital gasoline injection
T: Turbocharged
SR20DE/ SR20DET Engine Specs
Configuration: Inline 4
Displacement: 1,998 cc
Cylinder block alloy: Aluminium
Valvetrain: DOHC (4 valves per cylinder)
Piston stroke: 86.0 mm
Cylinder bore: 86.0 mm
Compression ratio: 8.5.1
Energy output: 162 hp (SR20DE) | 205 hp – 250 hp (SR20DET)
Torque output: 141 lb-ft (SR20DE) | 203 lb-ft – 220 lb-ft (SR20DET)
Gasoline sort: Gasoline
Weight: 306 lbs (SR20DE) | 400 lbs (SR20DET)
Oil change interval: 3000 – 6000 miles
Engine oil capability: 3.4 l (with oil filter) | 3.2 l (with out oil filter)
Beneficial engine oil: 5W-30 | 10W-30| 20W-40 | 20W-50
SR20DE/ SR20DET Tuning Potential
How a lot energy are you able to enhance out of the SR engine? Effectively, it is dependent upon the SR engine variant. You probably have the naturally aspirated SR20DE inventory engine, you solely must improve it with a Garrett T-25G turbo and enhance 7 psi of stress to provide 205 hp.
However if you wish to modify the SR20DET to attain its peak efficiency, we advocate the next levels:
Stage 1: Improve the engine with a 550 cc gasoline injector, 3-inch efficiency exhaust system, entrance mount intercooler, gasoline stress regulator, blow-off valves, Walbro gasoline pump 280 lph, downpipes, enhance controller, and ECU tuning. This needs to be sufficient to extend the air stress to fifteen psi and produce 320 hp when you have the S13 purple high and black high SR variant with no VCT. Nevertheless, when you have the S14 or S15 black high SR variant, you must produce over 320 hp.
Stage 2: Replace the engine with a much bigger Garrett GT2871R turbocharger, 850 cc/min gasoline injectors, ARP studs, new head gaskets, and JWT S3 camshafts, solid pistons, and new H-beam rods. At this stage, it’s attainable to tune the engine and produce over 400 hp.
Stage 3: Improve the engine with 1000 cc/min gasoline injectors, Garrett GTX3076R turbocharger, bigger valves, and 272/272 camshafts. Additionally, it is advisable add a 2.3 L stroker equipment and do some head porting. At this stage, it’s attainable to attain over 500 hp.
Be aware: The SR20DET can safely deal with 13 to fifteen psi when modified. If you wish to transcend that, you may harm the turbo. Nevertheless, if you wish to take the chance and push greater than 15 psi, it is advisable forge the pistons.
SR20DE/ SR20DET Widespread Issues
The SR engine is dependable with no main mechanical points that have an effect on efficiency. Nevertheless, some fanatics have reported experiencing tough idling which is often brought on by inconsistent gasoline combustion and idle air management valve. Fortuitously, this can be a minor drawback that may be simply fastened.
After all, you will need to use high-quality engine oil and carry out correct upkeep on the engine if you wish to prolong its service life. One other factor; the SR20DET comes with a timing chain that must be changed after 150,000 miles.
KA24E/ KA24DE Engine
When the 240SX was first launched in 1989, it got here with a 2.4 liter single overhead cam KA24E gasoline engine with 3 valves per cylinder. It solely produced 140 hp and 152 lb-ft of torque; it was higher outfitted for low-end torque than excessive revving horsepower. Due to that, most 240SX house owners who have been drifters swapped it with one thing else extra highly effective.
Nevertheless, Nissan introduced the two.4-liter twin overhead camshaft (DOHC) KA24DE gasoline engine within the 1991-1998 240SX; each the S13 and S14 240SX got here with the KA24DE engine. It was an improved engine with 4 valves per cylinder and able to 155 hp at 5,400 rpm and 160 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. Apart from that, the KA24DE engine was designed with higher knock sensors, bigger diameter inlet valves, and a revised oil pickup.
However not every part was modified; the capability remained at 2.4 liter and the cylinder head was made out of forged aluminum, whereas the cylinder block was fabricated from forged iron.
Here’s a breakdown of the engine code:
KA: Engine household
24: 2.4 liter displacement
D: DOHC (Twin Overhead Camshaft)
E: Digital gasoline injection
KA24DE/ KA24DE Engine Specs
Configuration: Inline 4
Displacement: 2389 cc
Cylinder block alloy: Forged iron
Valvetrain: SOHC (3 valves per cylinder) KA24E | DOHC (4 valves per cylinder) KA24DE
Piston stroke: 96 mm
Cylinder bore: 89 mm
Compression ratio: 9.1.1 (KA24E) | 9.5.1 (KA24DE)
Energy output: 140 hp (KA24E) | 155 hp (KA24DET)
Torque output: 152 lb-ft (KA24E) | 160 lb-ft (KA24DE)
Gasoline sort: Gasoline
Weight: 370 lbs
Oil change interval: 3000 – 6000 miles
Engine oil capability: 4.1 l
Beneficial engine oil: 5W-30 | 5W-40| 10W-30 | 10W-40
KA24E/ KA24DE Tuning Potential
Fact be instructed, the American 240SX engine bought the quick finish of the stick in comparison with the 180SX engine that was launched in Japan. For starters, there was no turbocharged model of the KA engine that got here out of the manufacturing unit; in contrast to the SR20DET.
Nonetheless, the KA engine has a much bigger 2.4-liter capability in comparison with the 2-liter capability of the SR engine. Meaning it’s attainable to change a KA24DE engine to ship extra energy than an SR20DET inventory engine. How do you go about that?
Stage 1: Equip the engine with chilly air consumption, 248/248 inventory cams, light-weight flywheel, 2.5-inch straight pipe exhaust system, 4-2-1 header, and an engine management unit. At this stage, the engine continues to be naturally aspirated however you must be capable to achieve at the very least 20 additional horsepower when you modify the ECU.
Stage 2: Replace the engine with cams 272/272, valve springs, VK45DE throttle physique, adjustable cam gears, Xcessive consumption manifold, 370 cc gasoline injectors, and 4-1 header. Additionally, you may do head porting and forge the pistons. This could enhance the KA engine to about 200 horsepower with out turbochargers.
Stage 3: If you wish to construct a KA24DET engine, you must improve it with an SR20 T25 turbocharger, intercooler, 550 cc gasoline injectors, Walbro 255 lph gasoline pump, downpipe, wideband O2 sensor, mass airflow sensors, blow off valve, wastegate, piping equipment, multi-layer metal head gasket, and Clevite rod and primary bearing. On high of that, you must also embody a 3-inch exhaust system and an engine management unit.
Should you do it proper, you must inject about 16 psi into the engine which needs to be sufficient to provide about 350 whp.
Stage 4: Should you modify the engine with a much bigger turbocharger and forge the pistons, it’s attainable to attain 500 horsepower on a KA24DET engine. It could even be a good suggestion to put in valve springs, larger valves, and cams 264/264.
Be aware: If you wish to tune a KA24DE engine, we advocate you put in turbochargers. It is because it may very well be dearer to change a naturally aspirated KA24DE motor in comparison with a turbocharged engine.
KA24E/ KA24DE Widespread Issues
The KA24DE is a type of engines that may final virtually eternally so long as you do correct upkeep. Nevertheless, one in all its commonest points is a rattling timing chain after 100,000 miles. Fortuitously, you possibly can simply repair this drawback by changing the timing chain or tensioner. Alternatively, you may strive utilizing a distinct oil grade if it’ll repair the issue.
Past that, many of the upkeep work is not any totally different from some other engine; simply use high-grade oil, do valve changes, and don’t neglect to alter the coolant and transmission fluid as really useful within the person’s handbook.
Conclusion
Consider it like this: the Nissan 180SX, 240SX, and Nissan Silvia are like an identical siblings however with totally different engines below the hood. Since they’re all engineered on the identical S-chassis platform, it doesn’t actually matter which mannequin you decide so long as you’ve bought sufficient energy and torque to have a blast.
What in regards to the engine? Effectively, the SR20DET is essentially the most highly effective inventory engine in comparison with different choices. Then once more, a correctly tuned KA24DET engine may give the SR20DET a run for its cash. So throw the cube and select!
More Stories
240sx Issues
Wideband o2
240sx Distributor Timing