Some of you guys know that I've been wanting to go turbo and have been researching kits for a bit. I got to looking tonight and for some reason got the urge to leave the Z the way it is and get a cheap 240sx for a project. I'm leaning toward this because my truck is tore up and when I get it fixed I'd like to keep the miles down since it was my grandfathers. The only other vehicle I have is a streetbike, so I wouldn't have much in the way of a daily driver if I had the Z as a project. If I decided to get the 240 I'd have the Z as a DD. I was thinking of doing a SR20 red top swap or maybe even an RB25 and a S15 body conversion. I don't know. I'm pretty indecisive and change my mind a lot. What do you guys think? I'm thinking the 240 would make things more practical that way I could DD the Z.

 

won't you do a part build up of your engine run some what conservative boost and daily drive the z with boost?

 

If I do that it will take a decent amount of time to do everything the way I'd want and if something did happen I wouldn't have a back up. And I think I want something to tinker with as a project and take to the track.

 

I've thought very hard about doing an RB25 S15. Especially bc parts are so much cheaper on the 240...I think it would be fun to pull into the driveway in the Z, open the garage, turn a few bolts on the 240, have a couple beers, and just have a project to play around with for a while...

I say go for it!

 

well im from Va, thats so over done here. Do the z, there arnt many turbod z compared to 240's. If something happens, im sure you could find a beater or you have that truck if you really needed transportation.

 

i like both ideas but personally i would go the route of the Zturbo bc not as many ppl have it. plus its like baller status (for me at least) when i see a turbo'd Z

 

I just researched a bit and can't find many 240s in in this area. The ones I found in the s14 bodystyle were running $8-9K, which is more than I wanted to put into a base project car. I was thinking they were a whole lot less than that. Unless I can find one with a blown motor or something cheap I guess I'll just turbo the 350. Either that or mess around with the Z31 I have sitting around.

 

bad choice stay with the Z...hahahahaha jk. good luck

 

get a 510 datsun

 

Turbocharge that sh*t!

 

S13s are fun and easy to work on. Good project car. Easy to go fast. KA-T FTW.

 

If put in the same predicament, I would satisfy my force induction craving with the 240SX utlizing an SR20DET. The RB26DETT as well as the RB25DET are also options though these motors would upset the overall weight distribution of your 240SX making it nose-heavy, not to mention a lot more expensive. If you don't really care, then the RB is definitely something to consider.

Personally, I prefer NA power in the Z. Though a bit more expensive and not nearly enough power compared to a turbo, the sound, feel, and engine response are definitely worth it IMHO.

 

My issue with the RB is that it costs quite a bit just to buy the mounts and driveshaft to drop it in. My next issue is that maintenance/repair on the engine is nuts. If you're a DIY guy, you'll have it a little better, but parts are "rare" and if you aren't a DIY guy, finding someone to work on an RB is going to cost you a bit more cash.

That being sad, RBs are baller, although heavier.

 

I am trying to decide which direction to go in the future also..
The way I figure it, it will cost about 10k to turbo the Z, but it is my daily driver and while fast, will break from time to time...
10k will also buy you an old miata and turbo kit... 250whp on a 2300lb roadster is fun.

 

or 10k in a civic, will eat you, your man hood, and the miata together.

main point - id rather drive a civic, then a miata

 

kill yourself.
OP, go with the 240. You can always boost the Z later, and even though the s is going to turn into a money pit you'll still have a reliable Z. It makes no sense in boosting the Z if you dont have another car to drive around. The down-time will cripple you and you WILL run into problems.

 

I vote for the s-13 too. They are pretty fun cars if built properly.

 

I will never own another WWD (wrong wheel drive) vehicle unless it's strictly for hauling kids and groceries.

And I may be ashamed to say I actually like the '98-'05 body style miata.

 

theyre okay, civic will still destory miata. 10k vs 10k. but who knows what hes looking for in his turbod car..

 

^^^^oh dont start man!!!!