1989-1994 “S13″ Info

The first generation of the 240SX can be divided into two distinct variants: Zenki (otherwise known as the pignose) and Chūki (otherwise known as the strawberry face). Each of these variants came in two distinct styles: hatchback (base and SE) and coupe (base, SE, and XE). The coupe was closely related to the Japanese-market Silvia. It differed, however, in that it featured the same front bodywork as the Japanese-market Nissan 180SX, instead of the front bodywork found on the Japanese-market S13 Silvia. The hatchback (commonly confused with a fastback) was closely related to the Japanese-market 180SX. The two styles share the same chassis, and with few exceptions, most components and features are identical. Notably, Nissan marketing and documentation almost exclusively used the term “fastback” in relation to the hatchback model. However, due to differences of the hinge location, the car is technically not a true fastback, though it is frequently mistaken for such.

The Zenki (前期, lit. preceding period) was sold under model years 1989 through 1990. It was powered by a 140 hp (105 kW) 2.4-litre SOHC KA24E engine with 3 valves per cylinder instead of the 1.8-litre DOHC CA18, with no turbocharged engine available in the United States. Four-wheel disc brakes were standard, with antilock brakes as an option on the SE. Both models were offered with either a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. Coupes offered a Head-Up Display showing a digital speedometer as part of the optional Power Convenience Group.

Facelifted first generation Nissan 240SX coupe

The Chūki (中期, lit. middle period) was available from model years 1991 to 1994. This gave the car an overhaul that included mostly minor body modifications and an upgrade to the engine. The Zenki front bumper was replaced by a smoother, more modern-looking bumper, and a new (LE) hatchback trim package was added that included leather interior. The SOHC KA24E was replaced by a new DOHC KA24DE with 4 valves per cylinder that produced 15 more hp, for a total output of 155 hp (116 kW). An optional sports package including a limited slip differential and Nissan’s HICAS four wheel steering was added to the hatchback. In 1992, a convertible body style was added to the lineup. It was exclusive to North America and was partially assembled in Japan, with final assembly taking place in the California facilities of American Specialty Cars (ASC).

For the 1994 model year, the only available car was a Special Edition of the Convertible body style with a 4-speed automatic transmission.

The S13 was known for its sharp steering/handling (thanks to front MacPherson struts and a rear multilink suspension) and relatively light weight (2700 lb) but was regarded in the automotive press as being underpowered. The Nissan KA24E engine, while durable, was a heavy, iron-block unit that produced meager power for its size, with only slight improvement when upgraded to the DOHC version. This engine is the main difference between North America’s 240SX and world-market Silvia/180SX.