Looking for a car..

[kloterville]

Hey guys,
Basically I want to get a drift car. Should I get something already upgraded or do you think I should just start from scratch? I have been looking at some 240's and reading some on the forums here. I see s14, s13, etc. What does that mean? And what should I look for specifically in buying one. Is a certain year "better" than the other?

I honestly am a computer geek, not an auto mechanic. I am not opposed to working on my car - my dad and brother are both gearheads. I do want something that is a daily driver and reliable.

Thanks, hope these aren't too noobish for yall. Right now im just goin out in the rain in my 95 accord lol - ebrakin' it fa show

[pimpn132]

240 with LS9 BOOST V-TECH AND NAWSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
thats the recipe for for drifting
but seriously do alot of researching and reading before going and buying something you are very lost

[cptsanders]

yes start from strach if your going to try and drift. start off small than once you get the hang of that go with turbo engine either sr-20 or ka-t, those are the commonly used engines to drift with. or if you dont have nuff cash for that get a welded diff and get used to that than save up for the engine work. but as for what you need. go with basic 240. either s13 (89-94) or s14 (95-98?) and get suspension work done so theres no body roll, prolly get different seats, and the welded diff. those 3 things are prolly the best things to start you off drifting. good luck with whatever you do. and feel free to ask any questions you have

[kloterville]

yeah the more i think about it, i think im going to start from scratch.

I do have some money saved up, but i dont really plan on dumping it all into a car. for suspension work, about how much would i be lookin at paying? also welded diff.?

[cptsanders]

id go for cheat car. look in nissan for sale. theres a lot of nice ones there. suspension work, it really depends on what you get. can be 500 up to prolly 1500. but once agian, nissan for sale. and welded diff, basically it spins both rear tires instead of just back left one, so its easier to kick out the back end and therefore easier to drift with

[angelgoya]

if you are going to get a S13 try to get one from 91 to 94 since it has a DOCH engine which i think is better than a SOCH. google it if you dont know what it mean. suspensions start around $900(coilovers) and the welded diff idk maybe $200, and make sure the car is manual, btw it took me about 10 months just to buy the right one. so take your time and dont rush it, cuz then you are going to regret it, trust me, it happened to me with my first car. good luck
ps if you have any more questions goolge them and if you cant find what you are looking for then ask us. lol

[box240mod]

sohc = single over head cam. about ~120hp stock and usually have more miles on them since its a 89-90
dohc = dual over head cam, about ~150hp stock and less miles 91-98.

s13 chassis from 89-94 models, there is coupe and fastback versions
s14 chassis from 95-98, only coupes but the front end differs some in 97-98 and personally i think looks better than 95-96.

things to get first-
get the car in sound mechanical working state. make sure all steering components and such are healthy and the car runs smooth. check all fluids and spark plugs etc... tune up.

suspension kyb agx shocks and eibach sportline springs are good starters (around 600 total or less, coilovers are better and more adjustable but they start at 900 and just get higher but you dont have to get coilovers)

strut tower bars - generic set for your car around 80$, helps stiffen car and get better steering response.

welded diff - you car comes with an open diff, meaning only one wheel gets power and it shifts back and forth depending on the turn/where the weight of the car is currently. its possible to drift with it but it sucks. welded is when someone takes the gears out and welds them in a certain way so they force both wheels to move together ALL THE TIME. this is dangerous for street driving in the rain (tends to drift almost on its own) but it is worlds better for drifting. LSD is a limited slip differential and is the 'best option' but it is over 10x the price of paying someone to weld your original diff.

if you can take you time and find a car, cost of car +50(welded diff) +600(suspension) +80(strut tower) you can have a decent car to learn with for 2500 or less.

[kloterville]

thanks for the replies, good stuff.