Originally Posted by slugg
yea so... performance wise, how do the stock SOHC (89-94) engines compare to the DOHC (95+) engines? Also, how reliable does a 240sx get? Any idea how many miles it can take before it starts to die? I'm considering a 240sx as my first car, so I'd like to know.
Sorry if these questions come off as "stupid", but If you wouldnt mind helping me out, I'd greatly appreciate it.
SOHC = 89+90. DOHC=91+. The 89-94 years indicate the S13 240 model (i.e. the one's with pop-up lights). The 95-98 years indicate the S14 240 model.
Basically any engine can last if you treat it right. With my experience as well as many others, the KA will probably outlive us. My '91 has 130k on it and it runs perfectly fine. Some have 200k+ and are still tracking them with no ill-effects. Mine has ran with too much oil, not enough oil, overheating. And it still runs like a champ. So mileage on a KA isn't really a big deal, plus KA's are so cheap, you could probably haggle one for practically free off of one of the SR20 owners.
Hope that helps ya.