View Poll Results: S13 or S14 for ls1 swap
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Which 240sx for ls1 swap
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2005
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Which 240sx for ls1 swap Okay I am trying to decide on what 240sx to swap an ls1 into the s13 or s14
Now the s13 coupe is the lightest and has more rigidity than its fastback brother. But s13's can fit 245/40/17 front and about 275/35/17 in the rear.
The s14 is a little longer right? Weights more and can fit fatty tires. S14 front 275/40/17 front and 315/?/17 rear.
So which would be a better platform to start off with? S13 or S14
Lets debate
Now the s13 coupe is the lightest and has more rigidity than its fastback brother. But s13's can fit 245/40/17 front and about 275/35/17 in the rear.
The s14 is a little longer right? Weights more and can fit fatty tires. S14 front 275/40/17 front and 315/?/17 rear.
So which would be a better platform to start off with? S13 or S14
Lets debate
I think it also depends a lot on price difference. S13s can be purchased for a fraction of the price an s14 can. S13s are lighter than s14s. Also s13 used parts tend to be cheaper when replacing body panels.
For looks, tough to beat a Kouki S14. And, price is not as big of an issue anymore. Generally, for $2500-$3000 you can find a very clean S14 (Zenki). It's harder and harder to find a really clean and pristine S13 as they are all over 13 years old at this point.
And, the weight difference is negligble...we're only talking 100 lbs. or so.
If it's a project that you're not really going to care about and just throw together, grab an S13 because it is cheaper. If this is something you plan on being meticulous with and keeping for an extended period of time, I say go with whatever you feel looks best as neither has a real clear advantage over the other (both being so similar).
And, the weight difference is negligble...we're only talking 100 lbs. or so.
If it's a project that you're not really going to care about and just throw together, grab an S13 because it is cheaper. If this is something you plan on being meticulous with and keeping for an extended period of time, I say go with whatever you feel looks best as neither has a real clear advantage over the other (both being so similar).
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 314
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Originally Posted by IknowNothings
Okay I am trying to decide on what 240sx to swap an ls1 into the s13 or s14
Now the s13 coupe is the lightest and has more rigidity than its fastback brother. But s13's can fit 245/40/17 front and about 275/35/17 in the rear.
The s14 is a little longer right? Weights more and can fit fatty tires. S14 front 275/40/17 front and 315/?/17 rear.
So which would be a better platform to start off with? S13 or S14
Lets debate
Now the s13 coupe is the lightest and has more rigidity than its fastback brother. But s13's can fit 245/40/17 front and about 275/35/17 in the rear.
The s14 is a little longer right? Weights more and can fit fatty tires. S14 front 275/40/17 front and 315/?/17 rear.
So which would be a better platform to start off with? S13 or S14
Lets debate
I vote for S13 coupe.
Luke
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!!! 
first off. what type of driving are you doing that you think youll need that size tire on any s chassis. even with an ls1. its a beast motor but traction issues arnt that major. not to mention you wont see much difference between 275 and 315 on street composites.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 301
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From: Mobile AL.
i got 255/40/17 and the only traction problems i have is launching from the line and 2nd. 2nd isnt that bad. nothing you cant control. if you want it to spin in 3rd you can make it but traction is no problem from 3rd on. 341hp with LT's.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 21
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Originally Posted by datboibrad
first off. what type of driving are you doing that you think youll need that size tire on any s chassis. even with an ls1. its a beast motor but traction issues arnt that major. not to mention you wont see much difference between 275 and 315 on street composites.
Eveyone that i see autocrossing runs the biggest tire possible
That picture I posted with the s14 with the 315's I belive it was his autocross car.
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 9
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From: Indiana
You can make a really chean S13 for cheap and many people tend to over look S13s, if you are building a sleeper. I can post pics of my S13 in the next few days, still in the process of waiting for the mounts.
Originally Posted by 574-240sx
You can make a really chean S13 for cheap and many people tend to over look S13s, if you are building a sleeper. I can post pics of my S13 in the next few days, still in the process of waiting for the mounts.
performance between the chassis is negligible, despite wut some hardcore enthusiasts might say. some s14's come w/ 5-lug as no s13's do. money not being an issue. i would choose the one that i like the fit and finish better. some prefer the look of the s13 and some the s14 (still a toss up for me). also, interiors r slightly different. if u dont care either way. i would look for the cleanest of the two w/ the options u desire (sunroof vs no sunroof, 5-lug, p/w, etc). goodluck.
TECH Regular
Joined: Jul 2004
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I now have had both... and it really comes down to whatever you can find, are willing to pay for and seems to fit your budget. you should buy whichever one you can that is in the best condition possible
because the chassis weight is so close between the generations, there isnt any huge benefit to spending a lot on an S13 compared to a similarly equipped S14. it is true that junkyards willl have S13 parts for cheap if you need stuff like interior, glass or body panels so thats a big plus. the longer wheelbase of the S14 is a big plus imho. I always liked the S13 more but that was before I knew it was NOT several hundred pounds lighter. remember it can be $$$ to go 5 lug and it is very hard to find an S13 in great shape.
and its true, you cant deny the kouki s14 is damn wicked.
because the chassis weight is so close between the generations, there isnt any huge benefit to spending a lot on an S13 compared to a similarly equipped S14. it is true that junkyards willl have S13 parts for cheap if you need stuff like interior, glass or body panels so thats a big plus. the longer wheelbase of the S14 is a big plus imho. I always liked the S13 more but that was before I knew it was NOT several hundred pounds lighter. remember it can be $$$ to go 5 lug and it is very hard to find an S13 in great shape.
and its true, you cant deny the kouki s14 is damn wicked.