1989 Nissan 240SX Gets LS7 V8 Updrade Under the Hood
If you like both JDM tuner cars and American muscle, this 1989 240SX is the best of both worlds.
1989 Nissan 240SX with LS7 Swap
The Nissan 240SX has a reputation for being a great drift car. But the stock 2.4 four-cylinder is lukewarm at best. Many people buy the 240SX and upgrade the engine. Most of the time they add turbos, swap in a Nissan V6, or even a JDM inline-6 motor. LS swaps are less common. But the previous owner of this 1989 240SX went all out, swapping in a high compression GM LS7 V8!
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S13 Silvia Front End and Koguchi Mods
In addition to the LS7 motor, this 240SX has extensive exterior modifications. Starting with a JDM S13 Silvia front-end conversion, this car has an aggressive Koguchi wide-body kit with flared front and rear fenders. A Chargespeed carbon-fiber vented hood provides clearance and adds cooling for the big motor. The car is painted a custom beige metallic with “Koguchi Power” embossed on the top of the left front fender.
GT Wing and Work S1 Wheels
A low-mount GT wing and Chrome-finished 18″ three-piece Work S1 wheels add to the aggressive stance. The look is balanced with slender Ganador side mirrors. Origin tail lights refinished in red and D-MAX clear side markers refinished in amber provide a subtle offset to the aggressive bodywork. Upfront the G-Corporation clear headlights have an HID conversion. The lights all look period correct to the Silvia while providing great visibility.
Drift-Worthy Suspension with Nissan Upgrades
The suspension underwent a Nissan five-lug hub conversion including Z32 front and rear brakes. Driftworks front and rear drop knuckles and PBM coilovers lowered the car from its stock ride height. The front crossmember was modified for more steering rack angle. Battle Version rear upper control arms, toe arms, and rear traction rods help plant the massive power, keeping the back end stable while sliding around a tight track.
Inside the Cabin is All Business
The cabin features a Sparco Evol L driver’s seat with a Takata six-point racing harness. A welded-in roll cage adds additional stiffness while providing safety. The stock passenger seat was retained but the rear seats were removed. A full set of aftermarket gauges and switches sit within the driver's reach and line of sight. A Key's Racing wheel and MGW short throw shifter add to the all-business nature of the cabin.
The Rebuilt LS7 Is a High Compression Beast
The LS7 V8 was rebuilt and has a 12.5:1 compression ratio. Diamond pistons rings coupled with forged connecting rods and crankshaft provide a stout platform producing over 600 horsepower. A Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission is more than up to the task of sending power to the rear wheels. In back, a Z33 differential with two-way limited-slip differential channels that power to the road.
The Ultimate 240SX Drift Missile
Not everyone is a fan of the JDM scene or drifting. Likewise, not everyone is a fan of LS motors. But if there was ever a car to combine the two, it's the Nissan 240SX. It lives in the center of that Venn diagram. And if you like JDM tuner cars and American muscle, this 1989 240SX is the best of both worlds.
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