Monday, December 22, 2014

Motor Trend Channel 1993 Nissan 240SX: The Craigslist Blue Light Special Build

On this episode of Ignition, Carlos Lago tests a 20-year-old Nissan that we bought off Craigslist. With 155-hp, this 240SX might be the slowest car we've ever featured, and yet we can't stop grinning while driving it. Why? A quote from an old issue of Motor Trend might provide a hint, where we call it, "one of the best handling cars currently on the road". This week, we find out if that's still the case.


On this episode, Carlos gets back behind the wheel of the craigslisted 240SX, so he can start deconstructing and then reconstructing the car using all new, high quality parts.The process isn't as simple as it seems, however, because the car first has to make a trip to K&N dyno house in Riverside, and then make it all the way back to the garage in El Segundo. After one busted cylinder, a seized caliper, and a couple of other hiccups, will any of the new modifications even be worth it? Stay tuned to find out.

On this episode of Ignition, we're starting where we left off with our 1993 Nissan 240SX, by finishing the brakes and upgrading nearly the entire suspension system. Also being installed are Recaro seats and a wide body kit to clear the massive wheels and tires we installed last time. Finally, we get the Nissan firing on all cylinders and test it to see how much a difference the new parts have made.


It’s happening! On this episode of Ignition, Carlos Lago and Mark Lenardon finally do what they’ve been talking about for so long: Install a Chevy E-Rod LS3 and T56 Super Magnum into our 240SX. Our CARB legal setup (that’s right, it’s street legal) makes 430 horsepower and 424 lb.-ft. of torque. What’s even better is that it doesn’t change the weight balance of the car. This episode starts with the install of the driveline, continues with a drive on the road and a visit to the test track so we can see the improvements, and ends with a shakedown run by Randy Pobst at Streets of Willow race track. How will the car perform? Watch and find out!