Category240sx Build Journals

Project 240sx Final Build (Part 1 – Chassis)

Welcome to the chassis build of project 240sx. The following photos document the complete gutting and restoration of project 240sx to include roll cage installatio0n as well as painting of the inside, outside and underside of the chassis. Simply scroll down to view the images or jump straight to the Gallery. Prep The bare s13 chassis sitting on the garage floor. In order to separate the sheet...

Project 240SX Overhaul Journal (Day 26)

Related Links Project 240sx Overhaul Journal Index Day 26 and there are a lot of miscellaneous things creeping up. First, I am making a few changes to the oil system in the cylinder head of the CA18DET. Below are a few random pics and I will follow this up with a full guide that explains the method and reason to add this feature the CA18DET. (I am swamped right now so expect to see this in 2 to 3...

Project 240SX Overhaul Journal (Day 25)

Related Links Project 240sx Overhaul Journal Index Day 25: I used my new powder coating gun to powder coat the valve covers, front engine cover and the thermostat housing. Also, new hard lines have been run from the 2 valve cover vents to a common T which will then route to an oil catch can. Smaller lines are used on the vents as I will be adding a rear oil drain to the head which will reduce the...

Project 240sx Overhaul Journal (Day 24)

Related Links Project 240sx Overhaul Journal Index I had a change of heart on the exhaust routing and fabricated a new downpipe/uppipe that utilizes the RSR exhaust.  The exhaust now routes along the stock path and retains the high flow catco 3in catalyst.  2-1/2in pipe runs from the turbo a 3in section where the exhaust and wastegate gasses merge.  This should help quite things down and flow...

Project 240sx Overhaul Journal (Day 23)

Related Links Project 240sx Overhaul Journal Index Things are starting to wind down with project 240sx and as any project builder knows, a bunch of miscellaneous things are starting to crop up. Recently, a mount to secure the throttle cable on the top mount manifold was fabricated as well as new radiator lines for the new 3in core, custom hard lines for valve cover venting and a new downpipe that...

Project 240sx Overhaul Journal (Day 22)

Related Links Project 240sx Overhaul Journal Index Things are finally starting to come together. The charge pipe has been painted to prevent corrosion and the BOV has been recirculated to the new air intake that draws air from outside the engine bay. Also, the valve cover vents have been rerouted to the new oil catch can and a Nissan UK oil cooler has been added to the block. I found it as the...

Project 240sx Overhaul Journal (Day 21)

Related Links

Project 240sx Overhaul Journal Index

Day 21:  A smoother charge pipe was created that includes the SSQV BOV. The inside was also sandblasted and smoothed to ensure maximum airflow.

Project 240sx Overhaul Journal (Day 20)

Related Links

Project 240sx Overhaul Journal Index

Today, the new turbo manifold was modified and installed and then a rough charge pipe was created for testing purposes. Also note the compressor blade on the turbo. This close picture is going to be used as a before image to test the wear on the wheel for pre turbo water injection.

Project 240sx Overhaul Journal (Day 19)

Related Links Project 240sx Overhaul Journal Index How does 2 feet of boost piping from the turbo to throttle body sound? That is exactly what I am doing to project 240sx by adding an over the top intake manifold from a Nissan Pulsar. Since the CA18DET will use water injection as its only form of intercooling, the boost pipe can be made as short and direct as possible. And in this case, the...

Project 240sx Overhaul Journal (Day 17)

Related Links Project 240sx Overhaul Journal Index Today I retrofitted a marine type oil cooler onto the CA18DET.  This type of cooler transfers heat from the oil to the coolant system by installing inline of the cold outlet line on the radiator.  Since my car has more than enough cooling with a colder thermostat and the koyo radiator, this system should work really well in keeping the oil...

Project 240sx Overhaul Journal (Day 16)

Related Links Project 240sx Overhaul Journal Index Today a new battery box was fabbed. I originally placed it on the frame rail but the clearances were a little too tight. It was relocated to the factory position. I also made a new mounting bracket for the liquid intercooler and went ahead and plumbed the heat exchanger back it. I plan on running this system for intercooling until I get the water...

Project 240sx Overhaul Journal (Day 15)

Related Links

Project 240sx Overhaul Journal Index

With the engine reinstalled, I reinstalled the intake manifold and accessories as well as the wiring harness. A new radiator complete with an internal oil cooler was also thrown in for good measure.

About the Author:

Chris Simmons is a race car driver, instructor, business owner and all around gearhead. His passion for motorsport started in the drifting community and progressed into wheel to wheel racing of all kinds. When off track Chris can be found training and working on a myriad of projects. After a hiatus from writing, he is back to share his passion, knowledge and experience in regard to motorsports on and off the track.

Full Site Nav

Follow Me