The Nissan 240SX Coupe (S14) with the 2.4-liter KA24DE engine producing 155 horsepower was a key model in Nissan’s lineup from 1994 to 1998. Positioned as a sporty and affordable coupe, the S14 240SX represented the third generation of the 240SX, following the S12 (1984-1988) and S13 (1989-1993) models. It was built on Nissan’s S platform, known for its rear-wheel-drive configuration and focus on driving dynamics. The S14 aimed to appeal to enthusiasts seeking a customizable and engaging driving experience, particularly within the burgeoning sport compact car scene of the 1990s.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Nissan |
| Model | 240SX |
| Generation | 240SX Coupe (S14) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.4 (155 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1994 |
| End of production | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.7 l/100 km (22 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8.4 l/100 km (28 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 155 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 64.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 217 Nm @ 4400 rpm (160.05 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | KA24DE |
| Engine displacement | 2389 cm3 (145.79 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 96 mm (3.78 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.8 l (4.02 US qt | 3.34 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.9 l (7.29 US qt | 6.07 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1249 kg (2753.57 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space | 244 l (8.62 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal | 14.3 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 454 kg (1000.9 lbs.) |
| Length | 4501 mm (177.2 in.) |
| Width | 1730 mm (68.11 in.) |
| Height | 1295 mm (50.98 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2525 mm (99.41 in.) |
| Front track | 1481 mm (58.31 in.) |
| Rear track | 1471 mm (57.91 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 9.6 m (31.5 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 252 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 258 mm |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front: 195/60 R15; 205/55 R16, Rear: 195/60 R15; 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | Front: 6J x 15; 6.5J x 16, Rear: 6J x 15; 6.5J x 16 |
Introduction
The 1994-1998 Nissan 240SX Coupe (S14) with the 2.4-liter KA24DE engine and five-speed manual transmission was the mainstay of the S14 lineup in North America. While a smaller 1.6L engine was available in other markets, the 2.4L was the primary offering for US buyers. The S14 represented a significant evolution over the S13, featuring more rounded styling, improved interior refinement, and enhanced chassis rigidity. It quickly gained a reputation as a capable and affordable platform for both street driving and competitive motorsports, particularly drifting and road racing.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the S14 240SX was the KA24DE, a 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder engine. This engine was a naturally aspirated, dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design with four valves per cylinder. It utilized multi-port fuel injection, delivering precise fuel metering for improved efficiency and performance. The KA24DE was known for its durability and relatively simple design, making it a popular choice for modifications. The engine produced 155 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 160 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm. The five-speed manual transmission provided a direct and engaging driving experience, with gear ratios optimized for both acceleration and highway cruising. The transmission was a robust unit, capable of handling the engine’s output and the stresses of spirited driving.
Driving Characteristics
The S14 240SX with the 2.4L engine and manual transmission offered a balanced driving experience. While not exceptionally quick in a straight line, the car excelled in corners thanks to its rear-wheel-drive layout and well-tuned suspension. The KA24DE provided adequate power for everyday driving and enthusiastic weekend excursions. The five-speed manual transmission allowed drivers to fully exploit the engine’s powerband, offering precise control over gear selection. Compared to the later, more powerful SE models, the base 240SX offered a more accessible and affordable entry point into the sport coupe market. It lacked the aggressive styling and performance upgrades of the SE, but provided a solid foundation for customization. The gear ratios were fairly standard for the time, with first gear geared for quick acceleration and fifth gear for comfortable highway cruising.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The base S14 240SX came standard with features such as air conditioning, power steering, power disc brakes, and a basic audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a straightforward dashboard layout. Optional extras included a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and alloy wheels. The interior, while functional, was not particularly luxurious, reflecting the car’s affordable price point. The focus was on providing a driver-centric environment with clear instrumentation and easy-to-use controls. The SE trim level added features like a rear spoiler, upgraded suspension, and more aggressive styling cues.
Chassis & Braking
The S14 240SX featured an independent suspension system at all four wheels. The front suspension utilized McPherson struts with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, while the rear suspension employed a multi-link design. This setup provided a good balance of ride comfort and handling precision. Brakes consisted of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. The braking system was adequate for the car’s weight and performance, but could benefit from upgrades for more demanding driving conditions. The chassis was significantly stiffer than the S13, contributing to improved handling and reduced body roll.
Market Reception & Comparison
The S14 240SX was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its handling, affordability, and potential for customization. However, some critics noted that the 2.4-liter engine could feel underpowered compared to some of its competitors. Compared to the higher-spec SE model, the base 240SX offered better fuel economy and a lower purchase price. The 240SX also faced competition from other sport coupes such as the Mazda MX-6, Toyota Celica, and Honda Prelude. In terms of reliability, the KA24DE engine proved to be quite durable, although regular maintenance was essential to prevent issues such as oil leaks and timing chain wear.
Legacy
The Nissan 240SX S14 has become a highly sought-after vehicle in the used car market, particularly among enthusiasts. Its rear-wheel-drive layout, robust engine, and relatively simple design make it an ideal platform for modification and motorsports. The KA24DE engine, while not the most powerful, is known for its reliability and affordability. Today, well-maintained S14 240SX models command a premium price, and the car continues to be a popular choice for drifting, road racing, and street performance applications. The S14’s enduring popularity is a testament to its inherent driving dynamics and its potential for customization, solidifying its place as a modern classic.
