Revamping a Grandma-Possessed Nissan 240SX into a JDM Fantasy Vehicle

Last year, I acquired what was likely one of the final pristine, unaltered Nissan 240SXs in California. As a Nissan enthusiast and 240SX fanatic, this was my dream-spec vehicle: Aztec Red, dual-cam, manual transmission, pristine dash, black interior. I obtained it from a retired lady who had it for 27 years and maintained meticulous records. She even saved the window sticker and Monroney label from the previous owner before her. I intend to make it uniquely mine—while preserving the car’s integrity.

I’ve been modifying cars for as long as I can remember (forever), and while many will argue I should’ve kept this example stock, that was never on the agenda. Nevertheless, my strategy for this 240 will satisfy my “must-modify” desire while, I believe, keeping both the purists (and me) content.

That said, here was the plan: Recreate the Japanese-spec Kouki 180SX Type X. It’s a mouthful of JDM-geek terminology, but essentially, the 180SX—the Japanese counterpart of our hatchback 240SX—continued production until 1998. In its final years (kouki meaning “later version”), the vehicle was available in a “Type X” configuration that featured a distinctive aero package: a special wing, skirts, and various other details.

To cater to my purist inclination, I aimed to source all OEM parts or OEM-quality alternatives. Keep in mind, much of this gear is nearly 30 years old, frequently used and worn, or BNIB/NOS, and very pricey. Nonetheless, the quest began.

Fortunately, the initial batch of components was procured fairly easily. A friend of a friend had all the taillight components brand new from Nissan, an OEM wing, and replica side skirts from the well-regarded DorkiDori brand.

Next, I focused on all the front-end components. It’s surprisingly intricate, not just a bumper. There are side extensions, multiple lights, an emblem, various brackets, and a lip to significantly enhance the appearance. Oh, and you will need conversion wiring harnesses to operate all those lights, plus conversion brackets to attach U.S. license plates since Japanese plates have varying bolt spacing.

Regarding the bumper itself, I found a new OEM unit with extensions from someone on Facebook Marketplace who coincidentally was the cousin of a close friend. It’s always great meeting fellow enthusiasts who share the same niche interests through online part exchanges. Conversations turn into friendships rather than mere transactions. The remainder of the components I ordered were brand-new from outlets like Z1 and Enjuku.

During the parts hunt, I located a set of original 180SX wheels on Yahoo Auctions Japan and imported them through my friend Jacob at Shock the Mob, who specializes in bringing Japanese car components to the United States. Unfortunately, tariffs caused some delays, resulting in a waiting game. Thankfully, I won the auction, and ultimately they did arrive.

In the meantime: Paint. I contacted ACG Mobile Paint in San Diego after admiring their work at a nearby cars and coffee event.

The paint match? Spot on. Finally, I had what felt like 50 parts (including all the minor stuff) laid out on the floor—perfectly matched and ready to transform my car from docile to JDM AF. Sixteen-year-old me was thrilled. I called up my car pals, grabbed some drinks and pizza, and we began the install. It was one of those garage nights filled with laughter, problem-solving, and small accomplishments along the way. Over the next few days, we got everything to fit: Front end one day, sides another, rear and wing the next. After much measuring, mounting, and drilling, my vision was 99% complete. All that remained were those elusive wheels still in a container from Japan.

For months, I cruised around on the stock steelies with teardrop-style hubcaps but maintained project momentum by concentrating on other aspects, like the interior and additional visual enhancements.

Inside, I replaced the stock S13 seats with comfier S14 seats. Sourcing from another S-chassis, I installed a leather shift knob from an S15 Silvia in place of the cracked and rubbery stock S13 one. In addition to enhancing exterior looks with a body kit, I focused on finer details: tint and PDR. Both are subtle adjustments that significantly elevate the car’s overall aesthetic. The tint not just keeps things cooler inside (the A/C still isn’t operational yet), but it also aids in preventing the dash from cracking. Plus, I appreciate how the dark tint complements the black trim on the 240SX’s hatch and rear windows.

Mechanically, the vehicle holds extensive maintenance records, but assuming nothing will go awry with something this old would be naive. The first issue that arose was a loss of clutch feel. I replaced the master and slave cylinders, only to find the issue persisted. Then I discovered that the 240SX has a clutch damper situated between the master and slave, which typically fails. I eliminated that and was back on the road. Subsequently, my stock radiator failed, so I decided to upgrade to a Koyorad. No mechanical problems since!

In terms of performance, I knew I wanted more sound from the vehicle, so an exhaust was unavoidable. Whether any aftermarket exhaust enhances power on a stock 2.4L KA24 is debatable, but that didn’t concern me. I simply craved more character. At the same time, I wanted to maintain a stock appearance, so the most discreet, cost-effective, and reputable option I found was the HKS Sport exhaust. It was a direct bolt-on, and the fun factor of my car increased noticeably.

Finally, I received the message: “Your wheels have arrived,” said Jacob from Shock the Mob. I drove to Corona, CA, to meet up with my longtime friend and collect the final segment of my automotive puzzle. The following day, I had fresh tires mounted, and we were ready to roll.

At last, this was it. One year later, the vision was realized: a stock 240SX converted into a fully-kitted 180SX Type-X replica with mostly OEM components. Taking it to the next level would entail sourcing additional pieces like 180SX seats or an SR20DET engine, but for now, I deem this phase complete. Still, I’m always pursuing more, as endeavors like this are never truly complete. Since writing, I’ve located rare OEM skirts to replace the replica fiberglass ones currently on the vehicle. Additionally, I’ve acquired a collection of suspension components that will debut in V2. For now, I’ll be driving the heck out of it in its current form, possibly finding a track day to participate in, and keeping myself occupied planning this car’s next evolution.

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