As long as the Vette stays in the family!
I know this sounds crazy, but...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 491
Likes: 2
From: AZ
I know this sounds crazy, but...
I'm very close to getting another 240sx and giving the vette to the wife. I had a 240 a while back, and I really loved the car. It was a rust bucket, so I only kept it a little while. Compared to a C5, the 240 just feels "pure". Much better steering feel and chassis feedback.
Power-wise, a stock 240 is crap. But there are a lot of engine options for the car. You can go with the popular sr20, which can easily make high 300s, rev over 8k rpm and keep the vehicle wight under 2700lbs. I can also get one with a rb25 (skyline r33/34) or 1/2jz (supra mk3/4). These will put the car in the 500s and be under 3000lbs.
I'm not saying the 240 is better than a C5, just different. No matter what I do, I'm not getting rid of my vette. I'm just feeling the need for a small, light car, and the vette feels big and heavy.
Power-wise, a stock 240 is crap. But there are a lot of engine options for the car. You can go with the popular sr20, which can easily make high 300s, rev over 8k rpm and keep the vehicle wight under 2700lbs. I can also get one with a rb25 (skyline r33/34) or 1/2jz (supra mk3/4). These will put the car in the 500s and be under 3000lbs.
I'm not saying the 240 is better than a C5, just different. No matter what I do, I'm not getting rid of my vette. I'm just feeling the need for a small, light car, and the vette feels big and heavy.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,094
Likes: 3,468
From: Oswego IL
Lots of 240s with LS swaps. Have the best of both worlds! I think a clean S14 240SX with fat rubber and an LS engine would be a badassed ride! 
Of course, I am a former MKIV Supra owner, so I like nice RWD Japanese rides.
Of course, I am a former MKIV Supra owner, so I like nice RWD Japanese rides.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 491
Likes: 2
From: AZ
I definitely don't want a v8 240. I want a high-revving boosted motor. I'm leaning towards a sr20. With upgraded bearings and springs, it can rev to 9k. Solid lifters and a balance, it'll do 10k no problem.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 36
Sounds to me like you bought the wrong car and have buyer's remorse. Just get what you like.
As for the Vette being heavy; I completely disagree. It is very comparable and/or lighter to other premium sports cars. I can go on and on about how well it is designed but the subject has already been beaten to death. You should get a copy of the latest Grassroots Motorsports magazine. They have a whole article on what a great track car a C5 makes. I never thought that the C5 would finally be recognized by that magazine but I guess they are seeing more and more of them kicking *** on the track.
In the end you will end up buying whatever floats your boat. For me, 240SX's are the ugliest cars to ever come out of Japan. If it wasn't for the drifter crowd (and F&F movies), they would've been long gone and buried. I don't even think that they're in the same league as a vette. No offence, just my honest opinion.......
If you were talking about a Supra or NSX, then I would understand completely.
As for the Vette being heavy; I completely disagree. It is very comparable and/or lighter to other premium sports cars. I can go on and on about how well it is designed but the subject has already been beaten to death. You should get a copy of the latest Grassroots Motorsports magazine. They have a whole article on what a great track car a C5 makes. I never thought that the C5 would finally be recognized by that magazine but I guess they are seeing more and more of them kicking *** on the track.
In the end you will end up buying whatever floats your boat. For me, 240SX's are the ugliest cars to ever come out of Japan. If it wasn't for the drifter crowd (and F&F movies), they would've been long gone and buried. I don't even think that they're in the same league as a vette. No offence, just my honest opinion.......
If you were talking about a Supra or NSX, then I would understand completely.
Last edited by Cybermind; Oct 24, 2011 at 06:36 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 835
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles CA
Couldn't help but notice you have modified the engine extensively but have not done anything to the suspension. Have you considered improving the suspension/steering components of the car?
The cost of bringing the 240sx performance up to that of the C5 will be much greater than the cost of upgrading to coilovers and poly bushings on the C5.
The cost of bringing the 240sx performance up to that of the C5 will be much greater than the cost of upgrading to coilovers and poly bushings on the C5.
Last edited by SoDiezl350; Oct 24, 2011 at 09:58 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 491
Likes: 2
From: AZ
No buyer's remorse here. I've had my C5 for near to 2 years, and I still enjoy driving it. I know it's not heavy, but it feels heavy. I also know that the 240 will never be in the same league as a C5/6, but that's not the point. Although, given how light it is, a 240 can hold it's own against a vette since you need less hp to compete. It's a very popular drag car because you can get it under 2500lbs easily.
Most car magazines praise Porsche and BMW, not for power or grip, but for feel and feedback. Those two things are areas where the vette always comes up short. This car is more about isolating the driver from the road, not exposing them to it.
My friend had a '91 318ti. Drive this car if you ever get the chance. You will understand what I mean about feel and feedback.
Most car magazines praise Porsche and BMW, not for power or grip, but for feel and feedback. Those two things are areas where the vette always comes up short. This car is more about isolating the driver from the road, not exposing them to it.
My friend had a '91 318ti. Drive this car if you ever get the chance. You will understand what I mean about feel and feedback.
Last edited by mx597turbo; Oct 24, 2011 at 08:09 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
If it isn't the car for you them move on, You have to have a passion for the car and it appears you don't have it.
There is more to ownership of a Corvette than performance.
Mr.Bill
There is more to ownership of a Corvette than performance.
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Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 449
Likes: 8
From: Hayes Virginia
My daily Driver is a 2008 Nissan 350Z and I really like the way it drives and handles but my real love is my very well cared for 2002 Z51 Coupe with only 27k on the clock. Like Mr Bill said there is more to it than just performance....
Team Owner
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21,473
Likes: 356
From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
Hey man whatever floats the boat and makes you happy
Just make sure you keep us posted with some pics and stuff
You are correct there are a ton of engine mods and options to go with, just find the right combo to suit your needs, you have the Vette's power to compare it to, so if you want more or less then seek that combo and enjoy - BUT make sure you leave room to grow
You know how it is - it is never enough
Thanks,Matt
Just make sure you keep us posted with some pics and stuff
You are correct there are a ton of engine mods and options to go with, just find the right combo to suit your needs, you have the Vette's power to compare it to, so if you want more or less then seek that combo and enjoy - BUT make sure you leave room to grow
You know how it is - it is never enough
Thanks,Matt
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 25
From: If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door. South West Florida / Livin' The Dream
St. Jude Donor '12
I'm very close to getting another 240sx and giving the vette to the wife. I had a 240 a while back, and I really loved the car. It was a rust bucket, so I only kept it a little while. Compared to a C5, the 240 just feels "pure". Much better steering feel and chassis feedback.
Power-wise, a stock 240 is crap. But there are a lot of engine options for the car. You can go with the popular sr20, which can easily make high 300s, rev over 8k rpm and keep the vehicle wight under 2700lbs. I can also get one with a rb25 (skyline r33/34) or 1/2jz (supra mk3/4). These will put the car in the 500s and be under 3000lbs.
I'm not saying the 240 is better than a C5, just different. No matter what I do, I'm not getting rid of my vette. I'm just feeling the need for a small, light car, and the vette feels big and heavy.
Power-wise, a stock 240 is crap. But there are a lot of engine options for the car. You can go with the popular sr20, which can easily make high 300s, rev over 8k rpm and keep the vehicle wight under 2700lbs. I can also get one with a rb25 (skyline r33/34) or 1/2jz (supra mk3/4). These will put the car in the 500s and be under 3000lbs.
I'm not saying the 240 is better than a C5, just different. No matter what I do, I'm not getting rid of my vette. I'm just feeling the need for a small, light car, and the vette feels big and heavy.
Hey if you want the vette to feel like light and small just buy a Chevy Suburban and drive it as DD. Believe me you won't think of the vette as big and heavy ever again!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 8
From: Belleville Il
I like LOTS of cars(even Mustangs
) so I can understand you a little bit. You're keeping the vette,,so it seems alright to me. I know I could NEVER give up a vette for something else,,something else would have to be in addition to,,not instead of!! Personally I like the LS combo,,low end grunt,,and while not HIGH revving,,it winds up pretty good!!
) so I can understand you a little bit. You're keeping the vette,,so it seems alright to me. I know I could NEVER give up a vette for something else,,something else would have to be in addition to,,not instead of!! Personally I like the LS combo,,low end grunt,,and while not HIGH revving,,it winds up pretty good!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,094
Likes: 3,468
From: Oswego IL
What about an RB25 swap? Those are easy and cheap.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,713
Likes: 11
From: Virginia
How about an Audi R8?
458 Italia?
Just curious.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
I love the low rpm torque of the LS1 engine. I don't like noise and low torque/high rpm motors that you have to "drive like you stole it" to get any pickup.
But that's just me, I get what you are saying about the "heavy feel" of the C5, I had several smaller sports cars when I was young. But the C5 handles like it is on rails, definitely not second class to any car. The brakes are super, come to think of it, it is a super car that will out perform most cars costing twice as much !
My C5 continues to be my daily driver, I just like driving it so much I have no desire to drive another car !
But that's just me, I get what you are saying about the "heavy feel" of the C5, I had several smaller sports cars when I was young. But the C5 handles like it is on rails, definitely not second class to any car. The brakes are super, come to think of it, it is a super car that will out perform most cars costing twice as much !
My C5 continues to be my daily driver, I just like driving it so much I have no desire to drive another car !
Last edited by Oldvetter; Oct 24, 2011 at 02:09 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 491
Likes: 2
From: AZ
You have to find a clean one. Then por the undercarriage and trunk/hatch area. Pull the engine and clean and paint the engine compartment. It's a little work, but the car will stay clean.
Avoid rusty ones like the plague.
Avoid rusty ones like the plague.