[DaCheat]

Yesterday I sold my 93 del Sol and bought a 92 240sx SE Hatch. I've never owned a Nissan before, but I've driven my dad's 03 350z enough to realize that they are GOOD.
I can't wait to get under the hood, the previous owner wasn't too big on tuneups, and it hasn't had an allignment in 7(!!!) years. I picked it up for under 1.5k and it seems to be fairly solid except for the usual crap (missing window switches, crap tires, busted fuel door, really really bad tint, 1 working speaker,etc).
Anything I should know? I plan on picking up a Haynes manual this week, but I am curious about the mechanical aspects.
I've found so far that it's a 2.4l 4-cyl with 155hp/160lb. It has ABS with HICAS 4 wheel steering, 5 speed manual (of course), and... er, that's about what I know at this point. Any advice or tips are appreciated.

Hmmm...ABS with HICAS? That is interesting, My car doesn't have HICAS, then again I own a 1991 Canadian Model 240SX!
Keep the HICAS if it doesn't bother you, most people don't like cause they think it affects their drifting, but unless you plan on Drifting, the HICAS makes your car handle much tighter!
Good Idea with the Haynes Manual, I hear the Chilton's is good too.
My only suggestion is ask questions and search around here and every other forum you can!
Also, ask questions before you dish out big $ to fix anything, mechanics can be major crooks!

 

[DaCheat]

Well ok, then I guess it did in fact break off. It looked like it was either cut or broken off. Exactly how important is it to remove the second guide? I guess what I'm wondering is what are the chances it's going to actually break off and blow up my motor.

Yeah...Get in there and remove the remainder of the Upper Chain Guide if it hasn't been removed already, I would suggest removing the lower on if it is causing problems...Then again I wouldn't know if it is causing problems...

 

[DaCheat]

Both the timing chain guides are held on by bolts. I'm assuming that the one that you had removed was the upper timing chain guide. If it was plasma cut off, the shop guy is an idiot. It's held on by two bolts. The lower timing chain guide, which I would recommmend removing as soon as possible, is sorta near the timing chain tensioner, and involves removing the distributor to access. I can post a complete walkthrough later, if you're really serious about removing the bugger.

Brian....
If you remove the upper an lower Chain Guides, do they have to be replaced?
Do they affect the chain movement at all if they are gone? I think this might be the clicking noise inside my engine, might be a valve tick too though...

 

[DaCheat]

Thanks for the offers, looks like the a/c problem went with the thermostat problem. (knock on wood). I'll know once it hits 105 in a month.

So how do I know if I need to remove the second timing chain guide? And is there a possibility this guy cut the bastard off? I kept the piece and it almost looks like it was plasma'ed off, the edge looks super clean and somewhat melted. I wonder...

My next step is a stereo and new tint. Anybody got some good speaker recommendations? Not doing an amp/sub, just good speakers all around. I've budgeted myself about $300 for a receiver and maybe $150-$200 for speakers.

I recommend Fusion Speakers...If you have a Coupe, 6.5 3-way's in the rear 4x6 Plates up front in the kick panels, they sound amazing especially when they have a Fusion Amp Behind them! My whole system is Fusion so far and I'm loving it!

 

[DaCheat]

I recommend gettting either kenwood or infinty. My brother has them in his car and they sound crystal clear. Also if you want to spend alittle more you can get componets which come with a 6" speaker and tweaters with crossovers so you dont blow up your tweaters. hears a great site.
Caraudio

You would have to custom Mount 6" speakers but the sound Components deliver are worth the time and effort.
Infinity stuff sounds even better than Fusion! Just a little out of my price range!

 

[DaCheat]

I've always been a Sony believer... Dunno why... *heads into audio section*

Yeah I Bought one of the new Sony Head unit's and have been cursed with a horrible sounding Deck ever since, it skips, only plays some burnt CD's, it even error's out on CD's that I bought that work perfect in other decks.
I am also very dissappointed in the amount of controls on the deck too. IMO stay away from anything SONY!

 

[DaCheat]

I like the new sony 5 sided subs. They hit hard for what they are. The 10s I listend to sounded better than some 12s Ive heard.

Most 10" subs do sound better than 12" very few people know this.
For the Price you pay the Sony's do sound okay, but for $100 more you can 2 or 3 times the equipment, Sony stuff wears out too quickly as well!