My Nissan 200sx

Before ------------ After

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        So one day my friend gives me a car. Yup, you heard right. It needed some work though, but I saw some potential in it. I came to find out that the car, a 1988 Nissan 200sx SE, is one of the rarer cars Nissan made. For two years and two years only (87-88) did Nissan make a 200sx (not to be confused with bastardized Sentras that are called "200sx" for some reason) with the 3.0L V6 motor the VG30E. If your a Nissan fan you'll notice that this is the same motor used in the legendary Nissan flagship the 300zx. I came to find out also that the suspension and transmission are also shared between the 2 cars along with their rear-wheel drive platform. The V6 option in the 200sx (called an S12 in Japan) was only offered in the US which makes it ever rarer.

        Now when I say this needed work, it needed work. It wouldn't run because of a shot timing belt, it also needed a new fan belt, wheel bearing, tie rod, power steering rack, air filter, oil change (really bad), brakes, and some body work. The spoiler was cracked and driver's side mirror had a chunk taken out of it. Thanks to my friend Greg and his fiberglassing expertice, the spoiler and mirror have been repaired. I fixed the rest of the issues and even added a conical filter for a little perfromance.



(click to pictures to enlarge)

        A couple years and some mechanical work and the car has provided reliable transportation while I worked on the Camaro. Sadly, the clutch needed to eventually be replaced and I didn't want to spend any more money on the car... not to mention that I hate doing clutches. Since I was able to pick up my Escort, I dedcided to part out the car and sell what was left of the shell to anyone that would pick it up. Ironically, the engine in this thing ran like an unstoppable tank until the day I took it apart. The engine had over 182,000 miles on it and still started on the first crank everytime. No smoke, no struggles, just a healthy and strong Nissan motor. All in all this was a sturdy car that gave me back everything that I put into it and some. I know it was a just beater but I'll still miss it. Make sure to check out Club S12 - The Classic Nissan 200sx forum if your interested in the 80's 200sx.




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