Installing an Aftermarket Body Kit on the Nissan 240SX S14

An Introduction to the Nissan 240SX S14

The Nissan 240SX is a popular sports coupe that was produced from 1989 to 1998 over two generations. The first generation (S13) was produced from 1989 to 1994. The second generation (S14) was then produced from 1995 to 1998. This article will focus specifically on the S14 model 240SX.

Brief History of the S14

The S14 iteration of the Nissan 240SX debuted in 1995 in North America. It featured an updated exterior design over the S13, with smoother, more rounded body lines. The S14 was underpinned by the same basic rear-wheel drive chassis and suspension components as the preceding S13 model. This allowed parts interchangeability between the two generations.

Under the hood, the S14 came equipped with an updated 2.4L KA24DE naturally aspirated inline 4-cylinder engine. This motor produced 155 horsepower in US-spec trim, paired to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Power was modest, but the lightweight rear-wheel drive chassis allowed for agile handling.

Aftermarket Support for the S14 Chassis

A key part of the S14 240SX's appeal, both then and now, is the strong aftermarket support for the chassis. The interchangeable components with the S13 opened up a wide range of upgrade parts carryover between the generations. And the rear-wheel drive layout lent itself well to sporty suspension mods for improved handling dynamics.

As the years passed, the S14 also became a favorite for engine swaps. Popular swap options included the turbocharged SR20DET, high-revving VQ35DE V6, and torque-heavy LS V8 crate motors. These swaps dramatically increased power over the stock KA24DE engine. The chassis thus became a perfect platform for big power drift builds.

Upgrading the Exterior with an S14 Body Kit

One area that S14 owners often focus first on modifying is the exterior. Adding an aftermarket body kit is a great way to enhance the curves of the body for a more aggressive stance.

Types of Body Kits Available

There are three main types of kits to consider:

• Full kits - Includes front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper
• Two-piece kits - Front + rear bumper only
• Split kits - Front / rear bumper sold separately

Full kits offer front-to-rear styling flow. But the two-piece or split kit options allow mixing and matching of individual components.

Popular S14 Bumper Options

Some top options for S14 front and rear bumpers include:

• BN Sports Type II bumper - Aggressive dual air intake design
• DMAX widebody bumper - Increased width for fender flares
• Shine Auto Project bumper - Diffuser-style rear valence
• KBD body kit - Modern styling cues like splitter and canards

These bumpers cater to different styling tastes, from subtle enhancements to extreme widebody looks.

Benefits of an Aftermarket Body Kit

Upgrading to an aftermarket S14 body kit offers many advantages such as:

• More aggressive visual styling
• Customized appearance
• Improved aerodynamic properties on some bumpers
• Ability to accommodate wider track widths
• Updated modern styling compared to 25+ year old stock bumpers

With the range of bumpers and kits available from quality brands, almost any desired look can be achieved.

Installing a New Front Bumper on an S14 240SX

Putting a fresh front bumper on an S14 helps bring the dated factory look up to current standards. Here is an overview of the installation process:

Necessary Parts & Tools

Gather together the following before getting started:

• New front bumper for S14 chassis
• 10mm socket wrench and driver bit
• Panel popper pry tools
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Masking tape

Having these prepared makes the job much smoother.

Removal of Stock Bumper

The process begins by removing the old factory bumper:

1. Disconnect negative battery terminal
2. Remove push pin fasteners securing edges of bumper cover
3. Unbolt mounting bolts along top and bottom edge of bumper
4. Detach bumper slowly and carefully to access hidden fasteners
5. Disconnect side marker light wiring harnesses
6. Remove bumper fully and prep new one for install

Installing the New Aftermarket Replacement

With the old bumper removed, swap on the upgrade:

1. Transfer over any hardware, brackets, or trim pieces
2. Test fit bumper and make any alignment adjustments
3. Connect side marker light wiring harnesses
4. Attach bumper at top and bottom mounting locations
5. Reinstall push pin fasteners around bumper edges
6. Give bumper one final check then reconnect battery

Take care during install to avoid cracking or scratching the new bumper.

Finishing Touches

With the physical installation complete, finish up by:

• Weather sealing any exposed mounting holes
• Detailing and cleaning the new bumper surface
• Checking fitment alignment from all angles
• Snapping some photos to show off the transformation!

Stay tuned for more S14 content coming soon!

FAQs

What are some popular engine swap options for the S14?

Some popular engine swap choices are the turbocharged Nissan SR20DET, the high revving Nissan VQ35DE V6, and GM LS V8 crate motors. These provide a dramatic power increase over the stock KA24DE engine.

What is the difference between a full body kit and a two-piece kit?

A full body kit includes a new front bumper, side skirts, and rear bumper for front-to-rear styling. A two-piece kit contains just a front and rear bumper for a simpler upgrade.

Is it difficult for a beginner to install a new S14 front bumper?

With some mechanical ability and the proper tools, a new front bumper can be installed by a beginner in a weekend. Key steps are removing hardware carefully and reattaching things properly.

What type of improvements does an aftermarket body kit provide?

Aftermarket body kits offer more aggressive styling, improved aerodynamics on some bumpers, ability to accommodate wider track widths, and modernized styling compared to old factory bumpers.