Nissan NSX-240 (R32 Skyline): a complete guide to the legendary JDM sport

When it comes to Japanese sports cars from the 90s, Nissan NSX-240 is one of those models that evoke nostalgia for true JDM enthusiasts. In fact, this designation most often hides the legendary Nissan Skyline R32 with engine RB24DET - a modification that was never officially called “NSX-240”, but received such a nickname among tuners and importers. This car has become a cult car due to its combination of reliability, tuning potential and affordability compared to flagships. GT-R the same platform.

In this article we will look at all key aspects of the Nissan NSX-240: from the technical characteristics and features of the engine RB24DET to typical problems, tuning possibilities and operating nuances. You will find out why this car is still in demand among drifters, how to distinguish it from other modifications Skyline, and what pitfalls await when buying a used copy. And if you are already an owner, you will find practical advice on maintenance and modernization.

What is the Nissan NSX-240 and how is it related to the Skyline R32

Let's start with the main thing: Nissan NSX-240 - this is not the official name of the model, but marketing designation, which was assigned to the export versions Skyline R32 with engine RB24DET (2.4 l, turbo). In Japan, such cars were sold as Nissan Skyline GTS-25t Type M or GTS-t Type S, but when exported to countries with less stringent environmental regulations (for example, Australia, New Zealand or the Middle East) they often received a simplified name - "NSX-240" or "240SX" (not to be confused with the American Nissan 240SX based on Silvia S13/S14!).

Main differences from others Skyline R32:

• 🔧 Engine: RB24DET (2.4 l, turbo, ~210–220 hp in stock) instead RB20DET (2.0 l) or RB26DETT (2.6 l, twin-turbo, for GT-R).
• 🚗 Drive: rear-wheel drive only (RWD), as opposed to all-wheel drive GT-R or GTS-4.
• 💰 Price: cheaper GT-R, but more expensive than the basic atmospheric versions Skyline.
• 🛠️ Tuning potential: engine RB24DET considered one of the most “responsive” to modifications in the family RB.

It is important to understand that NSX-240 - this is not a separate model, but rather equipment or even a “folk” name. You will not find such a designation in Nissan documents. However, it has a strong foothold in the secondary market, especially in countries where these cars were exported unofficially.

Technical specifications Nissan NSX-240 (Skyline R32 RB24DET)

Under the hood NSX-240 hides one of the most balanced engines of the family RB — RB24DET. This motor combines reliability RB20 and increased displacement, which makes it an ideal candidate for tuning. Below are the key parameters of the stock version:

Parameter	Meaning
Engine	RB24DET (2.4 L, inline 6-cylinder, turbo)
Power (drain)	210–220 hp at 6000 rpm (market dependent)
Torque	265–275 Nm at 4000 rpm
Turbine	Garrett T25 (in some markets - T28)
Gearbox	5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic
Drive	Rear (RWD)
Suspension	Multi-link (front and rear)

Transmission and chassis features:

• 🔄 Gearbox: Manual transmission FS5R30A considered one of the most durable in the line Skyline, but when tuning over 350 hp. It is recommended to replace the clutch and strengthen the shaft.
• 🚘 Differential: stock R200 (4.11:1 or 4.375:1) handles up to 300 hp, but requires locking for drifting or dragging (eg. Nismo or Cusco).
• 🛞 Suspension: soft and comfortable in stock, but for sporty driving it is necessary to replace the shock absorbers (popular Tein, BC Racing) and stabilizers.

Critical feature: The RB24DET engine has a longer stroke crankshaft compared to the RB20DET, which increases torque at low speeds, but requires special attention to balancing during deep tuning.

Weaknesses and typical problems of the Nissan NSX-240

Despite the legendary reliability, Skyline R32 with engine RB24DET has a number typical problems, which every potential owner should know about. Many of them are related to the age of the car (most examples are already 30+ years old) and the specifics of Japanese engineering of those years.

Main "diseases":

• 🔥 Engine overheating: The radiator and thermostat often fail, and the original cooling system is designed for the Japanese climate. When operating in hot regions, replacement with an aluminum radiator is required (for example, Koyorad) and thermostat at 82°C.
• 🛢️ Oil fasting: oil pump RB24DET weaker than RB26DETT, and with aggressive driving or high speeds, a drop in pressure may occur. The solution is to install an oil pump from RB25DET or N1-versions.
• 🔧 Turbine Garrett T25/T28: the resource of the original turbine is about 150–200 thousand km. Signs of wear: oil in the intercooler, loss of power, “whistle” at high speeds. Popular replacements - Garrett GT2860 or Tomei M82.
• ⚡ Electrics: oxidation of contacts in the fuse box, problems with the crankshaft position sensor (CAS), distributor malfunction (in earlier versions).

⚠️ Attention: When buying used NSX-240 be sure to check the condition timing belt (timing belt). On RB24DET it drives not only the valves, but also the oil pump, and its break leads to complete destruction of the engine. The recommended replacement interval is every 80–100 thousand km or 5 years.

Another common problem is body corrosion, especially in the wheel arches, sills and suspension mounting points. Japanese cars of those years did not have good anti-corrosion treatment, so when inspecting, pay attention to:

• 🚗 Hidden cavities under plastic linings;
• 🔩 Condition of suspension mounting bolts (rust can make them fragile);
• 🛑 The lower part of the doors and trunk.

How to check an RB24DET engine before purchasing?

1. Start the car when cold - there should be a smooth idle without vibrations.

2. Check the color of the exhaust: blue smoke indicates wear on the turbine or oil rings, black smoke indicates an over-enriched mixture.

3. Inspect the oil filler neck for the presence of emulsion (a sign of a broken cylinder head gasket or a crack in the block).

4. Carry out compression - the values should be within 12–14 bar in all cylinders (dispersion no more than 1 bar).

5. Make sure that the turbine does not “whistle” and has no play (check by rocking the turbine shaft with the air duct removed).

Tuning potential of the Nissan NSX-240: from stock to 500+ hp.

One of the reasons for its popularity NSX-240 among tuners is huge engine potential RB24DET. In stock it produces a modest 210–220 hp, but with the right approach you can get 400–500 hp on a reliable block and even more - if you prepare the car for drag or time attacks.

Main areas of tuning:

1. Stock block (up to 400 hp):
   • 🔥 Replacing the turbine with Garrett GT2860-5 or Tomei M82;
   • 🛠️ Installing a larger intercooler (for example, GReddy);
   • 💻 ECU flashing (popular Haltech, Apexi Power FC);
   • 🔧 Strengthening the fuel system (injectors 550cc, fuel pump Walbro 255).
2. Forced block (400–600 hp):
   • 🔧 Forged pistons and connecting rods (e.g. JE Pistons or Manley);
   • 🔥 Turbine Garrett GT3076 or BorgWarner EFR 7670;
   • 🛢️ Oil pump N1 and dry sump system;
   • 💥 Reinforced gearbox (for example, OS Giken or PPG).

A popular combination for drifting is:

• 🔄 Box: CD009 from Skyline R33 with reinforced grip;
• 🔧 Differential: blocking Cusco RS or Nismo;
• 🛞 Suspension: adjustable arms IKON, shock absorbers Tein Super Street;
• 🔥 Engine: "low-level" tuning (turbine T28, intercooler, exhaust 3.5") for quick response.

⚠️ Attention: When tuning over 400 hp. necessarily strengthen the rear axle R200 — the stock differential and axle shafts cannot withstand such loads. Popular solutions: bridge R230 from Skyline R34 or reinforced axle shafts Driveshaft Shop.

Check the compression in the cylinders|Replace the timing belt and rollers|Update the oil pump to the N1 version|Install a high-quality intercooler|Check the condition of the fuel system-->

Comparison with competitors: Skyline GT-R, Silvia S13, Supra MK3

Nissan NSX-240 often compared to other Japanese sports cars of the 90s. Let's look at how it compares favorably with (or is inferior to) its main competitors:

Parameter	Nissan NSX-240 (R32 RB24DET)	Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32 RB26DETT)	Nissan Silvia S13 (SR20DET)	Toyota Supra MK3 (7M-GTE)
Engine	RB24DET (2.4 l, turbo)	RB26DETT (2.6 l, twin-turbo)	SR20DET (2.0 l, turbo)	7M-GTE (3.0 l, turbo)
Power (drain)	210–220 hp	280 hp (JDM)	205 hp	230–240 hp
Tuning potential	Up to 500+ hp on the stock block	Up to 600–800 hp (limited by block strength)	Up to 400 hp (limited by volume)	Up to 500–600 hp (but more difficult and more expensive)
Reliability	High (easier RB26)	Medium (problems with RB26 at high power)	Very high	Low (complex design 7M-GTE)
Price (used)	$$ (more affordable GT-R)	$$$$ (prices are rising)	$ (most budget)	$$$ (restoration is expensive)

Benefits NSX-240 before competitors:

• 💰 Cost: cheaper GT-R And Supra, but easier to tune than Silvia S13;
• 🛠️ Maintainability: spare parts for RB24DET cheaper and more accessible than for 7M-GTE;
• 🚗 Versatility: suitable for drifting, time attacks, and everyday driving;
• 🔧 Upgradability: many parts are interchangeable with Skyline R33/R34.

The main disadvantage is weight (about 1.4 tons), which makes the car less agile compared to Silvia S13. However, this is compensated by better stability at high speeds and comfort.

Operation and maintenance: tips for owners

If you already own Nissan NSX-240 or are planning to buy it, here practical recommendations maintenance that will help extend the life of your car:

Regulatory work:

• 🛢️ Oil and filters: replacement every 5–7 thousand km (use semi-synthetics 10W-40 or 15W-50 for turbo engines, for example, Motul 6100 or Liqui Moly Leichtlauf);
• 🔥 Spark plugs: NGK BCP6ES or Denso Iridium, replacement every 20–30 thousand km;
• 🛑 Brake system: pads and discs wear out quickly (especially during aggressive driving), check every 10 thousand km;
• 🔧 Suspension: silent blocks and ball joints are a weak point, replace them at the first sign of play.

Winter operation:

• ❄️ Use winter tires with a speed rating of at least H (For example, Bridgestone Blizzak);
• 🔋 Check the battery capacity - original 45Ah often cannot cope with frost;
• 🚗 At temperatures below -15°C, avoid prolonged warm-ups at idle speed - this is harmful to the turbine.

Modernization for comfort:

• 🎵 Installation of a modern radio with support Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (For example, Pioneer AVH-X5900);
• 🔦 Replacing lamps with LED ones (but avoid cheap Chinese kits - they blind oncoming drivers);
• 🛋️ Installation of sports seats (for example, Bride or Recaro) for better lateral support.

Where to buy and how much does a Nissan NSX-240 cost in 2026?

Prices for Nissan NSX-240 (or Skyline R32 RB24DET) highly depend on the condition, mileage and country of purchase. In 2026, the market looks like this:

Region	Condition	Price (USD)	Notes
Japan	Good (mileage 80–120 thousand km)	8 000–15 000	Often sold after re-export, there may be hidden problems
Australia/New Zealand	Excellent (mileage 50–100 thousand km)	15 000–25 000	Many cars have a history, but high prices for spare parts
Russia/Ukraine/Belarus	Average (mileage 150–250 thousand km)	6 000–12 000	Risk of “killed” copies, but cheap repairs
Europe (Germany, Poland)	Good (mileage 100–150 thousand km)	12 000–20 000	Often with a tuning history, document verification is required
USA/Canada	Excellent (legal copies)	20 000–40 000	High prices due to rarity (requires 25 years of age to legally import)

Where to look:

• 🌐 Japanese auctions: GoNet, USS, TCV (through intermediaries such as JDM Buyer or Japan Partner);
• 🚗 Local message boards: Avito, OLX, Facebook Marketplace;
• 🏁 Specialized forums: SkylineOwners.com, NissanClub.com, JDM Buy/Sell.

What to look for when purchasing:

• 📄 Documents: check the ownership history, availability of customs documents (if the car is imported);
• 🔧 Body condition: rust in arches, sills, suspension mounting points;
• 🔥 Engine: compression, turbine condition, oil in the intercooler;
• 💰 Spare parts: Check availability of parts in your area (e.g. RB24DET harder to find than RB20 or RB25).

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase NSX-240 with mileage over 200 thousand km necessarily budget for replacing crankshaft seals, oil pump and checking the condition of the cylinder head. This work will cost 1,500–3,000 USD, but will save you money in the long run.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan NSX-240

❓ Is it possible to put the RB26DETT engine from the GT-R in the NSX-240?

Yes, this is a popular swap, but you will need:

• Replacing the gearbox (from GT-R or reinforced OS Giken);
• Modification of engine and sump mounts;
• Replacing the ECU (for example, Haltech Elite or Apexi Power FC);
• Updating the fuel system (injectors 740cc+, two fuel pumps).

The cost of the swap is from 8,000 to 15,000 USD, depending on the configuration.

❓ What is the resource of the RB24DET engine in stock?

With proper maintenance (regular oil changes, temperature control, no overload), the engine RB24DET passes easily 300–400 thousand km. There are known cases of runs of more than 500 thousand km on the original block.

The main conditions for longevity:

• Using quality oil (eg Motul 300V for turbo engines);
• Replacing the timing belt every 80–100 thousand km;
• Avoiding prolonged idling (harmful for the turbine).

❓ Which turbine is better for tuning the NSX-240 up to 400 hp?

For power up to 400 hp. optimal options:

1. Garrett GT2860-5 — better balance of responsiveness and power;
2. Tomei M82 — reliable and time-tested;
3. HKS GT-SS - more expensive, but with better cooling;
4. BorgWarner EFR 7163 - modern turbine with fast response.

For each option you will need:

• Intercooler upgrade (for example, GReddy or HKS);
• Replacing the exhaust with 3.5" (For example, Tomei Expreme);
• ECU tuning (preferably on a dynamometer).

❓Can the NSX-240 be used as a daily driver?

Yes, but with reservations:

Pros:

• Reliable engine (with good maintenance);