Ignition Season 10 Episode 110 1993 Nissan 240SX - Part 3: Making it Stick and Stop!

Ignition is back with another exciting episode of its 10th season, featuring the 1993 Nissan 240SX. In Part 3 of this series, the focus is on Making it Stick and Stop! The episode dives into the critical components of this classic import car that help it grip the road and stop on a dime.

The episode starts with a quick recap of the previous two episodes, highlighting the upgrades done to the engine and suspension. The host points out that while the engine and suspension are crucial to making the car fast and handle well, a car is only as good as its ability to put power down and stop reliably. And that's what this episode is all about.

The first upgrade covered in this episode is the clutch. The host talks about how a high-performance clutch can make all the difference in launching the car off the line. He explains how the clutch is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the transmission and ultimately to the wheels. A weak clutch can slip and cause the car to bog down, which is not ideal for performance driving. The host then proceeds to show how they install a new high-performance clutch from a well-known aftermarket brand.

Next up is the drivetrain. The host explains how the drivetrain is the system of components that transfer power from the engine to the wheels. He shows how the Nissan 240SX is a rear-wheel-drive car with a solid rear axle. He explains how the rear differential is responsible for splitting power between the two rear wheels. The host points out that the stock differential on the Nissan 240SX is an open differential, which means it can send power to only one wheel at a time. This can result in wasted power as the other wheel spins freely. To remedy this, the host shows how they install a limited-slip differential, which helps to distribute power evenly between the two rear wheels.

Moving on to the brakes, the host explains how crucial they are for performance driving. He points out that with more power under the hood, the car needs better stopping power. He shows how they upgrade the Nissan 240SX's brakes with a big brake kit, which includes larger brake rotors, calipers, and pads. The host explains how the larger rotors help to dissipate heat better, while the bigger calipers provide more stopping force and the improved pads offer better bite. He concludes by saying that these upgrades not only help the car stop better but also reduce the chances of brake fade during high-performance driving.

The episode then covers the wheels and tires. The host explains how critical they are for grip and traction. He points out that the Nissan 240SX came with fairly narrow wheels and tires from the factory, which limit grip. To remedy this, the host shows how they install wider wheels and sticky performance tires. He explains how the wider wheels allow for a wider tire, which provides more contact patch and thus more grip.

Finally, the host takes the car out for a spin to test out the upgrades. He starts by testing the car's launch, noting how the new clutch allows for a quicker and smoother launch. He then takes the car through some corners, where he notes how the limited-slip differential and improved grip from the wider tires allow the car to hold onto the road better. He finishes by testing the brakes, where he notes a significant improvement in stopping power.

Overall, the episode does an excellent job of showcasing the critical components that help the 1993 Nissan 240SX grip the road and stop reliably. The host's explanations are clear and concise, making the episode easy to follow even for those who are not car experts. The upgrades showcased are all real-world modifications that any car enthusiast could make to their own car. Overall, an excellent episode for any car enthusiast.