Nissan N14 Pulsar SSS (1991-95)

HISTORY:
The last all-new model built by Nissan Australia and if not the best small hatch built in Australia, it is certainly the quickest with its potent 105kW/179Nm output. Suspension was based on the wild Japanese Pulsar GTI-R. It was fine-tuned by local engineers for an outstanding ride on local roads and reduced understeer, giving a surprisingly neutral feel for a front-drive model. (see special feature on front-drive versus-rear drive). It also featured Nissan Australia's patented full-size local seats. This Pulsar SSS tied with the Honda NS-X as shared winner of Wheels 1991 Car of the Year. Its SR20DE engine was also standard in the Pulsar Ti hatch and sedan and an option in the Pulsar Q for 1991-93.

The local Nissan factory closed in the middle of the N14 model cycle, hence it was fully imported from March 1993. Look for the import's three bar grille, instead of the local car's honeycomb mesh, and revised front spoiler which contains fog and driving lights. Seats reverted to the smaller Japanese sports, which were not as comfortable for big Australian's. The 2.0 litre engine was withdrawn from the Ti and Q after March 1993.

ABS was available on these local and imported 2.0-litre Pulsar models and should be fitted to most earlier SSS examples. The same mechanical package was available in the Nissan NX, which ran a higher compression ratio. In hot turbo rear-drive specification, this engine also appeared in the Nissan 200SX.

PRICES:
Early cars that have covered 200,000km-plus must be valued according to repair and service history but bottom out at $4000. Exceptional low-mileage examples with full histories fetch an average of $10,000 and could soon save the extra in repairs. Alternatives: Ford Laser TX3 Turbo, Ford Laser Lynx, Mazda Astina V6, Toyota Corolla GTi, Mitsubishi GSR Turbo 4WD, Honda Civic Si/VTi.

CHECK IT OUT
SSS body is not showing up with any major problems. Colour-coded front and rear bumpers, mirrors, front and rear spoilers should be checked for crazing and poor repairs. Neglected or heavily cut metallic paint may have permanently lost its shine. Check fit of hatch, water leaks into rear luggage area and spare wheel well, and rear gas hatch struts. Original tyres were V-rated Bridgestone Potenza RE71 with space saver spare and should be replaced with tyres of at least this quality.

Check all mounting brackets and fittings for low-clearance front spoiler, which can sometimes be split. Moulded front and rear mudflaps are vulnerable to damage and not cheap.

Shonky imitation lights and panels can ruin this car's cult appeal and future special interest status. Many were raced and driven mercilessly, so check for serious body repairs and general looseness. Standard NISS security will need a customised upgrade if parked on the street.

Replacing worn front strut inserts with high quality dampers is critical to car's original handling and ride. Rear struts must be replaced as a complete unit. Regular four-wheel alignment is essential. Split driveshaft boots and clicking CV joints are routine maintenance items and must be fixed before they damage other parts. Front and rear discs need to be checked for minimum thickness and uneven wear.

High performance engine must have clean oil and filter, and fresh coolant is critical with all-alloy construction. Valve steam seals can chop out on neglected examples and generate high oil consumption, otherwise it is long-lived and relatively trouble-free. Check all hoses and seals for heat damage and leaks. High-mileage examples will have timing chain rattle, which means replacement is imminent.

Engine has knock sensor, which allows it to run on basic unleaded and should generate a performance and refinement boost with the latest high octane fuels.

Noisy or worn manual gearboxes are not common but when they do show up, they may indicate a hard track life or poor driving. Automatic transmissions fail like any other Japanese auto some time after 100,000km, depending on how it is driven. Check that overdrive fourth engages cleanly and decisively.

Air-conditioning may be ready for an R134a upgrade, so allow for a total overhaul if it's not working. Interior is fairly durable but check sound system operation. Fuel gauge can be erratic and can cost big money to fix. Check all electrical components, including heater fan, central locking, windows, mirrors, rear wiper, instruments and dash lighting. Check that all ABS hardware is present and correct where specified and working.

Service information confirmed by Nissan specialists Doncaster Service Centre (03) 9890 5844