Introduction
In the world of drifting, where power, precision, and style converge, few cars have left as indelible a mark as the Nissan Silvia S15. While it may not be a common sight on American roads, the S15 has gained an ardent following among motorsport enthusiasts, particularly in the high-octane realm of Formula Drift. In this comprehensive guide, we embark on a journey through the annals of the S15’s history, exploring its evolution, its remarkable features, and its enduring allure.
With its sleek and seductive design, the S15 has proven to be a timeless classic. Weighing less than a Honda S2000 and boasting a curb weight of under 2,500 lbs, it’s a lightweight champion with a visual appeal that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re a seasoned gearhead or a casual admirer of fine automobiles, the Nissan Silvia S15 is a car that demands attention.
The Heart of the Beast: SR20DET
At the heart of the S15 lies the legendary SR20DET engine, a turbocharged powerhouse that has earned its stripes on the motorsport scene. Unlike its American counterparts, the S15 is blessed with this high-performance engine, marking a departure from the truck engines that once found their way into its bay. The blacktop SR20DET, produced from 1989 until the final S15 rolled off the showroom floor in 2002, is widely regarded as the most reliable and potent iteration of the SR20.
For those acquainted with the SR20, its potential for tuning is well-known. Extracting 400 horsepower from this engine is far from uncommon. Combine this with the possibility of stripping the S15 down to a weight of under 2,000 lbs, and you have a power-to-weight ratio that promises a thrilling driving experience. It’s a chassis that seems to glide on rails, but with a tail-happy disposition that drift enthusiasts adore.
Versatility and Customization
The Nissan Silvia S15 isn’t just a pretty face with a powerful heart. It offers a vast canvas for customization, appealing to a diverse array of automotive tastes and preferences. Whether your passion lies in slamming it to the ground with extreme camber, conquering the drag strip, setting a blistering time attack lap, or indulging in tire-shredding drift sessions, the S15 is remarkably versatile across various motorsport disciplines.
In fact, we at Drifted have a soft spot for the S15, as two of our team members have chosen it as their weapon of choice. And while we adore this car, we don’t recommend risking a 20-year prison sentence and a maximum fine of $250,000 by attempting to import one illegally to the United States. Patience is a virtue, and the ban on these beauties will be lifted in 2024.
In this comprehensive guide, we leave no stone unturned, delving into the S15’s rich history, which began in 1964, and tracing its evolution to its present-day glory. Welcome to the ultimate Nissan S15 Guide.
Nissan Silvia History: A Legendary Lineage
The journey of the Nissan Silvia began in 1964 with a meticulously crafted hand-built coupe, which made its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show. Initially known as the Datsun 1500, it was based on the Fairlady convertible and later renamed the Silvia CSP311. This marked the birth of a legend, powered by a 96hp 1.6-liter Nissan R-series engine, equipped with twin SU carburetors. However, production was limited, with just 554 of these hand-crafted cars rolling off the assembly line between 1965 and 1968. The Silvia faced a brief hiatus until 1974 due to low sales and challenging construction methods, with a price tag almost double that of other Nissan models.
Today, only 59 examples of the CSP311 are known to exist outside of Japan, making it a rare sight indeed.
Nissan Silvia S10 (1975–1979): Mass Production Begins
The S10, introduced in 1975, marked the first mass-produced Silvia. Built on the new ‘S platform,’ this compact rear-wheel-drive sports car featured a 1.8L L18 inline-4 engine for the Japanese market. In North America, it was equipped with a 2.0L L20B engine and renamed the Datsun 200SX. It shared its drivetrain with the legendary Datsun 510 but had leaf springs in the rear instead of the independent suspension found in the 510.
Nissan Silvia S110 (1979–1983): The Rotary Dream
Initially, the S110 was planned to feature Nissan’s rotary engine, but technical challenges led to various engine options. The most sought-after among them was the turbocharged Z18ET engine for the Japanese market. In North America, the S110 was rebadged as the ‘Gazelle’ and featured minor cosmetic differences. Nissan’s various Japanese dealerships even carried their own variants of the Gazelle.
Nissan Silvia 240RS (1983–1985): Rallying Glory
Designed to take on the World Rally Championship, the 240RS featured a 2.4L DOHC FJ24 engine. Nissan’s foray into rallying was met with success, securing a second-place finish in the 1983 New Zealand Rally. With its distinctive boxy design, this rally car has a unique charm that endures.
Nissan Silvia S12 (1983–1989): Diverse Engine Choices
Produced from 1983, the S12 Silvia came in coupe and hatchback variants, offering a range of engine choices. The CA18 engines made their debut in the S12, while other variants featured V6 engines also found in the 300ZX. The S12 was available as a coupe or hatchback, with models like the RS featuring the 2.0L DOHC FJ20E engine and the RS-X boasting a turbocharged equivalent, the FJ20ET. In 1987, Nissan discontinued the FJ engine, replacing it with the CA18DET, featuring dual cams and a larger turbo. Different regions had their own variations, with Japan having both Silvia and Gazelle versions. For the North American market, it was badged as the “200SX.”
Nissan Silvia S13 180SX/200SX/240SX (1989–1994): A Drifting Legend
The S13, released in 1989, marked a turning point for the Silvia lineage. It won the Japanese Car of the Year Award and was rebadged as the 200SX in Europe and the 240SX in the U.S. While the Silvia featured fixed headlights, the 180SX hatchback came with beloved pop-up headlights.
The S13 introduced Nissan’s multi-link rear suspension, enhancing handling. Some models featured the HICAS four-wheel steering system, and a viscous-type limited-slip differential was introduced. The engine options ranged from CA18DE and CA18DET to
