THE-LOWDOWN FEATURE CAR – NISSAN SILVIA 200SX
STATUS: LEGENDARY
Regardless of whichever continent you are situated on, as a car enthusiast, you have almost undoubtedly heard of, or even seen, a Nissan Silvia. For those that are new to the Japanese car scene, the Nissan S-chassis holds a title of its own, as both a status of a Japanese icon and work-of-art performance & aesthetics. The Silvia line-up dates back to the days of the spreading popularity in Japanese street and touge (mountain pass) drifting/racing, along with the exponential rise in the car-tuning industry, from the early 90’s and onwards.
All of the above in combination with its plentiful mentions in magazines, anime, manga, films and more, have uplifted the Silvia’s image to a god-like notoriety.
The Nissan S-line was universally recognised for one aspect in particular – its four-cylinder power units. The SR20 became Nissan’s flagship ‘four-banger’ powerhouse for its S-chassis models. This engine made its debut in the Nissan S13 as an upgrade from the CA18, offered in either naturally aspirated (SR20DE) or turbo (SR20DET) forms. The SR20 continued to power the rest of the Nissan S-chassis family, the S14 and S15, until 2002.
Grant’s Nissan S15 is a crystal-clear representation of what a 20-year-old icon brings to the table – jaw-dropping results.
A NEW CHAPTER
At first, Grant had no intentions, whatsoever, of owning an S-chassis. Yet, all it took for him was one test drive of his friend’s S15 Silvia, one thought led to another, and Grant found himself purchasing his very own Nissan S15 shortly after. Prior to owning his current pride and joy, Grant had also driven an E36 BMW and an E30 BMW in the past, both of which were certified head-turners.
He ended up building a Silvia that is far from a cookie cut-out. Running a full Airlift Air Suspension management system, paired up with a staggered set of (deep dish) 326 Yaba KING Spoke 2-Piece wheels (F: 18×9.5 -29; R: 18×10.5 -5), aftermarket toe arms, rear traction arms, and rear camber arms, leaves Grant with a screeching sound effect every time he comes across an uneven surface. In addition to the eye-pleasing aesthetics, exterior-wise, the S15 rocks a full GP Sports (G-Sonic series) body kit, 78Works headlights, custom Yashio Factory tail lights, D-MAX boot spoiler/lip, flared and pulled rear guards with pulled front guards.
In terms of the interior, Grant has remained original and only added a handful amount of modifications, such as a pair of Recaro SR2 Confetti seats, sitting on Bride rails, aftermarket audio system, 326POWER dash mat, Nissan S14 floor mats, and aftermarket gauges to monitor his relatively standard SR20. With an upgraded Blitz intercooler along with a custom stainless piping, cold air intake, aftermarket exhaust system, aftermarket fuel pump, boost controller, and Nismo injectors, all managed through a Nistune ECU, Grant’s Silvia is not all about the looks.
It is unquestionably a car that is both seen and heard.
“THE GOAL WAS TO BE DIFFERENT, TO STAND OUT.”
Owner Spotlight
VISION
Except stating that ‘colour change would be awesome’, Grant, otherwise, has no big plans for his S15 in particular. Besides, the coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on Grant’s planned adventures with the Silvia – bringing it out to car events and meets – with automotive shows either postponed or cancelled.
All in all, Grant is rather delighted to reflect on the 18-month progress of the car under his ownership (so far), “it’s the stories and memories that make a car like this special to me”. The heavy influence casted over him mainly by the USDM scene of stance cars is responsible for the eye-watering ground clearance and evidently cambered wheels to the max.
SPECIAL THANKS
GRATITUDE.
In many cases, such as that of Grant’s, we come across people to whom we owe our ‘thank you’. First and foremost, he would like to express his thankfulness to his closest friends – Josh Michael and Jack Marks – for quite literally ‘everything’, from helping him pick up his first JDM icon, to inspiring him, to working on the car until 3AM, to the mental support they have provided as his closest friends.
Secondly, Grant would like to thank Marcus, from JDMaccesories, for his ongoing assistance in supplying majority of the parts that have made their way onto Grant’s S15. Conclusively, Grant would also like to send his gratitude to 326POWER Japan for ‘helping [me] get more unique and quality parts’, and to everyone who has joined his journey in one way or another.
CAPTURING A MOMENT IN TIME.
Specifications
MODIFICATION LIST
With Grant’s extensive modification process narrowing down to the research of quality and rare parts, his build list is one that’s highly sought after.
Check out what’s been fitted in the sections below.
ENGINE
- Nismo injectors
- Blitz FMIC kit with custom stainless piping
- Upgraded fuel pump
- ARC cold air intake
- Aftermarket boost controller
- Nistune ECU
INTERIOR
- JDM Spec-R steering wheel
- 326power dash mat
- Sr2 confetti Recaros
- Bride seat rails
- S14 floor mats
- Pioneer Carplay and upgrade sound system
- Aftermarket gauges and components
EXTERIOR
- Full GPsports G Sonic body kit
- 78 works headlights
- Custom Yashio factory tail lights
- Dmax boot spoiler
- Resprayed in a brighter aftermarket red
- Nismo indicators
- JDM S14 bonnet badge
- Flared and pulled rear guards
- Pulled front fenders
WHEELS / SUSPENSION
- 326 Yabaking spoke 2P wheels. Finished with, polished lips, chrome hardware, silver diamond clear cut faces with red centre caps (F: 18×9.5 -29 (215/35r18) R: 18×10.5 -5 (225/40r1))
- Full airlift 3p ⅜ management
- Airlift performance struts and bags
- Airlift performance camber tops
- Camber adapter plates
- Modified lower strut mounts
- Hardrace rear camber arms
- 326power rear toe arms
- 326power rear traction arms
LIMITED RUN
FEATURE POSTER
- Limited to 30 editions
- Hand numbered
- 200GSM satin gloss
- A3 Portrait (420mm x 297mm)
© 2022 THE-LOWDOWN.com™, a ® Registered trade mark of THE-LOWDOWN Group. All rights reserved. Produced and marketed by The-Lowdown Agency.