The Silvia has grow to be each drifter’s moist dream. Nissan actually hit the nail on the top with this two-door sport coupe. That is highlighted within the lengthy manufacturing run the Silvia had. It was in manufacturing type 1964-1968 below the Datsun title, when it abruptly stopped for a couple of years. It then resurfaced in 1974 as a Nissan and continued till 2002. The famed Japanese automaker should have been doing one thing proper to have a automobile in manufacturing for 32 years.
Like most profitable sports activities vehicles, the Silvia had the front-engine, RWD system perfected all the way down to a tee. The fantastic thing about this automobile was that Nissan used the identical platform for different vehicles as effectively, maintaining prices down. This included the 200SX in Europe and the mighty 240SX right here in North America.
This purchaser’s information is meant to convey you on top of things with this legendary automobile, and why it might be the suitable one for you. We now have poured many hours into researching this mannequin so that you don’t must. And as all the time, you should definitely check out our other buyer’s guides right here on JDMBuySell.com
Professionals and Cons
Professionals:
- Enormous aftermarket help
- Comparatively low cost
- Iconic standing
- Makes an excellent drift undertaking
- Is bound to place a smile in your face each time you drive it
- Making extra energy is straightforward
- Nice dealing with
- Dependable
- RWD
Cons
- Attainable rust
- Inside wears out prematurely
- Dangerous gas financial system
- Small inside
- No cupholders
- Unibody design
- In inventory type, it’s underpowered
Widespread Points
Sure certainly, Japanese vehicles have an excellent status for reliability, however no automobile is ideal. The identical goes for the Silvia. We’re going to be itemizing among the commonest points that house owners have reported with this Japanese traditional. Nonetheless, don’t let this discourage you from shopping for one. Being a JDM automobile, it’s way more dependable than most vehicles on the street at present.
Rust. This one of the crucial widespread issues discovered with the Silvia. From the body rails to the froth spoiler that acts as a “rust sponge”, it is best to examine the automobile effectively for any indicators of rust earlier than shopping for it.
Timing chain rattle. In contrast to most vehicles of that point, the Nissan Silvia fortunately had a timing chain slightly than a belt. That being mentioned, a variety of proprietor’s report that the timing chain does rattle. This may be brought on by a damaged or caught tensioner and even low oil strain. Regardless of what’s inflicting the rattle, it needs to be mounted straight away as a result of if its not, it might imply a brand new engine.
Poor high quality inside. That is broadly reported as being a significant problem. From damaged radio trim to worn out seats, Nissan didn’t make the highest quality interiors. Most of those points are age associated, however there are many vehicles simply as previous which have interiors in much better form.
Fan clutch. Quite a lot of house owners have mentioned that the fan clutch is extraordinarily loud, and so they do fail regularly. This is because of dangerous engineering on Nissan’s half.
Cracked energy steering traces. Lastly, the ability steering traces appear to get very brittle with time and begin leaking with out warning. This may be remedied by merely changing the traces.
As you possibly can see, the Silvia will not be a trouble-free automobile, however in comparison with comparable fashions, it is likely one of the most dependable ones of the bunch. Take this info and use it as ammo when it comes time to barter the asking value.
Common Costs
The costs can range drastically for these vehicles. After all, a variety of variables go into play reminiscent of age and situation. They will vary anyplace from $4,500 and go as much as $54,000, however the common value is someplace round $10,000. We now have created an inventory of the most cost effective and most costly Silvia mannequin at the moment listed on JDMBuySell.com.
View all Nissan Silvia vehicles listed for sale.
As you possibly can see, costs are all around the map. It actually depends upon what you’re on the lookout for and what you’re planning on doing with the automobile. If you’re on a decent finances, the Silvia is a superb automobile to go for.
Comparable Options
There are many vehicles to select from within the RWD JDM coupe class. Each Japanese producer made no less than one automobile that matches this description.
Here’s a listing of vehicles that slot in the identical class because the Nissan Silvia:
There are a variety of selections to select from this class. Try those above if you’re not 100% set on the Silvia. Perhaps one of many ones listed is the higher selection.
Fashions and Specs
Like we’ve beforehand said, the Silvia was in manufacturing for a complete of 32 years. The primary era was offered below the Datsun model earlier than taking a 4 years hiatus. It returned in 1974 and it continued till 2002. Over these years, Nissan had seven era of which six of them used the S10 via S15 title designation.
Fist Technology – CSP311 (1965 – 1968)
The very first Silvia was unveiled in September 1964 on the Tokyo Motor Present below the “Datsun Coupe 1500” title. This specific mannequin can fetch an enormous value thanks partially to the truth that solely 554 hand-made examples have been ever created, making them extremely uncommon.
It was primarily based on the Fairlady Z platform and got here with a 96hp inline four-cylinder engine accompanied by a four-speed handbook transmission. This engine was outfitted with two SU carburetors, which have been cutting-edge know-how then.
Though a lot of the 554 vehicles stayed in Japan, 49 of them received exported to Australia and one other 10 to varied nations world wide. The comparatively excessive value of those vehicles was virtually double compared to comparable fashions. On the finish of its manufacturing in 1968, the Silvia regarded doomed. It did nonetheless resurface in 1974 below the Nissan title.
Second Technology – S10 (1975 – 1979)
This second-generation Silvia was Nissan’s first try at making a sporty, two-door coupe for the lots. That they had slightly delicate styling in comparison the rivals from Toyota and Mazda. The standard wanting physique was coupled with two out there engine selections. This included a 1.8L inline-four for the Japanese market, and a 2.0L for the US model. Moreover, a three-speed computerized and a five-speed handbook transmission rounded out the Silvia.
Within the US, the vehicles have been fitted with the dreadful wanting black bumpers to adjust to the North American security requirements and was offered below the Datsun title. The Silvia was virtually equivalent to the 510 beneath, with leaf springs as an alternative of impartial suspension being the one change.
Third Technology – S110 (1979 – 1983)
This era was provided because the common two-door hardtop coupe and a brand new three-door hatchback model. The Silvia was known as the “Datsun 200SX” in the USA and Canada, whereas in Mexico it was often called the “Datsun Sakura. Initially, the Silvia was purported to have a rotary engine designed utterly by Nissan. These plans have been scrapped proper earlier than its debut. As a substitute, eight standard inline four-cylinder engines have been provided.
The engines ranged from a 1770cc engine and went all the way in which as much as a 2340cc engine discovered within the 240RS. The identical three-speed computerized and five-speed handbook transmissions discovered within the earlier era have been additionally out there on the S110.
Amongst these engine selections, Nissan provided a turbo 1770cc engine to spice issues up, and in 1981 the facelift model introduced new bumpers and a complete new entrance finish. This was the time that the 1990 cc FJ20 engine was launched on the RS mannequin.
Fourth Technology – S12 (1983 – 1989)
The traditional Silvia form we have now grow to be accustomed to began taking form with the introduction of the S12. The coupe and hatchback variations have been nonetheless out there, identical to earlier generations; and it obtained a mid-generation facelift in 1986. Nissan known as this the Mark II model S12.
The out there engines on the Silvia went down from eight to 6. They ranged from a 1.8L inline 4 and went all the way in which as much as the VG30 3.0L V6. The place you lived decided what engines have been out there to you. Not all six have been provided for anyone area. The five-speed handbook was nonetheless out there, however the three-speed computerized was scrapped and changed by a brand new four-speed computerized transmission.
In Japan, the Silvia was offered below the “Gazelle” title, whereas in North America they named it the “200SX”. All of Europe received the Silvia designation aside from Sweden, the place it was named “180ZX”. The ZX half got here from the 300ZX, however Nissan not too long ago stopped importing them to the Scandinavian nation, so that they moved the nomenclature over to the Silvia. Australia received the S12 Silvia in 1983 and named it the “Gazelle” as effectively. They solely obtained the two.0L CA20E engine and the selection of a five-speed handbook or four-speed computerized.
Fifth Technology – S13 (1989 – 1994)
For this era, the Silvia was provided as a convertible in addition to the coupe and hatchback present in earlier years. The automobile proved to be so common in Japan that it received the “Automotive of the 12 months” award. The Silvia nameplate was not exported, however as an alternative Nissan rebadged them as “180SX” in most areas aside from Europe, the place it was nonetheless often called the “200SX”. This era was in manufacturing within the US till 1994, however Japan stored it going till 1998 because of its reputation.
Nissan additional lowered the variety of engines out there as soon as once more. This time round, there have been solely 4 to select from. Tow 1.8L CA18, one turbo and one N/A, and two 2.0L SR20, one turbo and one N/A which debuted in 1991. The identical four-speed auto and five-speed handbook discovered within the final era have been provided.
A particular version S13 Silvia named Sileighty was produced to enchantment to the Japanese fanatic. This consisted of Silvia entrance finish being placed on the 180SX, which continues to be a sought-after modification to at the present time. On account of its reputation, the Sileighty made an look within the common drift anime named “Preliminary D”.
Sixth Technology – S14 (1993 – 1998)
1993 was the yr Japan obtained the S14, whereas the remainder of the world received it in ‘94. In comparison with its earlier era, the Silvia was decrease and wider, giving it a extra aggressive look. Is was additionally longer now, which pushed the automobile over into a brand new tax bracket in Japan. Regardless of that, the S14 remained extraordinarily poplar with Japanese clients. Sadly nonetheless, the remainder of the world noticed lowering gross sales which finally led to its demise years later.
Nissan as soon as once more lowered the variety of engines out there down to a few. These have been the two.0L SR20DE naturally aspirated inline 4, 2.0L SR20DET turbocharged inline 4, and the two.4L KA24DE inline four-cylinder. The transmission selections remained unchanged with the identical four-speed computerized and five-speed handbook.
Two “Aero” trim packs have been provided for this era. These have been often called the Q’s and the Ok’s variants. They consisted of a big rear wing and delicate floor results, successfully summing up the 90’s tuner automobile look.
A facelift model “Kouki” was launched in 1996, consisting of latest projector headlamps and tinted taillights. A number of different exterior items and a revised entrance fascia accomplished the facelift. As well as, the turbo received some much-needed consideration. It now used a extra environment friendly ball-bearing setup, making it extra environment friendly and rising the ability.
Seventh Technology – S15 (1999 – 2002)
In 1999 the ultimate Silvia era would make its first look. The S15 noticed the styling change to a extra aggressive entrance finish to assist sustain with ongoing automobile tendencies. The inside styling additionally received up to date to have a meaner look. Total, the automobile was shortened to fall again into the decrease rod tax bracket as this was the principle complain that Nissan heard concerning the earlier Silvia.
Nissan as soon as once more eliminated two engines from its lineup, leaving the Silvia S15 with solely two. These have been the two.0L SR20DE naturally aspirated inline 4 and the two.0L SR20DET turbocharged inline 4. There have been now three transmissions to select from. The automated was nonetheless provided as a four-speed and the client had the selection of a 5 or the brand new six-speed handbook.
Sadly, the North American market didn’t formally obtain this era. Japan, Australia, and New Zeeland have been the one ones to learn from this stunning car. Two particular editions have been provided named the Spec-S and the Spec-R. Each provided an “Aero” bundle, which consisted of a aspect skirts and a big rear wing. Australia and New Zealand additionally obtained these trim packages, nevertheless it was by no means provided with the SR20DE naturally aspirated engine.
Moreover the plain beauty adjustments of the Spec-S and the Spec-R, there have been a couple of different mechanical adjustments that helped additional differentiate the 2. The Spec-R was out there with the six-speed handbook or four-speed computerized transmission. As well as, it additionally obtained quite a few chassis upgrades reminiscent of larger anti-roll bars and improved strut bracing. The Spec-S was barely down on choices because it lacked the chassis upgrades and solely got here with the five-speed handbook or fours-speed computerized transmissions. Additionally, the Spec-S was solely out there with an open rear differential.
Manufacturing Numbers
Sadly, we have been solely capable of finding definitive solutions on the final three Silvia generations. These are essentially the most sought-after ones, so that they far more documented.
S13:
- Complete S13’s constructed: 18056
S14:
- Complete S14’s constructed: 302,761S13: 165,932
- KS13: 24,492
- PS13: 100,128
- KPS13: 12,209
S15:
- Complete S15’s constructed: 43097 (41954 coupe and 1143 convertible)
- 38741 Japanese Silvia’s (37598 coupes, 1143 convertible)
- 3879 Australian 200SX
- 477 New Zealand 200SX
FAQ
The LHD fashions have been produced in a lot smaller numbers and are far more wanted than its RHD counterparts, due to this fact making them rarer and dearer.
Sure. It has been effectively documented that if serviced usually, the Silvia can final for a very long time.
Completely! There are tons of respected corporations making quite a few beauty and mechanical aftermarket elements for the Silvia!
The Silvia makes an excellent drift automobile because it has the traditional entrance engine, RWD setup; that’s why so many drifters select it.
No. Since they have been provided stateside, elements for the Nissan Silvia are available at virtually any auto elements retailer.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_Silvia
- https://drivetribe.com/p/the-silvia-story-brvEzZnGTSidOdk_1RUEQw?iid=fIi3iohqTQqCr-ppcQLp2Q
- https://boards.nicoclub.com/s13-owners-pros-cons-t192460.html
- https://www.carthrottle.com/put up/n423qyo/
- https://boards.nicoclub.com/list-of-common-240sx-problems-list-them-here-t443911.html
- https://zilvia.internet/f/showthread.php?t=233602
- https://www.motor1.com/information/260846/nissan-silvia-design-evolution/
- http://gtr-registry.com/en-s13-colours.php
- https://www.carthrottle.com/put up/vrd8p66/
Import a Nissan Silvia
Learn our final information, How to Import a Car from Japan.
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