Types Of Silvia's

The original Silvia


The Nissan Silvia CSP311 made its public debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in September 1964. The introductory model was a hand-built coupe based on the Fairlady convertible, styled with input from Count Albrecht Goertz. The CSP311 was powered by the 1.6L Nissan R series engine. Production ceased in 1968 after a mere 554 were made, every one unique with hand-formed body panels. Most of the cars remained in Japan, however 49 examples were exported to Australia and another 10 went to other countries. The low production numbers and tedious method of construction assured each car was unique and valuable; this is reflected by the car's purchase price of almost twice as much as the next model in the manufacturer's lineup at the time. After production ceased in 1968, the name Silvia would not grace another Nissan until 1974.

The engine was equipped with twin SU carburetors.


[ATTACH]17380[/ATTACH][ATTACH]17381[/ATTACH]

Nissan Silvia (CSP311)
Production 1965–1968
Layout FR layout
Engine(s) 1.6 L G16
Transmission(s) 4-speed manual
Wheelbase 2,280 mm (90 in)
Length 3,985 mm (156.9 in)
Width 1,510 mm (59 in)
Height 1,275 mm (50.2 in)
Curb weight 980 kg (2,200 lb)

The S10 was the first Silvia built on the S platform. It featured more "traditional" lines than similar offerings from rivals Toyota and Mazda and was summarily less popular with consumers in most markets. In Japan it was fitted with an L18 engine, which it shared with the Datsun 610/Bluebird 180B. In the North American market a version incorporating the larger-displacement L20B was offered as the 200B of the same series Bluebird. This model was affixed with the mandated 5 mph (8.0 km/h) bumpers and badged as the Datsun 200sx. Its success in both markets was limited, most buyers opting for the Celica over what was considered the more mundane S-Chassis.

[ATTACH]17384[/ATTACH][ATTACH]17385[/ATTACH]

Production 1975–1979
Layout Front engine rear drive
Engine(s) 1.8 L L18 I4
Transmission(s) 3-speed automatic
4-speed manual
Wheelbase 2,340 mm (92 in)
Length 4,135 mm (162.8 in)
Width 1,600 mm (63 in)
Height 1,300 mm (51 in)
Curb weight 990 kg (2,200 lb)

S110

This iteration of the Silvia (sold in North America as the Datsun 200SX and in Mexico as the Datsun Sakura), available as a 2-door hardtop coupe and a 3-door hatchback, was uniquely progressive in that it was originally intended to feature a rotary engine, designed and built by Nissan. The resulting unit was fairly unreliable, and forestalled production. Ironically, it shared a chassis code with the also ill-fated Mazda Cosmo, first Japanese production car to feature a rotary engine. The car was redesigned shortly after it was released and the Wankel power plant was replaced by a line of conventional piston engines based on the new Z-series engine. These included the Z20 and the turbocharged and fuel injected Z18ET. In USA/Canada the 200SX had the Z20E with H165 rear axle and from 1982–1983. It had a Z22E engine with H190 rear axle.

This generation saw the introduction of the Silvia 240RS, a coupe fitted with the 2.4 liter DOHC FJ24 engine. The 240RS was built between 1983 and 1985, its production extending the end of the S110 itself. The resulting monster became Nissan's official rally car in the World Rally Championship from 1983 to 1985, and finished 2nd in the 1983 New Zealand Rally.


[ATTACH]17386[/ATTACH]

Production 1979–1983
Layout Front engine rear drive
Engine(s) 1.8 L Z18 I4
2.0 L Z20 I4
2.2 L Z22E I4
2.0 L FJ20E I4
2.4 L FJ24 I4
Transmission(s) 3-speed automatic
5-speed manual
Wheelbase 2,400 mm (94 in)
Length 4,400 mm (170 in)
Width 1,680 mm (66 in)
Height 1,310 mm (52 in)
Curb weight 1,105 kg (2,440 lb )

The S12 was produced from 1984 to 1988, with revisions to the exterior trim in '87 (referred to as "Mark II"). It was sold in three configurations—a coupe (often called a "notchback"), a hatchback, and a widebody chassis called grandprix (only 50 units made worldwide).

A number of different engines were equipped in the S12 chassis, depending on production year and more specifically on the geographic market. These engines borrowed from previous designs, or in some cases, inspired future engine platforms (with the exception of the FJ series, which was designed solely with Rally competition in mind). For instance, the CA series initially borrowed design cues from the NAP-Z series. The CA18DET's DOHC head design was also later utilized in the "RB" engine series, the inline six engine that powered the famous Skyline GT-Rs. And of course, the VG series was the predecessor to the VQ, which powers the 350Z.

Regional badgings
[edit] North America
The S12 chassis in North America was badged "200SX". The Coupe was available with a 2.0L SOHC engine (CA20E), while the fastback received both the 2.0L SOHC engine, and a 1.8L SOHC Turbo (non-intercooled) engine (CA18ET). For 1987 in the United States, Nissan discontinued putting the 1.8 Turbo into the fastback, and created the "SE" model which had the potent 3.0L SOHC V6 engine (VG30E), generating 160 hp (120 kW) and 174 tq. This was the same engine offered in the non-turbo 300ZX for that generation. For 1988 the "SE" model received a 5 hp (3.7 kW) gain from using the later "W" series (VG30E) with a total output of 165 hp (123 kW) while torque remains the same at 174.

[edit] Europe
The S12 chassis in Europe was badged Silvia, and was available in the hatchback and the grandprix configuration. The difference between the hatchback and the grandprix were the widebody, different wheels, and minor interior differences. The engine available was the same 1.8L SOHC Turbo (CA18ET) used in North America, and in some areas the 2.0L DOHC "FJ" engine (FJ20E). The "FJ" engine series was originally designed for the 240RS rallycar as a 2.4L carbeurated system (FJ24), and was underbored to 2.0L. It also saw use in the "DR30" Nissan Skyline chassis, in both turbocharged and naturally aspirated versions.

[edit] Australia
The S12 chassis in Australia was badged as a Gazelle. The Gazelle was available in both the coupe and hatchback. It was equipped with the same 2.0L SOHC engine (CA20E) found elsewhere in the world.

[edit] Japan
The S12 chassis in Japan was badged as both a Silvia and a Gazelle. The Gazelle was produced so that Nissan's different dealership networks in Japan could all carry the Silvia. There are minor cosmetic differences. Both the S110 and S12 Silvias have a Gazelle counterpart. The S12 Silvia in Japan was available in a hatchback as a basic model only, but the S12 Gazelle in Japan was strictly a hatchback, available in regular, RS and RS-X variants, as was the Silvia notchback. The RS was equipped with the 2.0L DOHC "FJ" engine(FJ20E), while the RS-X was equipped with the same engine in a turbocharged version (FJ20ET). In 1987 Nissan discontinued the FJ Series engine in the S12 and installed the updated version of the older CA, with dual cams and a bigger turbocharger—the CA18DET.

[edit] Revisions
The S12 chassis in 1984–86 is referred to as "Mark I", with "Mark II" as a revision in '87. Below lists the description of both.

[edit] Mark I
The first trim of the S12 chassis. Bumpers featured matte-finish raised surfaces, and sides featured half-inch rubstripping. Cars featured a honeycomb radiator grille, and long cornerlights. The '84 Turbo came with a "TURBO" monogrammed hood bulge accent. The '84–85 could be had with a foam rubber deck spoiler. In '86 the foam rubber deck spoiler was changed for a fiberglass version with an integrated third brake light. Some hatchbacks and all Turbo models came with ground effects—a combination of plastic mudflaps and accommodating foam rubber sideskirts, as well as a foam rubber lower deflection lip.

Mark II
In 1987, the bumpers were updated, and the matte finished surfaces were eliminated for a more uniform surface. Rubstripping was increased to 2-inch height w/ scribe detailing. The honeycomb radiator grille was replaced with a slatted version that spanned the entire front end (previous was shorter), and cornerlights were shortened. The "SE" model and the Turbo (Canada, Europe) came with new ground fiberglass ground effects and mudflaps, painted in the color of the car, and a new and more pronounced lower deflection lip in the front. "SE" model also received a new hood bulge design to accommodate clearance for the 3.0L V6. Optional rear mudflap accents were available.

[ATTACH]17387[/ATTACH][ATTACH]17388[/ATTACH]


Production 1984–1988
Layout FR layout
Engine(s) 2.0 L SOHC CA20E
1.8 L SOHC Turbo CA18ET
1.8 L DOHC Turbo CA18DET
3.0 L SOHC V6 VG30E
2.0 L DOHC FJ20E
2.0 L DOHC Turbo FJ20ET
Transmission(s) 5-Speed Manual
4-Speed Automatic
Wheelbase 2,425 mm (95.5 in)
Length 4,430 mm (174 in)
Width 1,660 mm (65 in)
Height 1,330 mm (52 in)
Curb weight 1,170 kg (2,600 lb )

The S13 Silvia, introduced in mid-1988 for the 1989 model year, was immensely popular in Japan. The Silvia name was no longer used on export models, however; European models were now known as 200SX. Following industry trends, the S13 Silvia switched to relampable fixed headlights. Projector optics were offered as an option.


The Silvia coupe was discontinued and replaced by a new model sharing the S platform, the Nissan 180SX. The 180SX continued using pop-up headlights. A convertible was briefly offered soon after the start of production, but it was never popular, perhaps due to high cost (3.25 million Yen in 1988), heavier curb weight, and chassis flex.





The S13 was one of the first uses of Nissan's multi-link rear suspension, the technology of which was previewed in concept cars in previous years, such as the Nissan MID4. It also offered a four-wheel steering system for the first time, known as HICAS-II. In 1990, HICAS-II was updated and renamed SuperHICAS. The S13 also saw the introduction of a viscous-type limited slip differential for some models.

S13 Silvias were initially powered by the CA18DE and CA18DET engines carried over from the end of S12 production, with an intercooler added to the CA18DET for a slight increase in stability and power. In mid 1990, (for the 1991 model year) the SR20DE and SR20DET engines debuted, offering improvements across the board in power and torque due to increased displacement and a more efficient turbocharger than was offered on the previous cars. One of the other simple changes that was made between the CA generation and the SR generation was switch to a single colour paint job, instead of the two-tone colour sets that were previously offered. On top of this, the SR motor later debuted another variant of the platform known simply as the 'Black Top'. Identifiable by its black and silver rocker-cover (as opposed to the traditional red/silver cover), it featured a number of minor changes, resulting in little performance gain. It is vastly different to the more powerful "black top" used in the S14 and S15 variants. Amazingly, a revised and revamped version of the Nissan SR20 engine that first appeared in the S13 is still in use today, as can be seen in the following sections of this page.

In the U.S. the S13 was replaced after the 1994 model year by the new S14 design, but lived on till 1999 in japan with a major face lift the 180sx Aero (Type X) this was the kouki generation while the previous was chouki gen the kouki featured newly design tail lights a redesigned aero body kit and out fitted with an airbag . In 1998, the S13 Silvia was resurrected, in part. A variant was produced by Kid's Heart for Nissan called the Sileighty, which featured the 180SX body with the front end from the Silvia. The Sileighty style was originally created by Japanese enthusiasts for their own 180SX's, and is still a common modification for the 180SX and 240SX fastback. The Sileighty also made an appearance in a Japanese anime and manga series known as Initial D. The series (based around the Japanese motor sports of Touge and drifting) featured the Sileighty in one of the last battles of the First Stage (or first season in the anime).



Interestingly enough, the creation of the Sileighty then was to give birth indirectly to another version of the Silvia known as the Onevia. Based on the chassis of the S13, the front end of the Silvia would be removed and replaced with the front end of a 180SX fastback. Unfortunately the Onevia was never retailed as a complete car in Japan as the Sileighty was, but is still very sought after by drifters, being seen to offer the best of both cars, the looks of a 180SX with the rigid rear end of the S13 Silvia.

[edit] Trim level designation
The S13 Silvia was the first S-series car to use the J's , Q's, and K's (references to the face cards of English playing cards) designations for the different trim levels or "grades".

The J's was the base model . The Q's model offered a slightly more refined experience and received electric options and an available LSD. The K's grade received the turbocharged CA18DET or SR20DET (depending on the year of manufacture) in addition to the options offered on the Q's.

On top of the K's and Q's models, The Club and Diamond Selection packages came with specific options bundled together. For example, all K's Club Selections came with projector headlamps, a rear spoiler, and 15" aluminum wheels. And all Q's models came out with Automatic Climate Control

The rare Silvia A's "Almighty" was introduced in late 1992. Trim wise, the Almighty slotted between the J's and Q's, offering options not available on J's, but not including all the standard features of Q's. The Almighty was purportedly offered as a "purer" form of the sports car. The only available engine/transmission was the naturally-aspirated SR20DE coupled with the 4-speed automatic.



Production 1989–1994
Body style(s) 2-door coupe
Layout FR layout
Engine(s) 1.8 L DOHC-I4 (CA18DE)
1.8 L DOHC Turbo-I4 (CA18DET)
2.0 L DOHC-I4 (SR20DE), 140 PS
2.0 L DOHC Turbo-I4 (SR20DET), 205 PS
Transmission(s) 5-Speed Manual Transmission
3-Speed Automatic with overdrive
Wheelbase 97.4 in (2475 mm)
Length 176.0 in (4470 mm)
Width 66.5 in (1690 mm)
Height 50.8 in (1290 mm)
Curb weight 2450–2675 lb (1110–1210 kg)

s13 silvia
[ATTACH]17389[/ATTACH][ATTACH]17390[/ATTACH]

180sx
[ATTACH]17393[/ATTACH][ATTACH]17394[/ATTACH]

sil80
[ATTACH]17409[/ATTACH][ATTACH]17394[/ATTACH]

The S14 Silvia debuted in Japan at the end of 1993. It was lower and wider than the S13. New rounded styling contributed to the illusion of a much greater increase in size than actually occurred. Wheelbase and track were both increased, leading to slightly improved handling. Unlike export markets, where sales of the S14 chassis variants faltered, the Silvia remained popular in Japan.

Trim level designations were similar to the S13, however the Club Selection package was dropped. "Aero" variants of the Q's and K's were offered that featured large rear wings and mild ground effects.

The S14 Silvia K's received a new version of the SR20DET, boasting a slight bump in power due to the implementation of Nissan's variable valve timing system, VTC, and a larger T28 turbocharger.

[ATTACH]17401[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]17402[/ATTACH]

There was a mild styling update to the S14 during 1996, which added aggressive-looking projector headlamps and tinted taillights to all models. Fascias and other exterior trim pieces were also revised. The turbocharger now used a more efficient ball bearing center section. This updated version is popularly known as the kouki (後期, literally "later period") S14, or by enthusiasts as the S14A. This car was sold as the second generation 240SX in North America from 1995–1998. The final model year of S14 production in all markets was 2000.

[ATTACH]17399[/ATTACH][ATTACH]17400[/ATTACH]

270R
The Nismo 270R was a limited edition vehicle developed by Nissan Motorsports. The vehicle was built on the S14 chassis but had many enhancements over the Silvia. Only fifty 270Rs were ever built and they were only produced in 1994. The '270' is in reference to the horsepower of the unique car as opposed to the displacement of the engine (as other vehicles, including the 240sx, were previously named upon). The 270R featured a vented hood, Nismo 'Edge' Aero kit, heavy duty clutch, 2-way limited slip differential, and a front mount intercooler among many other upgrades. All the 270s were painted black with 'Nismo 270R' badging above the rear wheels and a product numbered plaque in the glove compartment.

Autech Version K's MF-T
Tuning company Autech, has a tuned adaption of the CS14 King's variant. This includes Aero style HUD with white displays and gauges for oil pressure, boost, and voltage in the centre console, along with a MOMO steering wheel and leather gear knob. The interior trim is also revised.

Handling improvements include multi-link suspension, firmer shocks and springs, front strut brace, and a rear sway bar. A large F40 style rear spoiler and aero bodykit with Autech indicators are also fitted. An "Autech Version K's MF-T" badge and sticker can be found on the boot.

An IHI ball bearing turbo (VN14) was fitted in favour of the Garrett T28 for slightly quicker response and flow. Larger 480 cc Injectors found in the later S15 Spec R's were also fitted as well as a thicker 80 mm intercooler also found in S15's. To help expel exhaust, a higher flowing Fujitsubo Giken (FGK) exhaust was fitted.

The engine is an Autech-tuned SR20DET that produces 182kW (245HP/250PS).

According to the Autech website, the vehicle is still available at a cost of ¥2.99 million yen (US$26875).



Production 1995–1998
Body style(s) 2-door coupe
Layout FR layout
Engine(s) 2.0 L DOHC-I4 (SR20DE), 160–165 PS
2.0 L DOHC Turbo-I4 (SR20DET), 225–250 PS
Transmission(s) 5-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Speed Automatic
Wheelbase 2525 mm (99.4 in)
Length 4498 mm (177.0 in)
Width 1727 mm (68.0 in)
Height 1288 mm (50.7 in)
Curb weight 1253 kg (2762 lb )

S15

Japan saw a new version of the Silvia (S15) in 1999, now boasting 250 hp (184 kW) from its SR20DET engine, thanks to a ball-bearing turbocharger upgrade, as well as improved engine management. The SR20DE (non-turbo motor) featured 165 hp (121 kW).

The S15 Silvia included aggressive styling inside and out, updating the previous Silvia styling in-line with modern car design trends.

The S15 Silvia model lineup was initially simplified to just the Spec-S (non-turbo) and Spec-R (turbo), both models offering an "Aero" variant with a large rear wing and side skirts/valances.

This generation of the Silvia was only sold in Japan, Australia and New Zealand but was available as a grey import in most other countries. In Australia and New Zealand the car was sold as the Nissan 200SX GT.

Within the Australian domestic market (AUDM), the S15 sold in 2 trim levels as noted above; spec s and spec r. These two models were available at Nissan showrooms until the Nissan 200SX GT replaced them which was 2000 onwards. Main differences here were namely the wheels being finshed in a silver shadow chrome and updated larger rear wing.

[edit] Variants
[edit] Spec-R
The Spec-R differed from previous Silvia models by featuring a 6-speed manual transmission. The Spec-R also included extensive chassis and suspension strengthening via the use of larger anti-roll bars and strut bracing. The S15 featured the same 4-piston front brake calipers that were found in the S14 but included a larger brake booster.

One of the biggest changes to the S15 model of the Silvia was the implementation of a helical limited slip differential. The result was a safer, more track suited drive; in some contrast to its drifting heritage and subsequent media attention.

As with many Nissans, HICAS (High Capacity Active Steering) four wheel steering was available as an option.

[edit] Spec-S
The Spec-S featured only a 5-speed manual transmission (in addition to a 4-speed automatic available on both the Spec-S and the Spec-R). It also lacked the additional chassis support of the Spec-R; featured 4-piston front brake caliper and a slightly smaller brake booster. The Spec-S also only featured the viscous limited slip differential, the same unit found in the S14.

The S15 line was later expanded to include various luxury and upgrade option packages for both the Spec-S and Spec-R. Autech, a specialty car developer, also offered several tuned versions of the S15; one with body and interior trim modeled after the Ferrari 456, called the style-A, available in both Spec-S and Spec-R based trims; and a second tuned version was based on the Spec-S trim level with the engine output increased to 200 hp (150 kW) through the use of increased compression, more aggressive camshafts, and free-breathing intake and exhaust tracts, along with ECU tuning and upgrades to the chassis and suspension. This version also included the 6-speed transmission and other upgrades normally found only in the Spec-R.

There was also a convertible variant of the Silvia, called the Varietta, featuring a folding retractable hardtop. The Varietta was built by Autech and was based on the Spec-S model, featuring the same naturally aspirated engine, with a choice of the 4-speed automatic transmission or the 5-speed manual transmission.

Production of the Silvia ended in August 2002 amidst Nissan's efforts to reduce its myriad of platforms. The S15 Silvia was therefore the last car to hold the Silvia badge. Nissan's sole worldwide sports car platform is now the FM Platform, which underpins the current Fairlady Z (the 350/370Z in North America), as well as the 2001-Present Nissan Skyline (the Infiniti G35/37 in North America).

In Japan, the S15 generation of the Silvia is colloquially known as the "Strawberry". The term is common, as most car enthusiasts in Japan refer to a car by its chassis name. In Japanese, the numbers one and five (from the name S15) are respectively "ichi" and "go". The word "ichigo" is also the Japanese word for strawberry.

[ATTACH]17395[/ATTACH][ATTACH]17396[/ATTACH]

Production 1999–2002
Body style(s) 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible
Layout FR layout
Engine(s) 2.0 L DOHC-I4 (SR20DE), 165 PS
2.0 L DOHC Turbo-I4 (SR20DET), 250 PS
Transmission(s) 5 or 6-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Speed Automatic
Wheelbase 99.4 in (2525 mm)
Length 175.0 in (4445 mm)
Width 66.7 in (1695 mm)
Height 50.6 in (1285 mm)
Curb weight 2650–2800 lb (1200–1270 kg)