There are cars that are strongly associated with a particular style, subculture or phenomenon. The Hummer H1 is associated with the US Army. Subaru impreza is associated with rallying. Land Rover Defender is associated with African safaris and places where roads simply cannot exist. The Nissan Silvia S15 is not only associated with drifting, it will not give you the opportunity to build any project other than a drift one! Today about this on MAJI97.

It is very difficult to be passionate about cars and never hear, never see and never dream for at least a couple of seconds about this legendary Nissan. The seventh generation of the sports coupe appeared in Japan in 1999, replacing the no less legendary S14.

Let us remind you that the Silvia S15 was produced with two engines: SR20DET with 250 hp. in Spec-R and more modest SR20DE with 165 hp. in Spec-S trim levels.

This example was originally a modest Spec-S with a naturally aspirated engine and a five-speed manual transmission, and even with a welded differential. Finding a car with a good body was, in principle, not an easy task, and for little money and right away with a turbo engine it was completely impossible. The new owner reviewed many advertisements and even started looking at the Honda Civic and Integra, but then a suitable option appeared in Moscow. Silvia drove from Moscow to Krasnodar in one night, with one headlight and some electrical problems, but the dream came true - the car was parked under the window.

The problems that the S15 has on the aftermarket are common to all fast used cars. The paintwork is not in the best condition, the technical part was not looked after very thoroughly and all the juices were squeezed out of the car. Initially, there were no thoughts of preparing the car for drifting, just as there was no money to fuel such thoughts. The stance gained popularity on the Internet, and it was decided to make a low stens project out of the car in the future. But this is a Nissan Silvia S15, it didn’t want to be just low! Therefore, she herself (there is no other way to explain this) led her owner to the time attack stage. After feeling the race, the final decision came - to prepare the car for drifting.

We were not talking about super-serious preparation and super-serious competitions; rather, the task was to assemble a good car for street driving. By that time, the SR20DET had already become an icon and cost quite a lot of money, so they chose the VQ30DET as the power plant. This is a three-liter six-cylinder V-engine, to which a turbocharger was attached for greater power. This was completely justified, since this engine was installed in heavy business sedans like the Nissan Cedric and Gloria. Plus, this was the first S15 with this engine in Russia - the sum of the advantages outweighed the possible disadvantages, and the implementation took place.

To go with the new engine, a 6-speed manual transmission from Spec-R was purchased - its reliability should be enough to handle the 270 hp produced by the engine. The clutch was supplied by Nismo and the gearbox with a 3.7 main pair, which became a universal solution for the city with the ability to go to the track.

In appearance, a car created for love and adoration should turn the heads of passers-by. This is actively facilitated by a set of aero overlays for the rear bumper - the Spec R option, a c-west front bumper and final konexion side sills. It turned out moderately aggressive and while maintaining the general appearance of the car. According to popular rumor, neat buddy club p1 wheels in size R17, width 9J and offset et17 are responsible for 70% of the appearance. The suspension, of course, was not just lowered - an adjustable DGR coilover suspension was installed. To turn the suspension and adjust it for drifting, the front control arms had to be welded down by 2cm, the bipods had to be remade, and the rear camber control arms had to be replaced with Forward-auto ones.

The Silvia's interior is simple, uncluttered and, in the case of the S15, quite handsome. Now it seems that this is too simple for a sports coupe, because we are talking about the very end of the 90s and it would have been possible to install a bunch of useless buttons - but the Japanese in this sense have always strived to make everything as simple as possible. Maybe that’s why they were famous for their reliability. Door cards, if you look at them separately from the car, can be confused with almost any other cards of Japanese cars of that time. There are 4 heater air ducts installed in the upper part of the dashboard, and controls are on the center console. Plus, in the glove box area there is the much-appreciated Silvia inscription.

But the gearbox and handbrake levers are already at the driver’s fingertips. This example also features a Cusco Safety 21 bolt-on frame and a Charge Speed ​​sports seat - all according to the behests of the fathers of drifting, there really is no need to invent anything.

The resulting street weapon is capable of easily turning a Bridgestone Potenza RE003 in size 215/45/17, without tearing the car and at the same time without destroying a set of tires in a couple of passes in the arc. A kind of ideal street config for those who have not yet become millionaires and do not carry a tire warehouse on a trailer. By the way, relatively low tire consumption allows you to use quite expensive tires, which has a positive effect on the car’s handling!

Looking at these body lines, this still relevant and aggressive front end of the car, I don't understand why its family became extinct. There was simply no replacement left in the Nissan model line, since the 350/370Z were a continuation of another dynasty, and even those are no longer there. Maybe Nissan will prepare a competitor to the new Supra? Let's wait, hope and believe, but for now let's enjoy the sight of this beautiful S15.
See you again!

Dmitry McCarthy (Photo)

Sokolkin Oleg (Text)

2001 Nissan Silvia S15 Spec-R – widebody, full duty

The Nissan Silvia is a sports coupe produced by the Japanese automaker Nissan from 1965 to 2002.

The coupe was built on the Nissan S platform. Although later models shared this chassis with other Nissan cars (primarily the European 200SX and North American 240SX in the S13 and S14 generations, and the 180SX model in the Japanese market), the Silvia name on these cars was shared with the chassis codes didn't pass. The Silvia's main competitors include the Honda Prelude, Mazda MX-6, Toyota Celica and Mitsubishi Eclipse. In North America, the 240SX competed with the Acura Integra.

SEVENTH GENERATION 1999-2002 (S15 BODY)

Japan saw a new version of Sylvia in 1999. Silvia S15 was equipped with an SR20DET engine with a power of 250 hp. (184 kW). The second engine - SR20DE (without turbine) produced 165 hp. (121 kW). The Nissan Silvia S15 looked quite aggressive externally and internally; the body was updated with an eye on modern trends in automotive design. Transmissions: 5 or 6 speed manual or 4 speed automatic.

This generation of Silvia was sold only in Japan, Australia and New Zealand, but, thanks to gray imports, was also available in most other countries. In Australia and New Zealand the car was sold under the name Nissan 240SX. Silvias were exported to Australia only with the SR20DET turbo engine.

The S15 Spec R model has won numerous regional and world drift championships. Most of the world's podiums were won on specially prepared Nissan Silvia S15.

There are several stages of tuning the S15, from basic, which improves dynamics and handling, to professional, when all elements of the car are altered:

• a sports safety cage is welded into the body;
• the engine is boosted using sports elements and can develop up to 500 hp;
• all suspension elements are completely changed;
• the brake system is changed;
• The engine management system is replaced with its sports counterpart, which supports any settings changes.

Cars prepared in this way still successfully participate in various competitions today.

In 2002, Nissan stopped producing a car called the Silvia.

2001 Nissan Silvia S15 Spec-R
Ready to consider exchanging for a city version.
Spec-R 6speed manual transmission The car was brought under full duty in 2007 (not a designer, not cut), the only owner. Mileage in Russia 29t.km. Use as a weekend car. The widest possible original Bn Sports Blister body kit was installed, the muzzle became wider by 14cm, the rear by 20cm. Complete repainting of the body in Diving Blue color. This car is not cramped (there is no frame, the entire original interior is assembled, the air conditioning is in place), and is completely suitable for everyday use.
Tuning: Full set wide body BN Sports Blister D-max D1 SpecOrigin GT-Wing hoodD-max led lightsIntensive Hunk R19 10.5J wheelsIntensive Hunk R19 10.5J cutback Kakimoto FullMega N1 3″Frontpipe BlitzOutlet autobahn88Front and pipes GReddyBlowoff HKS SuperSQVFuel pump Nismo
Fuel regulator Nismo Radiator koyo Type-S + 1.3bar Apex’i cap oil cooler Trust Boost controller HKS EVC III GReddy sensors: boost, oil temperature, water Tein Spec Drift type Coilovers DStech Cusco Front Bar LSD 2.0way.

In contact with

The model appeared in the mid-sixties of the last century. Its designer and update developer was the German designer Hertz. By the time he was hired by Nissan, he had already gained extensive experience in the production of racing cars. It was thanks to him that Sylvia firmly entered the drift culture.

Now the car is no longer produced (the last copies were produced at the beginning of the 2000s). Only a few of them can be found in Russia. As a rule, they are purchased by racing enthusiasts.

A little history

The first generation (from 1964 to 1968) was similar to a roadster. Due to the complex hand assembly, only 554 units were produced, some of which were even used for highway patrol in Japan.

From 1974 to 1979, the story was continued by a model in a new sports coupe, which was called the S10 and became not only more economical in terms of fuel consumption, but also an order of magnitude cheaper than its predecessor. But it couldn’t be called a supercar.

From 1979 to 1983, a generation was released with modifications called Silvia (basic) and Gazelle (more luxurious). In addition to the coupe body, a hatchback version appeared here.

The Nissan Silvia S12 came out in 1983, when the craze for turbochargers and powertrains was widespread. Naturally, a turbo engine was installed on it too. There probably wasn't a car enthusiast who didn't admire this model!

The next version, which became the most controversial in history, was the Silvia S13, produced from 1989 to 1999. During all this time, it was improved and made even more powerful. In addition to the coupe and hatchback, a convertible version appeared.

In parallel with the S13, which continued to be produced, the S14 was introduced in Japan in 1993. A new design and a new engine characterized this model.

And finally, in 1999, the Nissan Silvia S15 was released, the seventh generation of the car and, unfortunately, the last.

Silvia S15

This version was introduced in early 1999. It received suspension parts from a Nissan Skyline R34 and an aluminum chassis. The car was produced in two versions: Spec-S and Spec-R. They were equipped with a six-speed manual or SR20DET, which was even more powerful.

A four-cylinder power unit equipped with 165 horses or a turbocharged one with 250 horsepower was offered.

Those who are eager to purchase a Nissan Silvia S15 should consider buying it at an auction in Japan. As a rule, intermediaries take care of the delivery of the car, as well as its registration. However, in this case, you need to be prepared for the fact that the beauty will have to wait from one to three months. It is also worth taking a closer look at the intermediary company. If these conditions are met, the purchase will be very transparent and understandable.

In Russia, mainly such cars have a turbine unit with a capacity of 250 horses, with a manual transmission. Particularly passionate people need to find the Spec-R package, the engine of which is boosted to 500 horses. Well, then it all depends on the car enthusiast...

So, the Nissan Silvia S15 is most often bought for serious modifications for racing or street racing. Drifting on it will seem the best. It is worth noting that all championships in it are won by this particular car.

There is an even more desperate option: the Nissan Skyline GT-R, but its price will be two or even three times higher.

Nissan SX/Silvia

Description SX/Silvia

Nissan SX / Silvia is a small sports coupe produced from 1964 to 2002. The car had a number of versions for different markets under the name Nissan SX. In the manufacturer's model range, the Nissan Silvia (SX) occupies a position between the sporty Nissan 300ZX and the compact one. Silvia's competitors at the time of its production: Mitsubishi Eclipse, Mazda MX-6, Honda Integra /Prelude, Toyota Celica, Opel Calibra and other compact coupes.

As mentioned earlier, this version had some differences depending on the market. Very old versions are rare, so let's start with the S13 model. In Japan, both the Silvia S13 and the slightly modified 180SX S13 were produced, using the turbocharged 1.8 liter CA18 and 2 liter SR20 in naturally aspirated and turbo variants. The 180SX was supplied to Europe with CA18 and SR20, but it was called 200SX. The 240SX version with the 2.4 liter KA24 engine was supplied to North America.
In 1994, the Silvia S14 entered the Japanese market; for Europe and Australia the car was called 200SX, in North America 240SX. Their engines were called SR20 and had a displacement of 2 liters, the 240SX model still used the KA24DE. In parallel with them, until 1998, the production of the 180SX S13 continued.
Starting in 1999, sales of the new Silvia S15 body began, known outside Japan (namely in Australia) as the 200SX. The engine on these cars is familiar to everyone - the SR20.
All engines on Silvias and SX are gasoline, in-line, 4-cylinder.

Nissan SilviaNGKS15 Built for the Motherland

Japanese - "Younger"

This Silvia arrived in Russia to eventually go to its homeland, Japan, where it would compete in the D1GP championship under the control of Georgy Chivchyan. After successful performances in 2013 and 2014, an invitation was received personally from the head of D1 Corporation Toshiyuki Oya to ride a full season. After some deliberation, the decision was made to build a new car to participate in the Japanese championship.

Preparation of the car began in the winter of 2014, and already in April 2015 the NGK Silvia S15 D1 Spec appeared at the Red Ring for the first tests. Over several months of active work, Forward Auto specialists dismantled the car down to its bare body, and then assembled it using time-tested components using the experience accumulated over 10 years.

To fight on equal terms in D1GP, power is needed first of all; Forward Auto mechanic Sergei Danilchenko had a difficult task - to assemble a powerful and reliable engine based on the SR20. All that was left of the standard engine was the cylinder block, which was thoroughly modified to accommodate Mahle forged pistons. As in the “older” S15, they used cylinder heads from Nissan Primera, since VE “heads” showed excellent performance in battle. Fuel is supplied to the combustion chamber by nozzles with a capacity of 1000cc, and a turbine screwed to the engine is responsible for the huge amount of required air. Responsibility for igniting the mixture lies with the candles. The engine was tuned on the control unit by the famous specialist Denis Ponomarev.

Another important factor in the fight against top Japanese pilots is the speed of switching, especially during acceleration before setting. Therefore, gearboxes with a search mechanism were not considered, only sequential ones! The choice fell on the five-speed Dutch Drenth MPG gearbox. Further on the transmission: OS Giken three-plate clutch, 1.5 Way Nismo locking, gearbox and drive from Skyline GT-R. All components were selected in such a way that there were no weak points on the way from the engine to the rear wheels.

When preparing the suspension, we took into account both our own experience and learned something from the Japanese. In 2014, a delegation from Russia was surprised to discover that such monsters as Masato Kawabata’s Nissan 180SX ride on an almost standard suspension in terms of levers. Of course, there were modifications, but they were made using an angle grinder and welding. This option was not entirely suitable, since in the event of a breakdown, “custom” parts would have to be made from scratch, so it was decided to use, but not to “fiddle with” the settings. Installed on both axes. In the front, they work great when lowering and turning out, and in the rear they make it possible to install an additional caliper on the handbrake without modifications, so as not to interfere with the operation of the main braking system. In preparation for the 2015 season they were used, and before the 2016 season they were replaced with iconic ones.

The appearance of the NGK Silvia S15 is the calling card of Georgy Chivchyan, so the new project used yellow color and a body kit from Vertex, which was supplemented with small parts manufactured by the Krasnoyarsk company Monster Service. The creators of the body kit liked the small “flaps” and “lip” on the front bumper so much that they eventually asked to send them samples to Japan.

The most important point was to create an exact copy of the interior of the previous S15. All controls and the seat were placed in familiar places so that you wouldn’t have to get used to the new car. Bride seats, 330mm Tanida steering wheel, horizontal handbrake, switches and gauges. All elements are installed exactly as on the “older” one.