A car that everyone would like to have, Nissan Silvia S15, but nowadays, it’s really hard to get one, we will try to explain on how to repair and make one great for you.
The nissan Silvia S15, came to life back in 1999 until 2002 and it is considered the best models Silvia ever made.
It is special car, particularly for it’s performance and tuning potential, it was offered with two engine options back in the day:
Engine:
2.0L with 247hp
2.0L with 163hp.
It came with two main variants, the Spec-S with naturally aspirated engine and Spec-R with the turbocharged engine.
Not to forget, in Australia and New Zealand, both versions were equipped with the turbocharged engines.
Stock Power and Performance
However, the SPEC-R model with it’s SR20DET turbocharged engine, was the performance variant of the S15.
Produced 247hp, offered a strong performance base for enthusiasts, while the other option Spec-S offered more relaxed driving experience.
But the real potential for power came with the turbocharged SPEC-R and tuning enthusiasts quickly saw the benefits of modifying to push far beyond its stock power output.
Tuning the SR20DET Engine
The SR20DET is one of the most popular engines for tuning, and with good reason. It’s a strong engine that can handle significant upgrades. If you’re looking to increase power, here’s how you can do it:
Turbo upgrades: this is one of the most common mods, upgrading the turbo, a large turbo such as the GT2871R or Garrett GTX series, can help the engine push over 300hp, with additional supporting mods, you can reach up to 500hp!
Fuel and airflow: what you need to know next, so if you want to support higher power levels, you will need also to upgrade the fuel system, larger injectors, a high flow fuel pump and an ECU tune are essential. Upgraded intake and exhaust system will also help the engine breath better, it will improve the performance.
Supporting mods: for more levels over 400hp, what you need is internals like forget pistons, rods and a more robust clutch. A larger intercooler and upgraded cooling system, like a bigger radiator or oil cooler, will help keep the engine temp in check.
Cooling: With higher power outputs, it’s very important to keep the engine cool, it is crucial. The SR20DET is a prone to overheating, using a larger radiator or oil cooler, and improving the airflow will help prevent damage, it also will improve overall reliability.
Handling Power and Drivetrain
When you try to push it more, to get more power from your S15, the drivetrain and suspension must be upgraded to handle the extra load.
Transmission and differential: the SPEC-R’s 6-speed manual transmission is a great start but if you are aiming for higher power levels, you will need to upgrade the transmission or clutch to handle the extra power, the SPEC-R helical limited slip differencial is a solid feature, but the stronger LSD may be need for it to go beyond 400hp!
Suspension: to keep handling sharp with more power, what you need to do is to upgrade the coilovers, stronger sway bars and additional chassing bracing is also necessary, these upgrades will improve the stability of the car, especially on track.
Brakes: Safety is the most important thing, that’s why the brake system is essential, while the spec-r piston front calipers are decent, higher power builds will benefit from larger rotors and multi piston calipers.
What’s the Maximum Power?
SR20DET is capable of handling up to 500 hp with the right supporting mods.
However, for most builds, tuning the engine to 400hp offers best balance of power and reliability, going beyond that may require significant upgrades to the internals and drivetrain.
Spec-S vs Spec-R
SPEC-S is a solid option for those who want a more budget-friendly platform, who is only a fan of that model, and want to have it, but the other option, which is SPEC-R turbocharged engine that offers the most tuning potential. The SPEC-R comes with a 6-speed manual, a helical LSD and a stronger suspension, making it better choice for high performance builds!
Rising Prices of the S15
Price of the car today is the problem, lot of tuning car fans want to have one, but S15 has become increasingly sough after in recent years, leading to a rise in its price.
Several factors contribute to this, the S15’s performance capabilities and tuning potential have made it a favorite among car enthusiasts, especially those interested in motorsport and drifting.
However, this car is becoming rarer, it was sold only in Japan, Australia and New Zealand, and the production ended in 2002, many S15s have been modified extensively or are no longer in good condition, which has made the well maintained, stock examples more valuable.
The popularity of JDM increased, particularly in US, where they were not originally sold, has further driven up prices!
Building Your Own Nissan Silvia S15: Costs and What to Expect
It’s not impossible to build one, if you really want one, but building your own Silvia S15, it could cost anywhere from $5.000 to $15.000, depends on the extent of the mods.
A basic turbo upgrade, fuel system improvements and supporting mods might cost around $5.000, while a full build with upgraded internals, larger turbo and drivetrain enhancements could easily reach up to $15.000.
However, if you are planning to go for a full build with custom tuning and cooling system, expect the costs to climb even higher!
The Nissan Silvia S15, is a fantastic platform for tuning and modification, wether you are working with the SR20DET turbo engine or naturally aspirated model, there are plenty of ways to enhance performance.
With the right modifications, you can push up to 400hp, or even 500hp with extensive upgrades, prices of the S15s continue to rise due to their performance potential and rarity, it’s a good idea to act quickly if you want to own one of these iconic cars!
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