S10 LS Type S 1975 example
L18- Displacement
- 1,770 cc
- Power
- 105 PS (77 kW) @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque
- 147 Nm @ 3,600 rpm
- Transmission
- 4MT / 5MT / 3AT (range)
Nissan does not state gross or net.
Buyer's guide
15 min read
Nissan Silvia
Buyer's guide & specs
- Model span
- 1965-2002
- For sale
- 310
- active now
On this page
Quick answer
The Nissan Silvia is a Japanese coupe line that Nissan counts from 1965. The S13 (1988), S14 (1993) and S15 (1999) have their own guides here. The SR20 engine arrived in January 1991, and the SR20DET is the turbo version. Check each car's build date and grade.
Background
Overview
How the S13, S14 and S15 differ
The S13 was introduced on 17 May 1988. Nissan's preserved 1989 K's has the CA18DET at 175 PS, weighs 1,120 kg and has a multilink rear suspension. A 1991 K's with the SR20DET is listed at 205 PS.
The S14 went on sale in October 1993. Nissan's preserved 1994 K's Type S has the SR20DET at 220 PS and weighs 1,220 kg. Nissan says its dimensions exceeded the Japanese small-car class, and Web Motor Magazine says it is 40 mm wider than the S13.
The S15 went on sale on 19 January 1999. Motor Magazine lists the spec-R SR20DET at 250 PS with the six-speed manual, and Nissan's launch footnote ties 250 PS to six-speed cars only.
Engines by generation
The S12 moved to the 1,800 cc DOHC turbo CA18DET (145 PS) at the February 1986 minor change.
The S13 started with 1.8-litre CA18 engines: 135 PS in the naturally aspirated J's and Q's, and 175 PS in the turbo K's. The January 1991 minor change gave every S13 grade an SR20 DOHC engine. Motor Magazine lists the S15's naturally aspirated SR20DE at 165 PS with the five-speed manual.
Editorial notes
Quick read
Key takeaways
- The S13 changed from the 1.8-litre CA18 to the 2.0-litre SR20 in January 1991, so the engine depends on the build date.
- Nissan lists the S14 K's Type S with the SR20DET at 220 PS. The S15 spec-R is 250 PS with the six-speed manual and 225 PS with the automatic.
- Turbo S15s got a newly developed six-speed manual, and the helical LSD is standard on spec-R six-speed cars.
- The 180SX (RS13) is a separate hatchback that Nissan built until 1998.
- Overseas names differ. The S10 was the Datsun 200SX in the US, and Nissan says the S14 was also known as the 240SX.
- The US federal rule counts 25 years from each car's build date.
- One specialist S13 guide names rust at the strut towers, under the windscreen cowl, at the battery tray and at the lower radiator support.
Constants
Common across all Silvia generations
- Coupe bodies in Japan; the S110 and S12 were also sold as hatchbacks
- The SR20 engine replaced the CA18 in the S13 in January 1991; the turbo version is the SR20DET
- Grade names: the S13 used K's, Q's and J's (King, Queen, Jack), the S14 kept that structure, and the S15 used spec-R and spec-S
- Japanese turbo ratings as listed: S13 K's 175 PS (CA18DET) and 205 PS (SR20DET, 1991), S14 K's Type S 220 PS, S15 spec-R 250 PS with the six-speed manual and 225 PS with the automatic
- Overseas names differ: the S10 was the Datsun 200SX in the US and Nissan says the S14 was also known as the 240SX; the 180SX (RS13) is a separate hatchback built until 1998
Chassis history
Generation timeline
Nissan counts the S15 as the seventh generation and dates the line from 1965. The six cards below run from the S10 (1975) to the S15 (1999).
Identification
Chassis-code reference
Generation names are broad families. The factory chassis codes below identify the variants represented in JDMBUYSELL's current Nissan Silvia guide data.
- S13 (1988–1993)
- Chassis code: S13
- RPS13
- Chassis code: PS13
- S14 (1993–1998)
- Chassis code: S14
- S15 (1999–2002)
- Chassis code: S15
- CSP311
- Chassis code: CSP311
Confirm the complete code on the vehicle's frame or VIN plate; drivetrain, body, and market variants can use different prefixes within one generation family.
Buyer's call
Should you buy a Nissan Silvia?
Strengths come from Nissan and catalogue records. Weaknesses come from inspection guides, so check the individual car.
Why you'll love it
- Award-winning S13 launch Nissan says the S13 soon won Good Design recognition and Japan Car of the Year.
- Six-speed S15 spec-R Turbo S15s got a newly developed six-speed manual, and the helical LSD is standard on spec-R six-speed cars.
- NISMO parts support NISMO's catalogue lists reinforced steering-gear-mount bushes and mechanical LSD applications for the S13.
- S14 chassis Web Motor Magazine says the S14 gained stability and a higher cornering limit over the S13 and calls its poor reputation undeserved.
Why you might not
- Rust points One specialist S13 guide names the strut towers, the area under the windscreen cowl, the battery tray and the lower radiator support.
- Accident damage and modification Auto Express's UK 200SX guide advises a specialist check of heavily modified cars and a thorough panel and underside inspection for undeclared accident damage.
- Rear seat A Motor-Fan reviewer finds the rear seat of the S13 and later cars unsuited to everyday sitting.
- Engine wear and leaks Auto Express's UK S14 200SX guide says SR20DET engines can show camshaft wear if oil changes were skipped, and that turbo gaskets and exhaust manifolds can leak.
Who should not buy this
- Buyers who need a rear seat for everyday use
- Buyers who will not have the car inspected for rust and accident damage
Reliability
Common issues & solutions
These points come from one S13 inspection guide and one UK 200SX (S14) guide. They are not failure rates.
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| S13 rust at the strut towers and cowl | Moisture gets between the overlapping thin metal of the towers; the cowl, battery tray and lower radiator support are also named | Inspect those areas; OEM repair panels can be hard to find |
| S13 rail and floor corrosion | Brake, clutch or ABS-pump leaks can pool between the firewall and the chassis rails and rot the seam sealer | Check the rails and floor for corrosion |
| Camshaft wear and valve timing rattle (UK 200SX, SR20DET) | Skipped regular oil changes; a start-up rattle can point to a worn variable valve timing system | Ask for oil-change records and listen on a cold start |
| Turbo gasket and manifold leaks (UK 200SX, SR20DET) | Blown turbo gaskets make the car noisy at idle, and exhaust manifolds can develop leaks | Listen at idle and inspect the manifold |
| Worn gearbox synchros (UK 200SX manual) | Gear-change crunching can mean worn synchros | Test every gear on a drive |
| Premature engine wear on modified S13 turbo cars | Bigger turbos fitted without a tune and supporting modifications | Ask what was modified and who tuned the car |
Market
Differences between JDM & USDM
Nissan gives the S10's Japanese name as New Silvia and its US name as Datsun 200SX. Nissan says the S14 was also known overseas as the 240SX. Auto Express lists the UK 200SX with the SR20DET at 197 bhp from 1995, an export rating that differs from the Japanese 220 PS. MotorTrend lists Japan, Australia and New Zealand for the S15; Nissan's July 2002 fact file also lists Silvia in Brunei. The 180SX is a separate hatchback, code RS13, that Nissan built until 1998. Check each car's grade, engine and build date rather than its name.
Specs
Technical specifications
Spec tables list Japanese-market figures from Nissan heritage pages and catalogue entries.
Engine options
-
-
S110 Turbo ZSE-X 1982 example
Z18ET- Displacement
- 1.8 L
- Aspiration
- Turbo
- Power
- 135 PS (99 kW) @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque
- 196 Nm @ 3,600 rpm
Nissan Heritage Collection figures.
-
S110 2.0 L Range-level
2.0 L SOHC four- Displacement
- 2.0 L
- Power
- 120 PS
- Torque
- 17.0 kgm
Motor-Fan report; grade and rated speeds unknown.
-
S12 Turbo R-L hatchback 1983 example
CA18ET- Displacement
- 1,809 cc
- Aspiration
- Turbo (SOHC)
- Power
- 135 PS (99 kW) @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque
- 196 Nm @ 3,600 rpm
Type RS12.
-
S12 Twin-cam Turbo RS-X From Feb 1986
CA18DET- Displacement
- 1,809 cc
- Aspiration
- Turbo (DOHC, 16 valves)
- Power
- 145 PS (107 kW) @ 6,400 rpm
- Torque
- 201 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
- Transmission
- 4AT lock-up added February 1986
Replaced FJ20 engines; 145 PS is net.
-
S12 RS Early cars to Feb 1986
FJ20E- Displacement
- 2.0 L
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated, DOHC
- Power
- 150 PS
Motor-Fan range-level figure.
-
S12 FJ20ET turbo Early cars to Feb 1986
FJ20ET Comparison- Displacement
- 2.0 L
- Aspiration
- Turbo, DOHC
- Power
- 190 PS (140 kW) @ 6,400 rpm
Gazelle RS-X rating; Motor-Fan agrees.
Lineup
Variants & trims
Grade names are K's, Q's and J's on the S13 and S14, and spec-R and spec-S on the S15.
| Generation | Trim | Engine | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|
| S10 (Japan, 1975–1979) | New Silvia LS Type S (1975 example) | L18 | 105 PS; 4,135 x 1,600 x 1,300 mm; 990 kg; front struts, leaf-sprung rear; front discs, rear drums |
| S10 (Japan, 1975–1979) | Fuel-injected (EGI) cars | L18 with EGI | Added the year after launch; the initial L18 had a single carburettor |
| S110 (Japan, 1979–1983) | Silvia Turbo ZSE-X (1982 example) | Z18ET | 135 PS, 196 Nm; 1,125 kg; front struts, four-link coil rear; discs front and rear |
| S110 (Japan, 1979–1983) | Silvia RS and RS Extra | FJ20E | Four-valve DOHC engine shared with the Skyline RS; added 1982 (April or May, sources differ) |
| S110 (Japan, 1979–1983) | 2.0-litre SOHC (Motor-Fan) | 2.0 L inline-four | 120 PS and 17.0 kgm reported; grade and rated speeds not established |
| S12 (Japan, 1983–1988) | Silvia Turbo R-L hatchback (1983 example) | CA18ET | RS12; 135 PS; 1,080 kg; front struts, semi-trailing-arm rear; ventilated front discs |
| S12 (Japan, 1983–1988) | Silvia Twin-cam Turbo RS-X | FJ20ET, then CA18DET from February 1986 | Top grade on coupe and hatchback; 1986 coupe example 145 PS net, 1,180 kg |
Drivetrain
Engine references
Editorial
The buyer's read
Start with the build date and the grade. The S13 changed from CA18 to SR20 engines in January 1991, the S14 K's Type S carries the SR20DET at 220 PS, and the S15 spec-R is rated 250 PS with the six-speed manual or 225 PS with the automatic.
Inspect an S13 for rust at the strut towers, windscreen cowl, battery tray and lower radiator support, and check any car for undeclared accident damage. Auto Express's UK S14 200SX guide says SR20DET engines can show camshaft wear if oil changes were skipped, and that gear-change crunching could mean worn synchros.
For a US import, the federal safety age rule counts 25 years from each car's month and year of manufacture. EPA's age exemption requires the original engine model and configuration, or an equivalent or newer EPA-certified replacement engine and emission-control systems. State registration rules vary.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- When did the S15 go on sale and when did production end?
- Nissan put the S15 on sale in Japan on 19 January 1999 and announced that Silvia production would end in August 2002.
- What engines did the S13, S14 and S15 use?
- The S13 used 1.8-litre CA18 engines until the January 1991 minor change, then 2.0-litre SR20 engines. The S14 K's Type S used the SR20DET. The S15 offered the naturally aspirated SR20DE and the turbo SR20DET.
- What is the difference between the S15 spec-R and spec-S?
- The spec-R has the SR20DET, rated 250 PS with the six-speed manual. The spec-S has the naturally aspirated SR20DE, rated 165 PS with the five-speed manual by Motor Magazine.
- Where was the S15 sold?
- MotorTrend lists Japan, Australia and New Zealand for the S15; Nissan's July 2002 fact file also lists Silvia in Brunei.
- Is the 180SX the same as the Silvia?
- No. The 180SX is a separate hatchback, code RS13, that Nissan built until 1998. Japanese S13 Silvia sales ended in October 1993.
- How does the US 25-year rule count?
- The federal exemption applies to vehicles at least 25 years old, counted from the month and year of manufacture. EPA and state rules are separate, so check the car's build date and your state's rules.
Citations
Sources & references
Sources (25)
- Nissan Heritage — New Silvia LS Type S — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- Nissan's 90-year History Overview — page 8 — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- Motor-Fan — S10 Silvia historical feature — Motor-Fan Verified
- Nissan Heritage — New Silvia LS Type S — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- MotorTrend, Rodrez — Silvia convertible history — MotorTrend Verified
- Wikimedia Commons — File:Nissan_New_Silvia.jpg — Wikimedia Commons Verified
- Nissan Heritage — Silvia, 1982 S110 rally car — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- Nissan Heritage — Silvia Coupe Turbo ZSE-X — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- Motor-Fan, 竹村純 — 歴史を飾ったライバル対決019 — Motor-Fan Verified
- Web Motor Magazine — 昭和の名機⑤ FJ20, 前編 — Web Motor Magazine Verified
- https://www.nissan.co.jp/HERITAGE/DETAIL/93.html — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- Nissan Heritage — 240RS Monte Carlo Rally specification — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- Nissan Heritage — Silvia Coupe Twin-cam Turbo RS-X — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- Nissan Heritage — Gazelle Hatchback Turbo XE — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- Wikimedia Commons — File:Nissan_Silvia_S110.jpg — Wikimedia Commons Verified
- Nissan Heritage — S13 K's history — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- Nissan Heritage — Silvia Coupe Twin-cam Turbo RS-X — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- Nissan Heritage — 1983 Silvia Turbo R-L specifications — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- Nissan Heritage — Gazelle Coupe Turbo RS-X — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- Motor-Fan — Fourth-generation Silvia S12 historical feature — Motor-Fan Verified
- Nissan Heritage — Silvia 200SX, 1988 rally car — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- Motor-Fan — S12 Silvia owner/restoration feature — Motor-Fan Verified
- Wikimedia Commons — File:Nissan-SilviaS12.jpg — Wikimedia Commons Verified
- Nissan Heritage: Silvia 200SX, 1988 36th Safari Rally entry (Japanese) — Nissan Motor Co. Verified
- NHTSA: list of nonconforming vehicles eligible for importation (25-year age statement) — US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Verified
Sources last verified: