Chassis Code Explained
| Segment | Meaning | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| S14 | Model series | Sixth-generation Silvia, sold from October 1993 (Nissan: S14-type) |
| E-S14 | Type code in catalogues | Used for J's, Q's, K's, Type S and Aero grades in the 1993 and 1996 Motor-Fan lists, and for the Autech MF-T base car |
| E-CS14 | Electric Super HICAS packages | Used for the Q's Type S and K's Type S packages (1993) and Q's Aero and K's Aero packages (1996) |
A full list of S14 type codes is not established. Whether E-CS14 implies a particular engine is not established; it appears on both Q's and K's Aero packages.
Editorial notes
Key Takeaways
The S14 ran in two visible phases. The October 1993 launch carried the K's, Q's and J's grades; a 1996 minor change brought sharper headlamps and an Aero line, and the next-generation Silvia took over in January 1999. The last S14 build month is not established. Auto Express's UK guide calls the facelift cars S14A or Kouki.
- The S14 was announced on 12 October 1993 and went on sale on 26 October 1993; the next-generation Silvia took over in January 1999.
- Nissan says the body exceeded the small-car size class; Web Motor Magazine puts the width increase over its predecessor at 40 mm.
- The turbo K's is 220 PS in Nissan's 1994 car and still 220 PS in the June 1996 K's Aero catalogue.
- Only the 1997 Autech K's MF-T, a five-speed manual special, is documented at 250 PS.
- NISMO says 270R sales were limited to 30 cars, black only, chosen by lottery.
- NISMO's differential kits for SR20DET manual cars change in December 1996, not at the June facelift.
Background
Grades and type codes
The October 1993 launch list is J's, Q's, Q's Type S, K's and K's Type S under type E-S14, with electric Super HICAS packages on the Q's Type S and K's Type S coded E-CS14. The June 1996 list replaces Type S with Aero: J's, Q's, Q's Aero, K's and K's Aero. The J's catalogue lists 1,140 kg and 185/70R14 tyres, with a limited-slip differential and both airbags optional. The K's Aero lists a limited-slip differential, ABS and a driver airbag as standard. Whether E-CS14 implies a particular engine is not established.
Engines
The J's has the naturally aspirated SR20DE at 160 PS and 188.3 Nm. The turbo SR20DET is rated 220 PS and 274 Nm in Nissan's preserved 1994 K's Type S, and the June 1996 K's Aero catalogue still lists 220 PS. Nissan's 1994 K's Type S weighs 1,220 kg; the K's Aero catalogue gives 1,250 kg. Both a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic were offered.
Factory specials
The Autech Version K's MF-T (1997) has an IHI turbocharger, a Fujitsubo exhaust and tuned suspension, rated 250 PS net with a five-speed manual, opposed four-piston front brakes and 1,260 kg. It has no audio system. NISMO's 270R (1994) was limited to 30 cars, black only, chosen by lottery after applications from 17 September to 20 October 1994, with Autech Japan doing the finishing.
Size, sales and export names
Web Motor Magazine puts the width increase over the S13 at 40 mm, and Nissan says the body exceeded the small-car size class. Best Car reports registrations falling from about 30,000 in 1994 to about 4,000 in 1998. Nissan says the car was known overseas as the 240SX, and Auto Express says the UK sold it as the 200SX from 1995 at 197 bhp. Those are export ratings, not the Japanese 220 PS.
Technical Specifications
Each row names the car it describes. Ordinary Japanese turbo cars are 220 PS; 250 PS is the Autech MF-T only. Ratings are PS as published, and Autech states that its catalogue ratings are net.
Engine Options
-
S14 J's Oct 1993 catalogue
SR20DE- Displacement
- 1,998 cc
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated, DOHC 16V
- Power
- 160 PS (118 kW) @ 6,400 rpm
- Torque
- 188.3 Nm @ 4,800 rpm
- Transmission
- 5-speed manual
Compression 10.0.
-
S14 K's Type S 1994 preserved car
SR20DET- Displacement
- 1,998 cc
- Aspiration
- Turbo, four-valve DOHC
- Power
- 220 PS (162 kW) @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque
- 274 Nm @ 4,800 rpm
Nissan lists 274 Nm; Web Motor Magazine reports 28.0 kgm, while Motor-Fan's launch retrospective gives 28.2 kgm.
-
S14 K's Aero Jun 1996 catalogue
SR20DET- Displacement
- 1,998 cc
- Aspiration
- Turbo, intercooled DOHC 16V
- Power
- 220 PS (162 kW) @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque
- 274.6 Nm @ 4,800 rpm
- Transmission
- 5-speed manual
Compression 8.5.
-
S14 Autech K's MF-T 1997
SR20DET- Displacement
- 1,998 cc
- Aspiration
- Turbo, DOHC
- Power
- 250 PS @ 6,400 rpm (net)
- Torque
- 28.0 kgm @ 4,800 rpm
- Transmission
- 5-speed manual
Not the ordinary K's.
Transmission Options
| Type | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 5-speed manual | J's (October 1993) and K's Aero (June 1996) catalogue entries | Reverse 3.382 and final drive 4.083 in both entries; forward ratios not established. |
| 4-speed automatic | Offered alongside the manual across the catalogued grades | Motor-Fan lists five-speed manual and four-speed automatic; automatic ratios and weights not established. |
| 5-speed manual only | Autech K's MF-T, 1997 | Listed on the E-S14 base type. |
NHTSA's safety exemption starts 25 years from each car's manufacture date under 49 CFR 591.5(i). EPA's separate age provision requires the original engine configuration or an eligible EPA-certified replacement engine and emissions system. State registration rules vary. Canada counts its 15-year federal age exemption by manufacture month and year. Check the car's documents before shipping. Calculate import costs →
Sources: 49 CFR 591.5 (eCFR) ; EPA: learn about importing vehicles and engines ; EPA: importing vehicles and engines guidance (NEPIS) ; CBSA Memorandum D9-1-11
Variants & Trims
Rows show documented grades and specials only. No production count for any grade, or for the S14 as a whole, was found; the market table holds reported registrations and NISMO's stated 270R figure.
| Generation | Trim | Engine | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| S14 (Japan, 1993–1998) | J's (October 1993 catalogue) | SR20DE | 160 PS; 1,140 kg; 185/70R14; limited-slip differential and both airbags optional |
| S14 (Japan, 1993–1998) | K's Type S (1994 example) | SR20DET | 220 PS; 1,220 kg; 4,500 mm long; 205/55R16; standard rear spoiler |
| S14 (Japan, 1993–1998) | K's Aero (June 1996 catalogue) | SR20DET | 220 PS; 1,250 kg; 4,520 mm long; limited-slip differential, ABS and driver airbag standard; passenger airbag optional |
| S14 (Japan, 1993–1998) | Autech Version K's MF-T (1997) | SR20DET | 250 PS net; five-speed manual; 1,260 kg; IHI turbo, Fujitsubo exhaust, tuned suspension; four-piston front brakes; audio-less |
| S14 (Japan, 1993–1998) | NISMO 270R (1994) | Tuned; 270 PS target | Built on the S14 for its wide tuning range; 30 cars, black only; finished by Autech Japan |
Should You Buy a Nissan Silvia S14?
Pros and cons rest on Nissan's own figures and the press sources cited. None is a price judgement.
Why You'll Love It
- Stability gain over its predecessor Web Motor Magazine argues the S14 gained stability and a higher cornering limit, and calls its poor reputation undeserved.
- 220 PS turbo K's Nissan's preserved 1994 K's Type S makes 220 PS and 274 Nm from the SR20DET.
- Independent rear suspension, four discs The K's Type S has struts at the front, an independent multi-link rear, and ventilated front plus rear discs.
- Factory-tuned specials exist The Autech K's MF-T (250 PS) and NISMO 270R show that official upgrades were offered; both need paperwork to prove.
Why You Might Not
- Bigger and heavier than its predecessor Web Motor Magazine's K's comparison gives a 50 mm longer wheelbase and 70 kg more weight than the previous Silvia.
- Weak sales Best Car reports registrations falling from about 30,000 in 1994 to about 4,000 in 1998 and blames the three-number body.
- Easy to misidentify The 250 PS rating, E-CS14 type code and Aero equipment belong to specific grades; a badge alone proves none of them.
- Parts lists differ by build date and brand NISMO splits SR20DET manual differential kits at December 1996 and excludes Autech-branded cars unless listed.
Who Should NOT Buy This
- Anyone who needs a documented S14 production total or grade-by-grade count: none was found.
- Anyone expecting 250 PS from an ordinary facelift K's: the documented 250 PS car is the Autech MF-T.
- Anyone looking for a US-import ruling on this page: it gives none, so check your own country's rules.
Common Issues & Solutions
These items come from a UK buying guide for the export 200SX, not from a Japanese failure study. Treat them as things to check, not as failure rates.
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Camshaft wear | Auto Express's UK 200SX guide links accelerated camshaft wear to skipped oil changes. It is an inspection prompt, not a measured failure rate. | Ask for oil-change history and have the camshafts inspected before buying. |
| Start-up rattle | The same guide says a rattle on start-up could indicate a worn variable valve timing system. The symptom alone does not prove the cause. | Have a specialist diagnose the noise before it worsens. |
| Gear-change crunch | The guide says crunching when engaging a gear could mean worn synchros. | Test every gear on a cold and a warm drive, and treat a crunch as a reason to inspect the gearbox. |
| Noisy idle and turbo leaks | Blown turbo gaskets can make the car very noisy at idle, and the guide calls exhaust manifolds a weak point that can develop leaks. | Listen at idle and look for oil or smoke around the turbo and manifold. |
| Corrosion | The guide says to check the wheelarches, wheel wells, sills and floorpan, and expects minor corrosion even on good cars. | Prod the sills and inspect the floorpan on a ramp; price in any serious repair. |
| Undeclared damage and heavy modification | Accident damage is a real possibility given how the cars are used, and a clean history check cannot rule out undeclared damage. | Check panel gaps and the underside, and have a specialist look over a heavily modified car. |
Differences between JDM & USDM
This page describes the Japanese-market Silvia. Nissan says the car was also known overseas as the 240SX, and Auto Express says the UK sold it as the 200SX from 1995 with 197 bhp and a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Those are export configurations with their own ratings. Auto Express also mentions ball-bearing turbochargers in the UK facelift; that is not established for Japanese cars. No US-market specification is covered here.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Severity is our judgement of how far an item should change a purchase decision. The facts behind each item are cited.
High Priority
Medium Priority
Low Priority
Generation History
S14 Silvia (Japan) (1993–1998)
- Sixth-generation Silvia; Best Car labels the car 1993-1998
- The S15 took over in January 1999; last build month not established
- 40 mm wider than its predecessor and, in Nissan's words, outside the small-car size class
Announcement and launch (October 1993)
- Announced 12 October 1993; on sale 26 October 1993
- Launch advertising used the catchphrase Eye Hunt SILVIA
NISMO 270R (1994)
- Applications 17 September to 20 October 1994
- 30 cars, black only, chosen by lottery
Minor change (1996)
- Sharper headlamps and an Aero line with a standard spoiler
- June 1996 K's Aero catalogue still lists 220 PS
Autech K's MF-T (1997)
- 250 PS special with IHI turbo and Fujitsubo exhaust
- Brochure dated October 1997
Xanavi Silvia in JGTC (1998)
- S14-based GT300 car; second at Sendai Highland, sixth in the series
Market Data
Rows show documented grades and specials only. No production count for any grade, or for the S14 as a whole, was found; the market table holds reported registrations and NISMO's stated 270R figure.
Reported Counts & Rarity
| Generation | Years | Reported Count | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese registrations, Silvia range | 1994 | About 30,000 | Registrations reported by Best Car, not production; range split unspecified. |
| Japanese registrations, Silvia range | 1995 | About 18,000 | Registrations reported by Best Car, not production. |
| Japanese registrations, Silvia range | 1997 | About 9,000 | Registrations reported by Best Car, not production. |
| Japanese registrations, Silvia range | 1998 | About 4,000 | Registrations reported by Best Car, not production. |
| NISMO 270R | 1994 | 30 | NISMO: sales limited to 30 cars, black only. |
Motorsport Heritage
| Series | Years | Result | Car | Driver |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JGTC (All Japan GT Championship), GT300 | 1998 | Second in GT300 at round 3, Sendai Highland; sixth in the series | Xanavi Silvia No. 15, S14-based competition car with 320 PS or more (not a road specification) | Masahiko Kondo / Takayuki Aoki |
Sources: Nissan Heritage Collection
In Pictures
The Buyer's Read
A 220 PS SR20DET car is an ordinary K's: Nissan's preserved 1994 K's Type S weighs 1,220 kg and the June 1996 K's Aero catalogue gives 1,250 kg, so confirm the grade rather than trusting badges. The only documented 250 PS S14 is the 1997 Autech K's MF-T, a five-speed manual special, and NISMO's 270R is a 30-car complete car, so expect proof for either.
Next check the build date and type code (E-S14, or E-CS14 for the electric Super HICAS packages), because parts lists depend on it. NISMO's mechanical differential kits for SR20DET manual cars switch in December 1996.
Use the UK guide as a starting inspection list: oil-change history for camshaft wear, start-up rattle, gearbox crunch, turbo and manifold leaks, then sills, arches and floorpan for rust. Take a heavily modified car to a specialist. Compare other generations in the Nissan Silvia range.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does a standard facelift K's make 250 PS?
- No. Motor-Fan's June 1996 K's Aero catalogue still lists 220 PS. The documented 250 PS S14 is the 1997 Autech Version K's MF-T, which Autech's brochure rates at 250 PS and 28.0 kgm, net, and Web Motor Magazine describes it as an Autech version.
- When did the S14 go on sale?
- Motor-Fan dates the announcement to 12 October 1993 and the start of sales to 26 October 1993. Nissan's heritage page gives the launch as October 1993, and its successor followed in January 1999.
- What is the Autech K's MF-T?
- A 1997 Autech development of the K's with an IHI turbocharger, a dedicated Fujitsubo exhaust and tuned suspension. Autech lists a five-speed manual, opposed four-piston front brakes and 1,260 kg. It is audio-less.
- How many NISMO 270R cars were sold?
- NISMO says sales were limited to 30 cars, in black only. Applications ran from 17 September to 20 October 1994, and a lottery chose 30 owners. Some parts were fitted at Nissan's factory and Autech Japan did the finishing.
- Did the wider body mean higher road tax?
- Nissan says the dimensions exceeded the small-car class. Best Car says the 1989 tax reform had already removed the three-number tax disadvantage. We found no tax schedule, so this page states no tax amount.
- How does the UK 200SX differ from the Japanese Silvia?
- Auto Express gives the UK 200SX 197 bhp, introduced in 1995 with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. That is an export rating, not the Japanese 220 PS. Nissan also says the car was known overseas as the 240SX.
- Did S14 production end in 1998 or 1999?
- Best Car labels the car 1993-1998 and reports 1998 registrations, while Web Motor Magazine says the successor arrived in January 1999. We found no source for the last S14 build month, so it is not stated here.
- Can I import an S14 into Canada?
- Transport Canada says vehicles older than 15 years are not regulated at importation but must meet CBSA entry requirements. Importing does not guarantee registration: some provinces will not license right-hand-drive vehicles. Check your province first.
Sources & References
Sources (17)
- Nissan Heritage Collection: Silvia K's Type S (S14, 1994) — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- Motor-Fan: sixth-generation Silvia S14 announced 12 October 1993 — Motor-Fan Verified
- Web Motor Magazine: Heisei sports car guide 19, Nissan S14 Silvia — Web Motor Magazine Verified
- Motor-Fan catalogue: Silvia J's (October 1993) — Motor-Fan Verified
- Motor-Fan catalogue: Silvia K's Aero (June 1996) — Motor-Fan Verified
- Autech Japan: 1997 Silvia Autech Version K's MF-T — Nissan Motorsports & Customizing (Autech) Verified
- Autech Japan: Silvia Autech Version K's MF-T brochure (October 1997) — Nissan Motorsports & Customizing (Autech) Verified
- NISMO history: NISMO 270R (1994) — NISMO Verified
- NISMO parts catalogue: L.S.D. repair parts — NISMO Verified
- NISMO parts catalogue: reinforced steering gear mount bush — NISMO Verified
- Best Car Web: models that failed at model change, S14 Silvia — Best Car Web Verified
- Nissan Heritage Collection: Xanavi Silvia 1998 JGTC No.15 — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- Auto Express: Nissan 200SX/Silvia S14 buying guide and review (1995-2000) — Auto Express Verified
- Transport Canada: Importing older vehicles into Canada — Transport Canada Verified
- Wikimedia Commons: File:Nissan_E-S14_Silvia_K's_(21100905502).jpg — Wikimedia Commons Verified
- Wikimedia Commons: File:Nissan_E-S14_Silvia_(22102311376).jpg — Wikimedia Commons Verified
- NHTSA: list of nonconforming vehicles eligible for importation (25-year age statement) — US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Verified
Sources last verified: