Chassis Code Explained
| Segment | Meaning | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| S15 | Model series | Seventh-generation Silvia, January 1999 to August 2002 |
| GF-S15 | Type designation | Catalogue and Autech type for ordinary spec-S and spec-R cars, and for Style A |
| SR20DE | Engine (spec-S) | Naturally aspirated 2.0 litre; 165 PS (5MT) or 160 PS (4AT) |
| SR20DET | Engine (spec-R) | Turbocharged 2.0 litre; 250 PS (6MT) or 225 PS (4AT) |
S15 is a model-series code, not a count of generations. A complete list of type codes is not established.
Editorial notes
Key Takeaways
- Power is rated by gearbox: spec-S makes 165 PS (5MT) or 160 PS (4AT); spec-R makes 250 PS (6MT) or 225 PS (4AT).
- Catalogue weights include 1,200 kg for the January 1999 spec-S 5MT, 1,240 kg for the October 1999 spec-R b Package 6MT and 1,270 kg for the January 2002 spec-R V Package 4AT. Autech lists the Varietta at 1,330 kg manual or 1,360 kg automatic.
- Launch cars have a helical LSD on spec-R six-speeds and the spec-S Aero Handling Package five-speed, but not the spec-R automatic.
- The 2002 V Package is a trim package: it added fabric, audio, privacy glass and xenon lamps at an unchanged price.
- Autech's Varietta convertible came with a five-speed manual or an automatic, and the roof will not operate while driving.
- The S15 was also sold outside Japan: Nissan's 2002 fact file lists a Brunei Silvia and a 200SX entry, and MotorTrend names Australia and New Zealand.
Background
Spec-S and spec-R
Spec-S uses the naturally aspirated SR20DE at 165 PS with the five-speed manual or 160 PS with the automatic. Spec-R uses the turbo SR20DET at 250 PS with the six-speed manual or 225 PS with the automatic, and has opposed four-piston front brakes. Catalogues list 1,200 kg for the January 1999 spec-S five-speed, 1,240 kg for the October 1999 spec-R b Package six-speed and 1,270 kg for the January 2002 spec-R V Package automatic. ABS and Brake Assist were standard on every launch car; side airbags were a manufacturer option.
Chassis and equipment
Nissan kept front-strut, rear-multilink suspension with revised geometry and added a Sport Tuned Body with extra braces on cars with 16-inch tyres. The six-speed has cross ratios and triple-cone synchros on first to third. A helical LSD was standard at launch on spec-R six-speeds and on spec-S Aero Handling Package five-speeds. The Aero series adds sill protectors, a rear spoiler and fog lamps.
Editions and packages
The b Package (October 1999) and Autech Version (7 October 1999) came first. The Autech Version is a spec-S coupe with a tuned 200 PS SR20DE, six-speed manual, rear helical LSD and four-piston front brakes. October 2000 added the L Package, Type-B and Style A, and on 24 January 2002 the V Package added special fabric, a 1-DIN MD/CD radio, privacy glass and xenon headlamps at an unchanged price.
Varietta and export
Autech's Varietta convertible went on sale on 27 July 2000 on the spec-S, with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. It weighs 1,330 to 1,360 kg, and Autech says the roof takes about 20 seconds and is locked out while driving. MotorTrend reports a little over 1,100 built; that is a press estimate. Nissan's July 2002 fact file lists a Silvia for Brunei and a 200SX entry; export specifications are not covered here.
Technical Specifications
Output is rated by gearbox, so each row below is one engine and one transmission. Figures are Japanese-market PS.
Engine Options
-
S15 spec-S 5MT Jan 1999 catalogue
SR20DE- Displacement
- 1,998 cc
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Power
- 165 PS (121 kW) @ 6,400 rpm
- Torque
- 192.2 Nm @ 4,800 rpm
- Transmission
- 5MT
Type GF-S15.
-
S15 spec-S 4AT Jan 1999 catalogue
SR20DE- Displacement
- 1,998 cc
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Power
- 160 PS (118 kW) @ 6,400 rpm
- Torque
- 188.3 Nm @ 4,800 rpm
- Transmission
- 4AT
Type GF-S15.
-
S15 spec-R b Package 6MT Oct 1999 catalogue
SR20DET- Displacement
- 1,998 cc
- Aspiration
- Turbocharged
- Power
- 250 PS (184 kW) @ 6,400 rpm
- Torque
- 274.6 Nm @ 4,800 rpm
- Transmission
- 6MT
Launch footnote ties 250 PS to the 6MT.
-
S15 spec-R V Package 4AT Jan 2002 catalogue
SR20DET- Displacement
- 1,998 cc
- Aspiration
- Turbocharged
- Power
- 225 PS @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque
- About 275 Nm @ 4,800 rpm
- Transmission
- 4AT
Automatic spec-R is rated 225 PS, not 250.
-
S15 Autech Version 6MT Oct 1999
SR20DE (tuned)- Displacement
- 1,998 cc
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Power
- 200 PS @ 7,200 rpm
- Torque
- 21.8 kgm @ 4,800 rpm
- Transmission
- 6MT
Spec-S base.
Transmission Options
| Type | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 5-speed manual | Spec-S SR20DE | Rated 165 PS; Varietta and Style A offered it too. |
| 6-speed manual | Spec-R SR20DET; Autech Version | New at launch, cross ratios, triple-cone synchros on first to third. |
| Electronically controlled 4-speed automatic | Spec-S, spec-R, Varietta, Style A | Rated 160 PS (SR20DE) and 225 PS (SR20DET). |
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
Grades are spec-S and spec-R, with Aero versions and later equipment packages. Autech's three specials are listed separately.
| Generation | Trim | Engine | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| S15 (Japan, 1999–2002) | spec-S | SR20DE | 5MT or 4AT; 1,200 / 1,230 kg; 195/65R15; ABS and Brake Assist standard |
| S15 (Japan, 1999–2002) | spec-S G Package | SR20DE | Listed in the January 1999 catalogue |
| S15 (Japan, 1999–2002) | spec-S Aero | SR20DE | Sill protectors, rear spoiler, fog lamps; oil-pressure gauge; Handling Package adds helical LSD (5MT) |
| S15 (Japan, 1999–2002) | spec-R | SR20DET | 6MT or 4AT; 1,240 kg (October 1999 b Package 6MT); four-piston front brakes; helical LSD on 6MT; boost gauge |
| S15 (Japan, 1999–2002) | spec-R Electric Super HICAS | SR20DET | Package version listed in the January 1999 catalogue |
| S15 (Japan, 1999–2002) | spec-R Aero | SR20DET | Aero equipment as spec-S Aero; Super HICAS version also listed |
| S15 (Japan, 1999–2002) | b Package (Oct 1999) | SR20DET / SR20DE | On spec-R and spec-S G Package; blue suede interior, fog lamps, keyless entry |
| S15 (Japan, 1999–2002) | Autech Version (Oct 1999) | SR20DE (tuned) | Spec-S base; 6MT; 200 PS; rear helical LSD; four-piston front brakes |
| S15 (Japan, 1999–2002) | Varietta (Jul 2000) | SR20DE | Spec-S base convertible; 5MT or 4AT; 1,330 / 1,360 kg |
| S15 (Japan, 1999–2002) | L Package (Oct 2000) | SR20DET / SR20DE | On spec-R and spec-S G Package; black and silver leather, silver interior |
| S15 (Japan, 1999–2002) | Type-B (Oct 2000) | SR20DET | Spec-R with simplified equipment and lower price; Super HICAS version listed |
| S15 (Japan, 1999–2002) | Style A (Oct 2000) | SR20DET / SR20DE | Own bumpers and grille, tan leather; 4,500 mm long; four-seat |
| S15 (Japan, 1999–2002) | V Package (Jan 2002) | SR20DET / SR20DE | Special fabric, MD/CD radio, privacy glass, xenon lamps; price unchanged |
Should You Buy a Nissan Silvia S15?
Notes on owner advice come from forum posters, not tests or failure rates.
Why You'll Love It
- Compact dimensions Nissan describes compact-class dimensions and a power-to-weight ratio of 5 kg/PS or better for the manual turbo model. The spec-S five-speed catalogue lists 1,200 kg.
- Six-speed manual on spec-R The spec-R got a new six-speed manual with cross ratios and triple-cone synchros on first to third, and the SR20DET was up 30 PS on the previous model.
- Familiar chassis, stiffer body Nissan kept front-strut, rear-multilink suspension with revised geometry, and added a Sport Tuned Body with extra braces on 16-inch-tyre cars.
- Brakes and ABS across the range ABS and Brake Assist were standard on every launch car, and the spec-R has opposed four-piston front calipers.
- 200 PS Autech Version The Autech Version has a tuned 200 PS engine, rear helical LSD and four-piston brakes.
Why You Might Not
- Automatics give away power The spec-R automatic is rated 225 PS against 250 PS, and the spec-S automatic 160 PS against 165 PS.
- LSD is a fitment question Helical LSD went on spec-R six-speeds and the Aero Handling Package five-speed. Check each car rather than assume.
- Varietta is heavier The convertible weighs 1,330 to 1,360 kg, 130 kg more than the matching spec-S coupes.
- Age-related wear Owner advice for used cars centres on rust behind the arches, crash repair, turbo gaskets and seizing calipers. These are anecdotes, not rates.
Who Should NOT Buy This
- Anyone who wants a quoted production total or price trend: neither is established here.
- Buyers who assume every S15 is a turbo with a limited-slip diff. Spec-S cars are naturally aspirated, and the diff depends on grade and gearbox.
- Anyone expecting to open the Varietta roof on the move: Autech's brochure says it cannot be operated while driving.
Common Issues & Solutions
These items are attributed owner comments, not measured failure rates, and no factory bulletin or recall is cited.
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Turbo gasket leaks | One experienced UK owner (2010) calls leaking turbo gaskets the other common problem on SR20DET cars. It is one forum voice, not a measured rate. | Have a specialist inspect the manifold and turbo joints, and ask for service records. |
| Rust and hidden crash repair | The same owner says most S15s have minor rust and warns to check arches, engine bay, underside, frame and boot for repair. | Inspect on a lift, check panel alignment and paint, and walk away from holes or bent metal. |
| Seizing front calipers | The same poster says higher-mileage cars may have stock calipers beginning to seize and brake unevenly. The spec-R fronts are opposed four-piston units. | Road test for pulling, and have the calipers inspected. |
| Cracked manifolds: disputed | A PistonHeads poster (2012) says stock manifolds are not a problem unless cheap stainless ones are fitted, and cites cracked intercooler pipes instead. | Check which manifold and intercooler pipes are fitted. We do not call cracking an inherent fault. |
Differences between JDM & USDM
This page describes the Japanese-market Silvia, and every figure is a Japanese rating in PS. The S15 was also sold outside Japan: Nissan's July 2002 fact file lists a Silvia for Brunei and a 200SX entry on the same row, and MotorTrend says it was sold in Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Export specifications may differ and are not covered. The Varietta's outputs are net values, per Autech's brochure.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Start with the identification and rust checks; the other items depend on the grade.
High Priority
Medium Priority
Generation History
S15 Silvia (Japan) (1999–2002)
- Seventh-generation Silvia, on sale from 19 January 1999
- Production ended in August 2002
Launch (1999)
- 19 January: spec-S and spec-R go on sale
- 7 October: b Package and Autech Version added
Varietta (2000)
- 27 July: Autech Silvia convertible Varietta
- 24 October: L Package, Type-B and Style A
V Package and end of production (2002)
- 24 January: V Package on spec-R and spec-S
- August: Silvia production ends
In Pictures
The Buyer's Read
Spec-S is the naturally aspirated SR20DE; spec-R is the turbo SR20DET. Power depends on the gearbox: a spec-R automatic is 225 PS against 250 PS for the six-speed.
Then check the equipment: the Aero series has sill protectors, a rear spoiler and fog lamps. At launch, helical LSD was standard on spec-R six-speeds and spec-S Aero Handling Package five-speeds; the October 1999 Autech Version also received it. The b, L and V Packages and Style A are largely trim and equipment; the Autech Version has engine and chassis changes.
Owner advice for used cars is to check for rust behind the arches and underneath, crash repair, leaking turbo gaskets and seizing calipers. These are one owner's views, not failure rates. Compare earlier generations in the Nissan Silvia range.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between spec-S and spec-R?
- Spec-S uses the naturally aspirated SR20DE (165 PS manual, 160 PS automatic). Spec-R uses the turbo SR20DET (250 PS six-speed, 225 PS automatic) and has opposed four-piston front brakes. Both are two-door, four-seat, rear-drive coupes.
- Do automatic S15s have the same power as manuals?
- No. Motor Magazine gives 165 PS (manual) and 160 PS (automatic) for the SR20DE, and 250 PS (six-speed) against 225 PS (automatic) for the SR20DET. Nissan's launch footnote ties the 250 PS figure to six-speed cars.
- Which S15s have a helical LSD?
- At launch, spec-R six-speed cars and spec-S Aero cars with the Handling Package and five-speed. The Autech Version adds a rear helical LSD. The launch text does not give it to the spec-R automatic.
- What does the V Package add?
- On 24 January 2002 Nissan added special front-seat and door fabric, a 1-DIN MD/CD radio, privacy glass and xenon headlamps to the spec-R and spec-S G Package, with the price unchanged. The package covers equipment only.
- Was the Varietta sold with a manual gearbox?
- Yes. Autech listed the spec-S-based convertible with a five-speed manual or an electronically controlled four-speed automatic from 27 July 2000. MotorTrend reports a little over 1,100 built; that is a press estimate.
- Is the Autech Version a convertible?
- No. It is a spec-S-based coupe with a tuned SR20DE at 200 PS and a six-speed manual, launched on 7 October 1999. The convertible is the separate Varietta.
- How is Style A different from the Autech Version?
- Style A (24 October 2000) is a styling and interior package on spec-R or spec-S: own bumpers, silver grille and tan leather. The Autech Version is a spec-S with engine and chassis changes.
- Was the S15 sold outside Japan?
- Yes, in some markets. Nissan's July 2002 fact file lists a Silvia for Brunei and a 200SX entry. MotorTrend says the S15 was sold in Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Export specifications are not covered here.
- Which S15 builds are legal to import into the US?
- Under NHTSA's 25-year rule, the federal vehicle-safety age exemption starts on each car's 25th manufacture-date anniversary: 1999 builds reach it in 2024 and 2002 builds in 2027. EPA engine requirements and state registration rules must also be checked.
Sources & References
Sources (18)
- Nissan news release: new Silvia launched, January 1999 — Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Verified
- Nissan news release: Silvia V Package, January 2002 — Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Verified
- Nissan news release: Silvia b Package and Autech Version, October 1999 — Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Verified
- Nissan news release: Silvia L Package, Type-B and Autech style-A, October 2000 — Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Verified
- Nissan and Autech news release: Silvia convertible Varietta, July 2000 — Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. / Autech Japan Verified
- Autech brochure: Silvia convertible Varietta, 2000 — Autech Japan Verified
- Autech history: Silvia Style A, 2000 — Nissan Motorsports and Customizing Co., Ltd. Verified
- Nissan Fact File 2001-2002 — Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Verified
- Motor Magazine: S15 Silvia retrospective — Motor Magazine Verified
- Motor-Fan catalogue: Silvia spec-S 5MT (January 1999) — Motor-Fan Verified
- Motor-Fan catalogue: Silvia spec-S 4AT (January 1999) — Motor-Fan Verified
- Motor-Fan catalogue: Silvia spec-R b Package 6MT (October 1999) — Motor-Fan Verified
- Motor-Fan catalogue: Silvia spec-R V Package 4AT (January 2002) — Motor-Fan Verified
- MotorTrend: Nissan Silvia S13, S14, S15 history, specs, photos — MotorTrend Verified
- Silvia Owners Club: what do I look out for in a used S15 — Silvia Owners Club (forum) Verified
- PistonHeads forum thread on S15 ownership — PistonHeads (forum) Verified
- Wikimedia Commons: Nissan Silvia spec S (S15) front — 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: