1. Background

1.1 What is a 200SX?

That's not as easy a question as you might think. There are at least three cars sold in different parts of the world under this name. Each is unique to it's market.

The base car for this family is the Nissan Silvia, and it is sold in Japan and possibly other parts of South-East Asia under this name. Basically, this is a rear wheel drive two-door "personal sports coupe" powered by a 4 cylinder DOHC engine. Differences in the models will be covered in another section.

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1.2 Why "Silvia"?

According to the Chief Designer, Mr. Ootake, the name "Silvia" comes from Greek Mythology and was the name of a beautiful Nymph. According to Roman Mythology (which borrows from the Greek) Siliva was the mother of Romulus and Remus (By Mars) and was the daughter of King Numitor. Her uncle gave her to to the goddess Vesta.

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1.3 History

The Early Years
CSP311
The earliest car I know of to carry the Silvia name was the CSP311 from 1964-68.  It was powered by a 1595cc "R" Engine producing 96HP. Exported to several countries as the Nissan 1600 coupe.  Don't confuse this with the 4-door "1600" (510). According to David Auld, 554 were built, of which 20 still exist in Australia.
The "Modern" Silvias
S10
Introduced 1974. The original "modern" version.  There were limited exports, and in some markets called as "Sakura".  Also sold in the USA as a 200SX with an L20B rated at 90HP. The L20 motor was used in Australia in the 200B (which had an "SX" variant late in it's life), but the 180B and 200B were not Silvias.  They were derived from Bluebirds.
S11 & S110
Introduced 1979. Nissan's flirtation with Rotary engines. Only a handful ever produced. Production continued as the S110 with a conventional piston engine. (designation unknown - any takers?).  According to Alan Marr, the Nissan rotary was a 1000cc twin-rotor design.  With a 4 barrel carburettor, it was similar to the 10A Mazda engine Like the CSP311, it was exported in limited numbers as the Nissan 1600 Coupe The S110 had an FJ20E when sold in Japan as a Silvia and a 100HP Z20E (twin plug) when sold in North America as a 200SX, swapping to the 102HP Z22E in 1980.
S12
Introduced 1983. Two body styles (coupe, hatch). Called a "Gazelle" in some markets and "200SX" in USA. Japanese market cars had FJ20 or FJ20ET 2.0 16V engines, Australian Gazelles had CA20 2.0, 8V "twin plug", while European cars had CA20 or CA18ET engines.  USA (not Canada) got the VG30E in the "200SX SE" (which given it had a 3.0 was interesting).  This car had 165HP in 1987, and 170HP in 1988 (identified by two-tone paint). The Gazelle and North-American 200SX did not have the bulge in the bonnet shown in this photo, as it was restricted to the four cylinder turbo versions.
The "Hero Cars"
S13
Introduced 1988. Three body styles (coupe, hatch, convertible).  Japanese market cars feature CA18DE and CA18DET engines. USA gets KA24DE (12 Valve in 1989 & 16 Valve from 1991). HICAS (4-wheel steering) available as an option on domestic and export cars (restrictions in some trim levels). In Japan, trim levels were J's, Q's and K's  K's are generally turbocharged although I am told it was possible to order a normally aspirated K's but this would be unusual. Export market cars have pop-up lights (which makes them RS or RPS13's), while the domestic cars have fixed rectangular lights. When the S14 was introduced, the S13 was renamed a PS13 "180SX" (with pop-up lights) and continues to be sold in Japan. Chassis Numbering on S13's (thanks to Jon for this) 89-91 Silvia: S13 (1.8) 91-93 Silvia PS13 (2.0) Early 1.8 litre 180SX: RS13 Later 2.0 litre 180SX: RPS13
S14
All chassis numbers are prefixed with "S14" Introduced 1993. New styling. Pop-up lights disappeared in all markets. SR20DET engine gets Nissan's variable valve timing. HICAS not available on export turbos, but was available on the 240SX SE. Coupe styling only. (no hatch or convertible) Rear badges are highly polished and on the right side.   Japanese trim levels are J's Q's & K's as per the S13.  Export models had two or three levels depending on the destination.  All get SR20DET as the only engine choice, except for North America, which received the KD24DE only. In Japan, Turbo cars get a 3-gauge cluster under the radio with Oil Pressure, Boost and Voltage gauges.  Export cars do not.
S14a (S141)
All chassis numbers are prefixed with "S14A" Introduced December 1996. Characterised by the "flatnose" front styling and a gunmetal Nissan badge on the rear. On the rear, the "200SX" badge moved to the left side, and the script changed slightly. (I don't know why...) Mechanically, there are a few slight changes.  The boost sensor was removed, because the revised ECU now infers boost from the Air Flow Meter and RPM you can see where it used to take off from the intercooler pipe near the battery.  Rear suspension pick-up points were modified.  The S14 used basically the same lower arm as the S13, but the S14a uses wider bushes. In late 1998 the Australian cars lost the Climate A/C.   In the last printing run of the Australian brochure, I noticed that "Brilliant Blue" (an S15 colour) replaced "Riviera Blue" in the lineup.  I suspect this is more a production scheduling change than anything else.
S15
Introduced January 16 1999. Some suspension parts came from the S14a Silvia and R34 Skyline, some of which being aluminium, reduced the weight.  Considerable effort was focussed on tightening up the body. Two models, Spec-S and Spec-R. Power output of the updated SR20DET in Japan and NZ is around 186KW (250HP) for the manual and 164KW (220HP) for the Auto.  Australian delivered cars remain at 147KW. A 6-speed manual transmission is available on turbo models.  In Australia, manual versions get the Helical LSD (from the R34 GT-R) and Autos retain the Viscous LSD.  Other markets Spec-S gets the Viscous while Spec-R gets the Helical.  Note that the 6MT gearbox is an Warner unit, similar to the box in the Toyota Altezza and 350Z, not the Gertrag box fitted to the GT-R Australian cars do not get Climate A/C, boost gauge (Damn!) or the rear wiper. Black added in place of Shiraz in the Australian line-up.  Yellow was introduced to the colour lineup in March 2001. Here's the New Zealand-spec brochure  For what it's worth, this is basically a translation of the Japanese brochure.
S16
Sadly, Nissan have announced that after more than 30 years, the Silvia was to be discontinued in mid 2002 as the SR20DE and SR20DET do not meet incoming Japanese emission standards (odd, because they are not as tough as ADR, which Nissan Australia managed to meet, some writers have suggested this is really to clarify the market for the 350Z, due in 2003).  but Nissan Australia kept the car on sale in Australia until some time in late 2002, when all the available shells are used up.  The GT-Spec cars are a way of using the remaining Japanese-spec wings. There may be an S16 developed for 2007, 2008.  This was hinted at during the Australian launch of the 350Z.  We don't have any hard details at the moment, but will be sure to post them as news develops. January 2003: The image at the right was posted recently in a Japanese magazine.  We are in the process of having it translated, so at this point, no guarrantee is made as to whether or not this information is genuine.  But it sounds encouraging. June 2003: A bit more information has come to light.    This is an artist's impression of what an S16 might look like.  It is based on an S15 image, and a Renault front end (Megane, I think).  The photos of the engine bay were from a Domestic Market X-Trail turbo. July 2004: Continuing delays on the next GT-R, and the success of the 350Z are starting to mark a shift in Nissan's focus.  Renault's control of Nissan appears to be moving the company away from many of it's previous niche markets into a more globally-oriented business.  Sadly, this does not bode well for a reintroduction of the Silvia. August 2005: Japan's "Motor Life" reports that Nissan are preparing an "entry-level sports coupe" for the world market under the codename of "X6".  A translation of the article says: The car will be a Front-Engine/Rear Drive configuration The powertrain is likely to be a variation of the Q series 4-cylinder engine (1.8 - 2.4 litre) and a 6-speed manual or semi-auto transmission.  Turbocharging is falling from favour in Japan, but is big in Europe, so whether is is turbo or NA is not clear.  However, expect all the usual features from Nissan such as variable timing and probably variable lift as well. This is a new shell, but interior will probably be borrowed from other models in the family. (The Z Interior is growing on me, finally) The design would follow Nissan's trend towards "organic" styling (look at the Z, Maxima and Murano and you'll see what I mean) Expect a limited range of options to keep the manufacturing costs down. A convertible is not our of the question. The car will definitely be available in RHD and LHD configurations. Pressure would be on for X6 to wear the "Silvia" label in Japan and "SX" in the rest of the world. October 2006: If there is to be a new Silvia, the Fiorna concept car at the Sydney Motor Show could be a pointer to it. There is not a lot of hard data on it (Mainly because it's a "concept", but it is a 2+2 Front Engine/Rear Drive platform with half-sized "suicide doors" at the rear (ala RX-8 and 1940's Packards) We've put together a small photo gallery and will update it as we go along.  Click Here! November 2007 At the Tokyo Motor Show, chief creative officer Shiro Nakamura announced Nissan would soon return to the small sports car market. He stated that the 2009 model year was a likely target. He said that while he is strongly in favour of the Front Engine/Rear drive platform, economic realities might result in a Front Wheel Drive car because neither Nissan, nor Renault have a suitable small F/R platform available. Nissan are testing a small car which is similar in styling to the 350Z. The car has been spotted a number of times at the Nurburgring in Germany. (http://www.automobilemag.com/new_and_future_cars/2009/0706_2009_Nissan_BabyZ/index.html It is said to be about 20% smaller than the existing Z, and being considerably narrower it does not match the other recent sigtings of 2009 Z prototypes.  We are continuing to monitor developments.

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Oddities:
Sil-Eighty
The "Sil-eighty" or "Sil80" which was largely an S13, but with the rear end styling from the PS13 180SX.  This is what one correspondent had to say: "...in Japan people kept smashing the front ends of their 180SXs when they were drifting... into mountains or whatever. simply put, the S13 Silvia front end was cheaper than a 180SX front so they put the Silvia fronts on as a temporary fix. this caused a craze in Japan and it was basically the look in Japan for young people. Nissan had been observing that many of their 180's have been going around with Silvia fronts, and (for an unknown reason) they built a hybrid and released it in 1994. this hybrid was known as the "SIL-EIGHTY", which is exterior-wise just a PS13 with an S13 front end. changes went further though, with changes to camshafts and the ECU, which gave roughly 16~18Kw more (not sure about how much more torque) than both the Silvia and 180SX. also, the suspension was tweaked for drifting purposes. Genuine Sil-eighty's are snap-tail happy, given too much power thru a corner will result in a drift, maybe a spin if you try too hard... Nissan only made about 400 genuine and documented examples, just about all were snapped up upon their release. now at auctions they apparently go for as much as immaculate R32 skyline GT-Rs"
"One-Via"
Extending this idea to the next stage, why not take a 180SX nose, and put it onto an S13 Silvia?  Apparently it's not that hard to do (if you have both).  The result is sometimes called a "One-via".  Note that there is no factory-built car bearing this designation.  Strictly, since the North American S13's had popup lights on both coupe and hatch models, it could be argued they are One-Via's.  But it's not an argument I want to have right now.
"Fifteen-Eighty"
And of course the newest oddity is the SIl1580 (180SX with an S15 nose).  This is not a factory product, but kits are available from a number of Japanese styling houses.   The name "Strawberry Face" comes from the sound of "fifteen" and "strawberry" in Japan are very similar, and "face" is the front of the car, so...
240RS
This is basically an S110 Silvia with an FJ24D engine installed.  The car  was built by the factory for Group B rallying.  The FJ20E engine was modified to 2.4 litres with a new crank, pistons and manifolds which converted the engine to use twin Weber sidedraft carburettors.  I am not sure exactly how many were built, but I have spotted two in Australia at motorsport events (both of UK Origins) There were always stories about how the FJ20ET was derived from an aborted Formula One engine project.   While I am unable to find hard evidence to support these stories, the FJ24D being used in Group B Rallying could be the origin of them...
270R
Technically, this car was not produced by Nissan, but by it's motorsport arm, NISMO.  The car was released in limited numbers in 1994 using the S14 Silvia as it's base.  New management, exhaust, intercooler, injectors lifted output to 270HP (hence the name), while new suspension lowered the car about 25mm and it was sold with 17" NISMO rims. The body kit has become a popular choice for S14 owners and is commonly called an "edge" design. Potential buyers should be aware these cars were produced in very limited numbers, and the authenticity can be established by contacting Nissan Customer Service in Japan.  There was no (contrary to some advertising) S14a or S15 version of the 270R. According to Nao T, here are the specs for the car, compared with the S14 Silvia K's

Autech Specials

Over the years, an external turning company, Autech have produced limited run Silvias (and other Nissan products) which are subsequently sold on the domestic market through Nissan dealers.

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1.4 What are the differences in the cars?

S15:
There are 2 trim levels
Spec-S: Airbag, ABS, Helical LSD (Manual, Viscous on Auto) are standard.
Spec-R: Add Sunroof, side skirts and rear-spoiler.
The Australian-spec cars lose the boost gauge through ADR, the rear wiper was replaced by a high-mount stop light and different exhaust and ECU program explain the differences between 147 and 185KW

In 2001, Nissan Australia produced the "GT" Spec Cars.  Either a Spec-S or Spec-R may be purchased in GT Trim, and gains the following items:

• Japanese Domestic Market rear spoiler
• Leather-trimmed seats and steering wheel
• Standard wheels in chrome trim
• Drilled alloy pedals
• Chrome trim for door handles and gearlever surround
• "GT" badging (from the Skyline family)

S14:
There are 3 trim levels
Limited This is the base car As of June 1997, Driver's Airbag, LSD and A/C are standard
Sport Add ABS, CD-Player, Leather steering wheel & gear knob (manual), rear spoiler
Luxury Add Passenger Airbag, Sunroof, Side skirts, Front spoiler, Front fog lights, Climate Control A/C (until 1999), 6-speaker audio

S13:
Never released in Australia

S12:
Sold as the Gazelle. in XE (luxury) and SGL (standard) trim in either the hatch or coupe shell
Used a twin-pug CA20E engine and either 5-speed manual or 3-speed auto
XE had "electronically adjustable" suspension

S15:
This is the Japanese-specification Spec-R with 186KW and 180Km/h speed limiter still in place.

S14:
This was the export-spec car, and should be identical to the Australian specifications.

S13:
Essentially a UK-spec RPS13

S14:
SR20DET engine used in Japan (turbo models) and Australia. There are two trim levels
Base ABS, Drivers airbag, LSD, Alarm
Touring Add Leather interior, Air Conditioning, Passenger A/B, Add Side skirts and front spoiler.

S13:
Either CA18DET or SR20DET engines depending on time of delivery, using an RPS13 shell.

S14:
SR20DET engine used in Japan (turbo models) and Australia. Trim levels vary depending on the market.

S13:
Either CA18DET or SR20DET engines depending on time of delivery.

S15:
Choice of 2.0l normally aspirated (SR20DE) or turbo (SR20DET) engine.
Trim levels have been reduced from 3 in the S14 (J Q and K) to 2 (Spec S & Spec R).
Options included satellite navigation.

S14:
Three grades of car.  The J's (basic) Q's (mid-spec) and K's (Turbo).  Over the years the car was sold in Japan there were a very large number of options, and trim combinations, so it's hard to track them all.  Turbo models had a small 3-gauge cluster under the single-DIN radio which housed boost, oil pressure and voltage gauges.  Other options included TV receivers, Satellite navigation, one-way glass and so on.

A small number of S14a shells were sold on the domestic market after the introduction of the S15.  These were called a "200SX"  There was at least a "Type-X" but I have no hard data on them.  (Players of GT2 will recognise this car)

S13:
The S13 has a bewildering range of models and configurations, so I will try to list the best known ones:

The S13 family (Chassis numbers beginning with S13, not PS13) had either a CA18DE or CA18DET engine, and had trim levels of J's Q's and K's.  I believe that the CA18DET (turbo) was only available in the K's spec, but I may be wrong
When the SR20DE and SR20DET engines were introduced, the chassis numbers changed to PS13, but the trim levels remained the same.

Parallel to all of this is PS13 and RPS13 180SX. It was possible to order them with a normally aspirated engine, but these tend to be rare.

S13 and S14:
The car sold in the USA as a 200SX is derived from the Sentra (Pulsar), and is not the same as the rest of the world. The car I am referring to is sold in the USA as a 240SX. It features a normally-aspirated 2.4l KA24DE engine.  There are two trim levels
Base 15" Steel wheels
SE/LE 16" Alloy wheels, Fog lamps, Rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tips, A/C

In late 1998 the 240SX and 200SX were withdrawn from sale in the USA pending the release of the 350Z in 2002/3.

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1.5 Where did the boost gauge go on the Australian cars?

The S14 and S14a cars sold in export countries did not receive the 3-gauge cluster fitted to the Silvia K's in Japan.  Does this make them a Q's trim with K's mechanicals?  The reasons are most likely cost-related.

This is not definite, but my discussions with the engineering folks at Nissan indicate that for the S15 to meet Australian Design Rules (ADR) define a "head impact area".  This means that the gauge, which was mounted on the A-Pillar was inside this area and had to be removed.  It was too expensive to relocate the gauge elsewhere on the dash so it was deleted altogether.

While it is illegal to actually fit it, without getting an Engineer's Certificate (In New South Wales, Australia anyway) you can order the gauge and it's pod through your Nissan dealer.  The part numbers are:

76911-85F10 Garnish Assy - Front (A-Pillar trim)
76970-85F10 Rear Bracket
76987-85F10 Escutcheon (second piece of the pod)

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1.6 What others say about the car

"2001 Bang For Your Bucks", Motor Magazine

"The WRX they built with their heads, and the Type R with with their hearts.  The 200SX gets the right amount of both"
Wheels Magazine, December 2000

"The best sports car under $55,000" NRMA, 1996, 1997

"A hugely involving car to drive, making the driver feel one with his machine," enthused Ellis. "It's very together," added Hawley, while McConville reckoned "it was a very good all-round package" and Newton said "he could happily own it".

While it's styling is understated, its performance is anything but. It is swiftness by stealth. The lag-less turbocharged 2.0-litre engine creates 147 very useable kilowatts and works well with the chassis to provide rapid, relentless and reliable performance. This was evidenced by second-best grin points, quarter time, and equal-second top speed with the V8 Commodore SS. It's enough to make die-hard Aussie muscle purists choke on their meat pies.

But while it was a healthy performer in the performance disciplines, in the accounting equation it bombed, and that's why it couldn't better fifth place.

Its headlights, front guard and rear bumper are the most expensive out of this group of six, and naturally enough insurance companies penalise owners of turbocharged two-door sports cars. Add a hefty $1360 to replace a set of 16-inch Yokie A028 rubber and the neat Nissan, while delivering good thrills, does so at a price in the long term. Finishing fifth isn't a fail in this class; it merely serves to underline the competitive and diverse nature of performance available to those with less than $45,000 to spend.
Modern Motor - "Bang for your buck 1997", July 1997

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1.7 What about owner's clubs?

The Nissan Sports Car Club has been established.  Contact info@nissansportscarclub.org for more details.  You can read the official launch announcement here.

There is an internet-based club in the US. It's web-site is http://www.240sx.org These folks also maintain a mailing list which is full of useful information.

There is a group of owners who get together in Sydney from time to time (usually breakfast and check out each other's cars),  Let me know if you're interested.

An Australian S13 Owner's list has started. Details can be found at http://www.egroups.com/list/nissans13/

A Swedish owners site is up and running.  You can find it at http://www.200sx.nu/

Please let me know if you'd like your club included in this list.

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1.8 What about the convertible?

S13
There was a limited edition S13 convertible, a few hundred cars were built by the factory to use up the last of the S13 coupe shells. All of the original cars were painted "Royal Blue", and had the fixed headlights of the Silvia, rather than the 180SX/240SX (PS13) pop-ups.  There have been several conversions.  The Autech package being the most common in Japan at least
In the US, there was an S13 240SX convertible. According to information I received, these were based on the coupe and actually converted at Nissan's North American facility.  It is distinguishable by the pop-up lights, being left-hand drive and having a 240SX badge.
S14
There was no "factory" S14 convertible (or hatch for that matter).  I am told there have been some private conversions done but the only one I have ever seen was for the movie "Into the Red"
S15
When the S15 was released, there was only a coupe, but recently Nissan has introduced the "Silvia Convertible" or "Varietta", which was developed by Autech.  Mechanically, the car uses the SR20DE engine with a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto transmission.  The car was never officially exported.

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1.9 Why is it a 240SX in North America?

This is a pretty vexing question, especially if you happen to live there.  When the S13 was introduced to the North American Market, Nissan North America chose not to import cars with the turbocharged engines (CA18DET or SR20DET).

Still needing good performance they selected the KA24E 2.4 litre engine used in the Bluebird (Altima) and a couple of commercial vehicles.  At 130HP it was not slow, and when updated to the 155HP KA24DE engine performance improved even further.

Having driven a 240SX, they are quite well balanced, and the large (compared to the 2.0 litre cars) amount of torque at low revs means they are quite a lot of fun when stirred along.

But the question remains, why?  Several reasons have surfaced, and the truth is that it is probably a combination of these and other factors which led to the birth of the 240SX:

• The KA24E engine costs less that the CA18DET and produced similar power.  This is not quite as compelling when looking at the SR20DET.
• A 200SX with similar performance to a normally aspirated 300ZX but at a much lower price would have cannibalised sales of both 300ZX variations.  The Twin-Turbo was sold only in Japan and North America, so elsewhere this was not a concern.
• At the time of introduction, "Premium" (RON higher than 93) was rare in North America.  California and Florida were key markets, and with the high temperatures, detonation would be a real problem, not to mention poor performance.
• In the later years, common parts with the Altima (Bluebird) kept spares pricing down for this low-volume car.

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1.10 What about the 4WD version?

There have been rumours of this for some time, but I have no evidence that the car ever did, or does now exist.  Perhaps there have been private conversions done using components from the 4WD Skylines (GTS4, etc) but most of these are autos.

An update to this.  Yoshi, a correspondent in Kobe Japan is presently building his own 4WD S14 Silvia.  Most of the mechanical components have been sourced from an R32 Skyline GTS4.  He tells me he has fitted the gearbox and transfer assembly using a custom fabricated bellhousing.   Assuming my translation is accurate, he says the big difficulty is clearing the parts of the front subframe with the  drive shafts.  Photos will hopefully come soon!

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1.11 Why isn't there much information on the North American S12 200SX?

Some folks think I don't like these cars, that's not true.  Simply we have not been able to find much information about them.  Any information we receive will be added to the relevant pages, so please share the knowledge if you have it.

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