Last week I picked up this Nissan Silvia S13 for a new project. I’ve been searching for the right S-chassis for a while now and I’m glad I’ve finally found one that I’m happy with. I wanted a tidy non-sunroof shell with clean plates. It also had to have an SR20DET drivetrain, or at least be cheap enough to convert. I’m glad I decided to take the route of paying a bit more for a mostly compete package instead of trying to piece one together. There is to much risk of the project dragging out longer than is enjoyable going that way. This one still needs a lot of work, but the plan is that after the initial stages it can largely stay in one piece to avoid turning into scrap pile.
My goal is to build it into a tidy street car that will be set up for the track. I’ll know more about what direction I want to focus the build in once its running and I begin driving it, but for now I’ll be excited to use it on either the track or the street, if not both.
After trailering it back to the workshop, I immediately began pulling off all of the untidy pieces so that I could start fresh and uncluttered. I’ve always envied race car builds as they don’t have to compromise between daily drive practicalities and the simplicity of a bare minimal design, and thats the direction I plan on taking this build.
Theres been a bit of money spent on a big turbo upgrade without doing any irreversible damage, which also sweetened the deal. I may not run with the setup but at least any parts I pull off can be sold for more than stock ones. Theres a bit to do straight up and I’ve already stripped every loom from the car for rewiring. I don’t like having things in a car that I don’t understand, and rewiring is the perfect way to fix that, so I’m not upset that the wiring was a mess. A Power FC computer had attempted to be installed, and while it did run, it was a complete mess.
The Bride seat is also a nice touch and gives it that bit of race car inspiration that I’m after. I’ve never been much into reclinable brides but I’m beginning to like this one. If I can find a second one in reasonable condition I think I’ll use them, otherwise I’ll opt for a pair of matching fixed backs. Theres more important places to spend money initially, so I may stick with the single seat for a while.
Before the new wiring goes in, the interior needs to be sorted. I’ve begun stripping it out which includes the A/C and heater box. This will make room for all the wiring to be built up under the dash where it can be managed a lot better. After loosing the carpet and sound deadener, the floor will get a fresh coat of paint and the rewiring can begin.
MechanicalShortBlack 