The S12 series Silvia saw impressive success in domestic and international markets, thereby infusing Nissan’s top brass with newfound and inspiring aspirations about the model’s future. As the S12 was nearing the end of production, the Japanese brand’s development team was hard at work on the next generation. Thus, the S13 Silvia was born. The iconic sports car’s latest generation would further the idea of a lightweight and potent enthusiast vehicle by becoming an even better version of itself.
The S13 series is also one of the most famous Silvias to this day. Unfortunately, previous generations still do not get the appreciation they truly deserve. In any case, the magnificent beast that they truly are, each Silvia generation deserves all the admiration.
1988 Nissan Silvia J
Background
The S12 Series Silvia was much more successful than previous generations. Slowly but surely, car enthusiasts worldwide were beginning to realize the Silvia line-up’s true potential. The aim was to create a quintessentially modern sports car with a cleaner design language while taking forward cues from the CSP311 Silvia.
Introduced in 1988, the S13 chassis was an instant hit. The new sports car won the prestigious “Japan Car of the Year” award for its forward-looking design features and significant technological advancements. The new platform appealed to a wide range of buyers, be it speed lovers, drifting enthusiasts, or purists. It was so popular that Nissan sold certain variants until the late 90s, well into the S14 life cycle.
Experts in the field even go as far as saying that the S13 chassis is the most desirable drifting platform globally. Even today, cars based on this platform are a regular sight at drifting events around the world.
In terms of nomenclature, the S13 generation is a tad bit difficult to understand. Like the outgoing model, this chassis was also available in coupe and hatchback styles. However, the hatchback/fastback variant bore the name 180SX in Japan. Export versions are also affected by some confusion in names, so bear with us as we take you on a tour of arguably the most important Silvia chassis in history.
1988 Nissan Silvia Q
Domestic Versions – Silvia Coupe and 180SX fastback
The S13 Silvia was available in coupe and notchback form but ditched the Gazelle moniker, and the latter of the two body styles was now badged as 180SX in Japan. Nissan also briefly offered a convertible variant but more on that later.
This generation was the first to have new trim level nomenclature. Japanese buyers could have their new S13 Silvia in one of three trim levels—J (Jack), Q (Queen), and K (King). Each trim level had a list of standard and optional features, just like today’s production vehicles.
Buyers looking for access to more optional equipment could also upgrade their trim levels to “club” or “diamond” selection packages. These selection packages were only available on Q and K models. In 1992, Nissan also offered an “Almighty” variant for a short while. It bridged the gap between the J and the Q models and was available in extremely limited numbers. Reports suggest fewer than 150 ever saw the light of day.
Under the skin
During the first few production years, the S13 Silvia packed the CA series engines under its hood. The J and Q trim levels featured the CA18DE 1.8-liter engine capable of producing 133 hp and 117 lb-ft torque. Meanwhile, the range-topping K (king) model came with a turbocharged version (CA18DET) of the same engine. The CA18DET unit brought with it 33 extra horsepower while the torque figure was increased by 51 lb-ft. 180SX fastback models were only available with the turbo unit.
Come 1989 and Nissan had launched the SR engine series to serve as a replacement for the CA line-up. From the model year 1991 onwards, S13 cars in Japan packed power units from the new range. SR20DE J and Q variants produced nearly 150 hp, while the turbocharged SR20DET engine used in the K variant churned out a little over 200 hp. Such power figures were a first in the Silvia range and played a major part in the S13’s domestic success.
Power went exclusively to the rear wheels via a choice of two transmission options—a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic gearbox. Furthermore, some models also came with a viscous-type limited-slip differential.
To put all that power down in the best way possible, Nissan also made great strides in the suspension and handling department. The S13 came with MacPherson Strut’s front suspension while the rear axle received the brand’s new multi-link system. Nissan’s HICAS-II (High Capacity Actively Controlled Steering), a rear-wheel steering system, was also available in this generation.
Styling features
While building upon the outgoing model’s lineage, the new generation has come a long way in the exterior styling department. It features simpler and free-flowing lines with a considerable increase in the overall length.
The Silvia (coupe version) came with projector headlamps, while the 180SX (fastback variant) featured pop-up headlights. Apart from that, there were several other differences between the two models. Both body styles had distinctive front and rear ends, with the fastback model featuring a rear glass canopy.
Thanks to its sporty appearance, the 180SX proved to be much more popular than the Silvia—so popular that Nissan decided to continue selling it until 1998. Throughout its lifecycle, the 180SX received several designs and styling updates, with each one making it increasingly desirable.
Export Version
This is where it gets a little tricky, so stay with us here. Nissan sold the S13 cars as 240SX in the US, available in two body styles. Europe, on the other hand, received only the hatchback with pop-up headlamps under the name 200SX.
1988 Nissan Silvia K
Under the skin
Early production US-spec cars came with the KA24E single overhead camshaft engine. The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder powerplant produced 134 hp and 152 lb-ft of torque. In 1991, Nissan dropped the KA24E engine and replaced it with the KA24DE, an improved version with dual overhead camshafts. The new unit was rated at 155 hp and 160 lb-ft torque.
From the model year 1991 onwards, Nissan offered an optional sports package on certain 240SX trim levels. The package included several performance-enhancing upgrades such as ABS, a limited-slip differential, and the aforementioned HICAS four-wheel steering system.
European 200SX models came with the turbocharged four-pot CA series engine (CA18DET). The S13 massively affected the European drifting scene, despite not having the updated and more powerful engines.
Styling features
American variants were available in two body styles, a fastback version, and a coupe version. However, the coupe version was modified and fitted with the 180SX front end; this unique hybrid body style was termed “Onevia.” The new model took the drifting world by storm thanks to cheap parts, easy customization, and highly tunable engines.
The US market also received a special convertible model from 1992. Even though it was sold through dealerships, the modifications were made in California by an aftermarket company called American Specialty Cars.
Following a mid-life update in 1991, the American 240SX received various aesthetic changes, such as new aluminum 7-spoke wheels and a slightly tweaked front end.
In Europe, fastback versions were similar to the 180SX from Japan, apart from a few modifications required to meet local laws.
1988 Nissan Silvia K Convertible
S13 Convertible Variant
Not many people are aware that Nissan also took a shot at mass-producing convertible versions of the S13 Silvia. As the coupe variant’s production commenced in 1988, the Japanese brand also came up with a drop-top model to appeal to a larger demographic.
At first, Nissan only planned to sell these models in Japan. However, it decided to scrap the project citing low demand only after 603 units. As we see it, several factors were contributing to the severe lack of demand. Firstly, the convertible model cost a whopping 3.25 million Yen. Secondly, it gained weight and also lost chassis rigidity, affecting performance and handling.
SilEighty Silvia
Just like the Onevia offered in the US, the Japanese market also received a unique combination model. Originally created by aftermarket tuner Kid’s Heart, a SilEighty was a 180SX fitted with the entire front end from the Silvia coupe.
The SilEighty was quick to gain enormous popularity among drifters thanks to associated low costs and high convenience. You see, if you own a 180SX in Japan and crash it while drifting, you would find that it will be a lot easier and cheaper to use Silvia coupe parts as a replacement. It was not long until the word spread, and more and more enthusiasts would modify their hatchback variants to have the coupe’s front end. The modifications were possible by easy interchangeability and the fixed-headlight simpler design.
Last Words
The S13 series played a pivotal role in cementing the Silvia name as a true and unbeatable drift machine. The mammoth domestic and international success this generation claimed would later pave the way for future generations.
A major contribution to its success is that there were plenty of aftermarket parts available off-the-shelf so that owners could easily and cheaply modify their cars. As an adverse effect of this, it is almost impossible to find a stock S13 Silvia nowadays.
1992 Nissan Silvia Almighty
Read more:
• Nissan Silvia CSP311 — 1st-Generation (1965-1968)
• Nissan Silvia S10 – 2nd-Generation (1975-1979)
• Nissan Silvia S13 – 5th-Generation (1988-1993)
