Key Specifications
| Spec | S13 Silvia / 180SX | S14 Silvia | S15 Silvia |
|---|
| Production Years | 1988-1993 (Silvia) / 1989-1998 (180SX) | 1993-1998 | 1999-2002 |
| Chassis Code | S13 (Silvia) / RPS13 (180SX) | S14 | S15 |
| Manufacturer | Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | | |
| Assembly | Nissan Shatai, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, Japan | | |
| Body Styles | 2-door coupe (Silvia), 3-door fastback (180SX) | 2-door coupe | 2-door coupe |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive | | |
| Wheelbase | 2,475 mm | 2,525 mm | 2,525 mm |
| Overall Length | 4,470 mm (Silvia) / 4,520 mm (180SX) | 4,520 mm | 4,445 mm |
| Overall Width | 1,690 mm | 1,730 mm | 1,695 mm |
| Overall Height | 1,290 mm (Silvia) / 1,290 mm (180SX) | 1,295 mm | 1,285 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 1,150-1,220 kg | 1,200-1,280 kg | 1,210-1,260 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L | 55 L |
| Boot Capacity | ~240 L | ~260 L | ~235 L |
Engine Specifications
CA18DET, S13 (1988-1991)
| Spec | Value |
|---|
| Configuration | Inline 4, DOHC, 16-valve |
| Displacement | 1,809 cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 83.0 mm x 83.6 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 |
| Power | 127 kW (175 hp) @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 235 Nm (174 lb-ft) @ 4,000 rpm |
| Turbocharger | Garrett T25, internally wastegated |
| Boost Pressure (stock) | 0.5 bar (7 psi) |
| Fuel System | Electronic multipoint injection |
| Block Material | Cast iron |
| Head Material | Aluminium alloy |
| Camshaft Drive | Timing belt |
| Oil Capacity | 3.2 L (with filter) |
| Coolant Capacity | 7.0 L |
| Redline | 7,500 rpm |
CA18DE, S13 NA (1988-1991)
| Spec | Value |
|---|
| Configuration | Inline 4, DOHC, 16-valve |
| Displacement | 1,809 cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 83.0 mm x 83.6 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Power | 99 kW (135 hp) @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 167 Nm (123 lb-ft) @ 5,200 rpm |
| Fuel System | Electronic multipoint injection |
SR20DET “Red Top”, S13 (1991-1993)
| Spec | Value |
|---|
| Configuration | Inline 4, DOHC, 16-valve |
| Displacement | 1,998 cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 86.0 mm x 86.0 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 |
| Power | 147 kW (205 hp) @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 275 Nm (203 lb-ft) @ 4,000 rpm |
| Turbocharger | Garrett T25, internally wastegated |
| Boost Pressure (stock) | 0.55 bar (8 psi) |
| Fuel System | Electronic multipoint injection |
| Block Material | Cast iron |
| Head Material | Aluminium alloy |
| Camshaft Drive | Timing chain |
| Oil Capacity | 3.4 L (with filter) |
| Coolant Capacity | 7.5 L |
| Redline | 7,500 rpm |
SR20DET “Black Top”, S14 (1993-1998)
| Spec | Value |
|---|
| Configuration | Inline 4, DOHC, 16-valve |
| Displacement | 1,998 cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 86.0 mm x 86.0 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 |
| Power | 147 kW (200 hp) @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 275 Nm (203 lb-ft) @ 4,800 rpm |
| Turbocharger | Garrett T28, internally wastegated |
| Boost Pressure (stock) | 0.55 bar (8 psi) |
| Fuel System | Electronic multipoint injection |
| Block Material | Cast iron |
| Head Material | Aluminium alloy |
| Camshaft Drive | Timing chain |
| Oil Capacity | 3.4 L (with filter) |
| Coolant Capacity | 7.5 L |
| Redline | 7,500 rpm |
SR20DET “Black Top VVT”, S15 Spec-R (1999-2002)
| Spec | Value |
|---|
| Configuration | Inline 4, DOHC, 16-valve, VVT (intake) |
| Displacement | 1,998 cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 86.0 mm x 86.0 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 |
| Power | 184 kW (250 hp) @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 275 Nm (203 lb-ft) @ 4,800 rpm |
| Turbocharger | Garrett T28 (larger compressor housing) |
| Boost Pressure (stock) | 0.75 bar (11 psi) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Intake cam (continuous variable) |
| Fuel System | Electronic multipoint injection |
| Block Material | Cast iron |
| Head Material | Aluminium alloy |
| Camshaft Drive | Timing chain |
| Oil Capacity | 3.4 L (with filter) |
| Coolant Capacity | 7.5 L |
| Redline | 7,500 rpm |
SR20DE, All Models NA
| Spec | Value |
|---|
| Configuration | Inline 4, DOHC, 16-valve |
| Displacement | 1,998 cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 86.0 mm x 86.0 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 (S13) / 10.0:1 (S14/S15) |
| Power | 104 kW (S13) / 118 kW (S14/S15) @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 186 Nm (S13) / 190 Nm (S14/S15) @ 4,800 rpm |
| Fuel System | Electronic multipoint injection |
Transmission Options
| Transmission | Type | Gears | Applications |
|---|
| Nissan FS5W71C | Manual | 5-speed | S13 SR20DET/CA18DET |
| Nissan FS5R30A | Manual | 5-speed | S14 SR20DET (some markets) |
| Nissan FS5W71C | Manual | 5-speed | S14 SR20DET (standard) |
| Nissan | Manual | 6-speed | S15 Spec-R only |
| Nissan RE4R01A | Automatic | 4-speed | S13/S14/S15 (select models) |
Gear Ratios (5-Speed, S13/S14)
| Gear | Ratio |
|---|
| 1st | 3.321 |
| 2nd | 1.902 |
| 3rd | 1.308 |
| 4th | 1.000 |
| 5th | 0.759 |
| Reverse | 3.382 |
Gear Ratios (6-Speed, S15 Spec-R)
| Gear | Ratio |
|---|
| 1st | 3.794 |
| 2nd | 2.324 |
| 3rd | 1.624 |
| 4th | 1.271 |
| 5th | 1.000 |
| 6th | 0.794 |
| Reverse | 3.560 |
Differential
| Spec | Base Model | Sport Model |
|---|
| Type | Open | Viscous LSD (S13/S14) / Helical LSD (S15 Spec-R) |
| Final Drive Ratio | 4.083:1 (S13) / 4.083:1 (S14) / 4.083:1 (S15) | |
| Upgraded Options | Aftermarket 2-way LSD (Cusco, Kaaz, OS Giken) | |
Suspension
S13
| Component | Front | Rear |
|---|
| Type | Independent, MacPherson strut | Independent, multi-link |
| Springs | Coil | Coil |
| Dampers | Telescopic hydraulic | Telescopic hydraulic |
| Anti-roll Bar | Yes | Yes (SR20DET models) |
S14
| Component | Front | Rear |
|---|
| Type | Independent, multi-link | Independent, multi-link |
| Springs | Coil | Coil |
| Dampers | Telescopic hydraulic | Telescopic hydraulic |
| Anti-roll Bar | Yes | Yes |
S15
| Component | Front | Rear |
|---|
| Type | Independent, multi-link | Independent, multi-link |
| Springs | Coil | Coil |
| Dampers | Telescopic hydraulic | Telescopic hydraulic |
| Anti-roll Bar | Yes | Yes |
Steering
| Spec | S13 | S14 | S15 |
|---|
| Type | Rack and pinion, power-assisted | Rack and pinion, power-assisted | Rack and pinion, power-assisted |
| Turns Lock-to-Lock | 2.8 | 2.9 | 2.8 |
| Turning Circle | 10.2 m | 10.6 m | 10.4 m |
| Steering Angle (stock) | ~35 degrees | ~36 degrees | ~37 degrees |
Brakes
| Component | S13 | S14 | S15 |
|---|
| Front Type | Ventilated disc | Ventilated disc | Ventilated disc |
| Front Diameter | 257 mm | 280 mm | 280 mm (Spec-S) / 296 mm (Spec-R) |
| Rear Type | Solid disc | Solid disc | Solid disc |
| Rear Diameter | 258 mm | 258 mm | 292 mm |
| ABS | Optional | Standard (most variants) | Standard |
| Model | 0-100 km/h | Quarter Mile | Top Speed |
|---|
| S13 CA18DET (manual) | 7.5 s | ~15.5 s | 210 km/h |
| S13 SR20DET (manual) | 6.5 s | ~14.8 s | 225 km/h |
| S14 SR20DET (manual) | 6.5 s | ~14.7 s | 230 km/h |
| S15 Spec-R (manual) | 5.9 s | ~14.2 s | 235 km/h (limited) |
| S15 Spec-S (manual) | 8.5 s | ~16.5 s | 200 km/h |
Japanese market cars were electronically limited to 180 km/h. The speed limiter is easily removed.
Fuel Economy (approximate)
| Model | L/100 km (combined) |
|---|
| S13 CA18DET (manual) | 9-11 |
| S13 SR20DET (manual) | 9-12 |
| S14 SR20DET (manual) | 9-12 |
| S15 Spec-R (manual) | 9-12 |
| S15 Spec-S (manual) | 8-10 |
| Modified SR20DET (250+ kW) | 12-18+ |
Wheels and Tyres
| Model | Standard Wheel | Standard Tyre |
|---|
| S13 Silvia (base) | 14 x 5.5J steel | 185/70R14 |
| S13 Silvia (SR20DET) | 15 x 6J alloy | 195/60R15 |
| S13 180SX (SR20DET) | 15 x 6J alloy | 195/60R15 |
| S14 (base) | 15 x 6J alloy | 195/65R15 |
| S14 (SR20DET) | 16 x 6.5J alloy | 205/55R16 |
| S15 Spec-S | 16 x 6.5J alloy | 205/55R16 |
| S15 Spec-R | 17 x 7J alloy | 215/45R17 |
Common aftermarket sizes: 17 x 8J or 17 x 9J with 215/45R17 or 225/45R17 tyres. For drift use, wider rear wheels (17 x 9J or 17 x 9.5J) with stretched tyres are common.
Electrical
| Spec | Value |
|---|
| Battery | 12V |
| Alternator | 70A (S13) / 80A (S14) / 90A (S15) |
| Spark Plugs | NGK PFR6B-11 (SR20DET) / NGK BKR6E-11 (SR20DE) |
| Spark Plug Gap | 1.1 mm |
| Ignition System | Distributorless, coil pack (S13/S14) / coil-on-plug (S15) |
| ECU | Nissan ECCS |
| Diagnostic | Consult system |
| Headlights | Pop-up (180SX S13) / Fixed (Silvia S13, S14, S15) |
Fluid Capacities
| Fluid | Capacity |
|---|
| Engine Oil (with filter), SR20 | 3.4 L |
| Engine Oil (with filter), CA18 | 3.2 L |
| Coolant | 7.0-7.5 L |
| Manual Gearbox (5-speed) | 2.0 L |
| Manual Gearbox (6-speed) | 2.3 L |
| Differential | 1.3 L |
| Fuel Tank | 55 L (S13/S15) / 65 L (S14) |
Service Intervals
| Service Item | Interval |
|---|
| Engine oil and filter | 5,000 km or 3 months |
| Spark plugs | 20,000 km |
| Timing chain (inspect) | 100,000 km |
| Timing belt (CA18 only, replace) | 100,000 km |
| Coolant | 2 years or 40,000 km |
| Brake fluid | 12 months |
| Gearbox oil | 30,000 km |
| Differential oil | 20,000 km |
| Air filter | 20,000 km |
Engine Oil Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|
| Recommended Grade, SR20DET | 10W-40 or 5W-30 semi-synthetic / fully synthetic |
| Recommended Grade, SR20DE | 10W-30 or 5W-30 |
| Track Use Grade, SR20DET | 10W-50 fully synthetic |
| Capacity (with filter) | 3.4 L (SR20) / 3.2 L (CA18) |
| API Rating | SG or higher |
Model Variants
S13 (1988-1998)
| Variant | Engine | Key Features |
|---|
| Silvia J’s | CA18DE / SR20DE | Base model, fixed headlights |
| Silvia Q’s | CA18DET / SR20DET | Turbo, cloth interior, fixed headlights |
| Silvia K’s | CA18DET / SR20DET | Turbo, better trim, aero body kit |
| 180SX Type I | CA18DE / SR20DE | NA, pop-up headlights |
| 180SX Type II | CA18DET / SR20DET | Turbo, pop-up headlights |
| 180SX Type III | SR20DET | Top spec, LSD, pop-up headlights |
S14 (1993-1998)
| Variant | Engine | Key Features |
|---|
| J’s | SR20DE | Base model, NA |
| Q’s | SR20DET | Turbo, cloth interior |
| K’s | SR20DET | Turbo, better trim, aero kit, viscous LSD |
| 200SX (Aust.) | SR20DET | Australian-delivered, SR20DET, 5-speed |
S15 (1999-2002)
| Variant | Engine | Key Features |
|---|
| Spec-S | SR20DE | NA, 5-speed or auto |
| Spec-S b-package | SR20DE | NA with body kit and aero |
| Spec-R | SR20DET | Turbo, 6-speed manual, helical LSD, larger brakes |
| Spec-R b-package | SR20DET | Spec-R with body kit and aero |
| Autech Varietta | SR20DE | Convertible (powered folding hardtop), ~1,500 built |
Production Numbers (approximate, all markets)
| Model | Total Production |
|---|
| S13 Silvia | ~300,000 |
| S13 180SX | ~180,000 |
| S14 Silvia | ~240,000 |
| S15 Silvia | ~45,000 |
The S15’s low production number (relative to S13 and S14) contributes significantly to its value.
Identification
Chassis number location: Stamped on the firewall (engine bay side) and on the compliance plate (driver’s door jamb).
Engine number location: Stamped on the right-hand side of the block (SR20) or on the front of the block (CA18).
Chassis number format:
- S13 Silvia: S13-xxxxxx
- 180SX: RPS13-xxxxxx (turbo) / RS13-xxxxxx (NA)
- S14 Silvia: S14-xxxxxx
- S15 Silvia: S15-xxxxxx
Engine identification by rocker cover:
- Red cover = SR20DET “red top” (S13)
- Black cover = SR20DET “black top” (S14/S15)
- Silver/unpainted cover = SR20DE (all models, NA)
- CA18 covers are smaller and positioned differently