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nissan / Spec Sheet / 24 Mar 2026

Nissan Silvia S13/S14/S15, Full Specifications

Last updated 24 Mar 2026

Key Specifications

SpecS13 Silvia / 180SXS14 SilviaS15 Silvia
Production Years1988-1993 (Silvia) / 1989-1998 (180SX)1993-19981999-2002
Chassis CodeS13 (Silvia) / RPS13 (180SX)S14S15
ManufacturerNissan Motor Co., Ltd.
AssemblyNissan Shatai, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, Japan
Body Styles2-door coupe (Silvia), 3-door fastback (180SX)2-door coupe2-door coupe
LayoutFront engine, rear-wheel drive
Wheelbase2,475 mm2,525 mm2,525 mm
Overall Length4,470 mm (Silvia) / 4,520 mm (180SX)4,520 mm4,445 mm
Overall Width1,690 mm1,730 mm1,695 mm
Overall Height1,290 mm (Silvia) / 1,290 mm (180SX)1,295 mm1,285 mm
Kerb Weight1,150-1,220 kg1,200-1,280 kg1,210-1,260 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity55 L65 L55 L
Boot Capacity~240 L~260 L~235 L

Engine Specifications

CA18DET, S13 (1988-1991)

SpecValue
ConfigurationInline 4, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement1,809 cc
Bore x Stroke83.0 mm x 83.6 mm
Compression Ratio8.5:1
Power127 kW (175 hp) @ 6,400 rpm
Torque235 Nm (174 lb-ft) @ 4,000 rpm
TurbochargerGarrett T25, internally wastegated
Boost Pressure (stock)0.5 bar (7 psi)
Fuel SystemElectronic multipoint injection
Block MaterialCast iron
Head MaterialAluminium alloy
Camshaft DriveTiming belt
Oil Capacity3.2 L (with filter)
Coolant Capacity7.0 L
Redline7,500 rpm

CA18DE, S13 NA (1988-1991)

SpecValue
ConfigurationInline 4, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement1,809 cc
Bore x Stroke83.0 mm x 83.6 mm
Compression Ratio9.5:1
Power99 kW (135 hp) @ 6,400 rpm
Torque167 Nm (123 lb-ft) @ 5,200 rpm
Fuel SystemElectronic multipoint injection

SR20DET “Red Top”, S13 (1991-1993)

SpecValue
ConfigurationInline 4, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement1,998 cc
Bore x Stroke86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio8.5:1
Power147 kW (205 hp) @ 6,000 rpm
Torque275 Nm (203 lb-ft) @ 4,000 rpm
TurbochargerGarrett T25, internally wastegated
Boost Pressure (stock)0.55 bar (8 psi)
Fuel SystemElectronic multipoint injection
Block MaterialCast iron
Head MaterialAluminium alloy
Camshaft DriveTiming chain
Oil Capacity3.4 L (with filter)
Coolant Capacity7.5 L
Redline7,500 rpm

SR20DET “Black Top”, S14 (1993-1998)

SpecValue
ConfigurationInline 4, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement1,998 cc
Bore x Stroke86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio8.5:1
Power147 kW (200 hp) @ 6,000 rpm
Torque275 Nm (203 lb-ft) @ 4,800 rpm
TurbochargerGarrett T28, internally wastegated
Boost Pressure (stock)0.55 bar (8 psi)
Fuel SystemElectronic multipoint injection
Block MaterialCast iron
Head MaterialAluminium alloy
Camshaft DriveTiming chain
Oil Capacity3.4 L (with filter)
Coolant Capacity7.5 L
Redline7,500 rpm

SR20DET “Black Top VVT”, S15 Spec-R (1999-2002)

SpecValue
ConfigurationInline 4, DOHC, 16-valve, VVT (intake)
Displacement1,998 cc
Bore x Stroke86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio8.5:1
Power184 kW (250 hp) @ 6,400 rpm
Torque275 Nm (203 lb-ft) @ 4,800 rpm
TurbochargerGarrett T28 (larger compressor housing)
Boost Pressure (stock)0.75 bar (11 psi)
Variable Valve TimingIntake cam (continuous variable)
Fuel SystemElectronic multipoint injection
Block MaterialCast iron
Head MaterialAluminium alloy
Camshaft DriveTiming chain
Oil Capacity3.4 L (with filter)
Coolant Capacity7.5 L
Redline7,500 rpm

SR20DE, All Models NA

SpecValue
ConfigurationInline 4, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement1,998 cc
Bore x Stroke86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
Compression Ratio9.5:1 (S13) / 10.0:1 (S14/S15)
Power104 kW (S13) / 118 kW (S14/S15) @ 6,400 rpm
Torque186 Nm (S13) / 190 Nm (S14/S15) @ 4,800 rpm
Fuel SystemElectronic multipoint injection

Transmission Options

TransmissionTypeGearsApplications
Nissan FS5W71CManual5-speedS13 SR20DET/CA18DET
Nissan FS5R30AManual5-speedS14 SR20DET (some markets)
Nissan FS5W71CManual5-speedS14 SR20DET (standard)
NissanManual6-speedS15 Spec-R only
Nissan RE4R01AAutomatic4-speedS13/S14/S15 (select models)

Gear Ratios (5-Speed, S13/S14)

GearRatio
1st3.321
2nd1.902
3rd1.308
4th1.000
5th0.759
Reverse3.382

Gear Ratios (6-Speed, S15 Spec-R)

GearRatio
1st3.794
2nd2.324
3rd1.624
4th1.271
5th1.000
6th0.794
Reverse3.560

Differential

SpecBase ModelSport Model
TypeOpenViscous LSD (S13/S14) / Helical LSD (S15 Spec-R)
Final Drive Ratio4.083:1 (S13) / 4.083:1 (S14) / 4.083:1 (S15)
Upgraded OptionsAftermarket 2-way LSD (Cusco, Kaaz, OS Giken)

Suspension

S13

ComponentFrontRear
TypeIndependent, MacPherson strutIndependent, multi-link
SpringsCoilCoil
DampersTelescopic hydraulicTelescopic hydraulic
Anti-roll BarYesYes (SR20DET models)

S14

ComponentFrontRear
TypeIndependent, multi-linkIndependent, multi-link
SpringsCoilCoil
DampersTelescopic hydraulicTelescopic hydraulic
Anti-roll BarYesYes

S15

ComponentFrontRear
TypeIndependent, multi-linkIndependent, multi-link
SpringsCoilCoil
DampersTelescopic hydraulicTelescopic hydraulic
Anti-roll BarYesYes

Steering

SpecS13S14S15
TypeRack and pinion, power-assistedRack and pinion, power-assistedRack and pinion, power-assisted
Turns Lock-to-Lock2.82.92.8
Turning Circle10.2 m10.6 m10.4 m
Steering Angle (stock)~35 degrees~36 degrees~37 degrees

Brakes

ComponentS13S14S15
Front TypeVentilated discVentilated discVentilated disc
Front Diameter257 mm280 mm280 mm (Spec-S) / 296 mm (Spec-R)
Rear TypeSolid discSolid discSolid disc
Rear Diameter258 mm258 mm292 mm
ABSOptionalStandard (most variants)Standard

Performance (approximate, period road tests)

Model0-100 km/hQuarter MileTop Speed
S13 CA18DET (manual)7.5 s~15.5 s210 km/h
S13 SR20DET (manual)6.5 s~14.8 s225 km/h
S14 SR20DET (manual)6.5 s~14.7 s230 km/h
S15 Spec-R (manual)5.9 s~14.2 s235 km/h (limited)
S15 Spec-S (manual)8.5 s~16.5 s200 km/h

Japanese market cars were electronically limited to 180 km/h. The speed limiter is easily removed.

Fuel Economy (approximate)

ModelL/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

ModelStandard WheelStandard Tyre
S13 Silvia (base)14 x 5.5J steel185/70R14
S13 Silvia (SR20DET)15 x 6J alloy195/60R15
S13 180SX (SR20DET)15 x 6J alloy195/60R15
S14 (base)15 x 6J alloy195/65R15
S14 (SR20DET)16 x 6.5J alloy205/55R16
S15 Spec-S16 x 6.5J alloy205/55R16
S15 Spec-R17 x 7J alloy215/45R17

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

SpecValue
Battery12V
Alternator70A (S13) / 80A (S14) / 90A (S15)
Spark PlugsNGK PFR6B-11 (SR20DET) / NGK BKR6E-11 (SR20DE)
Spark Plug Gap1.1 mm
Ignition SystemDistributorless, coil pack (S13/S14) / coil-on-plug (S15)
ECUNissan ECCS
DiagnosticConsult system
HeadlightsPop-up (180SX S13) / Fixed (Silvia S13, S14, S15)

Fluid Capacities

FluidCapacity
Engine Oil (with filter), SR203.4 L
Engine Oil (with filter), CA183.2 L
Coolant7.0-7.5 L
Manual Gearbox (5-speed)2.0 L
Manual Gearbox (6-speed)2.3 L
Differential1.3 L
Fuel Tank55 L (S13/S15) / 65 L (S14)

Service Intervals

Service ItemInterval
Engine oil and filter5,000 km or 3 months
Spark plugs20,000 km
Timing chain (inspect)100,000 km
Timing belt (CA18 only, replace)100,000 km
Coolant2 years or 40,000 km
Brake fluid12 months
Gearbox oil30,000 km
Differential oil20,000 km
Air filter20,000 km

Engine Oil Specifications

SpecificationValue
Recommended Grade, SR20DET10W-40 or 5W-30 semi-synthetic / fully synthetic
Recommended Grade, SR20DE10W-30 or 5W-30
Track Use Grade, SR20DET10W-50 fully synthetic
Capacity (with filter)3.4 L (SR20) / 3.2 L (CA18)
API RatingSG or higher

Model Variants

S13 (1988-1998)

VariantEngineKey Features
Silvia J’sCA18DE / SR20DEBase model, fixed headlights
Silvia Q’sCA18DET / SR20DETTurbo, cloth interior, fixed headlights
Silvia K’sCA18DET / SR20DETTurbo, better trim, aero body kit
180SX Type ICA18DE / SR20DENA, pop-up headlights
180SX Type IICA18DET / SR20DETTurbo, pop-up headlights
180SX Type IIISR20DETTop spec, LSD, pop-up headlights

S14 (1993-1998)

VariantEngineKey Features
J’sSR20DEBase model, NA
Q’sSR20DETTurbo, cloth interior
K’sSR20DETTurbo, better trim, aero kit, viscous LSD
200SX (Aust.)SR20DETAustralian-delivered, SR20DET, 5-speed

S15 (1999-2002)

VariantEngineKey Features
Spec-SSR20DENA, 5-speed or auto
Spec-S b-packageSR20DENA with body kit and aero
Spec-RSR20DETTurbo, 6-speed manual, helical LSD, larger brakes
Spec-R b-packageSR20DETSpec-R with body kit and aero
Autech VariettaSR20DEConvertible (powered folding hardtop), ~1,500 built

Production Numbers (approximate, all markets)

ModelTotal 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
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