Silvia (S13 / S14 / S15)

1988-2002 / Coupe / Japan

All Silvia (S13 / S14 / S15) problems All workshop issues

Common Engine

Turbo Oil Seal Failure (SR20DET)

Symptoms

Blue smoke from the exhaust, particularly on boost or on deceleration (overrun). Oil consumption increases. Oil residue visible in the intercooler piping.

Cause

The factory T25 (S13) and T28 (S14/S15) turbochargers develop worn oil seals with age and mileage. The turbo shaft rotates at up to 150,000 rpm, and the seals that prevent oil from leaking into the compressor and turbine housings deteriorate over time. High exhaust temperatures, inadequate cool-down periods (shutting the engine off immediately after hard driving), and infrequent oil changes accelerate seal wear.

Fix

Rebuild or replace the turbocharger.

A rebuild (new seals, bearings, and balancing) costs $500-1,000.

A new or aftermarket replacement turbo costs $800-2,500 depending on specification.

Many owners use the turbo rebuild as an opportunity to upgrade, a Garrett GT2871R or similar is a popular swap that provides more power potential while fitting in the factory location.

Cost mentioned in fix

$500-1,000$800-2,500

Know something we don't?

Owned a Nissan Silvia (S13 / S14 / S15)? Share your experience with this issue. What worked, what didn't, costs, tips. Help the community.

Submit an update

// More Silvia (S13 / S14 / S15) problems

Other known issues

Critical Engine

Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear (SR20DET/SR20DE)

Rattling or clattering from the front of the engine, most pronounced on cold start. The noise may diminish when warm but persist at idle. In severe cases, the engine loses power, runs rough, or misfires.

Common Engine

Boost Leaks

Sluggish boost response, reduced power, the car feels slow despite the turbo appearing to spool.

Common Engine

Idle Air Control Valve (IACV) Failure

Erratic idle speed, the RPM hunts up and down between 500 and 1,500 rpm. The engine may stall at traffic lights or when coming to a stop.

Common Engine

Coolant Temperature Sensor Failure

The temperature gauge reads incorrectly (stuck on cold, reads erratically, or pegs to hot without the engine actually overheating). The engine may run rich on cold start or overheat without the fans activating.

Common Drivetrain

2nd Gear Synchro Wear (5-Speed Manual)

Grinding or crunching when shifting into 2nd gear, particularly on quick downshifts from 3rd. May also grind on fast upshifts from 1st. The problem worsens with use.

Common Drivetrain

Clutch Wear and Judder

The clutch slips under hard acceleration (engine revs rise but speed does not increase). Clutch judder (vibration when engaging from a standstill). The bite point moves progressively higher toward the top of the pedal travel.

View all 17 Silvia (S13 / S14 / S15) problems