

While it did have more displacement at 2.4-litres, the SOHC, 3-valve-per-cylinder engine could only muster 140 horses. Compared to the engine fitted to Japanese models, the KA24 was considered to be somewhat underwhelming. To avoid the time and expensive to “Federalize” the CA18, Nissan decided to fit a different engine into the car, the KA24. In America, buyers could purchase the 180SX version of the car, however, there was one caveat. North American & European ModelsĪt launch, Nissan decided it would be a good idea to export the S13 to other markets around the world. All of the 600 publicly available convertible Silvias were sold with a 4-speed automatic transmission. A total of 603 Autech convertibles were manufactured and they all featured the turbocharged CA18DET engine. and the production was entrusted to Takada Kogyo. However, demand for the car was low as it was not only more expensive than the hardtop versions, but it also had worse driving characteristics as it was heavier and less rigid.Ĭonversions for the convertible Silvia were carried out by Autech Japan, Inc. Some models also received a viscous-type limited slip differential.Ī Silvia convertible model was briefly offered in Japan soon after the coupe and hatchback models were introduced. In 1990, the system was updated and renamed to SuperHICAS. The S13 was also offered with a four-wheel steering system, known as HICAS-II. Nissan also gave the car their sophisticated multi-link independent suspension setup at the rear and the popular MacPherson strut setup at the front. The free-revving dual overhead cam engine was an excellent match for the balanced chassis and lightweight design of the S13.
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Both models had the option of either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission. Those who bought the Silvia had the option of either engine, however, 180SX buyers had to make do with the turbocharged variant. Power for the S13 models was initially produced from the iron-block 1.8-litre CA18DE or the CA18DET, with the former being naturally aspirated and rated at 132 horsepower, while the latter was turbocharged and good for up to around 166 horsepower. The 180SX served as the junior companion to the Fairlady ZX at Nissan Bluebird stores, while the Silvia was available at Nissan Prince stores next to the Skyline. Nissan sold and marketed the two separate models through different dealerships in Japan. From the onset it was hugely popular with Japanese buyers and it won the Car of the Year Japan Award in its first year.īuyers could opt for two cosmetically different, but mechanically identical models the hatchback, 180SX with pop-up headlights, and the S13 Silvia Coupe with standard headlights.

Nissan introduced the S13 in Japan in the middle of 1988 as a 1989 model year. History of the Nissan 240SX S13 / Silvia 13 / 180SX Concluding This Nissan S13 Buyer’s Guide.Importing a Nissan 180SX or S13 Silvia from Japan.General Car Buying Advice for a Nissan S13.Nissan 240SX, 180SX, S13 Silvia and 200SX Buyer’s Guide.Nissan 240SX, 180SX, S13 Silvia and 200SX Specifications.History of the Nissan 240SX S13 / Silvia 13 / 180SX.Following this we will cover the buyer’s guide section of the article and then we will look at importing an S13 Silvia from Japan. To begin with, we will be looking at the history and specifications of the S13. We are going to be covering a lot of information in this guide, so use the table of contents below to skip to the section you want to read.
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How to Use This Nissan 240SX S13 Buying Guide We will also be covering information on the history and specifications of the S13. In this Nissan 240SX S13 Buyer’s Guide you will learn everything you need to know to make an informed purchase. This is because many have wound up in the hands of people who couldn’t or wouldn’t maintain them properly. Today, the Nissan 240SX S13 has become somewhat of a classic with clean, unmolested models becoming harder and harder to find. The car was also a hit with tuners, as it could accommodate so many different powerplants and modifications. It combined all the elements that make up a great car into one fun and exciting package.

The Nissan 240SX S13 is one of the most legendary Japanese cars of all time.
