Project [51NGH]

Tyres, headlights, Exhaust

2009-02-21T13:41:00.003+09:00

I managed to get a new (second hand) Japanese stainless catback from JPC in Osboure Park, I thought it was just a 3", til I realised it was 90mm! Unfortunately as most off the shelf exhausts, they need modification to clear aftermarket bodykits, so had mine modified today thanks to Kermit Engineering.

Also changed the tyres from the 225/45/17 Roadstone to Toyo Proxes4 215/40/17 - car sits lower and Toyos stretch real nice! Thinking about adjusting the camber a bit - at the moment its at -2.5 degrees, thinking -2 degrees is more streetable and rims might fit a bit more flush.

Also you can see the new square headlights replaced the old projector style. Car should be tuned next week if all goes to plan, will be interesting!

Offset WIN!

2008-09-05T11:06:00.002+08:00

I recently installed a Cusco BMC Stopper in the car, painted it black, but then realised the stud wasn't long enough for my car, so on the hunt for that atm.

On this fine evening we decided to lower my car, as well as found a radiator leak - unsure how it happened, but I had managed to crack the R32 radiator bottom tank, so luckily I had a spare re-conditioned R32 radiator lying around (Also got a PWR 55mm radiator that I've been contemplating fitting with a set of Ford AU Falcon thermo fans, but unsure whether its necessary yet - will do some track work and see).

I forgot to take pictures of the yet-to-be-finished engine bay, but heres a few shots as is at the moment (note: still need ceramic coat a few bits and pieces and replace silicon hoses, I'm also yet to wire up my boost, water temp and oil pressure gauges - will get onto this soon!)

Yes, those are also the new wheels fitted which I got from Yahoo Auctions Japan (Thanks Streeter!)

Rays Engineering

Volk Racing Evolution 3

4/5x114.3

Front

17x9+19 with 225/45/17 tyre (rubs slightly - will change to better brand 215/45 soon)

Rear

18x9+19 with 225/40/18 stretched with slight guard flaring job done with my jack handle and driving forwards and backwards at 1am in the morning - no paint flake on the outside, on the inside there is a bit, nothing the paintbrush can't fix, and if any says jack handle is dodgy method, I've found the jack handle approach 300% better than the traditional guard roller, heres some more pics:

Shes on the Road!!!

2008-09-05T10:12:00.004+08:00

Finally good to have the Silvia back on the road again - very fun to drive! Its not entirely complete - I had an MC day on Sunday the 31st August, and had to get the car ready before then, still yet to ceramic coat the manifold, screamer, and dump pipe, but will get onto that very soon.

Had the wheel alignment done last week, big thanks to Yang @ Beaurepaires Claremont - absolute champ!

Front:

Camber: -2.5 degrees

Toe out 1mm

Castor: 7 degrees

Rear:

Camber: -1.5

Toe in 1mm

Managed to find a cheap set of Yokohama Advan A046 235/45/17 tyres for cheap off EvolutionOz forums, put these on the fronts and rear I had near bald Nexen 235/45/17 and the car handled AWESOME! (apart from the rear 0 traction), I've since got a pair of Bridgestone RE750 255/40/17 as well, so my P1's have become set of track/street wheels for future racing events.

Had the car tuned with Nistune @ All Star Garage, but only managed 235rwhp @18psi - had a boost leak, and the cooler pipes kept blowing off on the dyno, I've since replaced all the intercooler piping clamps with heavy duty ones and found the boost leak behind the plenum one of the vacuum hoses was completely out! Will get retuned soon!

Suspension!

2008-08-02T22:36:00.006+08:00

Its been a while since last update, but its worth it!

In the process of engine swap at the moment, as you can see:

Purchased some new wheels; Rays Engineering
Volk Evolution 3
17x9+19 (set of 4)
and
18x9+19 (pair only)

With those wheels I decided some adjustable suspension parts would look good, ordered the following d-project parts:

Front:
Adjustable Castor Rods
Steering Rack Bushes
Tie Rods
Tie Rod Ends

Rear:
Adjustable Camber arms
Adjustable Traction Rods
Adjustable Toe Rods

Also got a set of pineapples that are still to be fitted. I have a R32 GTR rear swaybar that I was going to install, still tossing up whether I want it or not, might order some new whiteline bushes for it (as the current ones look a bit average) and fit and then test on next track outing with a good wheel alignment.

Also considering upgrading the LCA's front and rear also, will decide this also later.

Engine pics coming soon!

Huge Update!!

2008-03-12T14:23:00.002+09:00

Ok, its been a while, but this is a major update.

New rims are on.

They are Rays Engineering VR-X10 18"!
Specs are:
18x8"+32 front (235/35/18)
18x9"+37 rear (265/35/18)

They sit in the guards a tiny bit, but the tyres make them 'appear' almost flush. I had to run a 3mm slip on spacer on the front, so I could clear the R33 4 pot brakes. I've contemplated running 25mm bolt on spacers front and rear, and run 215/40 stretched tyres with a bit of guard rolling, but decided against it for the time being.

I know measuring your dish is like measuring your penis, this is not the case, because my wheels only have 6cm of dish at the rear, but I'm happy with that.

Will post up better pics soon... Those pics don't do the rims justice!

Also the plan has taken a big change; the car will be getting a new motor after all, this is it: (Note: The pics of the engine in the car, is my 180sx - was run in in this car, but this car is being sold, and the motor will go in my car!)

CA18DET (blacktop special!)
GT281r1R 52 Trim 0.64

Denso 510cc injectors (upgrading to Nismo 600cc for retune)

HKS 256/256 Cams and Camgears

Gates Racing Timing Belt

Z32 AFM/Apexi Power Intake/Stainless Intake pipe

S/S custom Intercooler Piping

600x300x76mm I/C (currently has 100mm on)
3" exhaust, with twin cannon catback

R32 gtst Radiator

Oil Cooler Kit

Turbotech manual Boost Controlller (soon to be upgrading to HKS EVC6 electronic boost controller)

Greddy Forged Pistons 84mm

Tomei 1.5mm headgasket

ARP Headstuds

ARP L20 rod bolts

Rods shot peened/balanced Machined/balanced/blueprinted/etc bottom end

ACL race bearings

Nissan oil pump/gaskets/heater hoses etc.

Soon to be upgrading to 6boost manifold with 38mm Tial external gate before retune!

Could make anywhere between 300 - 350rwhp on that setup hopefully.

Overdue Update

2007-12-03T15:29:00.000+09:00

Its been way to long since I've updated this, so here goes...

Damn those CR Kai's looked so good in white :( (Don't know what I was thinking when I painted my wipers white though!)

What the Silvia looks like now; Work CR Kais have been sold, and replaced with Buddyclub P1 Racing 17x8+32, 17x9+37, in gunmetal, I don't know whether this looks any good or not or to change them at a later date.

Parts going in for CA18DE+T conversion:

CA18DET Sump
GTiR T28 turbo (rebuilt with 360 thrust bearing)
Braided turbo lines
Denso 510cc injectors (from the 180, when 180 upgrades to 600cc)
CA18DET FPR
Tomei 1.5mm Metal Headgasket (Need to be purchased)
Gates Racing Timing Belt
CA16DE Inlet Camshaft
Nismo Chromoly Lightweight Flywheel and Clutch
3" Exhaust(Chasing dump/front pipe)
FMIC Kit
Nistune! (Hyperdrive)

Also got a set of pineapples and a viscous LSD to install.

Thats all I can think of for now.

PLAN CHANGE!

2007-08-21T23:41:00.000+08:00

Been a while since, update, plans have changed BIG TIME!

Will update new secrets soon!

"The Plan"

2007-04-02T18:40:00.000+08:00

Thought I'd update the plan a little, as it was a bit old;

Engine

SR20DET (Red Top) Conversion
Garrett GT2871R (52 Trim with 0.86 A/R; keeping stock manifold and internal gate)
Braided Turbo Oil & Water lines
Nismo 740cc Injectors
Z32 Air Flow Meter
Apex'i Power Intake
Stainless Steel Intake Pipe
CES Dump Pipe
China Catback Exhaust (*Yet to arrive*)
Greddy Genuine Sump (*Yet to arrive*)
China Front Mount Intercooler & Piping Kit
Carbon Fibre Coilpack Cover
Nismo Engine & Gearbox Mounts
Nismo Fuel Pump (*Yet to arrive*)

Suspension/Brakes/Wheels

Work CR-Kai 17"x8" + 32 Rims all round (4x114.3 stud pattern)
Work Lock Nuts
R33 GTS-T Front and Rear Brakes (painted blue with white Nissan logo
R33 Handbrake Cable
R33 Brake Master Cylinder
Maltech ADR Approved Braided Brake Lines
HSD HR Series Coilovers (*Yet to arrive*)

Interior

Alpine CDA 9827 MP3 Headunit
Alpine 6.5" Splits (with tweeters mounted in the door trims)
Alpine 6"x9" Rear Speakers
Bride Brix Bucket Seats (passenger and driver on Bride superlow rails)
SR20 Digital Speedometer Instrument cluster with HUD and Eluminous Dials
ZenAch Centre Air Con Vent Triple Gauge Holder (52mm)
Carbon Fibre Centre Stereo Surround
Nardi Deep Corn Leather Steering Wheel 35cm (*Yet to arrive*)
Apex'i 52mm Gauges (white background that light up blue) (*Yet to arrive*)

Exterior

Carbon Fibre Vented Bonnet
Carbon Fibre Bootlid
Ganador Semi Carbon Mirrors
Carbon Fibre B-Pillars
MFX Vertex Big Mouth Bodykit (Front bar, side skirts, rear bar)
Clear Rear Taillights
Clear Front Parker Lights
Clear Front Indicators

Brides and Paint!

2007-04-02T17:51:00.000+08:00

I know its been a while since I've updated this, and some of you have been pestering for me to update it! Well, I've recently come back from holiday, and since I've been away I've had my car worked on a little bit with a lacquer of paint or two.

My mate Wayne sprayed my bodykit to match the rest of my car (the kit was previously in black gel coat, and in average condition, and Wayne did a real professional job!)

My brother reversed into a pole months ago, leaving the rear bar in almost two pieces. The front bar I repaired myself ages ago, as I hit something in a carpark, and cracked the mounts of my front bar. My repair left a few resin runs along the side of the front bar, also the kit a few minor cracks here and there. Also the car was professionally debadged, and my carbon bootlid needed some major repair work.

Also had a new member in the family:

New Parts!

2006-12-12T01:24:00.000+09:00

Finally a few things are coming together, and this project is getting underway. I've recently purchased a set of Nismo Engine and Gearbox mounts from Aston @ Jshop. These are designed to be more stiffness than standard engine mounts, and are also a lot stronger, meaning they will be good for a bit of track work, without having to worry about replacing a busted engine mount.

I've also managed to source a CES Dump/Front exhaust pipe for my S13. These are exceptionally well made and designed, and have proven results in terms of horsepower figures from a SR20. This like the Nismo engine and gearbox mounts did not come cheap. The CES dump pipe is made of mild steel which is ceramic coating, almost making its high price worthwhile compared to other China made dumps on the market.

One of the most imporant aspects of this dump pipe, is comparisons with the HKS style split dump pipes. In the HKS version, the waste gas goes back into the 2.5" dump pipe, where by inducting a form of restriction, in comparison to the CES dump, the waste gas reverts back to the 3" section of the pipe, as can be seen in pictures, the section increases from 2.5" to 3", hence providing less of a restriction, and hence various sources have proven results.

Minor Update

2006-10-12T14:22:00.000+08:00

Not much to update this time, but there are a few interesting small items.

First of all, I changed my 33GTR style grill for a genuine Nismo slat grill, I would have prefered one in carbon fibre, but this will do for the time being.

Old:

New: (also note, I finally repaired my front bar + hacked the intrusion bar to suit future intercooler and so that it doesn't stick out)

Also, I've recently purchased a carbon fibre stereo surround, doesn't do much, but looks hot!

Brake Upgrade

2006-06-29T00:13:00.000+08:00

Ok, its been a while since I've posted, but I've been busy (honest).

Now, over the past couple of weeks, I have completed my R33 gts-t front and rear brake conversion on my Silvia. This was a bastard of a job, and looking back, I don't know why I bothered spending so much money on brakes... Just a reminder what parts were used in the install;

R33 Skyline gts-t front and rear brake calipers and rotors, including new brake pads
Dupicolour Metalcast paint and primer
Maltech ADR approved braided brake lines
R33 rear backing plate
R33 handbrake cables
Custom handbrake cable plate
R33 brake master cylinder
Several bottles of Nissan DOT4 brake fluid.

For more information on the install, check out these websites for more info:

http://importnut.net/300zxbrakeswap.htm

http://www.sxoc.co.uk/vbb/showthread.php?t=164925&highlight=rear+hub+removal

Here's a little comparison of the front calipers from a R33 Skyline gts-t on the left, and the S13 CA18DE calipers on the right.

Below shows the difference in size for the front brake rotors:

Now, the fronts were relatively straight forward install, but the rears were a bit of a bitch, but still nowhere near impossible.

Here are some pics of the rear install:

Here is a picture of the handbrake and its custom mounting plate:

Finally, the final product, these brakes really look nice with my car. The front brakes almost fill the front wheels, and the colour anodised blue compliments the coilover, work wheel nuts and work wheels.

Few Items

2006-05-15T17:03:00.000+08:00

It's been a while since my last update, and I thought I'd just give a glimpse/update of a few new parts that came this morning.

I recently purchased a Carbon Fibre Coilpack Cover, for those of you that don't know this is the part that goes sort of in the middle of the rocker cover, and covers the coilpacks (that is, you will see this in the engine bay clearly, and it looks good.) My engine I bought didn't come with one, so I thought this one couldn't hurt.

Secondly, I purchased a few items from Christian Pickering, for those of you who haven't heard of him, hes one of the Australian National Drifters from Adelaide. He was selling bits left from his old S13, and upgrading to a S15 (Will be good to watch in the future) and I was lucky enough to buy his SR20DET manual engine wiring loom (rare as hens teeth), Nismo 740cc injectors on standard fuel rail and an Apexi fuel regulator.

The Exhaust System

2006-04-20T19:54:00.000+08:00

It's been a while since my last post, and I thought I should keep all my fans updated.

During the Easter weekend, by battery died completely, and I had to rush to get it replaced so I could enjoy what was left of the Easter holidays. I purchased a cheap replacement battery from Repco for $70, and it was the only size that would fit my battery tray and battery terminals at the time. Another minor set back on the project, but these things happen...

On the good news side of things, I picked up a new 3" turbo back exhaust system from Dylan (Mz180sx) today. It's a Dual N1 style exhaust, including dump pipe, front pipe, decat and cat back exhaust (including all gaskets and bolts).

I sas very pleased with this purchase and here are the pics (note: I won't be installing this until the new engine is complete)

The Dump Pipe.

The Exhaust System.

This is not my car. This is what my car might look like with it installed. Although, my car has a vertex bodykit, and some "hacking" may be required.

Also, I had changed the oil in the CA. I used Mobil 1 engine oil, genuine Nissan oil filter, and also replaced the gearbox oil. Will do the spark plugs, filter, and coolant soon as well.

On some other news, I believe my brake pads are wearing thin, and so I think my brake conversion should be happening quite soon (depending on how much time I have...dam uni...) as I have all the parts I finally require (I had a few brake shims and springs that I ordered from Nissan arrive).

Clutch Issues

2006-03-15T00:51:00.000+08:00

Clutch went out on me a few weeks ago, and I have been contemplating to either repair or push the SR conversion ahead of plan.

Unfortunately, I still haven't gathered all the parts I'm looking for on the SR20, and needed the CA clutch repaired quickly, due to uni, work, general car use.

So I drained the gearbox oil, removed the driveshaft, struggled with the shifter (I probably could've done with a hand from somebody), and got a bit stuck, and getting desperate, as I needed the car sooner then later, I had the car towed to Auto Clutch in Osborne Park, where Ross replaced the lining on the existing clutch disk, and cleaned it all up a little.

I forgot to take a picture of the clutch, but you can have a look at my dirty car on the back of the tow truck, I think a bit of gearbox oil spilt on the truck as well...

Also, it is going to be a while between now and next post due to major enhancements - Stay Tuned!

SR20DET Planning

2006-02-28T22:54:00.000+08:00

This is what I've been waiting for a long time.

I recently purchased an SR20DET motor from Dan (another SilviaWA member) and have massive modification plans for it.

The motor has only travelled approximately 50 000 kms, and appears to be in good condition.

A few planned modifications are:

T28 GTiR Turbocharger
SR20 Stainless Low Mount Manifold
Power FC w/hand controller
Nismo 740cc injectors w/ Fuel Regulator
Q45 AFM
Braided turbo oil and water lines
3" turbo back exhaust
Nismo Internal fuel pump
Oil Cooler and relocater kit incl. thermostat
53mm Core Radiator
GReddy Style Inlet Plenum
Nismo engine and gearbox mounts
Trust Copy Sump
Hybrid Copy 600 x 300 x 76 mm Intercooler + piping
Xtreme 9 Puck Brass Button Clutch

...Wishlist to come...

I also have an SR20DET gearbox purchased off Marti (Touge_s13) , another SilviaWA forum member. This was purchased relatively cheap for a rooted box. The plans with the box is either transfer the bellhousing to the current CA18 box, or get a dogbox (been looking at PPG - they say they have the best SR20DET gears in the world).

OK enough talk more pics:

The SR20DET motor - quite bare at present, as most bits are off. The motor needs a bit of cleaning up. Bought a engine stand from Gentronics the other day for $70. I need to put the engine on the stand to begin any kind of work.

Trust Copy Sump (larger capacity to standard SR20 sump). This was a neccessity for me, as when I transported the engine to my garage, I think I might've knocked the standard sump a little.

Intercoolers are so cheap these days, so might as well buy one now, and for $150, I was laughing.

Gauges

2006-02-28T17:52:00.000+08:00

I saw a post on SilviaWA a while ago about someone making their own gauge holders to fit in the central air con vents of the Silvia.

I thought this was a good idea and purchased a set off Shane (ZenAch) on SilviaWA and also purchased some gauges from Aston (Jshop).

The gauges were Defi Style; Autogauge oil pressure, water temperature and boost gauges.

It was a bit of a prick to remove the air con vents, as I was so careful trying not to break them, but I broke most of them, and hence, gave in caring.

Here are some pics of the install:

Gauge holder installed.
Note: I used to have cup holders in my air con vents, now I use the Ash Tray as a cup holder. I simply remove the ash tray completely, to use it as a cup holder. When I don't need the cup holder, I put the ash tray back in place.

Gauges installed.

Ganador Semi Carbon Mirrors

2006-02-28T17:28:00.000+08:00

Now, to add to the full carbon trim that my car appears to be undergoing, I thought it would be only appropriate to get some expensive aftermarket mirrors, and nothing else compares to the ganadors. I purchased these off Aston at Jshop - these are definately not cheap mirrors by any means.

Very basic install, was only means of removing door trim, disconnected wiring, and three bolts.

The S13 Ganador Semi - Carbon Mirrors

This is what the car looks like now:

Bodykit

2006-02-28T16:39:00.000+08:00

I purchased a MFX Vertex "Big Mouth" Full Kit from MFX Graphix, these kits included the new M-flex techonology, which supposedly allowed for easier fitting, as the kits are slightly more bendy and flexible. This kit included front bar, sideskirts, and rear bar, and it took about 1-2 months to manufacture and deliver from the point of purchase.

I was foolish enough to start with the rear bar (this is the hardest to install out of the kit). The standard rear bumper was a pain to remove, as there were just so many nuts and bolts to remove. I think there was about 8 on the bottom, 8 on the top, 4 on each side, and the couple of number plate screws as well. Once I removed it, I put the rear bar on using self tappers, and then nuts and bolts.

Only a small amount of filing was required, and I still had a small gap on the drivers side after I installed it. I might need to place a rivet or screw in that place to close it up, but it might remain visible. There wasn't much cracking, except for the passenger side.

The front bar was similar to the rear bar, except a much better fit, there was a bit of a squeeze getting it nice and high under the headlights and parkers, but it was good. The front bar was a lot more flexible then the rear bar for some reason though.

The installation was the same as before, only difference being I had to remove the mud guards over the wheels/under the quarter panels, to remove and install the front bar.

I used two self tapper on numberplate, as well as the sides.

Sideskirts were straight forward, used a couple of self tappers for the front and rear, and a bit of sikaflex to seal the gaps. Some others use screws on the doorstep, but I didn't bother with that, maybe at a later date...

Coilovers

2006-02-28T16:20:00.000+08:00

Finally I could get rid of the lift kit, I purchased some used Cusco Coilovers (height and camber adjustables) off a SilviaWA member, they were cheap, and I wouldn't say the prettiest condition ever, but they did lower the car, and make the Silvia look and handle a lot better.

Carbon Fibre Craze

2006-02-28T15:31:00.000+08:00

I have become slightly obsessed with carbon fibre composites lately, and after finding a few bargains on the net, I have purchased a carbon fibre bootlid, carbon fibre vented bonnet, carbon fibre B pillars.

The bonnet was bought as slightly damaged, so I purchased it for only $300 (RRP $1100) from Garage 13 (Eastern States). It was slightly twisted, and had a few scratches on it, but it was nothing unfixable. I purchased some bonnet pins from Jshop for $20, and had my mate Nigel at Drift and Drag Performance help me install them.

The carbon bootlid was made by Freddy (Topstage) and was a bit more expensive then the bonnet, added something more unique to my S13. Although I didn't like the bootlid as much as the bonnet, considering I had to lose the boot springs, the carbon was quite weak, and worst of all the clear coat began to flake after a while...

The bonnet and bootlid, are both fibreglass with carbon fibre tops.

The B Pillars were just stick ons, purchased from Garage Sokudo, another nissansilvia.com site sponsor.

Notice the bonnet was held down by some clear duct tape, because it was slightly twisted.

After the pins held it down securely.

Bootlid Shot.

Liftkit Shot.

The Brakes

2006-02-28T14:13:00.000+08:00

As mentioned previously, my CA18DE only had single piston front brakes, which were just too weak even with the low powered motor. I was considering an engine conversion at some point, so I decided to go the upgrade to bigger brakes all round. R33 Skyline GTST appeared perfect with front 4 piston brake calipers, much larger then the Silvia's.

I started bought some R33 Skyline GTST front and rear brake calipers, rotors, rear drum handbrake splash shield setup, and master cylinder from Crazy Imports for reasonably cheap price at the time. The rotors were redrilled to 4 stud and machined.

I also bought a R33 Handbrake cable from a member of Skylines Australia for cheap.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot to add, I also had purchased a set of Maltech Braided Brake hoses (ADR Approved) to suit the R33 calipers on my S13. I also got a free clutch hose (master cylinder to slave cylinder) with the purchase.

I got a bit bored, and painted the calipers and rotors blue, with white nissan writing (heat resistant paint of course), heres a few pics:

The Calipers

The Rotors

The Handbrake Assembly

The Stainless Steel Braided Lines, R33 Master Brake Cylinder and R33 Handbrake Cables.

Unfortunately, I haven't got around to installing yet, as I still need to make up a custom bracket for the cables to sit, and haven't had any time.

The Rims

2006-02-28T13:58:00.000+08:00

I was considering doing a brake upgrade, as I was always dissapointed with my extreme brake fade I always used to experience after some spirited driving. I knew that I would need new rims to clear bigger brakes, such as Skyline brakes, if I wanted to upgrade in the future.

So one day, I found a pre-order thread on nissansilvia.com sponsors section, for Work Emotion CR Kai rims. I thought they looked pretty good at the time.

I thought Japanese rims were the way to go, as I wanted to stay 4 stud, and needed the perfect offset, so that the rims would sit flush under the guards.

The rims I purchased were Work Emotion CR Kai's 17" x 8" and are 4 x 114.3 pattern in white. These were imported through Leo (osaka boy) at JDM Concept, They took a couple of months to arrive, and when they finally did, I went out and bought some Tornado 225/45R17 (Cheap) tyres for them straight away, from Westate Tyres in Bentley.

Nismo 2 Way LSD

2006-02-28T13:14:00.000+08:00

From factory, S13 Q's don't come with viscous LSDs (Viscous Limited Slip Differentials), but the K's models (turbo models) did.

So I elected to get a Mechanical LSD for my car, and instead of getting the factory viscous LSDs (R200), I chose to buy a new mechanical 2 way center for my current non turbo differential (R180). This was purchased from Silvia Spares in the Eastern States.

I have no yet fitted this to the car, (it has to be done by a differential specialist shop) but I have been told it is for my R180 Diff. This 2 Way should provide drive both rear wheels on and off acceleration, instead of the current open diff I have now, which only provides drive to one rear wheel on acceleration only.

Here are some pictures of the diff center:

EL Dials

2006-02-28T01:12:00.000+08:00

Well, at this point in time, I had the windows tinted by Trent at TKO Tinting, and I installed a new Alpine stereo. The stereo was nothing major:

Alpine CDA 9827 MP3 Deck,
Alpine SXS- 1757 180W Type S 6.5" Splits in the front, and
Alpine SPS-690A Type S 250W 6 x 9's in the rear.
This is the only pic I have of this unfortunately:

My CA18 Digital Speedometer wasn't working, so I changed it to a SR20 Digital Display.

I got bored, and again, nissansilvia.com sponsors came up with EL Dials, these were purchased from autoshop.com.au for a pretty average price looking back now:

The SR20 Gauge Cluster.

The old CA18 Gauge Cluster, where the digital readout had stopped working, typical of the S13's as the solenoid in the digital speedo always either takes time to warm up or fails altogether.

The SR20 Cluster with the EL Dials. Got it with S15 Silvia logo.

Lights

2006-02-28T01:01:00.000+08:00

I hated the Silvia's taillights and front parkers and indicators. These all needed to go and being exploited by good advertising on nissansilvia.com sponsors section, I purchased a set of clear taillights, clear front parker lights and clear front bumper indicators from Thuy (homerrules) from Performance - Parts - Oz.

The Number Plates

2006-02-27T13:30:00.000+08:00

Yes, the numberplates was the first thing ordered for the Silvia.

And yes, they are meant to say SINGH, but they were unavailable.

Now, the car is known by the number plate:

The Beginning

2006-02-27T13:16:00.000+08:00

This is my first blog, and is basically about my car, and what has been done to it and how.

This all started out as a daily driver, and has since turned into an obsession.

My first car, imported from Raheem at Carwestech, was a 1989 Nissan S13 Silvia Qs.

This had the CA18DE engine, with all some options, such as the Head Up Display Speedometer, velour trim, all electrics, and a genuine 43 000 kms. It was purchased and complied in March in 2005.