The S10 Nissan Silvia was replaced by the S110 in 1979. The S110 was sold both as a Silvia and a Gazelle. The Gazelle was a more luxury spec model. The S110 had a large choice of model and engines. The L series engine was featured in most models. The L20B, 1952cc 4-cylinder producing 89kW engine was exported to US as 200SX/S110. The new Z series engine, the Z18ET, with the T standing for Turbocharged was features in Silvia 1800 LSE-X(e-PS110), made an appearance in a few, most notably in the Turbo Silvia and Gazelle. This 1770cc engine generated a hot 135 horsepower at 6000 rpm.
The original coupe S110 was joined by a hatchback version in August 1979. Many countries only ever got this hatchback version of the Silvia S110. The last version of the S110 is probably the best of the bunch. The 2000RS model was introduced in 1982 and was powered by the potent FJ20E, a rally bred DOHC 16V 2000cc engine. The 2000RS was available in both Silvia and Gazelle bodies. In 1982-83 the S110 could have been had with 4 wheel disc brakes and the H165 differential
S12 SILVIA ( 1983 ~ 1988 )
Enter the S12 Silvia. Once again both the Silvia and Gazelle were released together. This new S12 was not only faster, but had more headroom, a more luxurious interior, a stiffer chassis and 'advanced anti-rust protection' as Nissan called it. The 1980's was the era of turbochargers, seen on everything from Chrysler K cars to High-end super cars. So the S12 also had to have a turbo charged option as well. The all new FJ20 or FJ20DET ( T for turbo) 2L 16V 4 cylinder engines was introduced which sported greater compression, more power and better fuel mileage from it's dual spark plug design. The S12 with the 2 litre engine was known as 200SX. Export S12 had CA18E or CA18DET 1.8L, 8V "twin plug" engines aptly named as 180SX. Among this entire engines group, the engine that everyone lusted after was the 1.8L Turbo. This turbocharged engine, although smaller, boasted 20 more horsepower than the basic 2.0L engine and used less gas than it's bigger 2.0L brother. The bulge in the bonnet shown in this photo was restricted to the four cylinder turbo versions.
From its introduction until 1987, the S12 received rave reviews and sold thousands of cars. In 1987, the US market calls for more drivability and the turbo engine was dropped. To replace it, the 200SX-SE was created with VG20 2.0 V6 engine, which pumped out more torque and bigger horsepower numbers to woo potential buyers. However it wasn’t much faster than its predecessor.
S13 SILVIA ( 1989 ~ 1994 )
Introduced 1988. Three body styles (coupe, hatch, convertible). Japanese market cars feature CA18DE and CA18DET engines. USA gets KA24DE (12 Valve in 1989 & 16 Valve from 1991). HICAS (4-wheel steering) available as an option on domestic and export cars (restrictions in some trim levels). In Japan, trim levels were J's, Q's and K's Export market cars have pop-up lights (which makes them RS or RPS13's), while the domestic cars have fixed rectangular lights.
Chassis Numbering on S13's
89-91 Silvia: S13 (1.8)
91-93 Silvia PS13 (2.0)
Early 1.8 litre 180SX: RS13
Later 2.0 litre 180SX: RPS13
S14 Silvia (1995 ~ 1998)
All chassis numbers are prefixed with "S14"
New styling. Pop-up lights disappeared in all markets. SR20DET engine gets Nissan's variable valve timing. HICAS not available on export turbos, but was available on the 240SX SE. Coupe styling only. (no hatch or convertible) Rear badges are highly polished and on the right side. Japanese trim levels are J's Q's & K's as per the S13. Export models had two or three levels depending on the destination. All except North America get SR20DET only. In Japan, Turbo cars get a 3-gauge cluster under the radio with Oil Pressure, Boost and Voltage gauges. Export cars do not. In 1995, the S14 received a face lift, It was known as S14a. The R33 look alike head lights were discarded and a more aggressive looking headlight which tapered to the center was replaced. Engine spec remained the same.
