The Nissan Silvia S14, commonly referred to as the 240SX S14 in North America, is an iconic sports coupe produced by Nissan between 1993 and 1998. The S14 is the second generation of the Nissan 240SX line, succeeding the S13, and is celebrated for its sleek design, balanced chassis, and tunability, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts, drifters, and tuners worldwide.
Key Features of the Nissan Silvia/240SX S14
1. Engine Options
The S14 was powered by a variety of engines depending on the market:
Japan (Silvia S14):
SR20DET: A turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 engine producing 220 hp in its later revisions, coupled with excellent tuning potential.
SR20DE: A naturally aspirated 2.0L inline-4, producing around 140 hp.
North America (240SX S14):
KA24DE: A naturally aspirated 2.4L inline-4 engine producing 155 hp, offering more low-end torque but less performance compared to the SR20DET.
Known for reliability, the KA24DE is often swapped for the SR20DET or other high-performance engines for more power.
2. Chassis and Suspension
Chassis:
Wider and more rigid than its predecessor, the S14’s longer wheelbase (99.4 inches) improved stability while retaining the agility Silvia models are known for.
Suspension:
Features a multi-link rear suspension and MacPherson strut front suspension, providing excellent handling characteristics.
Lightweight construction contributes to its nimble performance, with a curb weight of around 2,800 lbs.
3. Transmission
5-speed manual transmission: The enthusiast’s choice, offering a precise and engaging driving experience.
4-speed automatic transmission: Available for those seeking a more relaxed driving style.
4. Design
Exterior Styling:
Rounded and more aerodynamic design compared to the angular S13.
Distinctive features include the “Zenki” (early) headlights and “Kouki” (later) headlights, with the Kouki model featuring sharper, more aggressive styling.
A wide stance and clean body lines make the S14 timelessly appealing.
Interior:
Driver-focused cabin with ergonomic controls and a minimalist dashboard.
Comfortable seating with optional leather upholstery and upgraded features in higher trims.
5. Performance
Top Speed: Around 140 mph (for turbocharged models).
0–60 mph: Approximately 6.0–7.0 seconds, depending on the engine and trim.
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD), making the S14 a favorite for drifting and spirited driving.
Popularity in Tuning and Motorsports
The S14 is revered in car culture for its adaptability to tuning and motorsport:
Drifting: The S14 is a staple in drift competitions like Formula Drift and D1GP due to its RWD layout and balanced chassis.
Engine Swaps: Common swaps include:
SR20DET for turbocharging in North American models.
RB26DETT (Skyline engine) or 2JZ-GTE (Toyota Supra engine) for high-performance builds.
LS V8 engines for a mix of reliability and power.
Aesthetic Modifications:
Wide-body kits, aftermarket wheels, and custom paint jobs are popular, enhancing the car's aggressive look.
Notable Variants
Silvia K’s: Turbocharged performance model featuring the SR20DET engine.
Silvia Q’s: Non-turbo model with the naturally aspirated SR20DE.
240SX SE: North American trim with additional features like alloy wheels and optional LSD (limited-slip differential).
