how can I find a Silvia?

[kidracer9]

Hey Guys,

I want to buy a Silvia, but I am having a terible time finding one. I have called every import and specialty car dealer around (this is Arkansas so it's not a huge selection), and no one has even heard of a Silvia and only one place had even heard of a Skyline. I really would like a right hand drive car but a 240 conversion is still an option. I have searched the web and found a ton of stuff in Australia but not much in the States. I figured I might find something in Dallas but haven't looked yet. If someone could hook a brother up with some websites, dealers, etc. anywhere in the US I would kiss your shoes, not really but I would tell people you're cool.

Thanks, kidracer9

[Jay!]

Which generation? Turbo'd or not?

Welcome to AF, by the way!

[kidracer9]

I like S15's the best. It doesn't really matter if it's turbo'd or not , although I'd prefer a turbo.

[Jay!]

Well, then, that's a hard one, because they aren't approved for sale in the U.S.

Sorry I don't have more info at my fingertips, but I recommend you look in our Skyline forum for threads about importing cars. You'll get the basics about procedure and cost. MotoRex is the main company importing Skylines, but they don't do Silvias... yet. Keep your fingers crossed.

But, somewhere in one of those threads is the name of another importing company. I'd suggest digging it up and e-mailing them...

[SSSGT-R]

You are much better off doing a silvia conversion on a 240, cos the availability of Silvia's in the states is practically zero, unless you are willing to pay an arm and a leg for one...

[dieselpower]

How much do you have to spend ??

Do you want to keep the car for your self ?????

[kidracer9]

I want one pretty bad. If it takes me a couple of years to get it that's fine. Right now I drive a 2001 Eclipse, so I could maybe sell it or use it as a trade or something. I haven't really looked into how all that might work yet, but that's why I'm talking to you guys. How much do S15's go for. The only places I've seen prices were on a European website and I think all the prices were in pounds but I'm not sure. The reason I thought that was late model Skylines were going for about 40,000 to 50,000 which sounds about right for pounds. But one thing that confused me was nice S15's listed for around 750, so if they were using pounds that would equal about $1500. Also, what part have they not approved for sale in the States? Is it the turbo part or the S15 altogether? Because if it's just the turbo, I would gladly drive a non-turbo.(I could add that later )

[dieselpower]

well you will need to do more research on your own before you go any further

[kidracer9]

okay, I'm goin to ask what might seem like some pretty dumb questions here so get ready. What year models of the 240 correlate with the S13, S14, and S15's? I looked at prices for some S15 conversions and they seem pretty pricey. Would I really be better off doing a conversion than trying to find an S15? Also, I have no idea what kind of money I'm looking at for a Silvia, so can you give me some rough estimates for 13's, 14's, and 15's, or do they sell for pretty much whatever the seller says the price is?

[Yes-Ser]

Heres what I would do... Find a '98 240sx (slanty eyes) and plop a det in it. Im not sure of the extent of your knowledge on this subject, but the S15 has not been sold in the US. The S14, like the '98 I suggested, is the newest you can get. They were sold in the US from '95 till '98. This won't be a cheap project though, so be warned. If you want an S14, its gonna cost you $10,000+. Maybe Nissan will try to bring over the S15 because we need a rear wheel drive, turbo-charged, sports car. Good luck!

[Jay!]

Originally posted by kidracer9
okay, I'm goin to ask what might seem like some pretty dumb questions here so get ready. What year models of the 240 correlate with the S13, S14, and S15's?

I'll ballpark some dates for you, and let the "experts" play clean-up later.

(P?)S13 180SX ~ S13 240SX Hatchback ~ 1989 - 1992
S13 Silvia ~ S13 240SX Coupe (sort of) ~ 1990 - 1993

S14 Silvia ~ S14 240SX ~ 1995 - 1998

S15 Silvia ~ not in America ~ 1999 - present

I don't know if there really was a gap in '94 or not. Like I said, these are ballpark numbers just to give you an idea.

[kidracer9]

I saw on another thread that dieselpower has a Silvia. What generation is it? Also, since the S15 is not sold in the US, how hard would it be to find an S14? I know it may seem like I'm running this into the ground but I'm stuck on the Right hand drive thing. I love the thought of cruising around in it and having something totally different from anyone else around here(Civics, Civics, Civics). I've been bitten by the bug and I've got it bad!

[Twist]

Check out the newest edition of Super Street. It has a great article on how to convert a 240SX into an awesome S15 Silvia. I'll find out which month it is later. I just got it today and I subscribe, so it won't be on news stands for a couple days.

[Twist]

It is from November 2001.

[Lmnhed]

Anybody else can correct me if I am wrong but I believe their is a company in CA that imports skylines and is in the process of getting S15's over here in the US that are able to be street driven. The company I believe is called Motorex, so if you are so enchanted with an exotic right-hand drive car that will amaze everyone they are the people to talk to. I hope that helps your search.