Just got a Silvia s12 for £70!

s12reamer · #1 23-01-2006, 08:14

Im getting quite excited about my new toy even thou I havent really got it on the driveway yet, and it still needs TAX and MOT. Anyhow I have a few more questions....

I noticed on this site and others there seems to be a lack of suspension setups for the s12, could someone please list me my options? cut the stock spring, or buy a simalar model spring and "make" it fit?

What are my options in the way of performance pads?

What oil suits the CA18DET engine best?

Is there any performance HT leads available and are they worthwhile?

With the engine mods is there a nessacary order I should carry things out in? I'd say top to bottom are boost gauge, intercooler, bleed valve, SAFC, injectors, atmospheric BOV.

What other good sites are there dedicated to the s12? I like the cheap and cheerful how to guides, but hey dont we all

Where can I get a short shifter? The throw is way too long, I can cut the stick down and rethread it or I know sometimes they sell kits on ebay but havent come accross any.

Thanks, Nick

30psi · #2 23-01-2006, 08:24

For springs, cheapest is cut them, second is buy some chassis dynamic or AVO springs (pm Adz-s12, he has a set going spare), more expensive is to convert the fronts to coilovers using rally design bits or most expensive is to use S13 coilovers. The rear is spring/shock seperate so its best just to use a normal lowering spring there.

Performance pads - Mintex or Ferodo. I found budget 'Apec' pads work v well.

The engine is a single cam CA18ET (not DET). Anyway oil use grades like 10/40 and thicker and best to be at least semi synthetic. Magnatec upwards really. I use Castrol RS, Mobil 1 or Silkolene in 10/50 ish grades.

HT leads - They are some around but they are expensive. I think Magnecor make a set. I used Mallory leads which are 8mm and cheap but you make them up yourself.

The order you have for mods seems reasonable enough to me.

There's loads of sites for the S12. In addition try the tech s12 section of www.sxoc.co.uk. The US has www.club-s12.org/board

For a short shifter just find one that is compatable with the S13 200sx, for about £40.

s12reamer · #3 23-01-2006, 09:26

Sounds interesting, i'll PM him to find a bit more info on the springs. Has anyone had any problems with cut springs? This is something ive herard of but never done before.... im guessing an angle grinder is all you need? And a measuring tape at the most?

Wheres best to buy the pads and leads?

Is there anything that can be changed to make it a dual cam, like swapping the head? for a CA18DET? If someone knows where I can find a spec sheet of the engine I have vs the DOHC version it would be a great help.

I'll grab a s13 short shifter off ebay then, once the cars on the road of course.

while im here does anyone have any parts laying around they need shifting? anything considered at this stage?

I also just remembered I have a T25 turbo sitting on my honda CRX at the mo which is coming off in the next couple of months, is this a straight swap on the s12?

Thanks for all your help so far, tis really appreciated

30psi · #4 23-01-2006, 09:31

The T25 could be a near swap depending on what car it was stolen from in the 1st place.

The pads etc, its best to have a search around to be honest. I am using standard nissan pads and they are shite. They'll get changed more then soon enough when i can be arsed. Try www.motorsportworld.co.uk

To change the head to a DOHC its a very difficult task as some bits aren't compatible. Would be best to use a complete engine.

I'm only trying to flog aquamist, s13 wheels and a mk1 gearbox at the moment

adzs12 · #5 23-01-2006, 09:36

I have Parts available at the moment ,what are you looking for?

s12reamer · #6 23-01-2006, 10:18

Im after springs, 370cc s13 injectors, pads, any charge piping or silicone reducers so i can mount an intercooler. That'll get me started for now...

Is it worth changing out the fuel pump on a 167k car or are they pretty reliable?

The T25 is from a D reg Saab 900, and engine had done around 80-90k. Oil and water cooled/fed.

What volvo is used for the intercooler and radiator swap as described in the tech section?

Thanks

30psi · #7 23-01-2006, 10:25

Use the Volvo 740 intercooler/rad.

I would consider changing that pump to be honest. Its a bit risky in my opinion.

I've got S13 injectors, PM me an offer...

I've never seen a T25 from a saab so couldn't comment if it would be ok.

s13eater · #8 01-05-2006, 20:46

i used 18psi on a t25 for 2 years with the 5th injector, only to find that it was running rich enough on the standard managment system, but all cars run different, it ran 229bhp.