Just got a Silvia s12 for £70!

s12reamer · #1 22-01-2006, 23:56

Well almost, im picking it up tomorrow. Im new to the forum so hello all.

This is going to be my daily run about/restoration project. Its a 1988 on 167k!!! and has been sat in a barn for 2 years. I was wondering if you guys can help me out, im looking to increase the performance once I have it back up and running a little sweeter (although is pretty goos at the mo).

I have been a honda fanatic for a few years and have a few other projects on the go because of this I have a few spare parts kicking about.

Apexi SAFC, Bleed valve, Universal cone filters x 3, some of the colder BK7RES?!! plugs mentioned on this site, a cosworth/fiat uno/ford rs turbo intercoolers and a boost gauge.

Out of interest does anyone know where I can find fitting instructions for fitting the SAFC?

The guy ive bought it off is a welder by trade and is going to weld me on a universal backbox, I was thinking of going with a HKS "styled" one off ebay.

My main aim is to keep it running nice for getting to work and back (30 mile round trip) and keep it to a budget on mods. After buying MOT and TAX I reckon I could turn this baby around for about £100-200.

Any help/comments would be greatly appreciated

A new s12 silvia fan, Nick

PukkaSilvia · #2 23-01-2006, 00:02

Welcome to the site Nick.

All of those parts you have mentioned will work wonders with the s12.

Fitting bcpr7es plugs spaced to 0.9mm, Boost set at 12psi with a front mount intercooler of your choice along with a filter and freeer flowing exhaust system will completely change the cars performance for pennies. Try removing the centre silencer at the same time when you do the rear silencer.

Where abouts in the country are you?

Richardk has fitted safc to his s12 sucsessfully using 370cc s13 injectors

Give the beauty a damn good service before you tune her up.

adzs12 · #3 23-01-2006, 01:02

Hi nick welcome to the site.

Can you post pictures up of your new s12 before you start to do it up, be nice to see it progress.

As for you looking for an exhaust i have a full stainless steal system that will be available very soon with a 64mm upswept backbox. We can talk a price if your interested and i can post pics up

Look forward to seeing you project progress

s12reamer · #4 23-01-2006, 08:51

Morning guys,

Yeah i'll post some pics up when I get a mo or put some on my website for my other cars. I shall probably stick with the mild steel exhaust for now but shall eventually swap it out for stainless, for now I shall remove the backbox and silencers, my welding friend can do that.

I'll PM RichardK about fitting of the SAFC, which injectors do the silvia use? Side mount? top mount? I have some 370cc honda prelude injectors lying around which are side mount, peak and hold I believe. They may even be 390's

So would you say 167k is a very high mileage for an s12? I'll keep it as it is for a couple of months then start the additions.

I live in the bucks area, near watford, hemel, wycombe.

Thanks for the replies

30psi · #5 23-01-2006, 09:06

The S12 uses peak and hold injectors, however these are top feed. The best ones to use are the 370's from an S13 200sx.

The SAFC is really simple to wire in, but would really need a rolling road session to get the best from it.

Its not essential that you consider using the SAFC until you have a good enough turbo to out run the standard injector capacity.

s12reamer · #6 23-01-2006, 09:14

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 · #7 23-01-2006, 09:24

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 · #8 23-01-2006, 10:26

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 · #9 23-01-2006, 10:31

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 · #10 23-01-2006, 10:36

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