Tuning over the next 20 years, returning to the 3rd generation Silvia he drove when he was 20 years old
Hiroyuki Uehara’s 1981 Nissan “Silvia Hatchback” (KS110 modified) was entered in the “New Year Classic Car Meeting in Kiyasse Hanyu” on January 8, 2023. It is the same model as the car he drove in his youth.
“I want to save it because it is a rare model”
He drove a KS110 Silvia for about two years when he was 20 years old. After that, he switched to an S13 Silvia and stayed away from sports models. But about 20 years ago he saw a Silvia in his neighborhood and got interested again.
“I wanted to save it because it was a rare model”.
First, he bought a Silvia hardtop, but then he wanted a hatchback, which he had driven at the age of 20. Finally, in 2002, he got the hatchback.
The engine needed an overhaul. When I was hesitating, I saw a Z31 “Fairlady Z” with an RB26 engine at the dealer’s showroom, so I asked for an official rebuild.
“I was told it would cost 100,000 yen to overhaul the engine, so I figured it would be better to swap the engine.”
The SR20DET from the S13 Silvia was swapped in and the tuning began: TOMEI cams and manifolds, HKS’s GT-SS turbine, blow-off valves, and other parts were installed.
When a racer drove the car at an event, he pointed out that the suspension was too soft, so he started tuning the suspension. After much trial and error, the front end was rebuilt with S13 series lower arms and knuckles, and S14 Silvia calipers were installed. Then a C34 Laurel ride height kit was installed. The rear is a combination of NISMO’s PS13 suspension + aluminum upper mounts.
Other changes were made to the drivetrain, body, interior, cooling system, and muffler.
“I’m doing what I couldn’t do when I was younger.”
“The Silvia I drove when I was 20 years old also had a new muffler and an HKS intercooler. I wanted to do something with this car that I couldn’t do at that time. In the future, on the advice of my son, I am thinking of installing a link ecu,” says Mr. Uehara. The 40-year-old Silvia still seems to be evolving.
