Interested In An S15

[ToddeeSR20]

Hi guys, I'm new to the forum and don't have a car. Depending on finances I'm planning on getting an s15 next month.

My preference would be a jdm spec r but there's some aud spec s' and r's for alright prices. Any advice would be appreciated, noting that I'm planning on modding any with the following.

Exhaust, fmic, power fc, injectors, fuel pump and maybe headers.

What would be my best choice?

Thanks

[niZmO_Man]

Aus spec

[ToddeeSR20]

Oh yeh, just because of the mods it shouldn't matter in the end? What about kms?

I know a little bout cars but I'm not an expert do just looking for some info from people with experience

[niZmO_Man]

Chances are, a clean stock AUDM S15 will be better condition than a JDM one of equivalent mileage (not that imports have very high chance of being wound back). The AUDM ones (the standard ones) are usually owned by people who can afford to service it properly and the km are most likely genuine. Plus you get a 260 km/h speedo .

If the car you're looking at is modded then it gets tricky.

[ToddeeSR20]

No worries thanks

[BakemonoRicer]

I own an ADM Spec S, and it is a great car. Do suspension work before you even look at power mods.

Do not even bother with JDM. The market is flooded by accident damaged examples of those (thanks to dealerships). And don't expect to find one with genuine KM's.

Go for an ADM Spec S, it is lighter than the ADM Spec R (as it doesn't have a sunroof).

You'll have much better chances of finding an ADM one that has a straight chassis and original panels.... though these chances will still be slim. Ive scanned the S15 market for a long time.

[ToddeeSR20]

Cheers, thanks for the advice. Yeh I was planning on putting in coilovers anyway, what else suspension wise?

My eyes have definately been opened from feedback now. I wasn't aware of how many spuds are out there, I used to have a 180sx red top, first Australian owner and my mechanic said it was one of the cleanest and straightest he'd seen. Was just lucky I guess.

[BakemonoRicer]

Cheers, thanks for the advice. Yeh I was planning on putting in coilovers anyway, what else suspension wise?

My eyes have definately been opened from feedback now. I wasn't aware of how many spuds are out there, I used to have a 180sx red top, first Australian owner and my mechanic said it was one of the cleanest and straightest he'd seen. Was just lucky I guess.

Yeah, very lucky haha. Straight and original early model S13's/180s are near impossible to find nowadays.

Massive improvement in front-end stability and turn-in if you install a Nismo Power Brace II or Cusco Tension Bar. Also, install front/rear strut braces. Rigidity wise this is ideal for the street.

I have HKS Hipermax III Coilovers... with 6kg Front/4kg Rear rates. They are a firm ride when the dampers are set hard. From what I've found, going with a coilover that has higher spring rates would be completely overkill for our roads, unless you like drifting. As for alignment adjustability - I have Ikeya Formula rear camber arms, front tension rods (for castor), and rear toe rods.....they really are excellent quality but there are plenty of cheaper options available.

Go with something like that for a basic suspension/rigidity setup and you'll be set. Then down the track you'd have room to install some swaybars.

[ToddeeSR20]

Sweet thanks man, yeh I'm only looking for a hot streeter. I'll do some looking into it

[Iron Mike]

Maybe try the silvia s15 forums? They can probably give you a bit more info than the skyline forums

[niZmO_Man]

Streeter? HSD AD uprights, GKTech spherical or Hardrace rubber rear upper arms. Depending on condition, you might have to replace more bushes throughout the car.

Head over to nissansilvia.com if you want more info.

[Plattsy]

if your modding who gives a f**k. just go for the bloody cheapest.

f**k panel gaps. f**k lightness, f**k it all.

buy the cheapest and spend your change on mods.

then sell it and buy a real car!

but serious. so long as it isnt rooted, just buy the cheapest bro.

[eightsixboy]

Plus insurance will be cheaper/easier with an aus delivered car. ADM ftw.

S15's are getting really cheap now days, makes me wanna buy one haha

[niZmO_Man]

Yep, a mate has an AUDM S15, his insurance is heaps cheaper than my GT-R's, and his car is insured for more (agreed value).

[Alexro]

A couple of good posts above about adm being generally in a lot better condition than jdm models.

I recently spent about 2 months looking for one and bought an adm model with awesome mods for a reasonable price. Saw too many busted jdm models .. My tip .. Check the chassis rails all the time lol

[King GTR]

Does the JDM model have more power from factory as I'm looking to buy one too?

[niZmO_Man]

Probably does, but does it matter? You're going to put a boost controller on there anyway.

If you're after stock, go AUDM, if you're after cheap performance, JDM but remember the negatives of buying an import.

[junkie]

JDM cars have a few benefits... The JDM Spec R engine has 184kW, compared to the 147kW for the AUS spec, same as the S14 series. Better trim, with cool colours on seats and door trims, A-pillar boost gauge, better stereo, climate control, and a ball bearing turbo (i think anyway)

Personally I'd like the GT spec AUD S15, with leather, etc but good luck finding one

[BakemonoRicer]

JDM only has more power due to a higher tuned ECU and less restrictive cat converter.

These can both be changed.

No difference in power potential of ball bearing vs bush bearing turbo.

[crissy]

I am a newbie too and looking into an s15 for myself but, in saying that I want to do a lot of research too, hence why I joined a couple of forums to find out the main problems to look out for and what not so any info would be very helpful! excuse the intrusion of this thread sir

will follow this post for any updates