Nissan S Chassis (s13, s14, s15)

Nissan S13 (1988–1994)

• Chassis Code: PS13, RS13, RPS13
• Body Styles: Coupe, Hatchback, Convertible
• Engines: ka24e, ka24de, ca18det, sr20det
• Transmissions: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
• Suspension: Independent front/rear, MacPherson strut (front), multi-link (rear)
• Weight: ~1,100–1,300 kg (2,425–2,866 lbs)

Nissan S14 (1993–1999)

• Chassis Code: S14, S14A (Zenki and Kouki)
• Body Styles: Coupe
• Engines: ka24e, ka24de, ca18det, sr20det
• Transmissions: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
• Suspension: Independent front/rear, MacPherson strut (front), multi-link (rear)
• Weight: ~1,200–1,400 kg (2,645–3,086 lbs)

Nissan S15 (1999–2002)

• Chassis Code: S15
• Body Styles: Coupe, Convertible (Varietta)
• Engines: SR20DET
• Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
• Suspension: Independent front/rear, MacPherson strut (front), multi-link (rear)
• Weight: ~1,200–1,300 kg (2,645–2,866 lbs)

Common Features Across Models:

• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
• Brakes: Ventilated discs (front), solid or ventilated discs (rear)
• Wheelbase: ~2,470 mm

The S13, S14, and S15 are part of the Nissan family behind the Silvia, 180SX, and 240SX names. Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layouts and a large tuning community helped make these cars fixtures in drifting, but their appeal also extends to street builds, grip driving, and restorations.

The names can get confusing because Nissan sold different versions in different markets. The Japanese 180SX shared its platform with the S13 Silvia, pairing a hatchback body with pop-up headlights. It also continued alongside the newer S14 Silvia, so the S13 story didn’t simply end when the next Silvia arrived.

Today, these cars often carry decades of changes, from engine and transmission swaps to five-lug conversions and complete suspension overhauls. Two S13s can look similar and have very different parts underneath. That history is part of what makes the platform interesting, and why knowing the details of an individual car matters.

Why We Like The Nissan S Chassis At 9AM:

This one is personal. Our own S13 is part of what we do at 9AM, and it gives us a reason to keep learning, testing ideas, and sharing the work. We enjoy the cars themselves, but also the people keeping them running and finding their own way to build them.

An S13, S14, or S15 can be a clean street car, a weekend drift project, or something that’s been apart more times than its owner wants to admit. Our own S13 keeps us interested in the details. These are some of the areas our catalog covers, from suspension setup to the smaller pieces that help finish the car.

Suspension And Steering

Our S-chassis suspension collection includes coilovers, adjustable arms, tension rods, bushings, and steering components from brands such as Feal, ISR Performance, SPL Parts, and Phase 2 Motortrend. There’s more to sorting one of these cars than getting the ride height right. Worn bushings and limited alignment adjustment deserve attention too, especially on a car that’s already been through several owners and suspension setups.

Powertrain And Supporting Parts

The S-chassis powertrain collection covers intake and exhaust parts, engine and transmission mounts, clutch lines, and components for more involved engine builds. A KA-powered street car and an SR-powered drift car need different things, even when they share the same body. We appreciate the supporting work here: mounts, plumbing, and the smaller parts that belong in the plan alongside a turbo or exhaust.

Lighting And Exterior Details

Our S-chassis lighting collection includes Phase 2 Motortrend headlights, tail lights, corner lamps, and turn signals. Replacing a cracked lamp or finding the right lights for a front-end conversion can be a satisfying part of bringing an older Nissan together. Silvia, 180SX, coupe, hatchback, Zenki, and Kouki differences matter here. Match the lights to the bodywork actually on your car.

Chassis Bracing

The S-chassis bracing collection includes DC Sports and Phase 2 Motortrend strut bars, along with application-specific rear bumper braces. A front strut bar and a rear bumper brace serve different purposes, so each addition should have a clear job. On swapped cars, clearance around the engine and intake is also worth checking before choosing a front bar.

Interior And Track Preparation

For S14 owners planning a track-focused interior, we list the Autopower Race Roll Bar for the 1995–1998 Nissan 240SX. Roll protection, seats, and restraints need to be planned together around the driver and the events the car will enter. How much street use it will keep belongs in that discussion from the beginning.

Accessories With A Purpose

Our S-chassis accessories collection includes smaller additions such as the Tomei SR20 engine ornament plate and the Range Industries S13 WOLFBOX mount. The mount is especially relevant to the kind of work we do with our own car. It attaches a compatible camera mirror to the factory mirror arm without relying on rubber straps, giving the mirror a dedicated mounting solution for the S13.