Nissan Silvia S14 270R (Nismo)

“Vw Gas Autos Rarest Cars Of The Week Pt.2”
1994 Nissan Silvia S14 270R Nismo (270 Bhp, 5,8 sec. from 0 - 100 km/h, topspeed limited to 180 km/h) only 50 where built

When the S14 Silvia / 200SX first came out in 1994, NISMO was quick to offer a complete tuned car based on it. Named 270R, this 270 horsepower vehicle showed the world how wrong Nissan was : Basically, the excellent balance of the S14 platform, the strong and reliable SR20 engine block, Front engine Rear drive (FR) layout could all make the Silvia an instant winner in the low-cost sports car arena. What a waste to use a viscous LSD, soft as sponge suspension, and those small like a dime brake discs ! NISMO corrected many of these mistakes (but not all) in the 270R, making it a formidable, limited-edition sports car.

While the Nissan Silvia was made as a cheap coupe to compete against the likes of Mazda MX6 and Toyota Celica, the 270R exploited the inherent advantages of the S14 platform as a sports car that is capable of race-course competitions.

50 units of 270R were made, and this car became a celebrating item for NISMO’s 10th anniversary.

The modifications done on the car was modest at best, but still reflected NISMO’s image as a well-established motor racing organisation.

Engine

Under the bonnet, the modifications done seem rather few, especially when compared with other vehicles discussed here. However, NISMO ‘s expertise in motor racing is demonstrated by the use of NISMO-only parts. From the dark-blue engine cover, camshafts, tower bar, brake stopper, intercooler & pipes, air-cleaner , etc. Very few car tuners can be as proud as NISMO in this respect.

Producing 270ps, this engine is tuned with efficiency and economy in mind. What’s perhaps even more important to NISMO is that they have not sacrificed the Total Balance of the car. Given that the S14 chassis is not particularly stiff, putting on more power may make the car rather hard to drive, if not dangerous.

Suspension

Again, using NISMO only tuning products, the main suspension components have been upgraded to give the car better handling characteristics. Note that when the 270R was first released, the car-inspection regulations in Japan were much harsher than what they are now, and that NISMO had to make this car street-legal. In other words, the suspension setting is rather soft, ride height isn’t low-to-the-ground, and the springs cannot leave the mounts (on dampers) when the dampers are fully extended.

The brakes had their pads upgraded to NISMO units. Other than that, a brake stopper installed next to the main brake pump adds a lot to the braking power. (ABS equipped vehicles cannot use brake stopper)

Exterior

Many Silvia / 200SX / 240SX owners already made their cars look like the 270R. NISMO sells the 270R bodykits freely, and “copied” versions of such are quite easily to find in the market.
If u look at the front view of the car, you should notice that the front bumper is rather “square”. The design was probably influenced by the DTM (German Touring Cars) of the 1994 period, which was said to reduce aerodynamic lift up front of the vehicle. NISMO, however, claimed that the design would let more air-flow into the brake discs, hence avoiding brake fades. At the rear portion of the side skirts are square holes, designed to do the same for the rear discs.

Interior

NISMO threw away the big fat ugly steering wheel (with airbag) and put in their own product. A cut-off switch is used to stop the engine in case of emergency, and used in nearly all race cars.
Apparently the 270R doesn’t come with a stereo hi-fi system. Speedometer replaced with a 300km/h unit.