SK14SPL S14 Silvia in Japan

I’ve finally been reunited with the SK14SPL S14 Silvia since buying it earlier this year, and it was looking a little neglected. The car has been with Mikami-san at 3UP, who went through the whole thing and refreshed most areas to make it as reliable as possible. The mission? Just to get back behind the wheel, start from scratch, get the hang of drifting again (it’s been over 15 years), and get as much seat time as possible, while not turning it into a missile and styling it the way I like, 2000s style.

The car came with a Bride Zeta 3, and paired with the full Safety 21 cage it wasn’t ideal for getting in and out (I’m old). I found a good-condition Bride Brix 1.5 in red (hoping to source a matching passenger seat and door trims) and made the switch. The Zeta will find its way into Daikichi’s S14 soon. The car also had some cool pieces I’m still discovering, like an old-logo Nismo rear strut bar.

The first session was at Ebisu Circuit, getting the hang of things again at Kuru Kuru Land doing figure eights, then heading to School Course. It’s like riding a bike, muscle memory. The car performed well: responsive, tight handbrake, and reliable. The second session was Daikichi Cup at Gunsai (on the skid pad, not the touge). The weather was patchy rain, but by the end I managed to link the circuit with help from Mikami-san and Daikichi.

I’m super happy with the car’s performance, but now I want to focus on the aesthetics. We installed M-Sports side skirts and rear bar. They hang lower than the old GP Sports front bumper, but I think it gives the car a more solid stance. I also installed an eyeline lip that sits across the front bumper and over the headlights, giving it a kind of kouki look. The maker is unknown since it came from Yahoo Auctions, but a few brands make them, including Car Modify Wonder. Next time I come, the car will be lowered and spacers added to push the Work Meister S1 2-piece wheels out and get them sitting better. I wanted to do it this trip but just ran out of time.

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