After spending more time driving and working on the SK14SPL S14 Silvia during my last trip to Japan, I feel like I’m really starting to enjoy the car and understand what I want it to become.
The goal has always been to have a car to practice drifting, build my skills and enjoy driving with friends, but that doesn’t mean it can’t present well too. One of the things I enjoy most about cars is styling, and I think you can have a well-presented car without being afraid to drive it.
Spending time with the Tohoku crew at Link Circuit really reinforced that mindset. Seeing everyone out there driving hard, having fun and competing with each other while still taking pride in their cars was inspiring.
This trip saw a few changes. The Work Meister S1s were removed in favour of a set of spaced out Buddy Club P1 wheels, effectively sitting at 17×9 -8 with a 215/45R17 tyre. The Cusco coilovers were wound down as far as they would go. A set of Winds Auto mirrors were installed using block-off plates, although looking back at the photos I would have mounted them slightly higher and further back. Small details, but something to address next time I’m there. And of course, a handful of Sokudo R parts.
Inside, the 360mm Nardi was replaced with a brand-new 340mm wheel and the front half of the roll cage was removed, I was tired of hitting my head on it every time I drove the car. The factory headlights were also polished. While clear covers are an option, I still prefer the look of the original glass.
Looking ahead, the Cusco suspension will be replaced with a set of 3UP x Silk Road coilovers along with 3UP knuckles, new tie rods and ends and a handful of other maintenance items. Externally, the GP Sports front bumper will likely make way for something special, the M Sports side skirts and rear bumper have already been removed.
The Buddy Club P1s have definitely won me over. I think 17-inch wheels suit an S14 perfectly. I’m always keeping an eye out for new wheel options, but there’s a good chance these will still be on the car next time I visit Japan.
Further down the track I’d like to repair the remaining dents and eventually repaint the entire car. Inside, I’d love to find a matching red Bride Ergo for the passenger side, retrim the door cards in matching Bride fabric and finish off all the missing interior plastics, trims and carpet.
Overall, the S14 is surprisingly straight and a solid base to work from. It isn’t a build that’s going to happen overnight, but that’s part of what makes it enjoyable. It’s a slow burn, and I’m really enjoying the process.
Garage Sokudo 
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