Frequently Asked S13 Questions

What does the power/hold button do on my Automatic S13?
Read about it here. Note that the "power" button doesnt make your engine any more powerful! Theres absolutely no difference between putting your foot flat to the floor in "power" or "normal" mode. All it does is change the points at which the transmission will shift gears, giving you more RPM ideally so you can have more power on tap.

How much are Silvias to buy in Australia?
Buy a copy of High Performance Imports or Zoom magazine from your local newsagency. There are always dealer ads featured here. The annual import guide editions regularly review prices, features, specifications etc of various import models. Alternatively, pick up your local newspaper and check the classifieds! there are HEAPS out there!

How can I make a CA20 stroker?
First of all, all engines in the CA family should be compatible which each other in theory if you are thinking of a swap. From what I've heard, the best way to make a CA20 stroker is to use the crank (and pistons?) from a CA20 (found in old bluebirds and gazelles in Australia) and install them into a CA18DET engine. Something to investigate.

Will a Skyline turbo fit on my SR/CA?
No. Any of the T2x series turbos can be swapped around fairly easily, but Skyline turbos are a T3 frame and therefore requires an custom made exhaust manifold. For more information, see my OEM turbo information from HPI magazine in the articles section.

Help! I broke my windscreen!
S14 (200SX in Australia) windscreens are an exact duplicate of S13 windscreens. This should cost about $150-200 for a replacement. Original S13 HUD windscreens are about $1000 and usually hard to find. A simple solution is to use a normal S13/S14 windscreen, and to apply a small patch (same size as HUD patch) made from car window tinting. The best type is probably a light silver window tint. I can personally say this fix works about 90% as good as the original HUD windscreen.

Help! My aircon blows hot air constantly!
Pull off the black plastic that surrounds your gear stick. Attached to this peice of plastic is a black plastic pipe and electrical sensor. Check both are connected properly and the electrical sensor is working ok.

Will 300ZX brakes fit my Silvia?
Not without some modification. Z32 discs are 5 stud, where as silvia are 4 stud. Discs will need to be redrilled to suit. I read somewhere that Z32 brakes *just* fit under SR20DE rims, but generally 16" rims are required unless you want to be naughty and use spacers (illegal).

What are the S13 wheel specs?
4 stud 114.3 PCD I think. Q's and K's got 15" alloy rims, J's got 14" steelies apparently... PCD is the same as the Ford Laser - just check the PCD before you buy any rims - I'd hate to steer anyone wrong.

How do I stop that stupid high-speed speed chime?
Check the articles section for instructions how to remove it.

Whats a good intercooler upgrade?
Anything front mounted that bigger than a S13 intercooler. I like cheap 7M or 1G Supra intercoolers personally. See the articles section for more information

Will a S15 6 speed gearbox fit my S13 SR20?
Umm... Yes, I'm pretty sure. Better check that before you buy one.

Can I reprogram my S13 computer?
CA18's yes, very easily using a EPROM burner and software. SR20's no, not easily without installing a daughterboard.

How much power are S13 injectors good for?
About 300Hp at max duty cycle. (375cc for CA18DET, 380cc for SR20DET (S13)).

How much power are S13 air flow meters good for?
Bugger all!! Swap it for a bigger items ASAP. Don't forget to reprogram the ECU to match the change. Z32 80mm or Skyline 65mm AFMs are a popular swap.

I've heard CA16DE cams make a good mod for CA18's?
This exert was taken from exaclub.net: The intake cam actually opens the valves for 248 degrees, as opposed to the standard 240. It also provides 0.8mm more lift, bringing it up from 7.8mm (max valve opening) to 8.5mm. The exhaust cams however are the same. I'm not sure, but I've heard it is good for around 5 - 10kw, with gains almost completely across the rev range.

Can you swap analog climate control for digital climate control in the S13?
It's been done before, but its no easy feat. You would ideally need the digital unit and wiring loom (which is different) that goes with it. Even then there are a lot of wires to sort out. Don't say I didn't warn you!! :)

What are some good beginner modifications for my car?
If you have a TURBO car:
3 inch exhaust system from the turbo back, pod filter, ECU chip remap (CA18 owners particularly), bigger turbo (CA18 owners: recommend Garrett T25G, T28, or GT25 series. SR20 Owners: recommend GT25 series), front mount intercooler (something big and cheap - i.e Mk3 Supra intercooler).

If you have a NON-TURBO car:
2.25" exhaust from the cat back, extractors, pod filter, ECU chip remap (CA18 owners particularly), lightened flywheel (5 Speed owners), 4.4:1 ratio diff swap maybe?

Is it possible to transplant a HUD (Head Up Display) onto my car?
The HUD unit plugs directly into the optional digital display instrument cluster that come with all the HUD equipped S13's. There are eight wires going from the instrument cluster to the HUD unit. If anyone ever successfully transplants a HUD onto a non S13 car please contact me.

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