Silvia front end; any functional reason?

[Kallikak]

I have a problem; seems when I bought my 240 on Ebay, the owner threw in a complete Silvia front end kit. I'm kinda torn as to whether I want to go that route. Lets put opinions on what looks better aside...let's talk strictly function; ie, is there any significant difference between the two in terms of airflow, aerodynamics, or weight? I imagine the Silvia front end would be slightly lighter, due to non-retracting headlamps. I suppose, from a strictly performance standpoint I would be better off selling the kit and buying a good set of tires.

Thanks and my apologies if this has been covered a million times and I don't know what keywords to use.

[AmoebAssassin]

The S13 front end is indeed lighter.

[180sx+silvia=sileighty]

ANy pics of you car? yea i second Kallikak

[180fan]

the silvia front end is lighter than the flip up, but the beams also point the wrong way.

[tyrannix]

silvia front end is 25 lbs lighter (more if you dont mod the bumper support and put it back on)

less moving parts == less to break (and no issues about one headlight not moving up/down whatever)

more ventilation on teh upper portion of the bumper (between the silvia headlights, vented garnish, or no garnish

projector lights, easy to stick in an 85 watt bulb and get brighter lights (instead of doing a HID install with upgrading wiring and ballasts and stuff)

thats about it

CJ

[Kallikak]

Thanks, everyone. That pretty much answers my questions.

These are just the pics from the auction:







I think what I'll do is wait until I turbo it to do the front end conversion. Something about an N/A Silvia doesn't seem right...In the mean time, my current project for it will be the other bodywork. It has a very slight amount of rust on the rocker panels. That kind of repair is nothing new to me, and it's small enough that if I take care of it now, it won't become a problem later.
Modified by Kallikak at 8:37 PM 7/24/2006

[KoupeDaVille]

The usdm front end has a better front end crash test result. the pop-ups help absorb the impact.

Japans crash testing is not as strict as the US, that's why it was never an option here.

So if safty is a concern for you, you may want to consider that.

[nightkid86]

^ it was never an option here because the silvia headlights sit lower than the minimum headlight height restriction for USDM cars.

Also, I'm sure the 2.4L helps crash tests as compared to the 2.0L, bodywork won't make that much of a difference

[unichi]

The usdm front end has a better front end crash test result. the pop-ups help absorb the impact.

I was under the impression that it was the WAY more robust bumper support that helped in the frontal crash ratings for USDM 240, not the headlights.

[KoupeDaVille]

^ it was never an option here because the silvia headlights sit lower than the minimum headlight height restriction for USDM cars.

Also, I'm sure the 2.4L helps crash tests as compared to the 2.0L, bodywork won't make that much of a difference

I was under the impression that it was the WAY more robust bumper support that helped in the frontal crash ratings for USDM 240, not the headlights.

I never knew about the headligt height. Do you think that the steel KA block helps in crashes rather then the aluminum block on the SR?

I didnt meen to mislead him, either way the usdm front end does better in crashes. Just thought that may be an important factor over looked.

[Kallikak]

Thanks for the help everyone. It turns out the bumper I have is an aftermarket fiberglass piece in need of some repair. It will be awhile before I do the Silvia conversion.

Although the logical side of me says, sell the pieces and work on the suspension.

[mrzabala]

got any pictures of the silvia conversion kit? Is it complete? I would be interested if you sell it. LMK

[mrzabala]

Yes their is a strict headlight height limit. And laws and requirements here about safety are far more above than in JAPAN.

[Silvia240 24'7]

silvia front end is 25 lbs lighter (more if you dont mod the bumper support and put it back on)

less moving parts == less to break (and no issues about one headlight not moving up/down whatever)

more ventilation on teh upper portion of the bumper (between the silvia headlights, vented garnish, or no garnish

projector lights, easy to stick in an 85 watt bulb and get brighter lights (instead of doing a HID install with upgrading wiring and ballasts and stuff)

thats about it

CJ

+3

[Kallikak]

I can definately take some if you're interested. The front bumper is aftermarket and fiberglass, and in need of some repair. Other than that, it's the triple-projector lights and the aftermarket R32-Skyline style grille (not sure if there is an actual name for it; it's the one SCC used on Project Silvia)

I just saw that you're in California. I'm in Nebraska. Shipping may be a problem.

[Young_240_Guht]

Kallikak, I'm in Kansas, but i was wondering if it was worth the money to invest in getting it, while it's just parked in my driveway.... my 91 DOHC is dumping fuel into the engine... in the oil pan, cylinders, heck, i walk by the car and all ismell is gas! got fix this problem soon, still got 120 psi all across.

And its been rainy

Email me at [email protected]

maybe i can get some pix .