First published in the June 2026 issue of Street Machine

“My 1997 Nissan S14 200SX is a true bucket-list car for me. Growing up in a car enthusiast family and being surrounded by the automotive industry had a massive influence on the types of cars I saw and fell in love with, and the Silvia was always the one I wanted most.

“Before buying it, I’d built a mini-truck Nissan Navara in a JDM Silvia-esque style, with an SR20 engine swap. That was my first proper father-son build with my dad, Joe, while I was an apprentice mechanic.

“A year after completing the ute, I heard through some work friends of this S14 for sale. I went and looked at it and jumped on it straight away. It had a smashed-in rear quarter, so my dad and I had another build in front of us.

“I wanted to create something I would’ve built if it were still the mid-2000s; it’s my take on an OEM+ restoration, but taken further than most would go.

“Over two years, I purchased as many new panels as I could find and afford, along with trim, clips, retainers and more, thanks to Abz from Total Nissan in WA.

“By Christmas 2024, the car had been completely stripped and was about to head into the paint shop, and with the Black Label Invitational Volume 6 event in February this year set as a deadline, it went from a bare shell to a fully restored, complete car within 12 months. I’m proud to say it scored a Top 10 spot at the event.

“Under the bonnet is an SR20 with a Garrett 3036 turbo on a 6boost manifold, Plazmaman Pro Series intercooler, 1600cc injectors, Tomei PonCams, and a 3in custom stainless turbo-back exhaust.

“It makes 362rwkW (485hp) at 26psi on E85, controlled by a Haltech Elite 1500 and tuned by Steve at Auto Tech Wiring. Behind that is a Nissan Z32 five-speed manual with an Xtreme twin-plate clutch, paired to a KAAZ two-way diff with a GKTech braced cradle and adjustable arms.

“Up front, it runs extended lower control arms, modified knuckles, Cusco castor arms, and a GKTech power brace and strut bar.

“The car sits on original 2003 bronze Rays Nismo LMGT4 wheels, and has been repainted in its factory colour, Deep Fuschia Pearl, with paint generously sponsored by Glasurit and applied by Achillo Pacillo, who works for my father and uncle Tony at Silver’s Motor Body Repairs.

“I couldn’t have got this far without my dad Joe and everyone else who helped along the way.”

Photos: Josh Castle

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