While you think of the Philippines, your first few thoughts probably don’t contain a fully-built Garage Mak-style S15.
But that is a component of what makes this particular Nissan Silvia so good. If it had Japanese number plates you’ll probably never second guess it – which is why I desired to shoot it.
Last week, Alec and I brought you a store visit story on Autoplus in Manila, and this automotive belongs to the owner’s son, Luis. While it may not be an official Autoplus demo machine, it actually shows what the shop is able to.
If not glaringly obvious, Luis has drawn inspiration from modified cars in Japan, having spent a while there.
He even competed within the 2018 FIA Intercontinental Drifting Cup held in Odaiba, with one other S-chassis.
At first glance, the Silvia has a time attack style, but spend a bit longer looking and also you start to choose up all of the drift influences. I’ll get to the mechanical hardware in a moment, but first, the outside, which is sort of spectacular.
The S15 includes a host of Garage Mak aero parts, including their full Type 5 body kit, plus a Blister carbon fiber boot lid, carbon hood and GT wing. If that wasn’t enough, Luis also added an RE Amemiya rear diffuser – presumably designed for an RX-7 – together with a pair of Type 2 Magical Racing mirrors.
Once we shot the automotive, it was rolling on RAYS Gram Lights 57DR wheels.
Combined with brand-new Nissan OEM weatherstrips, mouldings, headlights and taillights, the Silvia’s exterior is faultless.
This trend continues throughout all the construct, including within the engine bay.
Under the hood is a fully-built Nissan SR20DET VCT with CP forged pistons, Carrillo forged connecting rods, a Mazworx stud kit, Tomei head gasket, and Tomei 258-degree camshafts.
The turbo setup isn’t any joke. A brand new Garrett G25-660 pushes over 20psi of boost through the SR20 via an upgraded GReddy intake manifold and Naprec 80mm throttle body.
Wired with a custom loom and tuned through a Link engine management system, that is about nearly as good as an SR20 gets without changing the bore or switching to a NEO VVL (SR20VE) cylinder head.
Making power is one thing, but effectively getting that power to the bottom is one other. There are not any issues here though, as Luis has specced the driveline and suspension with a few of the most effective aftermarket gear available. In the combo is an ORC single-plate clutch and a OS Giken mechanical limited-slip differential, together with KW V3 coilovers, Cusco sway bars, and D-Max adjustable arms and links to dial within the alignment for street and track duty.
For brakes, the Silvia advantages from a full set of Project Mu calipers in a custom color, which give loads of stopping power.
Out on the streets of Manila, the S15 looked nothing wanting sensational, and it had the sound to match.
As you’ll expect, the cabin has been thoroughly updated too. Essentially, every latest OEM interior part from Nissan was installed alongside some select aftermarket goodies.
Engine data is relayed to a Stack ST8100 display mounted rather than the factory S15 cluster, while Recaro (Japan) RS-G bucket seats, a Max Orido edition Nardi Classic steering wheel, and a Top Secret shift knob add just the precise amount of JDM flair to what looks like a practically brand-new S15.
Those of you with a keen eye would have noticed the steering wheel on the left side of the automotive. The S15 Silvia was never produced in LHD, so this was a completely custom endevour to satisfy the Philippines authorities. Truthfully, the dash looks like a factory item.
Once I capture rolling shots, it often involves hanging a camera out the side of a van or perhaps through the window of a daily automotive. This time, Alec and I discovered ourselves within the back of a pickup truck.
If this had been Japan, we might haven’t gotten far before being pulled over by police and given a stern talking-to. However the local security did us a solid by helping control traffic to create somewhat of an ‘escort’, making this method secure and manageable.
That said, it still caused quite the scene, and consequently, this was probably probably the most memorable moment from my trip to the Philippines.
Alec and I spent over per week in Manila documenting every type of cars and automotive culture, so stay tuned for more.
Dino Dalle Carbonare
Instagram: dino_dalle_carbonare
dino@speedhunters.com
Additional Photography by Alec Pender
Instagram: noplansco
This Article First Appeared At www.speedhunters.com
