Shane van der Merwe, like many automotive fanatics, grew up immersed in console racing video games.
He all the time dreamed of proudly owning a Japanese efficiency automotive simply as cool as those he drove within the gaming world, full with turbo flutter, dump valve noises, and components from iconic Japanese manufacturers. Years later, he made that dream a actuality.
In South Africa, Japanese icons just like the Supra, Skyline, and RX-7 have all the time been scarce, although we did see a fair proportion of S13 Nissan 200SX S13s. In 2017, after in depth looking, Shane discovered one of many Nissan S14 200SXs that Nissan South Africa had imported in restricted numbers. It was bone inventory, which was one other huge win.
The S14 didn’t keep normal for lengthy. Simply three weeks after buying it, Shane eliminated the SR20DET and offered it. The alternative? A low-kilometre RB25DET NEO engine. Shane selected this late-model RB25 variant for its stronger internals, improved cylinder head, strong lifters, and top-feed injectors. He initially drove the automotive with the inventory engine whereas saving for main modifications.
The engine acquired a full improve with a labored head, CP solid pistons, Eagle solid rods, a brand new crankshaft, race bearings, an N1 billet oil pump, efficiency cams with GReddy adjustable timing gears, a Greddy timing belt, and Savage Efficiency coils for stronger spark. The underside finish was absolutely balanced.
Fuelling was upgraded with Precision 1,000cc injectors, an AEM gas stress regulator, and a billet RPM Racing gas rail. An RPM billet consumption with a 90mm fly-by-wire throttle physique accomplished the cool aspect bundle.
Cooling was enhanced with a custom-built aluminium radiator and a Mishimoto oil cooler.
Massive enhance comes from a Precision Turbo 62/62 turbocharger mounted on a {custom} RPM Racing manifold, with an Excell Efficiency 50mm high-flow exterior wastegate and dump valve. Exhaust gases exit via a screamer pipe and a full stainless-steel system ending in an A’PEXi muffler.
A MaxxECU engine administration system offers the firing orders, delivering 419kW (561hp) on 0.8bar (11.7psi) enhance with pump gas. Energy is transferred to the rear wheels via an R33 GT-R 5-speed gearbox and R33 GTS-T differential.
Earlier than the brand new engine, the construct sat idle for nearly a yr. Shane, not a fan of the S14’s manufacturing facility pearl white paint, had begun making ready the bodywork for a brand new gloss white end when Covid hit. He bought so far as the primer coats earlier than his venture funds dried up.
On the finish of 2021, the automotive was lastly painted and entrusted to Mark Jonker of RPM (Race Efficiency Motorsport), who sourced all of the engine components and pieced the RB25 again collectively. Shane says he made Mark’s life tough for a couple of years, however it paid off, turning his childhood dream into actuality.
With the paint and engine accomplished, it was time for suspension upgrades. Tein adjustable coilovers, Tein strut braces, and a Sikky sway bar had been added for enhanced dealing with. For improved braking, Brembo entrance callipers, EBC discs and Yellowstuff pads are fitted.
Real wheels from respected manufacturers aren’t straightforward to search out in South Africa, however Shane tracked down a set of iconic 18-inch Enkei RPF1s. Regardless of their broad fitment – 9.5-inch on the entrance and 10.5-inch out again – the wheels match below the fenders with no rubbing from the 265-profile Vitour semi-slicks. I’m not often a fan of such chunky fitment, however on this case, it does swimsuit the automotive properly.
Inside, the cabin stays true to its easy, ’90s Japanese aesthetic, however with key upgrades: a Sparco competitors suede steering wheel on an NRG quick-release hub, Cobra Monaco Professional seats with TAKATA Racing 4-point harnesses, a MaxxECU 7-inch show in a {custom} 3D-printed console, and a 3D-printed gear knob.
This 200SX construct is the realisation of Shane’s childhood desires, fuelled by his ardour for vehicles and the tradition surrounding them. Each drive, each look, on the S14 places an prompt smile on his face. That’s what it’s all about.
Stefan Kotzé
Instagram: stefankotzemedia
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