A popular misconception regarding the Nissan S-chassis rear-drive platform is that the S13, S14 and S15 Silvia and 240SX variants are only good for drifting. With the ability to accommodate a highly tuneable SR20DET 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that can generate 300 wheel-hp and beyond, it's no wonder some buyers only have smoky powerslides on their mind. But the Silvia (the 240SX in the US) is capable of so much more.
It's true, the S13 is an obvious choice as a drift car due to the large anti-squat designed into the suspension geometry, which gives it bags of on-throttle oversteer at corner exit. But the later-model S14 and S15 chassis have revised rear suspensions, with better corner exit traction and bigger fenders to take larger rubber. For years, serious tuners have also known how to work with the chassis and alter some of its suspension arms for the better. As the Mustang of Japan (on account of its availability, low price and rear-drive), the Silvia platform has seen a lot of development by many tuning houses and it remains one of the few factory turbo, rear-drive platforms that can still be seen at the track and on the time attack scene.
This S14-chassis Nissan Silvia was built by Total Car Produce (TCP) Magic. Like most Japanese tuning shops, TCP Magic is small: an office, showroom and a two-bay garage with twin lifts that almost seem to touch each other. Despite these tight confines, TCP Magic produces meticulous and professionally built cars in a tiny space. The operation is involved in the Super Taikyu race series with an FD3S Mazda RX-7, takes part in the D1GP drift series with an S14 Silvia and uses this carbon-bodied Silvia for time attack competition.
It's customary in the Japanese time attack scene to see who can go the fastest with any particular platform. TCP Magic decided to go for the Silvia record because its parts catalogue revolves around the Silvia and RX-7 platforms.
Its tuning philosophy is no fluff either. TCP Magic only produces parts that make cars go faster, such as suspensions, chassis braces, brake upgrades, cooling and exhaust parts. There isn't even a T-shirt or sticker for sale bearing the shop's logo.
Relying on a wealth of racing knowledge, TCP Magic carried out a full teardown of this S14 Silvia before moving forward with the build-up. The SR20DET engine was pulled and dismantled to receive a Jun Auto 2.2-liter stroker kit. The original 2.0-liter displacement was given a 189cc bump with a longer-stroke crankshaft (92mm versus 86mm stock), 87mm bore forged pistons (1mm larger than stock) and matching connecting rods. Except for a set of 272-degree HKS camshafts, the cylinder head was left stock, bolted onto a thicker Power Enterprise head gasket.
Before the engine could be dropped back in, the five-speed transmission needed work. TCP Magic expected to put some serious power through the gearbox, so an Exedy triple-plate carbon clutch was installed. At the same time, an OS Giken close-ratio gearset was also deployed to help keep the engine on the boil, as well as provide stronger gear teeth to resist stripping under boost.
Powering the larger-than-stock engine is an HKS turbocharger kit, based around a massive T04R turbo. The blower's response has been affected by TCP Magic's decision to go with a custom intercooler core and V-mount setup. This shortens the length of the titanium intercooler piping and reduces lag. This custom setup mounts the intercooler and TCP Magic aluminum radiator in a V shape against incoming air as it passes through the front bumper, allowing both coolers to face cold air simultaneously. TCP Magic has also built custom aluminum shrouding around the radiator and intercooler, forcing air through the coolers and up toward the vent in the carbon fiber hood.