The dream began 6 years ago when the Kouki S14 base of this project was listed for sale online. Although having terrible tune problems and a blown turbo, the Kouki S14 was cosmetically clean and untouched. It became the perfect starting point.

The modifications to the S14 started swiftly after a simple engine refresh unveiled that the supposedly stock SR20 was already sporting forged internals. As a result, the turbo was upgraded not once but twice while Will was still on his provisional license.

Cosmetically starting with coilovers lowering the car onto a set of booze TE37 OG’s, it was never enough for Will. The following year saw the car take shape with an Origin Labo front bar and complete OEM body kit, including OEM Kouki S14 side skirts, rear bar, pods and spoiler.

DMAX tail lights and roof spoiler were the final touches before a fresh red respray inspired by Ferrari. A set of SSR Formula, Aero Spoke wheels were sourced to give it the contrasting pop it needed.

Whilst the cosmetic changes were progressing, and Will finally saw the Nissan Silvia S14 he imagined taking form, he began to find boredom with the 260kw SR20. The idea of selling or building a VE-powered SR20 had him entirely lost with where to go. The cost of the engine build not seeming worth the price.

Almost like destiny, Will stumbled across an RB26 for sale out of a wrecked R32 GTR. He purchased it the same day without question, and the Godzilla dream rejuvenated Will’s aspirations for the humble Nissan Silvia S14.

Over the next year, Will searched and obtained any parts needed for the RB swap. Once he had everything required, the SR20 was out and sold to a good mate. The engine bay was stripped and painted pearl red, ready to rumble!

Unfortunately, as is commonly the case with most intricate builds, the cost was soaring. Will was looking at tripling his original $25,000 budget to get the RB26 fitted and running. So the build had to take a bit of a holiday while the poor bank account recovered.

As a 2021 Christmas present to himself, Will bit the bullet and sent the car to Next Mod to get the engine dropped in and all the demanding final jobs completed. Finally, after ordering more parts (and spending more money), the RB26 was sitting in its pearl-red engine bay. Ready for fabrication and wiring.

Will got in touch with Dahtone Racing, who was more than happy to get the job done. The spruce-up of the R32 RB26 included HKS drop-in 262 cams, ARP head studs, and a PRP trigger kit. Paired with a Nitto billet oil pump, a Plazaman intercooler with custom piping and a Dahtone Racing custom catch can.

The turbo of choice is an Aeroflow 5855 turbo, which sits neatly on a 6-boost manifold. While a Turbosmart 40mm wastegate takes care of boost control, paired with a custom 3-inch exhaust system that provides a nice deep note.

Will opted for a Haltech elite 2000, Haltech flex fuel sensor and a Haltech RB26 loom to bring it all together. 2 months later, the phone rang, and the wait was over! RB14 was complete, running and ready for its final tune.

Now with an RB heart, Will’s S14 is making 551hp at the hubs, with room for plenty more if desired. But, for now, he is thrilled with the sporty 410kw RB26 over what it once was.

Being able to go fast means needing the ability to stop quickly. Will managed to find a set of Evo 9 callipers and fit them to the front of the S14. Matched perfectly with a set of Evo 10 discs. Proving themselves more than ample braking ability for the Nissan coupe.

RB14 has seen a few changes since the completion of the engine build. Will reverted back to a set of Volk Racing TE37 OGs in bronze, which pairs beautifully with the red paintwork.

Now wrapped in a set of Toyo Proxes R888 steers and Yokohama Advan AD08Rs on the rear to put the power down. This setup has proven very capable of handling the RB26 power plant.

Finishing touches came with the interior of the 200SX. The Haltech iC7 dash now sits at home in the cluster behind a Nardi Deep corn steering wheel and NRG hub. The interior is a clean and simple setup with the full capability to do what needs doing.

The suspension has undergone a complete overhaul since the coilovers used to initially lower the car many years ago. Now sporting a set of Tein Super Street coilovers, Hardrace camber arms, toe arms and tie rods.

Sikky racing front sway bar and Nismo castor arms finish off the suspension. Will was able to really fine-tune how the car sits and drives on the road, putting full use to the wheel and tyre setup.

While William’s thrilled with the final product, he still has plans to change it up in the future! Changing up the wheels and a change of colour will hopefully come in the new year. But only time will tell what will happen with this Kouki S14 and what it will become.

Will would like to thank everyone who has helped him through the journey of owning this Kouki. He finds the friendships and joy this car now brings him still quite unbelievable.

A big thank you to Anthony at Dahtone Racing for taking the S14 in with such short notice and finishing off the car. He comments that the Kouki S14 would still be sitting in the garage without him. Another thank you to Van at Next Mod for smashing out the RB26 engine swap.