Tuning the sexy 200

Nissan have a pretty good track record when it comes to making cool cars.

The 200 SX is certainly no exception. The S14 is based on the SR20DET engine you have a fantastic base for any tuning project.

The S13 has the lower powered CA18DET 1.8 Turbo engine but is still a pretty potent performer.

Some 200 SX owners have done engine swaps including the twin turbo unit from the 300ZX and a number of other Nissan Blocks upto and such as the Skyline RB25 block.

Tuning tips and articles

The 200SX is a brilliant fun sports coupe from Nissan and a practical daily run around.

The handling and performance of the standard car is very good and definately will respond well to tuning. Indeed the block is finished specified for that base power figures. The initial cars feature a Garrett T28 unit which is actually a pretty good base.

Dropping inside a larger turbo is an option for those thinking of getting larger power gains. The regular block can reportedly handle power gains upto 300bhp with more on offer with some strengthening mods.

Turbo cars may benefit from a boost controller plus a remap to get the best results. This enables a consistent and steady power delivery.

We will get the engine stripped out and fully balanced and fit forged components. Adding a cryogenic engine treatment will also increase the durability of the engine and reduce internal friction.

Brakes ought to be fairly up high on your listing of modifications. The regular brakes are pretty good although with a grippy fast road pad you dramatically reduce your stopping distance. Add a larger vented disk and 6 pot caliper and you have some very serious stopping power indeed.

Suspension mods are many and varied. The 200sx is popular for drifting and there are a lot of drift specific suspension components around for doing it. You will need a welded or locked diff should you be drifting. We recommend a drop of no more than 40 mm for optimum results and would counsel you to keep the rim size to 16 inches.

Wide body kits, flared arches and other body mods allows the fitment of substantially wider wheels and a slightly wider track which greatly improves handling.

For improved peak power you should add an induction kit using a cold air feed and a full sports exhaust having a sports cat. Add to this a fast road camshaft and you have a potent track day weapon.