[edit] S12See also: Nissan Gazelle
S12
Also called Nissan 180ZX (Sweden)
Nissan 200SX (North America)
Silvia (EU and JP)
Nissan Gazelle
Production 1984–1988
Body style 2-door coupe
3-door hatchback
Layout FR layout
Platform Nissan S platform
Engine 2.0 L SOHC CA20E I4
1.8 L SOHC Turbo CA18ET I4
1.8 L DOHC Turbo CA18DET I4
3.0 L SOHC V6 VG30E
2.0 L DOHC FJ20E I4
2.0 L DOHC Turbo FJ20ET I4
Transmission 5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
Wheelbase 2,425 mm (95.5 in)
Length 1984-86: 4,430 mm (174.4 in)
1987-88: 175.6 in (4,460 mm)
Width 1984-86: 1,660 mm (65.4 in)
1987-88: 65.7 in (1,669 mm)
Height 1984-86: 1,330 mm (52.4 in)
1987-88: 50.4 in (1,280 mm)
Curb weight 1,170 kg (2,600 lb)
Related Nissan 300ZX
The S12 was produced from 1984 to 1988, with revisions to the exterior trim in 1987 (referred to as "Mark II"). It was sold in three configurations—a coupe (often called a "notchback"), a hatchback, and a widebody chassis called grandprix (only 50 units made worldwide).
A number of different engines were equipped in the S12 chassis, depending on production year and more specifically on the geographic market. These engines borrowed from previous designs, or in some cases, inspired future engine platforms (with the exception of the FJ series, which was designed solely with Rally competition in mind). For instance, the CA series initially borrowed design cues from the NAP-Z series. The CA18DET's DOHC head design was similar to that utilized in the later "RB" engine series, the inline-six engine that powered the Skyline GT-Rs. The VG30 V6 engine was also used, the VG is the predecessor to Nissans VQ Engine.
[edit] Regional badgings[edit] North AmericaThe S12 chassis in North America was badged "200SX". The Coupe was available with a 2.0 L SOHC engine (CA20E), while the fastback received both the 2.0 L SOHC engine, and a 1.8 L SOHC Turbo (non-intercooled) engine (CA18ET). For 1987 in the United States, Nissan discontinued putting the 1.8 Turbo into the fastback, and created the "SE" model which had the 3.0L SOHC V6 engine (VG30E), generating 160 hp (120 kW) and 174 lb·ft (236 N·m) of torque. This was the same engine offered in the non-turbo 300ZX for that generation. For 1988 the "SE" model received a 5 hp (3.7 kW) gain from using the later "W" series (VG30E) with a total output of 165 hp (123 kW) while torque remains the same at 174. The 200SX was replaced with the S13 Nissan 240SX in 1989.
[edit] EuropeThe S12 chassis in Europe was badged Silvia, and was available in the hatchback and the grandprix configuration. The difference between the hatchback and the grandprix were the widebody, different wheels, and minor interior differences. The engine available was the same 1.8L SOHC Turbo (CA18ET) used in North America, and in some areas the 2.0 L DOHC "FJ" engine (FJ20E). The "FJ" engine series was originally designed for the 240RS rallycar as a 2.4 L carbeurated system (FJ24), and was underbored to 2.0 L. It also saw use in the "DR30" Nissan Skyline chassis, in both turbocharged and naturally aspirated versions.
One exception for the Silvia badging was in Sweden, where the car was named the Nissan 180ZX instead.
[edit] AustraliaThe S12 chassis in Australia was badged as a Gazelle. The Gazelle was available in both the coupe and hatchback. It was equipped with the same 2.0 L SOHC engine (CA20E) found elsewhere in the world.
[edit] JapanThe S12 chassis in Japan was badged as both a Silvia and a Gazelle. The Gazelle was produced so that Nissan's different dealership networks in Japan could all carry the Silvia. There are minor cosmetic differences. Both the S110 and S12 Silvias have a Gazelle counterpart. The S12 Silvia in Japan was available in a hatchback as a basic model only, but the S12 Gazelle in Japan was strictly a hatchback, available in regular, RS and RS-X variants, as was the Silvia notchback. The RS was equipped with the 2.0 L DOHC "FJ" engine(FJ20E), while the RS-X was equipped with the same engine in a turbocharged version (FJ20ET). In 1987 Nissan discontinued the FJ Series engine in the S12 and installed the updated version of the older CA, with dual cams and a bigger turbocharger—the CA18DET.
[edit] RevisionsThe S12 chassis in 1984–86 is referred to as "Mark I", with "Mark II" as a revision in 1987. Below lists the description of both.
[edit] Mark IThe first trim of the S12 chassis. Bumpers featured matte-finish raised surfaces, and sides featured half-inch rubstripping. Cars featured a honeycomb radiator grille, and long cornerlights. The 1984 Turbo came with a "TURBO" monogrammed hood bulge accent. The 1984–85 could be had with a foam rubber deck spoiler. In 1986 the foam rubber deck spoiler was changed for a fiberglass version with an integrated third brake light. Some hatchbacks and all Turbo models came with ground effects—a combination of plastic mudflaps and accommodating foam rubber sideskirts, as well as a foam rubber lower deflection lip.
[edit] Mark IIIn 1987, the bumpers were updated, and the matte finished surfaces were eliminated for a more uniform surface. Rubstripping was increased to 2-inch height w/ scribe detailing. The honeycomb radiator grille was replaced with a slatted version that spanned the entire front end (previous was shorter), and cornerlights were shortened. The "SE" model and the Turbo (Canada, Europe) came with new ground fiberglass ground effects and mudflaps, painted in the color of the car, and a new and more pronounced lower deflection lip in the front. "SE" model also received a new hood bulge design to accommodate clearance for the 3.0 L V6. Optional rear mudflap accents were available.
[edit] Drivetrain[edit] Engine CA18ET CA18DET CA20E FJ20E FJ20ET VG30E
Aspiration Single turbo Single turbo Natural Natural Single turbo Natural
Valvetrain SOHC 8 valve DOHC 16 valve SOHC 8 valve DOHC 16 valve DOHC 16 valve SOHC 12 valve
Cylinders 4 4 4 4 4 6
Displacement 1809cc 1809cc 1974cc 1990cc 1990cc 2960cc
Max Power 120 hp @ 5200 rpm 169 hp @ 6400 rpm 102 hp @ 5200 rpm 148 hp @ 6400 rpm 188 hp @ 6500 rpm 160 hp @ 5200rpm ('87) 165 hp @ 5200rpm ('8
Max Torque 134ftlb (181.7Nm) @ 3200 rpm 156ftlb (211.6Nm) @ 4000 rpm 116ftlb (157.3Nm) @ 3200 rpm 136ftlb (184.4Nm) @ 4800 rpm 173ftlb (234.6Nm) @ 4800 rpm 174ftlb (235.9Nm) @ 4000 rpm
Drivetrain Rear wheel drive
Transmission 4-speed automatic / 5-speed manual
[edit] Drivetrain variationsCode Name H190 R180 R200
Style Solid Axle Independent Independent
Years 1983–1984 1985–1988 1984–1988
Engines CA20E CA20E CA18ET
CA18DET VG30E FJ20E FJ20ET
Ring Gear Size 7.5" 7.0" 8.0"
Limited Slip No No No (Most)
Yes (Some FJ20ET models)
Ratio 4.11:1 & 3.90:1 (Auto & manual) 4.11:1 4.11:1 & 3.90:1(VG30E models only)