Shane van der Merwe, like many car enthusiasts, grew up immersed in console racing games. 

He always dreamed of owning a Japanese performance car just as cool as the ones he drove in the gaming world, complete with turbo flutter, dump valve noises, and parts from iconic Japanese brands. Years later, he made that dream a reality.

In South Africa, Japanese icons like the Supra, Skyline, and RX-7 have always been scarce, though we did see a fair share of S13 Nissan 200SX S13s. In 2017, after extensive searching, Shane found one of the Nissan S14 200SXs that Nissan South Africa had imported in limited numbers. It was bone stock, which was another big win.

The S14 didn’t stay standard for long. Just three weeks after acquiring it, Shane removed the SR20DET and sold it. The replacement? A low-kilometre RB25DET NEO engine. Shane chose this late-model RB25 variant for its stronger internals, improved cylinder head, solid lifters, and top-feed injectors. He initially drove the car with the stock engine while saving for major modifications.

The engine received a full upgrade with a worked head, CP forged pistons, Eagle forged rods, a new crankshaft, race bearings, an N1 billet oil pump, performance cams with GReddy adjustable timing gears, a Greddy timing belt, and Savage Performance coils for stronger spark. The bottom end was fully balanced.

Fuelling was upgraded with Precision 1,000cc injectors, an AEM fuel pressure regulator, and a billet RPM Racing fuel rail. An RPM billet intake with a 90mm fly-by-wire throttle body completed the cool side package.

Cooling was enhanced with a custom-built aluminium radiator and a Mishimoto oil cooler.

Big boost comes from a Precision Turbo 62/62 turbocharger mounted on a custom RPM Racing manifold, with an Excell Performance 50mm high-flow external wastegate and dump valve. Exhaust gases exit through a screamer pipe and a full stainless-steel system ending in an A’PEXi muffler.

A MaxxECU engine management system gives the firing orders, delivering 419kW (561hp) on 0.8bar (11.7psi) boost with pump fuel. Power is transferred to the rear wheels through an R33 GT-R 5-speed gearbox and R33 GTS-T differential.

Before the new engine, the build sat idle for almost a year. Shane, not a fan of the S14’s factory pearl white paint, had begun preparing the bodywork for a new gloss white finish when Covid hit. He got as far as the primer coats before his project funds dried up.

At the end of 2021, the car was finally painted and entrusted to Mark Jonker of RPM (Race Performance Motorsport), who sourced all the engine parts and pieced the RB25 back together. Shane says he made Mark’s life difficult for a few years, but it paid off, turning his childhood dream into reality.

With the paint and engine completed, it was time for suspension upgrades. Tein adjustable coilovers, Tein strut braces, and a Sikky sway bar were added for enhanced handling. For improved braking, Brembo front callipers, EBC discs and Yellowstuff pads are fitted.

Genuine wheels from reputable brands aren’t easy to find in South Africa, but Shane tracked down a set of iconic 18-inch Enkei RPF1s. Despite their wide fitment – 9.5-inch at the front and 10.5-inch out back – the wheels fit under the fenders with no rubbing from the 265-profile Vitour semi-slicks. I’m not usually a fan of such chunky fitment, but in this case, it does suit the car well.

Inside, the cabin stays true to its simple, ’90s Japanese aesthetic, but with key upgrades: a Sparco competition suede steering wheel on an NRG quick-release hub, Cobra Monaco Pro seats with TAKATA Racing 4-point harnesses, a MaxxECU 7-inch display in a custom 3D-printed console, and a 3D-printed gear knob.

This 200SX build is the realisation of Shane’s childhood dreams, fuelled by his passion for cars and the culture surrounding them. Every drive, every glance, at the S14 puts an instant smile on his face. That’s what it’s all about.

Stefan Kotzé
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