There are many routes you can take when it comes to modifying a 180SX/200SX/240SX S13, with the sleek body profile lending itself graciously to plenty of different styles. During the current trend of “more is more” it’s becoming common to see these naturally good looking cars adorned with huge arches, ginormous wings and exhausts protruding from areas exhausts were not meant to protrude from. At the other end of the scale however, you have people like Alan “Keeve” McIver, whose UK 200SX is a prime example of a clean and simplistic approach to S13 styling and modifying.
I took these photos in the pits at Driftland during Awesomeboss, at a time on Sunday morning when most people were only just emerging from their tents/vans/makeshift beds in their drift cars. Despite the collection of cars around it, Keeve’s S13 immediately drew me in with its simplistic looks and vivid red paint. The OEM “Pig Nose” front bumper, side skirts, 180SX rear bumper and Kouki rear lights are hardly anything new but, with the right execution, they work together to create a really cohesive look.
Bought as a car that needed major welding work in order for it to be roadworthy, Keeve got stuck in with a hobby welder and got the shell patched up to ensure he could enjoy many more years of fun with the car. Under the bonnet lies a rebuilt CA18DET, the factory engine supplied in UK 200SXs that is ditched by most in favour of the more modern SR20. While the supporting mods are nothing particularly fancy, herein lies the cars simplicity: a basic T28R turbo is fitted, while the car is governed by a Stage 2 Horsham Developments chip and Blitz boost controller.
In the suspension and drivetrain department, an OS Giken twin plate clutch has been fitted and is paired to a 4.1 diff, providing slightly shorter gearing than the original 3.9 unit. Apex Gen 2 coilovers and Whiteline anti-roll bars keep everything in check, while R33 GTS-T front brakes and a Z32 setup at the rear ensure Keeve can enjoy improved braking benefits while also retaining use of the stock handbrake.
Steering lock is taken care of with a pair of extended LCAs (+20mm), extended tie rods (+30mm) and Superstyle Garage knuckles, while the steering rack has been moved 25mm further forward to help prevent over-centre.
Oh, and there was no way I could forget to mention the wheels! WORK VS-XXs adorn both ends of this S13, with 17×9 +22s up front and 17×9.5 +23 at the rear fitting perfectly within the arches. There’s no fibreglass to be found here either: stock metal front wings and rear arches are the order of the day with the 215/40-17 and 215/45-17 tyres tucking nicely within them. By the way, did you notice the Raybirg headlights as well? It’s all in the details…
As an entirely functional drift car that also serves as a clean and enjoyable road car; Keeve has achieved what many set out to do when they begin their S-body adventure before becoming lost in a vicious cycle of extensive fabrication, wild exterior styling and expensive engine setups. To the untrained eye this car may not appear to be anything special but, to me, this is definitely one of my favourite S13s to emerge in recent years and I can’t wait to see it being enjoyed on track again.