Inline-4 · turbocharged
Inline-4
Nissan Silvia S15 sound
The Nissan Silvia S15 sounds crisp and buzzy rather than deep, with an eager rise toward its 7,500 rpm redline and plenty of turbo noise layered on top, because its SR20DET is a light, free-revving 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4. A stock Spec-R is fairly polite; the loud, raspy S15 sound most people associate with drifting comes from modified cars.
What to listen for
- Start: a short crank and a quick catch, then the revs flare before dropping into a steady four-cylinder idle.
- Idle: a light, buzzy beat with even pulses and no lumpiness.
- Revs: an eager climb in pitch, with the buzz getting tighter and turbo noise joining in higher up.
- Drive: listen for boost building through the gears and the release of air when the throttle closes between shifts.
Why the SR20DET sounds like that
Like any four-stroke inline-4, the SR20DET fires twice per crank revolution, with pulses spaced evenly 180 degrees apart. That gives it a lower firing frequency than a six at the same rpm, and a characteristically buzzy, slightly coarse tone instead of a smooth hum.
The SR20 has an aluminum block and twin overhead cams, and it revs willingly. As the revs climb the buzz tightens into a busier, higher-pitched note, and the firing frequency shown above rises quickly with engine speed.
Turbo noise and the Spec-R
The turbocharged Spec-R was rated at 250 PS (247 hp) and paired with a six-speed manual and rear-wheel drive. Its single turbo takes energy out of the exhaust pulses, so the tailpipe note is muted in stock form, and much of what you hear under load is intake rush and turbo whistle as boost builds.
The S15 was sold new mainly in Japan, with versions offered in Australia and New Zealand as the 200SX. It was never sold new in the United States, which is part of why American enthusiasts know it mostly through videos and games.
Stock versus drift-built S15s
The S15 is one of the most popular drift cars ever made, and many examples run larger turbos, bigger intercoolers, wide downpipes, straight-through exhausts and atmospheric blow-off valves. That combination makes the car loud and raspy, adds crackles on the overrun and a sharp hiss when the throttle snaps shut. JDM recordings are often of cars like this, so what you hear may differ from a factory car.
Compared with the Mitsubishi Evo IX's 4G63, the SR20 tends to sound a little lighter and higher-pitched, while the Evo's iron-block engine is gruffer.
Frequently asked questions
What engine is in the Nissan Silvia S15?
The Spec-R uses the SR20DET, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 rated at 250 PS. The Spec-S used a naturally aspirated version of the SR20.
Why do S15s sound so loud in drift videos?
Most drift S15s are heavily modified with larger turbos, free-flowing exhausts and blow-off valves. A stock S15 is much quieter because the factory turbo and exhaust muffle the note.
Was the Silvia S15 sold in the US?
No. It was sold new in Japan and offered in Australia and New Zealand as the 200SX, so S15s in the US are imports.
