How did he get it into the usa does he have family here in canada or what lol im from canada i see them here all the time just wondering how he has 1 on the road
SR20DET Silvia S15 has a 6 speed transmission. This must be the base model with the naturally aspirated SR20DE. Unless, it's been swapped or something.
SmoothAsButter SN. There versions of the SR20DE (non turbo) Silvias, which have a 6-Speed and more HP than the standard non turbo Silvias. They're called Autech. ;-)
Being from America and living in Australia for a while I can say it isn't too bad. As he said the only weird thing is having so much room on your left side
I just read how you can import cars to america that are under 25 years of age and holy crap it is not easy. In a lot of cases you need a second car for testing. Props to anyone in America who has done it, you got it rough.
***** Its 20years rule here not 25. Think we got the best import rules ever here anyway, can pretty much import any car we want, if it doesnt meet the standards, cant register it for the road, but least we can still keep it etc
El Dwell There was a guy from Canada with a R34 GTR that just did a road trip across the US. I don’t think he’s still in the US as far as I know but his IG is @yyzcurator. Super cool guy with an awesome car collection including the aforementioned R34 GTR, an a ridiculously rare Autech R33 GTR 4 door, 911 GT2 RS, a 911 GT3 he puts snow tires on and drives in the Canadian wingers, etc
Who listens to the radio anymore? ;) Btw I always thought the S15 Silvia back end always looked just as good as the front end. But I think the Pontiac reference may have just ruined that for me...
I think what you said about it being a 1999 hits the mark on the head with Japanese sports cars of the 90s. If you look at any of them r34, z32, supra, nsx, s15. None of them look like cars from the 90s. They all look like they can pass for cars in the late 2000s thats what I love about them
Hey Dude in Blue, I am from australia and RHD is normal for us here. Best way to get a perfect change every time is to use pressure from your palm and push it into 2nd rather than pull it like you guys do. once you get the hang of it you can use it for all gears. and makes for nice smooth changes
Most people wouldn't notice a S15, but we are car guys :) We notice everything. Like seriously though. I find myself driving worse now that Im a car enthusiast, just because whenever a nice car drives by I immediately take my eyes off the road and check it out XD Awesome review David! Keep em Flordia videos coming :)
it has to be 25 years or older to be considered a classic. You can import modern cars from other countreis its just a shit load of money(depending on the car)
Aminu Abdullahi The "issue" that the 25 year rule was created for was DOT and EPA compliance. Most modern cars meet or exceed those standards without problems. Most are also already offered for sale in America, other than some european brands, japanese kei cars, and most of the subaru STI range. 90s japanese cars weren't side impact tested for DOT standards, nor were they tested to federal standards. 25 years was a number they picked to avoid setting a hard and fast "no import" rule.
I'm in Canada and am probably going to import a S15 within the next year. S-Chassis cars are just such great versatile platforms for tuning. I am looking to get a Spec-R as I find that is the iconic S15 Silvia. Nothing wrong with the Spec-S as shown in the video. If you plan on a serious track car build or if you don't want to deal with the SR20 from the get go and swap engines you might as well save money and go Spec-S... surprisingly they are about half the price of a Spec-R... hence the appeal.
Oh so this one is a Spec S Silvia. Quick lesson for people new to the S15 silvia. There are 4 variations of the S15 Silvia There is the Spec S- Came with a naturally aspirated SR20 Black Top which was like the Q's class for the S13 and S14 Silvia that only came with around 160 RWHP The Spec S Aero- The only difference is that it came with a spoiler that gave it the aggressive look that the S15 needed. The Spec R- This one came with a bigger turbo than the S14 had, it had the same engine but instead of the SR20DE it had an SR20DET. The Spec R Aero- Same thing as the Spec S, but had 250 RWHP and the same wing
The bouncy ride is probably from his shocks being blown not the springs. My buddy's S14 shocks went out on him when he got lowering springs so it might be the same scenario for this Silvia
The way you explained driving it and saying the car is always further over than you think is exactly what I felt going RHD to LHD when I was in the states lol
Hakone how the fuck did u come up with that lmao the 2500 mile thing ur thinking of applies to rare cars and its a very specific list. the silvia is not on that list...the silvia does not meet crash standerds and epa regulations and is not 25 or older. its grey market and probably has a s14 vin number or some of the other greymarket ways of getting them and all of which r illegal...one way that is a loophole is if u live in a northern state u can have a buddy that lives in canada import one and register it in canada and u can drive it in the us for about 2 months and then have to cross the border back to canada and then u can bring it bacl for 2 months...the 2 month number comes from time the car can be here before u have to register it in the us and since u cant register them here u cant have them.
Lived in Japan for a couple of years, then had a Skyline in Germany, so it was a step in between living in the US again. So I am used to either side now. After a while, it only becomes difficult coming out of a one-way street when you are used to one over the other.
mmmmm NA s15. To us in Australia who got the s15, the NA is reserved for teenagers and is a little embarrassing. Most wouldnt even consider one. I wish he reviewed the turbo Q_Q
+brad ley I got the NA because I already knew I was going to build it. No sense in spending 10k more just to take the engine out anyways. It currently has a Big single turbo 2JZ in it.
***** Yeah. Theyre common here. I was actually shopping for one a while back as a track car. i just meant the review doesnt really represent the true s15. just an opinion
There is actually a 6-speed version, it just wasn't offered in the Spec-S. Spec-S (non turbo) was 5-speed manual or automatic, but the Spec-R turbo is a 6-speed manual or auto. The turbo is much quicker as well, try and get a drive in one!
they could of swapped a few parts, and swapped engine from old 240 and installed parts from JDM half cut, and shipped JDM s15 parts, still pretty cool. (or they could of brought it up to US saftey standards)
I know how you feel, driving right hand drive.. I was in new Zealand for three months and the first week I was all messed up. Then when I came back home. I was hitting the wipers instead of signals.
I read in a magazine years ago of someone driving a RHD car and a few times he accidentally snacked his right hand against the door panel as he reached down to get ready to shift. That ever happen to you?
Been driving rhd for about 3 months. I've heard about that but I haven't done it once and I can't see it happening, even forcibly moving your arm to the right in a rhd feels odd in general
No that's never happened to me. Just moved to Japan on May 15th and bought literally the exact Spec S S15 as in this video. Color and all. But I have never reached for a shifter with my right hand
With my JDM Evo IV I had the hardest part about going from LHD to RHD is the blinkers and wipers. Also telling yourself to hold the right line of the road vs. drifting over to the left lines. These are fun cars! Driven a few S14's,S15's, R32's, R33's and R34's here in the states and its fun the reaction you get when someone realizes it is a RHD car or actually knows what it is. Tell you buddy to get some better coilovers and alignment on that thing ASAP!
I drive RHD every day here in Manitoba Canada in my Evo IV. Just stay in your lane, you can in multi lane traffic fine so its very easy to drive on the right hand side.
Absolutely illegal and will likely end up crushed, especially in florida. Customs can and will find out. Bypassing the 25 year law is incredibly difficult and highly illegal. No matter what anyone tells you, if its older than 25 stay away from it. I talk to a legitimate and honest importer in cali fairly regularly and he refuses to try to get a less than 25 year car in, because they always end up crushed and the customers end up furious. Tagged and titled DOES NOT mean legal. I had a friend who bought an 89 GTST a couple of years back that was tagged and titled and he sold it and it ended up seized and crushed a year later.
Celica Supra you can import a car under 25 years but its just expensive and you can import a that is 25 year old its a law so 89 and 90 R32's are legal to import and by the way where was friends R32 at like which state
Tahj Stephenson There are very few exceptions that customs will accept for a "show car" a guy legally brough in a R33 nismo edition a few years ago, but he can drive it only 6 thousand miles a year, and they keep a heavy eye on that. The extreme similarity law does not exist. If it did, there would be supras. 240s, and civics all over the place. The article explains that itself. As far as compliance, lol good luck with that. The only common legal way that can it can be done is for the car to be 25 years or older.
False, not all are illegal. A red top turbo Silvia are illegal but the non turbos are legal. Some have been imported BEFORE the ban as well. Plus, even after that, you can still get lucky and find one or import one LEGALLY. But some on the road do end up crushed due to scam importers saying its legal.
Interesting how you commented on the desire for a sixth gear, as some of the JDM S15's have the six speed gearbox! Its actually the same bellhousing as the S13-14's have however with the addition of the extra gear many argue that its weaker than the five speed mechanically. However I have a jdm S14 Kouki and I find the gearbox extremely solid, I have a light flywheel and six puck stage three in it and its running great. The S15's are the only silvias to recieve a dual mass flywheel however.
FOR ANYONE WONDERING HOW TO GET AN S15 IN THE US: this S15 that is shown is an illegal import and is subject to seizure at any time by Homeland Security. Do I agree with it? Hell no, but that's just how it is. If Homeland Security doesn't catch wind of it, then good for the owner. However, if he ever gets into an accident, he will go to prison for insurance fraud. You want an S15? Move to Canada. Or wait another 9 years.
+Robert DeMeo You are incorrect. Please don't speak up unless you know what youre talking about. And if you THINK you know... youre wrong. do more research.
+MODest Racing I have done months and months worth of research; I have read several forums with Sean Morris' input, and all of it was very enlightening. I know just about the entire Motorex story, partly as a result of Sean's input. I've even read through pages and pages of the section in 49 CFR that concerns automotive importation, which includes all of the requirements for a car to be bond released. Additionally, I know just about every loophole, and I came up with my own "kit car" loophole that, although expensive, might actually work. How about you try to show that I am incorrect by providing some information instead of just saying that I am incorrect? I am not wrong until you explain why, and that's how it is. Oh, and I also know about how states like Florida, Texas, and Arizona don't ask for federal import papers when registering the vehicle, which makes it easier to get the title transferred to a northern state like New Hampshire. That doesn't work in New York or Connecticut! They actually ask for the federal documentation. So if you think you can just register it like any other car, and that makes it legal, you are right as far as state registration. As for being "legal," no; it is considered contraband by the US government and, as I said, is subject to seizure by Homeland Security. Anyway, enough of my talk; I'd like to hear your points.
Dude people like you are so annoying. Just stay in your little world while people who dont like to ruin things are enjoying their younger than 25 year old car. Like me lol
By far the most obvious way to legally import a vehicle into the United States is to simply bring it into compliance with U.S. rules and regulations. Unfortunately, "simple" is hardly the word to describe this process, as it's easily the most expensive strategy on this list. To start, bringing a non-conforming car into compliance with U.S. rules and regulations requires crash testing the car in order to prove that it meets U.S. safety standards. That means you can't simply buy one example of the car you want to import: you have to buy several. And as you can probably guess, all will be destroyed in the ensuing crash tests. This alone can cost anywhere from tens of thousands of dollars to over a million, depending on the vehicle.89 In addition to the crash tests, you'll have to bring your car into compliance with other safety rules and regulations, too. A speedometer that only reads in kilometers must be converted to miles. Headlight angles must be checked to ensure they meet U.S. standards; if not, they'll have to be replaced with ones that do. You'll have to install orange reflectors on the front sides of the car, and red reflectors in back. You'll also have to comply with regulations dictating positioning of the third brake light and the strength of the bumpers. And then there's stuff you didn't even consider, like the little chime that beeps when you don't have your seatbelt on, and a device that limits fuel spillage in an accident. It all must be there, and converting a vehicle to meet these specifications alone can easily cost more than $10,000.10 And all of this is assuming the car passes its crash tests. If it fails, you'll have to add additional structural reinforcement in the doors, the roof, the bumpers, the front and rear ends, or possibly all of the above. So once you've spent tens - and potentially hundreds - of thousands of dollars just to destroy the vehicle you're considering in government-mandated crash tests, you may need to spend thousands more to ensure it can pass. The good news: once you've passed your crash tests, it's over. There's no re-testing, there's no annual compliance procedure. It's a massive expense, sure, but it's a one-time expense - and once you're certified, you can bring over as many cars as you want.11 Unfortunately there's another wrinkle involved before that happens. You see, the Department of Transportation isn't the only federal agency that takes a look at non-conforming cars. Your imported vehicle will also need approval from the Environmental Protection Agency, which is interested in just how much your desired vehicle pollutes. While getting a pre-1995 vehicle to pass EPA regulations isn't tremendously difficult, any car made in 1995 or later will need an on-board diagnostics (OBD II) system installed. In some cases, this can be prohibitively expensive, since many foreign-market 1990s vehicles were never manufactured with such a system in the first place.12 And then there's one more wrinkle: the great state of California, which I'll cover below in section four.1314 But in spite the enormous expense associated with the process of bringing a foreign car into compliance, several vehicles have been legally imported this way over the years. For example: many car enthusiasts know about Motorex, who brought the mid-1990s "R33" Nissan Skyline GT-R into compliance at great expense - an interesting tale I'll cover in greater depth in a future column. But Motorex isn't the only importer to complete the undertaking: a New Mexico-based imported called Europa brought the Mercedes G-Wagen into compliance and sold them for years, long before Mercedes-Benz arrived with an official version in 2002.15 2. The "Substantially Similar" Clause Here Are The Four Legal Ways To Import A Car To The United States If a vehicle is "substantially similar" to one that was already sold in the United States, then you can ignore everything I've said above and bring it right in. Or at least, that's the simple explanation. The reality is, of course, a lot more complicated. The "substantially similar" clause is primarily aimed at vehicles coming in to the United States from Canada. Imagine this situation: let's say you bought a Canadian-spec Toyota Highlander in Toronto, and then your job transferred you to the United States. Rather than going through the trouble and expense of selling your Canadian Highlander and buying another one in the States, you can simply claim your Highlander is "substantially similar" to a U.S. model - a claim that's undoubtedly true, since Canada and the United States broadly share most emissions and vehicle safety regulations. You get a few forms, you sign a few papers, you submit a standard letter from the automaker, and boom! Your Highlander is now legal in the United States. Unfortunately, enthusiasts are largely locked out of the "substantially similar" clause. The reason is that while Canadian cars largely conform to U.S. laws, vehicles from other markets do not necessarily share the same reciprocity. I'll give you an example to help illustrate my point. When I started this process more than six months ago, my initial plan was to import a late-2000s "E60" BMW M5 station wagon; the one with the huge V10 and that awful transmission; the one that felt like you were in the car with a 14-year-old whose only previous experience with a stick shift was driving a farm tractor through a hay field. 16 My thinking was this: although BMW never sold the M5 wagon in the U.S., they did sell the regular 5 Series wagon - and that means the M5 wagon's body is "substantially similar" to a vehicle that's already in compliance. Likewise, they never sold a wagon with that V10 - but they did sell a sedan with that engine, which makes the engine "substantially similar," too. I figured I would merely need to find a car, change a few headlights, and I'd be on my way, cruising around America in a suave M5 wagon.17 But here's what I found out: although the V10 engine in the European-spec M5 is "substantially similar" the one in the American-spec model, the EPA can't confirm that without conducting its tests. And although the body is substantially similar, the Department of Transportation doesn't quite operate on the "See how similar it looks?" theory of government regulation. They, too, would need to run tests - crash tests, I mean - in order to prove that the car is in compliance with U.S. laws and regulations. 18 However: if you're interested in a substantially similar car, there is one interesting way around these tests: all you need to do is get an automaker to write you a letter stating that the car is indeed substantially similar to a vehicle sold in the United States. Now, this may sound like a long, tiresome process; a process where you speak to 20 different people and listen to hold music for the better part of a week, and eventually you just chew off your own thumb. But in reality, it's common practice in the Toyota Highlander example given above. Just call an automaker's customer service line, tell them you're moving from Canada with your car, and you'll probably get the letter. But for a car coming in from Europe? Good luck. The automaker has two major incentives not to write this letter. Number one: they don't want some idiot spending big money on a foreign version of its product, when that person could just go buy a new one in the United States. And number two: they don't want the liability of certifying the safety equipment of a foreign-spec vehicle - because the automaker would undoubtedly get sued if an accident took place.19 So, a simple summary of the above paragraphs: unless you want to import a car from Canada that was already sold in the United States, you stand a very small chance of bringing it here under the "substantially similar" clause. However, there is one glimmer of hope. In 2006, a highly reputable Registered Importer in Baltimore called JK Technologies managed to convince the government that the "B5" Audi RS4 Avant was "substantially similar" to the A4 and S4 Avant models already sold here by Audi (despite protests from Volkswagen of America). That means two things: number one, the 2000-2001 Audi RS4 Avant is indeed legal for importation under this clause, with a few minor modifications. And number two: it's possible to import a cool enthusiast car under the "substantially similar" clause. But it's very, very unlikely. 2021 3. Show and Display Here Are The Four Legal Ways To Import A Car To The United States 22 If you're a car enthusiast in the United States, you're probably familiar with the Show and Display rule: the law that Bill Gates got passed in order to drive a Porsche 959 in America.23 In reality, the history of the Show and Display law is a little more complicated. For one thing, it wasn't just Gates who wanted the law passed, but actually several wealthy American car enthusiasts - including Ralph Lauren and Otis Chandler, former publisher of the Los Angeles Times. Eager to drive the 959 and various other rare vehicles never offered in the United States, the group banded together and hired an attorney in Washington, D.C., to approach the EPA, the NHTSA, and major automakers in order to come up with a "Show and Display" rule - essentially a law that allows certain unique vehicles to be exempted from the government's stringent rules and regulations, provided they are brought over solely for purposes of "show and display." The law was eventually passed in 1999, and it exempted certain unique vehicles from the federal government's challenging regulations and rules surrounding motor vehicle safety. In other words: No crash tests. No side marker lights. No headlight swaps. No seat belt chimes. Contrary to popular belief, however, vehicles imported under the "Show and Display" exemption must still conform to EPA rules and regulations - but that's the easy part. And most importantly, it's better than nothing. But here's the problem with Show and Display: it does not apply to you. What I mean by this is, Show and Display was primarily designed solely to apply to the most unusual, rarest, and most expensive vehicles on the planet. In fact, the U.S. government maintains a list of vehicles it has approved for Show and Display - and the list includes cars like the Aston Martin One-77, the Bugatti EB110, the McLaren F1, and the Mercedes CLK-GTR. Likewise, it maintains a list of vehicle it has denied under Show and Display - and that list includes cars like the Mazda Cosmo, the Lotus Elise S1, the Audi RS2, and virtually every standard variation of the Nissan Skyline GT-R that you can possibly imagine.24252627 Essentially, for a car to pass Show and Display scrutiny, the rules are these. Number one, it must never have been offered for sale in the United States. Number two, it must be out of production. Number three, it cannot be a replica or a kit car. And number four, production cannot exceed 500 examples. Admittedly, there are a few exceptions to these rules, but this is the general gist of it.28 Beyond those strict guidelines, the government imposes a few additional measures on Show and Display vehicles. First: you can't sell the car without written approval from the NHTSA, as they don't want Show and Displayers turning into profiteers. After all, the government probably figures, these cars are for show and display not import and profit. And second: you're limited to 2,500 miles per year. No cross-country roadtrips in your Bugatti EB110.293031 As a result, Show and Display is out for importing a vehicle unless you have Ralph Lauren money - and you're bringing in a Ralph Lauren-style car. 4. Make Sure It's 25 Years Old Here Are The Four Legal Ways To Import A Car To The United States Here's the crazy thing about all these regulations. After all the words I've written above; after all the EPA restrictions, and DOT regulations, and crash tests, and bumper strength laws; after all the rules and guidelines and mileage limits; after all that … the day a car turns 25 years old, it's legal to import, with no restrictions at all. And I mean 25 years old. And I mean no restrictions. 32333435 Seriously: if a car is 24 years and 11 months old, you'd better bring it into compliance or else risk it getting crushed into a cube the size of a surge protector. But the moment it turns 25 years old, anything goes. No seat belts? No problem. No headlights? No problem. You want to import a Nissan Figaro with a big block Chevy V8 and windows tinted so dark that they look like one-way mirrors? As long as it's 25 years old, no problem. Bring it in, with only one caveat: it needs to be using its original engine, or one that was already EPA certified. This is how I'm importing my Skyline GT-R. Since the first "R32" GT-Rs were manufactured in August 1989, they became 25 years old - and thus fully legal - in August 2014. No crash tests, no headlight changes, no EPA certification. My car is a January 1990 build, which means it's legally importable as of January 2015. And that means it'll be ready to go when it comes off the boat in March. There are only two exceptions to this little rule. Number one: your own state laws might have something to say about a car, 25 years old or not, without safety items like seat belts and headlights. So even though you're exempt from federal laws on the subject, you still have to comply with your own state rules and regulations. Some states have no inspection, so this isn't a problem - but in Virginia (where the car will be arriving) and Pennsylvania (where I live), I had better have seat belts, or I won't get plates. 36 Exception number two: the great state of California, whose emissions laws are stricter than the federal government's. You see, while the EPA exempts vehicles on a rolling 21-year basis, meaning that anything age 21 or older is exempt from federal emissions laws, California laws start with all vehicles manufactured after 1975. In other words: if your car is newer than 1975, and it was never originally certified to operate in California, you must go about getting it certified there - even if it's already legal in every other state. Since this process can cost thousands of dollars, I won't be doing this - which means my car can't go to a buyer in California. 3738 So there you go, ladies and gentlemen: a quick rundown of the import laws that somehow turned into an incredibly lengthy rundown of the import laws. You may now take your union-mandated smoke break. NOTE: This column was edited to reflect the fact that a vehicle over 25 years old can only be imported with its original engine or a different EPA-certified engine.
Another example: Let's say you're buying the Mexican market Ford LOBO, it is legal in the United States because it is similar to the Ford F-150. You wouldn't have to sell your Ford LOBO after all.
was kinda annoying how you mainly kept talking about the car being RHD when people all over the world not just from USA watch your videos - like myself, from australia where RHD is standard. but! on a bright note, i actually bought a silvia s15 about 6 days ago & i absolutely love it :) theres pictures on my twitter if you or anyone else wants to see it. twitter.com/obeyruby_
It shouldn't be annoying, when all there really is to talk about is to bring a perspective from an American since these are so rare here. The car drives just like almost every other 240 I've driven- just slower with the NA motor.
Obey Ruby Mad s15! I'm getting mine towards the end of the year once I get my P's. I'll be getting a 200sx s15, considering they are legal with turbo now in Sydney. Does yours have a turbo or not?
living in indonesia, being used to RHD, you don't shift from 1st to 2nd in that way. you should put your palm at the front of the shifter and push it away. try it! it's better, in my opinion.
Great video in every aspect and your voice was so clear and gave some really interesting facts about the car and even a bit about yourself. Subscribed.
***** By definition of U.S. FMVSS law, cars that are brought to U.S. compliance are legal. This car was not brought into FMVSS compliance, and since it is under 25 years old, it is illegal here. Just because a non-conforming car is registered in a state does not mean it has been legally obtained and insured.
Haha yeah, the same thing happened to me when I drove a left hand car for the first time, but vice versa. I'm used to RHD and I kept wanting to drift right. Also, the other annoying thing getting used to, is where the rear view mirror is. I kept glancing up and left to find that there's nothing there. I actually found myself adapting this to looking into the left side mirror in order to see behind me, before finally getting myself to use the actual rear mirror. Oh, and the indicators and wipers being swapped. So much rage. But in a few days you get used to all this. Was interesting experience.
I just recently sold my s15, and i miss it. Like this it was naturally aspirated but it was an autech s15 so it came out of the autech factory with tuned length headers, cams and a had a tune and made the same power as a stock aus delivered s15 (147kw). It was also a 6 speed. Love your videos btw David hope you make it down under one day and review a few r34 gtrs and what not!
Actually over here only old cars have indicators/blinkers on the right side. 90% of cars made after 2000 have indicators on the left as if it was a LHD which does however make things slightly harder because now you have to shift and indicate with one hand
In the past few days I've been looking at 96-98 240's for sale and this one guy had a s15 body kit on it, it looked cool but idk, I still love the 89-91 s13 rear end
Must have the Spec-S there, as the spec R came 6 speed from factory, in Australia both spec S and R came 6 speed with the Aus Delivered models. Funny thing is the 5 speed gearbox is a better and stronger box than the 6 speed, hence why a lot of people do RB Gearbox conversions to them. They get a Skyline R33 GTS-T 5 speed and put them in anything from s13-15 as its a much stronger box and can handle way more power. I own a Aus Delivered Spec R currently and it is one of the most amazing looking cars coming out of Japan, also super fun to drive even without a huge amount of power as its so nimble and feels almost like you're driving a gokart!
Funny you were in jax. I've lived here since February now, I drive a Miata that's decently low and I feel you on the construction and the roads, claimed a few oil pans lol
Drove my RHD Subaru legacy down to Colorado this past fall and all yall Americans have it rough man people were blown away to see my car which is so weird considering where I live I see RHD cars on a weekly if not daily basis
I do the exact same thing in my R33 its indicator is on the right but my daily driver has it on the left, I always hit the wipers in the R33 when going for the turn signal.
How does the S15 SR20 feel compare to KA24 in a S14? I think the S15 SR20DET Spec R has cruise control but it is way harder to pass smog and stuff in state of California (which I am in).
I havent had time to check but if you dont have a video on the process your buddy took to get the car, itd be really amazing to see what all is necessary to import an S15 or other cars we didnt get. Great stuff as usual btw.
I would be interested to hear the story of how this car wound up in the states. Here in Japan S15 Spec S sell for almost nothing. A good Spec R is worth about 10K, but you can get a Spec S with 100,000 miles for 2,000$ here!
I own a s15 Spec-R. It is now my life. If you are looking at getting an s15. definitely save your money for the Spec-R model. It'll cost more but totally worth every penny!
Ok for everyone who is clearly confused. Nissan made 6 models of the s15. 4 for the Japanese and New Zealand market that are the most known around the world as a Silvia and 2 models for the Australian market known as the 200sx. The models for the Japanese market were a convertible model called the varieta which was a non turbo these were very rare. A spec R model which was a turbo charged 6 speed making around 240hp this is the most famous model and the model you are probably thinking of when you think s15. A spec S model which was non turbo 5 speed (the model shown in this video) I can't remember how much power it made. And a 3rd party made a special edition 'autech' version which was a 6 speed tuned non turbo Sr20 making around 200hp. In Australia the car was called a 200sx and both spec s and spec r came with a turbo charged sr20 with a 6 speed. The only difference between models was the options. Both Australian models saw detuned versions of the sr20 due to lower quality fuel in Australia making about 200hp. Nissan Australia later released a 7th model called the GT which was the same as the other models only had more options like leather seats. So there you go kids your s15 101 class is now complete.
Man you just drove my dream !!! Such a gorgeous car. Living in CA its nearly impossible to get one. Personally just put an s15 front on my s13. not the same. But i still like my beater.
...also WHY NO TURBO?? It seems like this was a custom swap but why swap in a NON turbo SR20DE when you can find plenty of turbo SR20DET, is it for emissions reasons?
I know you said you don't know about the importing part of it, but my importer is more than capable of getting an R34 imported to the US and getting it perfectly street legal, but he said there's really no way to make an S15 street legal. I'm wondering how he got it, unless he brought it in in pieces, and built it here, and registered it as a kit car. If you ever find out what he did please tell us! I want to add one to my collection!
This would have been a serious contender to the MKIV Supra if they would have imported it with the RB or turbo SR motor, It really has some amazing lines and ageless design.
I plan to import a S15 with the SR20 DETT from japan one day, anyone know how much the shipping would cost to Europe ? And approximately how much the car would cost, in nice conditions ? thanks
My voice was a little gone sorry dudes! But that right hand drive life. Thanks for watching!
How did he get it into the usa does he have family here in canada or what lol im from canada i see them here all the time just wondering how he has 1 on the road
I don't know that's why I said I didn't in the video.
Yea i know i though maybe u asked him after lol nice vid
brandon anderson jalopnik com/here-are-the-four-legal-ways-to-import-a-car-to-the-uni-1682067632 hope this helps
very informative stuff here
I love the sr20de I had one in a 92 civic
I'd rather take a S15 than a R32
Same
Any day
I'm driving mine down to the US in August, make offer... I'll fly back.. lol
R33(400r)>s15>R32
@@tomsfruitstand6821 u are mental
SR20DET Silvia S15 has a 6 speed transmission. This must be the base model with the naturally aspirated SR20DE. Unless, it's been swapped or something.
He said its Naturally Asipirated :)
DriftingPanda
Yup. Sometimes I comment before the video is over...
kylethestyle It's got a 3.73 rear, too...
The S15 Silvia Spec-R has a 6-speed and the SR20DET and the Spec-S has a 5-spd and the SR20DE .
SmoothAsButter SN. There versions of the SR20DE (non turbo) Silvias, which have a 6-Speed and more HP than the standard non turbo Silvias. They're called Autech. ;-)
Dayum that guy is wealthy. Built Evo, Silvia S15, and living in Miami.
He's in Tampa. Haha.
ThatDudeinBlue Haha oops XD I dont know if thats nicer or worse than Miami
Gingium He's not filthy rich, he just has his priorities straight :)
Caleb Marshall DOOD MY NAME IS CALEB TOO!
And lol ik! I wanna be like this guy when I grow up XD
Not in Miami in Tampa they were just visiting Miami
My brain would be fried in ten seconds trying to driving RHD.
Being from America and living in Australia for a while I can say it isn't too bad. As he said the only weird thing is having so much room on your left side
Edward Caffery Yeah im sure you could get used to it. But it would definitely be weird at first
Oh yeah... it definitely was
do LHD cars have gears going top left to bottom right?
HxZeyy Yeah! As he mentioned, I think its the same :)
I was beside my mom while watching this video and she said "Is that Ashton Kutcher?" ahaha
Holy shit lol.. I can see where that came from
When my channel first started I used to get that a lot lol.
You've been punked.
Lmao 😂 that just made my day
Most of the S15's here in Australia have 6 speed manuals
They'll more than likely be spec r ones with turbos to
+Doctor Ernie spec r in Australia has climate control aswell
Lmao my 15 is a 6 speed I'm from Australia
There's a lot of speculation on how this car was imported, i just hope it doesn't get crushed.
There are legal ways of importation. EXPENSIVE ways.
jalopnik com/here-are-the-four-legal-ways-to-import-a-car-to-the-uni-1682067632
BCJDM I always wanted to take the Vin # off an S14 240sx Then place them on an S15 silvia
+liemciemdk89 That would be highly illegal.
Liemciemdk89 thats car rebirthing man
i thought the pontiac grand prix looked like a silvia
Yea same
It looks like a grandam or transam from the back but that is it
I just read how you can import cars to america that are under 25 years of age and holy crap it is not easy. In a lot of cases you need a second car for testing. Props to anyone in America who has done it, you got it rough.
***** Its 20years rule here not 25. Think we got the best import rules ever here anyway, can pretty much import any car we want, if it doesnt meet the standards, cant register it for the road, but least we can still keep it etc
This car is Canadian register car but he is driving in US.
MadelnJapan wait can we just do that then
Yup and as long as it’s registered in Canada and you have a Canada license it can come here up to a year
I’m thinking about moving to Canada just for the cars lol
blame Mercedes for this stupid fucking law
El Dwell There was a guy from Canada with a R34 GTR that just did a road trip across the US. I don’t think he’s still in the US as far as I know but his IG is @yyzcurator. Super cool guy with an awesome car collection including the aforementioned R34 GTR, an a ridiculously rare Autech R33 GTR 4 door, 911 GT2 RS, a 911 GT3 he puts snow tires on and drives in the Canadian wingers, etc
David, your taste in music is perfect.. That 20syl remix is amazing!
Who listens to the radio anymore? ;) Btw I always thought the S15 Silvia back end always looked just as good as the front end. But I think the Pontiac reference may have just ruined that for me...
me too
I think what you said about it being a 1999 hits the mark on the head with Japanese sports cars of the 90s. If you look at any of them r34, z32, supra, nsx, s15. None of them look like cars from the 90s. They all look like they can pass for cars in the late 2000s thats what I love about them
The S15 Spec-R is a 6-Speed.
Hey Dude in Blue, I am from australia and RHD is normal for us here. Best way to get a perfect change every time is to use pressure from your palm and push it into 2nd rather than pull it like you guys do. once you get the hang of it you can use it for all gears. and makes for nice smooth changes
What i want to know is why the rear tires look like they are sticking out of the car and not underneath the fender all the way
Because racecar
He probably ran a bigger wheel/tyre Combo and didn't want to mess with larger flairs.
Connell Kennedy the wheels are probably staggered
Aggressive fitment crew
He probably bought the car that way
Most people wouldn't notice a S15, but we are car guys :) We notice everything. Like seriously though. I find myself driving worse now that Im a car enthusiast, just because whenever a nice car drives by I immediately take my eyes off the road and check it out XD
Awesome review David! Keep em Flordia videos coming :)
How did he import it? Doesnt the car have to be 25 years old in order for it to be imported to the US
it has to be 25 years or older to be considered a classic. You can import modern cars from other countreis its just a shit load of money(depending on the car)
hope this helps both of you very informative stuff here "alopnik com/here-are-the-four-legal-ways-to-import-a-car-to-the-uni-1682067632"
jalopnik.com/here-are-the-four-legal-ways-to-import-a-car-to-the-uni-1682067632
Ignore the above and read PacificCoastAutos comment, very in depth.
Aminu Abdullahi The "issue" that the 25 year rule was created for was DOT and EPA compliance. Most modern cars meet or exceed those standards without problems. Most are also already offered for sale in America, other than some european brands, japanese kei cars, and most of the subaru STI range. 90s japanese cars weren't side impact tested for DOT standards, nor were they tested to federal standards. 25 years was a number they picked to avoid setting a hard and fast "no import" rule.
I'm in Canada and am probably going to import a S15 within the next year. S-Chassis cars are just such great versatile platforms for tuning. I am looking to get a Spec-R as I find that is the iconic S15 Silvia. Nothing wrong with the Spec-S as shown in the video. If you plan on a serious track car build or if you don't want to deal with the SR20 from the get go and swap engines you might as well save money and go Spec-S... surprisingly they are about half the price of a Spec-R... hence the appeal.
Oh so this one is a Spec S Silvia. Quick lesson for people new to the S15 silvia.
There are 4 variations of the S15 Silvia
There is the Spec S- Came with a naturally aspirated SR20 Black Top which was like the Q's class for the S13 and S14 Silvia that only came with around 160 RWHP
The Spec S Aero- The only difference is that it came with a spoiler that gave it the aggressive look that the S15 needed.
The Spec R- This one came with a bigger turbo than the S14 had, it had the same engine but instead of the SR20DE it had an SR20DET.
The Spec R Aero- Same thing as the Spec S, but had 250 RWHP and the same wing
forgot the convertible one
Robby Kimbrell oh yeah, its the Varietta if im not mistaken
Spec S's in Australia came as the turbo Sr20det version along with the 6 speed transmission
I'm still yet to see an S15, I do hope I can see one of these beauties one day :D.
What type of camera you use ?!
Canon t3i. I have a lot of tutorial and FAQ videos if interested.
ThatDudeinBlue Camera upgrade mabye?
Nah, don't have the budget for a camera that's a lot better than the one I already have.
im just saying 4K car reviews would be awesome :P
thanks for the reply,
hopefully in the future mabye
The bouncy ride is probably from his shocks being blown not the springs. My buddy's S14 shocks went out on him when he got lowering springs so it might be the same scenario for this Silvia
is this the spec s
The way you explained driving it and saying the car is always further over than you think is exactly what I felt going RHD to LHD when I was in the states lol
How did he get a '99 over here?
Even though there's a 25 year law, it's possible. It's hard, very hard, but possible.
You can register as antique to drive 2500 miles a year, but inspectors come by and check the miles every month to make sure you don't violate
Hakone how the fuck did u come up with that lmao the 2500 mile thing ur thinking of applies to rare cars and its a very specific list. the silvia is not on that list...the silvia does not meet crash standerds and epa regulations and is not 25 or older. its grey market and probably has a s14 vin number or some of the other greymarket ways of getting them and all of which r illegal...one way that is a loophole is if u live in a northern state u can have a buddy that lives in canada import one and register it in canada and u can drive it in the us for about 2 months and then have to cross the border back to canada and then u can bring it bacl for 2 months...the 2 month number comes from time the car can be here before u have to register it in the us and since u cant register them here u cant have them.
Lived in Japan for a couple of years, then had a Skyline in Germany, so it was a step in between living in the US again. So I am used to either side now. After a while, it only becomes difficult coming out of a one-way street when you are used to one over the other.
mmmmm NA s15. To us in Australia who got the s15, the NA is reserved for teenagers and is a little embarrassing. Most wouldnt even consider one. I wish he reviewed the turbo Q_Q
yea true but~ Buy NA prius. Put turbo on NA prius. Now a Turbo prius... reviewing *stock* prius for its performance still isnt what people want to see
+brad ley I got the NA because I already knew I was going to build it. No sense in spending 10k more just to take the engine out anyways. It currently has a Big single turbo 2JZ in it.
MODest Racing that sounds awesome :) i just mean the review doesnt really represent the s15 for all its worth
***** Yeah. Theyre common here. I was actually shopping for one a while back as a track car. i just meant the review doesnt really represent the true s15. just an opinion
There is actually a 6-speed version, it just wasn't offered in the Spec-S. Spec-S (non turbo) was 5-speed manual or automatic, but the Spec-R turbo is a 6-speed manual or auto. The turbo is much quicker as well, try and get a drive in one!
How the hell did you get this into the US?? I thought they were illegal
lmao was about to comment this
Gucci Mane lol I am both confused and amased about the s15, maybe its a converted 240sx
they could of swapped a few parts, and swapped engine from old 240 and installed parts from JDM half cut, and shipped JDM s15 parts, still pretty cool. (or they could of brought it up to US saftey standards)
haha true
im tryna buy my first car and i'm debating on a s13 or integra but the s13 is 5,000 and not sure if it's worth it
sounds like a good idea, I myself am going for a 1998 subaru forester for a first car (im a huge wagon fan lol)
I know how you feel, driving right hand drive.. I was in new Zealand for three months and the first week I was all messed up. Then when I came back home. I was hitting the wipers instead of signals.
I read in a magazine years ago of someone driving a RHD car and a few times he accidentally snacked his right hand against the door panel as he reached down to get ready to shift. That ever happen to you?
Been driving rhd for about 3 months. I've heard about that but I haven't done it once and I can't see it happening, even forcibly moving your arm to the right in a rhd feels odd in general
No that's never happened to me. Just moved to Japan on May 15th and bought literally the exact Spec S S15 as in this video. Color and all. But I have never reached for a shifter with my right hand
With my JDM Evo IV I had the hardest part about going from LHD to RHD is the blinkers and wipers. Also telling yourself to hold the right line of the road vs. drifting over to the left lines. These are fun cars! Driven a few S14's,S15's, R32's, R33's and R34's here in the states and its fun the reaction you get when someone realizes it is a RHD car or actually knows what it is. Tell you buddy to get some better coilovers and alignment on that thing ASAP!
I really hope the car doesn't get impounded.
This S15 is Canadian registered
I drive RHD every day here in Manitoba Canada in my Evo IV. Just stay in your lane, you can in multi lane traffic fine so its very easy to drive on the right hand side.
Great review, I absolutely love the S15!
However, your voice sounds like you've been talking... For 5 hours straight.
I know, my voice was gone from previous work.
ThatDudeinBlue im surprised you didnt mention that this car was in the second race of fast and furious Tokyo drift in the video
I know what you're saying with the cruise control, I never had cruise control but yeah I often wished for it, it's just so comfortable on long drives.
ThatDudeinBlue Come to Philadelphia - Do a review/comparison of my skylines - R34 GTR and R34 GTT.
Send me an email!
ThatDudeinBlue Couldn't find your email, sent a message on Facebook. Check out my instagram - JapStarz
Hey david, the 6 speed for the s15 is known to be the worst of all options, so the 5 speed is actually the right choice out of the 2 transmissions
Absolutely illegal and will likely end up crushed, especially in florida. Customs can and will find out. Bypassing the 25 year law is incredibly difficult and highly illegal. No matter what anyone tells you, if its older than 25 stay away from it. I talk to a legitimate and honest importer in cali fairly regularly and he refuses to try to get a less than 25 year car in, because they always end up crushed and the customers end up furious. Tagged and titled DOES NOT mean legal. I had a friend who bought an 89 GTST a couple of years back that was tagged and titled and he sold it and it ended up seized and crushed a year later.
Celica Supra you can import a car under 25 years but its just expensive and you can import a that is 25 year old its a law so 89 and 90 R32's are legal to import and by the way where was friends R32 at like which state
jalopnik.com/here-are-the-four-legal-ways-to-import-a-car-to-the-uni-1682067632
Tahj Stephenson There are very few exceptions that customs will accept for a "show car" a guy legally brough in a R33 nismo edition a few years ago, but he can drive it only 6 thousand miles a year, and they keep a heavy eye on that. The extreme similarity law does not exist. If it did, there would be supras. 240s, and civics all over the place. The article explains that itself. As far as compliance, lol good luck with that. The only common legal way that can it can be done is for the car to be 25 years or older.
TheAsianKid I forgot to put a - infront of the 25 to imply "less than 25 year old". Yes, you can import a car that is 25 years or older.
False, not all are illegal. A red top turbo Silvia are illegal but the non turbos are legal. Some have been imported BEFORE the ban as well. Plus, even after that, you can still get lucky and find one or import one LEGALLY. But some on the road do end up crushed due to scam importers saying its legal.
Nice, im glad someone in the us car youtube community was, able to drive one of these legends. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the car with us
I thought they where illegal in the U.S🤔🤔
Dms Master they are....
Unless its owned by a foreigner or a US national living abroad who can keep it in country for 1 year. Its supposed to be exported after, but......
Not legal under an circumstance unless under exemption and that isn't one.
So ur telling me I can make it an exception by paying $10k+ to legalize it? I thought MotoRX never did any of these and specialized in GTRs!
Interesting how you commented on the desire for a sixth gear, as some of the JDM S15's have the six speed gearbox! Its actually the same bellhousing as the S13-14's have however with the addition of the extra gear many argue that its weaker than the five speed mechanically. However I have a jdm S14 Kouki and I find the gearbox extremely solid, I have a light flywheel and six puck stage three in it and its running great. The S15's are the only silvias to recieve a dual mass flywheel however.
FOR ANYONE WONDERING HOW TO GET AN S15 IN THE US: this S15 that is shown is an illegal import and is subject to seizure at any time by Homeland Security. Do I agree with it? Hell no, but that's just how it is. If Homeland Security doesn't catch wind of it, then good for the owner. However, if he ever gets into an accident, he will go to prison for insurance fraud.
You want an S15? Move to Canada. Or wait another 9 years.
+Robert DeMeo You are incorrect. Please don't speak up unless you know what youre talking about. And if you THINK you know... youre wrong. do more research.
+MODest Racing I have done months and months worth of research; I have read several forums with Sean Morris' input, and all of it was very enlightening. I know just about the entire Motorex story, partly as a result of Sean's input. I've even read through pages and pages of the section in 49 CFR that concerns automotive importation, which includes all of the requirements for a car to be bond released. Additionally, I know just about every loophole, and I came up with my own "kit car" loophole that, although expensive, might actually work. How about you try to show that I am incorrect by providing some information instead of just saying that I am incorrect? I am not wrong until you explain why, and that's how it is.
Oh, and I also know about how states like Florida, Texas, and Arizona don't ask for federal import papers when registering the vehicle, which makes it easier to get the title transferred to a northern state like New Hampshire. That doesn't work in New York or Connecticut! They actually ask for the federal documentation. So if you think you can just register it like any other car, and that makes it legal, you are right as far as state registration. As for being "legal," no; it is considered contraband by the US government and, as I said, is subject to seizure by Homeland Security.
Anyway, enough of my talk; I'd like to hear your points.
Dude people like you are so annoying. Just stay in your little world while people who dont like to ruin things are enjoying their younger than 25 year old car. Like me lol
The Silvia S15 is just a beautiful car.
Keep it up man, your reviews are awesome!
By far the most obvious way to legally import a vehicle into the United States is to simply bring it into compliance with U.S. rules and regulations. Unfortunately, "simple" is hardly the word to describe this process, as it's easily the most expensive strategy on this list.
To start, bringing a non-conforming car into compliance with U.S. rules and regulations requires crash testing the car in order to prove that it meets U.S. safety standards. That means you can't simply buy one example of the car you want to import: you have to buy several. And as you can probably guess, all will be destroyed in the ensuing crash tests. This alone can cost anywhere from tens of thousands of dollars to over a million, depending on the vehicle.89
In addition to the crash tests, you'll have to bring your car into compliance with other safety rules and regulations, too. A speedometer that only reads in kilometers must be converted to miles. Headlight angles must be checked to ensure they meet U.S. standards; if not, they'll have to be replaced with ones that do. You'll have to install orange reflectors on the front sides of the car, and red reflectors in back. You'll also have to comply with regulations dictating positioning of the third brake light and the strength of the bumpers. And then there's stuff you didn't even consider, like the little chime that beeps when you don't have your seatbelt on, and a device that limits fuel spillage in an accident. It all must be there, and converting a vehicle to meet these specifications alone can easily cost more than $10,000.10
And all of this is assuming the car passes its crash tests. If it fails, you'll have to add additional structural reinforcement in the doors, the roof, the bumpers, the front and rear ends, or possibly all of the above. So once you've spent tens - and potentially hundreds - of thousands of dollars just to destroy the vehicle you're considering in government-mandated crash tests, you may need to spend thousands more to ensure it can pass.
The good news: once you've passed your crash tests, it's over. There's no re-testing, there's no annual compliance procedure. It's a massive expense, sure, but it's a one-time expense - and once you're certified, you can bring over as many cars as you want.11
Unfortunately there's another wrinkle involved before that happens. You see, the Department of Transportation isn't the only federal agency that takes a look at non-conforming cars. Your imported vehicle will also need approval from the Environmental Protection Agency, which is interested in just how much your desired vehicle pollutes. While getting a pre-1995 vehicle to pass EPA regulations isn't tremendously difficult, any car made in 1995 or later will need an on-board diagnostics (OBD II) system installed. In some cases, this can be prohibitively expensive, since many foreign-market 1990s vehicles were never manufactured with such a system in the first place.12
And then there's one more wrinkle: the great state of California, which I'll cover below in section four.1314
But in spite the enormous expense associated with the process of bringing a foreign car into compliance, several vehicles have been legally imported this way over the years. For example: many car enthusiasts know about Motorex, who brought the mid-1990s "R33" Nissan Skyline GT-R into compliance at great expense - an interesting tale I'll cover in greater depth in a future column. But Motorex isn't the only importer to complete the undertaking: a New Mexico-based imported called Europa brought the Mercedes G-Wagen into compliance and sold them for years, long before Mercedes-Benz arrived with an official version in 2002.15
2. The "Substantially Similar" Clause
Here Are The Four Legal Ways To Import A Car To The United States
If a vehicle is "substantially similar" to one that was already sold in the United States, then you can ignore everything I've said above and bring it right in.
Or at least, that's the simple explanation. The reality is, of course, a lot more complicated.
The "substantially similar" clause is primarily aimed at vehicles coming in to the United States from Canada. Imagine this situation: let's say you bought a Canadian-spec Toyota Highlander in Toronto, and then your job transferred you to the United States. Rather than going through the trouble and expense of selling your Canadian Highlander and buying another one in the States, you can simply claim your Highlander is "substantially similar" to a U.S. model - a claim that's undoubtedly true, since Canada and the United States broadly share most emissions and vehicle safety regulations. You get a few forms, you sign a few papers, you submit a standard letter from the automaker, and boom! Your Highlander is now legal in the United States.
Unfortunately, enthusiasts are largely locked out of the "substantially similar" clause. The reason is that while Canadian cars largely conform to U.S. laws, vehicles from other markets do not necessarily share the same reciprocity.
I'll give you an example to help illustrate my point. When I started this process more than six months ago, my initial plan was to import a late-2000s "E60" BMW M5 station wagon; the one with the huge V10 and that awful transmission; the one that felt like you were in the car with a 14-year-old whose only previous experience with a stick shift was driving a farm tractor through a hay field. 16
My thinking was this: although BMW never sold the M5 wagon in the U.S., they did sell the regular 5 Series wagon - and that means the M5 wagon's body is "substantially similar" to a vehicle that's already in compliance. Likewise, they never sold a wagon with that V10 - but they did sell a sedan with that engine, which makes the engine "substantially similar," too. I figured I would merely need to find a car, change a few headlights, and I'd be on my way, cruising around America in a suave M5 wagon.17
But here's what I found out: although the V10 engine in the European-spec M5 is "substantially similar" the one in the American-spec model, the EPA can't confirm that without conducting its tests. And although the body is substantially similar, the Department of Transportation doesn't quite operate on the "See how similar it looks?" theory of government regulation. They, too, would need to run tests - crash tests, I mean - in order to prove that the car is in compliance with U.S. laws and regulations. 18
However: if you're interested in a substantially similar car, there is one interesting way around these tests: all you need to do is get an automaker to write you a letter stating that the car is indeed substantially similar to a vehicle sold in the United States.
Now, this may sound like a long, tiresome process; a process where you speak to 20 different people and listen to hold music for the better part of a week, and eventually you just chew off your own thumb. But in reality, it's common practice in the Toyota Highlander example given above. Just call an automaker's customer service line, tell them you're moving from Canada with your car, and you'll probably get the letter.
But for a car coming in from Europe? Good luck.
The automaker has two major incentives not to write this letter. Number one: they don't want some idiot spending big money on a foreign version of its product, when that person could just go buy a new one in the United States. And number two: they don't want the liability of certifying the safety equipment of a foreign-spec vehicle - because the automaker would undoubtedly get sued if an accident took place.19
So, a simple summary of the above paragraphs: unless you want to import a car from Canada that was already sold in the United States, you stand a very small chance of bringing it here under the "substantially similar" clause.
However, there is one glimmer of hope. In 2006, a highly reputable Registered Importer in Baltimore called JK Technologies managed to convince the government that the "B5" Audi RS4 Avant was "substantially similar" to the A4 and S4 Avant models already sold here by Audi (despite protests from Volkswagen of America). That means two things: number one, the 2000-2001 Audi RS4 Avant is indeed legal for importation under this clause, with a few minor modifications. And number two: it's possible to import a cool enthusiast car under the "substantially similar" clause. But it's very, very unlikely. 2021
3. Show and Display
Here Are The Four Legal Ways To Import A Car To The United States
22
If you're a car enthusiast in the United States, you're probably familiar with the Show and Display rule: the law that Bill Gates got passed in order to drive a Porsche 959 in America.23
In reality, the history of the Show and Display law is a little more complicated. For one thing, it wasn't just Gates who wanted the law passed, but actually several wealthy American car enthusiasts - including Ralph Lauren and Otis Chandler, former publisher of the Los Angeles Times.
Eager to drive the 959 and various other rare vehicles never offered in the United States, the group banded together and hired an attorney in Washington, D.C., to approach the EPA, the NHTSA, and major automakers in order to come up with a "Show and Display" rule - essentially a law that allows certain unique vehicles to be exempted from the government's stringent rules and regulations, provided they are brought over solely for purposes of "show and display."
The law was eventually passed in 1999, and it exempted certain unique vehicles from the federal government's challenging regulations and rules surrounding motor vehicle safety. In other words: No crash tests. No side marker lights. No headlight swaps. No seat belt chimes. Contrary to popular belief, however, vehicles imported under the "Show and Display" exemption must still conform to EPA rules and regulations - but that's the easy part. And most importantly, it's better than nothing.
But here's the problem with Show and Display: it does not apply to you.
What I mean by this is, Show and Display was primarily designed solely to apply to the most unusual, rarest, and most expensive vehicles on the planet. In fact, the U.S. government maintains a list of vehicles it has approved for Show and Display - and the list includes cars like the Aston Martin One-77, the Bugatti EB110, the McLaren F1, and the Mercedes CLK-GTR. Likewise, it maintains a list of vehicle it has denied under Show and Display - and that list includes cars like the Mazda Cosmo, the Lotus Elise S1, the Audi RS2, and virtually every standard variation of the Nissan Skyline GT-R that you can possibly imagine.24252627
Essentially, for a car to pass Show and Display scrutiny, the rules are these. Number one, it must never have been offered for sale in the United States. Number two, it must be out of production. Number three, it cannot be a replica or a kit car. And number four, production cannot exceed 500 examples. Admittedly, there are a few exceptions to these rules, but this is the general gist of it.28
Beyond those strict guidelines, the government imposes a few additional measures on Show and Display vehicles. First: you can't sell the car without written approval from the NHTSA, as they don't want Show and Displayers turning into profiteers. After all, the government probably figures, these cars are for show and display not import and profit. And second: you're limited to 2,500 miles per year. No cross-country roadtrips in your Bugatti EB110.293031
As a result, Show and Display is out for importing a vehicle unless you have Ralph Lauren money - and you're bringing in a Ralph Lauren-style car.
4. Make Sure It's 25 Years Old
Here Are The Four Legal Ways To Import A Car To The United States
Here's the crazy thing about all these regulations. After all the words I've written above; after all the EPA restrictions, and DOT regulations, and crash tests, and bumper strength laws; after all the rules and guidelines and mileage limits; after all that … the day a car turns 25 years old, it's legal to import, with no restrictions at all.
And I mean 25 years old. And I mean no restrictions. 32333435
Seriously: if a car is 24 years and 11 months old, you'd better bring it into compliance or else risk it getting crushed into a cube the size of a surge protector. But the moment it turns 25 years old, anything goes. No seat belts? No problem. No headlights? No problem. You want to import a Nissan Figaro with a big block Chevy V8 and windows tinted so dark that they look like one-way mirrors? As long as it's 25 years old, no problem. Bring it in, with only one caveat: it needs to be using its original engine, or one that was already EPA certified.
This is how I'm importing my Skyline GT-R. Since the first "R32" GT-Rs were manufactured in August 1989, they became 25 years old - and thus fully legal - in August 2014. No crash tests, no headlight changes, no EPA certification. My car is a January 1990 build, which means it's legally importable as of January 2015. And that means it'll be ready to go when it comes off the boat in March.
There are only two exceptions to this little rule. Number one: your own state laws might have something to say about a car, 25 years old or not, without safety items like seat belts and headlights. So even though you're exempt from federal laws on the subject, you still have to comply with your own state rules and regulations. Some states have no inspection, so this isn't a problem - but in Virginia (where the car will be arriving) and Pennsylvania (where I live), I had better have seat belts, or I won't get plates. 36
Exception number two: the great state of California, whose emissions laws are stricter than the federal government's. You see, while the EPA exempts vehicles on a rolling 21-year basis, meaning that anything age 21 or older is exempt from federal emissions laws, California laws start with all vehicles manufactured after 1975. In other words: if your car is newer than 1975, and it was never originally certified to operate in California, you must go about getting it certified there - even if it's already legal in every other state. Since this process can cost thousands of dollars, I won't be doing this - which means my car can't go to a buyer in California. 3738
So there you go, ladies and gentlemen: a quick rundown of the import laws that somehow turned into an incredibly lengthy rundown of the import laws. You may now take your union-mandated smoke break.
NOTE: This column was edited to reflect the fact that a vehicle over 25 years old can only be imported with its original engine or a different EPA-certified engine.
Another example: Let's say you're buying the Mexican market Ford LOBO, it is legal in the United States because it is similar to the Ford F-150. You wouldn't have to sell your Ford LOBO after all.
Nice ctrl v idiot
@@Fredrick656 you could've been like 5 years earlier
@@SmoothAsButterSN You could've bought an S15 21 years earlier... 😬
@@Fredrick656 not necessary but thank you👍
Finally I've been waiting for this review for along time!!
was kinda annoying how you mainly kept talking about the car being RHD when people all over the world not just from USA watch your videos - like myself, from australia where RHD is standard. but! on a bright note, i actually bought a silvia s15 about 6 days ago & i absolutely love it :) theres pictures on my twitter if you or anyone else wants to see it. twitter.com/obeyruby_
It shouldn't be annoying, when all there really is to talk about is to bring a perspective from an American since these are so rare here. The car drives just like almost every other 240 I've driven- just slower with the NA motor.
That clean blue Silvia though...
Obey Ruby Mad s15! I'm getting mine towards the end of the year once I get my P's. I'll be getting a 200sx s15, considering they are legal with turbo now in Sydney. Does yours have a turbo or not?
nah, mines the N/A tuned by autech
living in indonesia, being used to RHD, you don't shift from 1st to 2nd in that way.
you should put your palm at the front of the shifter and push it away. try it! it's better, in my opinion.
there's no fucking way that S15 should be legal in the US
That "want what you cant have" explanation is spot on. In places Silvias and R34 Skylines aren't illegal, people will barely give them a second look.
在美國可以開右駕車喔 好好喔
蕭成富 是沒錯啦 不過好想開喔
蕭成富 喔好
Great video in every aspect and your voice was so clear and gave some really interesting facts about the car and even a bit about yourself. Subscribed.
Love the car and the channel dude but you need to lift or eat more or something you're looking skinny as hell
Got to look out for the fellow bro
You gay brah? Check out the car not the dude....
Weight reduction bro
Another great video! Keep up the great work David and I can't wait to see the rest of your Florida trip videos!!
Seriously how is this in the US..!? I thought the car had to be 25 years old to be imported. So confused....HALP!!
It's illegal, read PacificCoastAutos comment
Rome1017 Not illegal, PCA is just hating.
***** Can you explain then how its legal?
You're fighting a tough battle, an importer and someone who has imported vehicles
Rome1017 I'm not fighting any battles..... I'm an importer too, this video is proof...
***** By definition of U.S. FMVSS law, cars that are brought to U.S. compliance are legal. This car was not brought into FMVSS compliance, and since it is under 25 years old, it is illegal here. Just because a non-conforming car is registered in a state does not mean it has been legally obtained and insured.
Haha yeah, the same thing happened to me when I drove a left hand car for the first time, but vice versa. I'm used to RHD and I kept wanting to drift right. Also, the other annoying thing getting used to, is where the rear view mirror is. I kept glancing up and left to find that there's nothing there. I actually found myself adapting this to looking into the left side mirror in order to see behind me, before finally getting myself to use the actual rear mirror.
Oh, and the indicators and wipers being swapped. So much rage.
But in a few days you get used to all this. Was interesting experience.
I just recently sold my s15, and i miss it. Like this it was naturally aspirated but it was an autech s15 so it came out of the autech factory with tuned length headers, cams and a had a tune and made the same power as a stock aus delivered s15 (147kw). It was also a 6 speed. Love your videos btw David hope you make it down under one day and review a few r34 gtrs and what not!
Any update on this beauty?
Can't wait to see what Jame's does with this build. Great review David, keep em up
Actually over here only old cars have indicators/blinkers on the right side. 90% of cars made after 2000 have indicators on the left as if it was a LHD which does however make things slightly harder because now you have to shift and indicate with one hand
In the past few days I've been looking at 96-98 240's for sale and this one guy had a s15 body kit on it, it looked cool but idk, I still love the 89-91 s13 rear end
I live in Jacksonville Fl hahaha. Our highways are always being worked on. Any part of 95 through downtown is such a rough ride!
Must have the Spec-S there, as the spec R came 6 speed from factory, in Australia both spec S and R came 6 speed with the Aus Delivered models. Funny thing is the 5 speed gearbox is a better and stronger box than the 6 speed, hence why a lot of people do RB Gearbox conversions to them. They get a Skyline R33 GTS-T 5 speed and put them in anything from s13-15 as its a much stronger box and can handle way more power.
I own a Aus Delivered Spec R currently and it is one of the most amazing looking cars coming out of Japan, also super fun to drive even without a huge amount of power as its so nimble and feels almost like you're driving a gokart!
Funny you were in jax. I've lived here since February now, I drive a Miata that's decently low and I feel you on the construction and the roads, claimed a few oil pans lol
There is a 6-speed option for the s15. And that front end conversion for 240 is a JDM kouki front clip or a 97 240sx front clip... Not a s15
Drove my RHD Subaru legacy down to Colorado this past fall and all yall Americans have it rough man people were blown away to see my car which is so weird considering where I live I see RHD cars on a weekly if not daily basis
The song at the very end is called Dr.Dre & Snoop dogg - The next episode (solo remix). If anyone was wondering ^-^
I do the exact same thing in my R33 its indicator is on the right but my daily driver has it on the left, I always hit the wipers in the R33 when going for the turn signal.
Just to let everyone know, there is a turbo version called the s15 spec r which is an sr20det with a 6 speed gearbox.
I've done a 14 hr trip without cruise control too and it really isn't fun lol. Trying to stretch while keeping my foot on the peddle was annoying lol
In the UK s15s have sr20dets and I'm sure if you get the spec r it comes with a 6 speed. Perks of not having strict import rules.
1st to 2nd in RHD, push the shifter to the left.
push it and use your fingers to pull back = easy snap gears oo yer
How did I ever miss this episode??? I loved it and love the s15!
Its just a simple S15. Its not no Spec-R with the 6 six speed manual with SR20DET. But hey its nice to see a S15.
use the clear tailight kit where all you see is the lightbulbs and the rear will look 100% better
How does the S15 SR20 feel compare to KA24 in a S14?
I think the S15 SR20DET Spec R has cruise control but it is way harder to pass smog and stuff in state of California (which I am in).
i got excited when you said jacksonville. i live 10 minutes south of Jacksonville!
I havent had time to check but if you dont have a video on the process your buddy took to get the car, itd be really amazing to see what all is necessary to import an S15 or other cars we didnt get. Great stuff as usual btw.
I would be interested to hear the story of how this car wound up in the states. Here in Japan S15 Spec S sell for almost nothing. A good Spec R is worth about 10K, but you can get a Spec S with 100,000 miles for 2,000$ here!
I own a s15 Spec-R. It is now my life. If you are looking at getting an s15. definitely save your money for the Spec-R model. It'll cost more but totally worth every penny!
nah
Ok for everyone who is clearly confused. Nissan made 6 models of the s15. 4 for the Japanese and New Zealand market that are the most known around the world as a Silvia and 2 models for the Australian market known as the 200sx. The models for the Japanese market were a convertible model called the varieta which was a non turbo these were very rare. A spec R model which was a turbo charged 6 speed making around 240hp this is the most famous model and the model you are probably thinking of when you think s15. A spec S model which was non turbo 5 speed (the model shown in this video) I can't remember how much power it made. And a 3rd party made a special edition 'autech' version which was a 6 speed tuned non turbo Sr20 making around 200hp. In Australia the car was called a 200sx and both spec s and spec r came with a turbo charged sr20 with a 6 speed. The only difference between models was the options. Both Australian models saw detuned versions of the sr20 due to lower quality fuel in Australia making about 200hp. Nissan Australia later released a 7th model called the GT which was the same as the other models only had more options like leather seats. So there you go kids your s15 101 class is now complete.
+Rekkless gold star! good info man!
Pretty sure I saw this exact one at Formula D at Road Atlanta. It's a lot smaller and lower than it looks on video. Always had a soft spot for S15's!
Man you just drove my dream !!!
Such a gorgeous car. Living in CA its nearly impossible to get one.
Personally just put an s15 front on my s13. not the same. But i still like my beater.
Was this car at Vantage Autoworks in tampa? If so I've seen it in person and have a picture of it
David, everytime I watch your videos it's like an old friend is talking to me... how do you do that?!?! Keep on with the good work!!
I've been debating importing a S15 or a R34 Coupe non GTR when they become legal. Probably going to go for the R34
why were you going to tampa? why was the dome light on? 70 mph at 3600 rpm? my nissan altima v6 3.5 does 70 at 2500....
JDM s15 owner here, the S14a (kouki) front end is way more aggressive than mine to be honest...
...also WHY NO TURBO?? It seems like this was a custom swap but why swap in a NON turbo SR20DE when you can find plenty of turbo SR20DET, is it for emissions reasons?
David, you ever plan on coming to Australia? R34's, Silvia's etc are everywhere here!
Omg u traded the subie!!! Welcome to the Honda fam (im a DC5R owner myself) 🙌
I know you said you don't know about the importing part of it, but my importer is more than capable of getting an R34 imported to the US and getting it perfectly street legal, but he said there's really no way to make an S15 street legal. I'm wondering how he got it, unless he brought it in in pieces, and built it here, and registered it as a kit car. If you ever find out what he did please tell us! I want to add one to my collection!
Awesome video david i was so happy i got to see the Silvia at your meet in florida
This would have been a serious contender to the MKIV Supra if they would have imported it with the RB or turbo SR motor, It really has some amazing lines and ageless design.
I plan to import a S15 with the SR20 DETT from japan one day, anyone know how much the shipping would cost to Europe ? And approximately how much the car would cost, in nice conditions ? thanks
David is that shirt in the mighty car mods font? Too funny! Keep up the good work, I watch em all!
Are you ever coming to New York dude? I'd be hella happy if you come through.
Man when I lived in Australia I had both a r32 and an s15 silvia but when I move here and found out they would be crushed if brought I was really sad