S13 chassis differences btw USDM/JDM

[Jsquared]

alright everyone knows the obvious (engine, front end) and most know the less-obvious (trim, seats, gauges, etc) but in one of the many "can you really make a 240SX coupe into a Silvia" thread someone mentioned that a while back one of the guys (i think on FA) was able to check out a USDM coupe and JDM Silvia chassis in depth and said there were a number of differences. anyone know what these are? e.g. structural reinforcement, wiring, etc.? just wondering for curiosity's sake.

[Dousan_PG]

yes

chassis:
the rear misses a huge chunk in the chassis in japan
certain models have difference in underbody
i know for fact about the back. i got a rear ladder bar (like doluck) and USDM required modification/change in fitment) for US chassis

theres more but those are the basics.

i know ruf knows some more too, but you want to talk with Mav1178 on freshalloy. he compared a Qs Silvia and a USDM 240sx and the results were pretty interesting.

wiring? Hugely differ. even on chuuki models USDM vs. JDM.

[AKADriver]

I saw the pictures of this on FA a while back. I don't remember who took the pictures, but the Silvia that they checked out was Marco Vargas' genuine PS13 Silvia Q's. I have an acquaintance in New Zealand that owns an S13 Silvia that said he noticed the same thing.

The JDM S13 is missing an extra frame rail on the passenger side (US driver's side). I suspect it was added to LHD cars for driver safety reasons.

That's the main difference. Pretty much everything else that's different is a simple consequence of the different driver side.

The kouki 180SX is also wired somewhat differently, more like an S14. IIRC the kouki gauge cluster is incompatible with other S13s.