Loweringmaximum
Handling
Comfort
Daily use
Track Performance
Coilovers for the S13: The Lightweight That Never Left the Scene
Pop up the headlights and let the turbo spool! Anyone who has experienced the Nissan 200SX S13 first-hand understands why this late ’80s/early ’90s car still enjoys cult status. As the successor to the Silvia S12, the S13 sets new standards with its MacPherson front axle and multi-link rear suspension. Even back then, the Nissan 200SX S13 was technically advanced, lightweight and agile. It has secured a firm place in the global JDM community under various names: the 180SX in Japan, the 240SX in the USA, and the 200SX in Europe. However, to get the most out of the car, you need a strong setup. This is where our coilover suspension for the Nissan 200SX S13 comes into play, molding raw potential into perfected driving dynamics on both the road and the drift track.
Series
The Nissan 200SX S13 came standard with a conventional MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. This gives the S13 its characteristic handling. The stock suspension is designed to offer a broad compromise between everyday comfort and sporty feedback. However, the stock setup reaches its limits during sportier driving and at higher speeds. The suspension tends to bounce when the dampers can no longer do their job with sufficient precision. Furthermore, vehicles from the 80s and 90s are now several decades old, and the original dampers are usually heavily worn. What was once factory-tuned rarely matches the original driving feel today. Added to this is the fact that driving aids like ESP are missing, and rear-wheel drive requires special driving skills. A coilover suspension from ST suspensions is the perfect complement here.
ST XTA plus 3
The ST XTA plus 3 is the top-of-the-line model in ST suspensions' coilover suspension lineup. It was designed for drivers who want to get the most out of their cars both on the road and on the track. For the Nissan 200SX S13, a continuously adjustable drop of 30 to 60 mm on the front axle and 30 to 65 mm on the rear axle is possible. This can be individually adjusted at any time within the tested adjustment range. The suspension features 16-way adjustable rebound damping as well as 24-way independently adjustable low-speed and high-speed compression damping. This precise controllability is crucial, especially for the S13 with its spontaneous rear-end breakaway behavior. This allows you to tailor the response exactly to your driving style. The adjustable Uniball top mounts on the front axle also allow for direct camber correction. This makes handling sharper and feedback more precise.
Available coilovers for the Nissan 200SX (S13)
Technology highlights
Height adjustable
Adjustment of the maximum lowering according to the parts certificate via an infinitely variable adjustment range.
Adjustable rebound damping
Individual adjustment of the damper setup recommended by us for even more sportiness or increased riding comfort via 16-way adjustable rebound damping.
Low and high-speed compression damping
Precise adjustment of the handling at low and high speed compression for more steering precision and increased support of the bodywork.
Adjustable Unibal top-mounts
Unibal support bearings with adjustable camber and optional caster for even more direct handling. The support bearings are included in the scope of delivery on the front axle.
Racing suspension system
Linear main spring with constant spring rate. With linear preload spring depending on application.
Composite spring perch
Adjustable spring plates made of polyamide composite material with stainless steel insert prevent corrosion on the suspension strut and ensure permanent height adjustability.
Galvanised strut housing
Galvanised and multi-sealed steel strut housing for optimised corrosion protection.
Dust protection and bump stop
Dirt particles and spray water can no longer penetrate to the piston rod seal package of the coilover suspension. The bump stop is used as an additional spring element when the suspension is subject to heavy loads.
Frequently Asked Questions from the Community
Is the coilover kit for the S13 road legal?
Yes, all ST suspensions coilover kits come with a parts certificate. This means the modification can be registered in the vehicle documents as long as the ride height remains within the tested adjustment range. If you install optional spring packages with different spring rates, a separate individual inspection under §21 StVZO (road traffic regulations in Germany) might be required depending on where you're based. ST suspensions provides data sheets for this purpose, giving the inspection authority the necessary technical documentation.
Can I choose my own spring color and labeling?
Yes, that’s one of the unique features of ST suspensions. When you shop in our online store, you can choose your favorite color for the springs from 18 available RAL colors and have a personalized marking added to the main spring. This applies to both the coilover suspension and optional spring kits. All products are made to order at our main factory in Germany.
Is a coilover suspension worth it for everyday use in the S13?
Absolutely. Among other things, the ST XTA plus 3 is designed for daily street use by drivers with a passion for performance. This setup brings the Nissan S13 up to modern standards: The damping settings are factory-optimized for road and everyday driving, but can be adjusted for track use if needed. Nevertheless, the suspension remains well-balanced compared to competing products. It handles bumps respectably without compromising the S13’s sporty character.
Does the coilover suspension improve the S13's drifting performance?
Definitely yes. The S13 is inherently very drift-friendly due to its design, as the rear axle responds instantly to throttle inputs. With the ST XTA plus 3, the dampers’ response can be precisely adjusted. A stiffer rebound setting improves body control under braking, while optimized compression tuning makes steering more precise. The result is controlled, predictable oversteer instead of uncontrollable breakaway, ideal for beginners and advanced drivers alike.
