It’s a shame that the S15 doesn’t get enough of a following in the time attack scene. The short wheelbase, stylish lines and sizable aftermarket make it an excellent candidate, but for some reason, it’s never made up as many positions at time attack events as perhaps it should. Thankfully, it doesn’t take too much to get one of these potent little coupes to really shine — as as group of confident Australian tuners have gone to show us.

Japanese Performance Centre comes to the time attack scene with a well-rounded, thoughtful attempt at turning the S15 into a proper performer. The 2.6-liter RB25 engine, mated with a GT35R turbo, provides 490 whp at 14 pounds of boost, and an additional 50 ponies at the rear wheels with the boost ratcheted up to 18 pounds. Using Tomei 256-degree cams for a responsive mid-range with a decent top-end, that turbocharger seems to deliver boost almost instantly out of the slowest corners. Speaking to the way in which the car will be used, a custom dry sump setup has been used to supply oil in high-g situations. While not the most powerful engine out there, the right areas — namely power, response, and reliability — have been addressed.

A simple Origin kit free from any winglets or canards keep the S15 understated – for a time attack car.

After chucking the stock motor for one from a different model in the Nissan lineup, JPC continued on this trend and used a set of R35 GT-R brakes to help bring this machine to a stop. Of course, they’re not the most powerful around, but for a lightened S15 they work and fit with the purposeful-yet-reasonable build ethos. Continuing on this theme, a GT-R rear differential and axles were employed to help harness the motor’s savage torque, which is put to the ground via 18″ Volks wrapped in A050 cut slicks.

While this S15 might not be the quickest around, it shows that with some work, this platform really scoots. Keep in mind that no detailed aero kits, not a thread of carbon fiber, nor any extreme gearboxes were used. Just torque, poise, response, and reliability are enough to make this lightweight Silvia a serious contender. Plus, it looks just as home at going sideways as it does going flying down the straights, so perhaps that’ll offer a bit of incentive to the would-be builders.