Type X conversion guide
The Nissan S13 has carved its niche in the automotive world, not just for its performance but also for its immense potential in customization. Among the various modifications available, the Type X conversion stands out as a distinctive upgrade, adding both aesthetic appeal and a touch of rarity.
What is type X?
Originally, Type X was a trim level only available in Japan for the later models of the Nissan 180SX, produced between 1994 and 1998. The type X trim level is recognizable because of its much sleeker and sportier body kit.
The Type X is most renowned for its exterior styling. This includes more aggressive bodywork like a distinctive front bumper, side skirts, and a rear bumper that gives the car a more planted, aerodynamic look. The rear of the Type X is particularly notable for its iconic spoiler and updated tail lights. These features collectively give the S13 a more modern and sporty appearance, distinguishing it significantly from the base models.
Enthusiasts choose the Type X conversion for several reasons. Primarily, it’s about the aesthetic transformation that revamps the S13 into something that stands out in a crowd. Additionally, the rarity of the Type X parts adds a level of exclusivity.
Required parts for a Type X Conversion on the Nissan S13
Embarking on a Type X conversion for your Nissan S13 is more than just a cosmetic overhaul; it’s about crafting a unique identity for your car. Here’s a breakdown of the essential components you’ll need for a successful transformation.
Exterior Body Parts
- Front Bumper: The Type X front bumper is distinct, featuring a more aggressive design that gives the car a sharper, more assertive front-end look. You can buy the front bumper new from Nissan to this day. Technically you would also need two brackets that go under your headlights and a different center bracket to hold up the bumper but none of these are available anymore. Your standard center bracker will fit and the headlight brackets are not needed to fit the bumper. To finish it off you will need a new Nissan emblem.
- Side Skirts: The side skirts of the type X kit are a two-piece kit and can be hard to find OEM. There are plenty of polyester aftermarket options, even in 2 piece designs if you can’t find an OEM set.
- Rear valances: Whilst the rear bumper is the same, the type X kit has a three-piece rear valance. This part is rare and expensive if you want it OEM.
- Rear Spoiler: Perhaps the most iconic Type X element, the rear spoiler adds a dynamic aesthetic while contributing to improved downforce. The rear spoiler is not hard to find OEM but can be expensive. There are also plenty of aftermarket replicas.
Lighting Components
- Tail Lights: The Type X is famous for its distinctive tail lights, which are a significant departure from the standard S13 lights and are essential for an authentic conversion.
- Center garnish: The rear tail lights have a different shape that requires a new center garnish. There is also an optional carbon fiber look overlay for the center garnish available from Nissan. Along with the new center garnish, you will also need a new boot lock since the type X one is slightly longer.
- Blinkers: The type X front bumper has sleek blinkers in the bottom of the bumper that are different than other trim levels.
- Daytime running lights: The front bumper features two rectangular flush-mounted daytime running lights that are different than on other trim levels.
- Conversion harness: The tail lights, blinkers, and daytime running lights all use different plugs than the standard USDM and EDM S13s. You will need a conversion harness for the front and rear lights, or fabricate your own.
Optional exterior parts
- While the type X conversion from an exterior point of view will be complete with the above, there is a rare optional part that will take it to the next level. The optional front lip for the type X bumper was an OEM option and is very hard to find these days. They sometimes pop up for sale but are generally extremely expensive.
Sourcing the Parts
OEM vs. Aftermarket
You have the option of sourcing genuine OEM parts or opting for aftermarket replicas. OEM parts offer authenticity but can be costlier and harder to find.
Aftermarket parts are more accessible and affordable but vary in quality. Most large body parts are available on the aftermarket such as the bumpers, side extensions, side skirts, spoiler, and rear valance. The other parts will need to be sources OEM.
OEM parts that are still available and their part numbers
- Front bumper (62022-60F25)
- Bumper extensions (62024-60F05) & (62025-60F05)
- Extension brackets (62292-60F00) & (62293-60F00)
- Daytime running lights (B6170-60F00) & (B6175-60F00)
- Turn signals (B6130-60F00) & (B6135-60F00)
- Nissan emblem (62890-51F00)
- Rear tail lights (B6550-60F00) & (B6555-60F00)
- Rear center light (26540-60F05)
- Butyl tape (to seal the rear tail lights) (B6553-89965)
- Boot lock (90600-60F25)
- Center garnish for tail lights (85230-60F00)
- Carbon center garnish for rear taillights (optional) (K0810-60F00)
Cost estimations
If you opt for as many new OEM parts as possible you are looking at about 1200 USD for the tail light kit and about 1500 to 2000 USD for the full front bumper kit.
If you source a second-hand pair of side skirts, valances, and a spoiler the cost will quickly go up. Side skirts generally go between 600 to 1000 USD, valances about 600 to 800 USD, and a rear spoiler between 250 to 600 USD. These are the Japanese auction prices as these parts are much easier to source over there. Unfortunately, the items are too large for regular shipping so shipping costs and import duties will drive the price up quickly. If you are lucky to find a set locally then that might be a better option, but you will probably be looking at 3 to 4k for just these three parts.
A full aftermarket polyester kit will most likely run you around 750 to 1500 USD. Of course, you won’t have all the lights that the OEM kit has. You can opt to buy OEM lights but they are an expensive part of the kit. A set of turn signals and daytime running lights will run you about 600 USD. The daytime lights are available aftermarket but the turn signals are not.
The conversion process
Transforming your Nissan S13 into a Type X isn’t just about swapping parts; it’s a meticulous process that demands attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth and successful conversion:
1. Preparation and Planning
- Assessment: Start by assessing your S13’s current condition. This step is crucial for identifying any underlying issues that may need addressing before the conversion.
- Workspace Setup: Ensure you have a clean, well-lit, and spacious area to work in. Good organization will streamline the process.
2. Removal of old parts
- Front and Rear Bumpers, Side Skirts: Carefully remove the existing bumpers and side skirts. This usually involves unbolting fasteners and clips. Be gentle to avoid damaging the body. You will also need to unplug all your lights to take the bumpers off.
- Tail Lights: Disconnect the existing tail lights, being mindful of the wiring and connectors.
- Assess and Repair: With the parts removed, it’s a good opportunity to repair any damage or rust, especially in areas usually covered by bumpers and skirts.
3. Wiring the new lights
- Front lights: You will need to use a conversion harness or make your own. Conversion harnesses are readily available and will run you about 50 USD. To make your own you will need to identify which wire is for the turn signal and which wire is for the running lights. You will split these up and run aground. You can source the plugs needed online.
- Rear lights: Same as the front lights, the easiest option is to get a conversion harness that will run you about 50 USD. You can also make your bu sourcing the required plugs and wiring them in.
4. Installing Type X Components
- Front Bumper: If you have an OEM front bumper it should fit perfectly but you will run into an issue with the clearance between the turn signals and your intercooler piping if you run a front mounted intercooler. In the image below you can see how close it gets and the turn signals protrude quite a bit further into the bumper than its mounting location. You will almost certainly have to cut up your turn signals to make them fit.
- Side skirts and vallance: The side skirts and valances whether OEM or aftermarket should fit without much issue. You might need to shape and heat them to get the to fit perfectly. They can be installed with a couple of bolts and some double sided tape. If you opted for OEM side skirts and want to mount them the OEM way, then you will need to drill some holes on the bottom of your rocker panels and install those plastic plugs that you can screw into.
- Tail Lights Installation: To waterproof your boot you will need to seal the tail lights with butyl tape. You will apply the tape onto the tail lights and then install them on the car. This ensures that no water enters your boot from behind the tail lights. If you skip this step, they will leak and your boot will rust.
- Rear Spoiler Attachment: The iconic three-piece rear spoiler might require drilling for mounting, so measure and mark carefully before proceeding. There is no readily available template for drilling so you will need to measure yourself.
Conclusions
The type X conversion doesn’t require much technical knowledge and can be installed by anyone who can do some basic wrenching. The front bumper parts are readily available at your Nissan dealer or online. It’s recommended to buy these new for perfect fitment. Other parts will most likely have to be sourced on the second-hand market or as aftermarket replica parts.
The type X conversion will give your S13 a sleek look that looks much better than the standard USDM or EDM look. The conversion is not cheap but if you want an OEM look, this is by far the best body kit to get.
