William Sahr, a 23-year-old car enthusiast and skilled industrial mechanic, didn’t initially plan to build a Rocket Bunny 200SX, but as we all know, the life of a car enthusiast is often unpredictable.
He had dreamed of owning an S13 Nissan 200SX since childhood, and in 2019, he seized the opportunity to make that dream a reality, fully aware of the skyrocketing prices of these sought-after vehicles. Over time, the car he bought gradually transformed into the beast you see here.
He’s the first to admit that the S13 has become what it is now thanks to spontaneity and a healthy dose of luck. He managed to acquire some parts for a “reasonable” price, while other times, temptation took over, and he felt compelled to buy something.
Well, that approach seems to work for William, as this must be one of the coolest S13 models cruising on Norwegian roads, and there’s enough power under the hood to match its appearance, which speaks volumes!
William originally intended to keep the body standard and planned to fit some Type-X styling or unique aftermarket bumpers and side skirts.
However, these plans took an unexpected turn when he discovered rust in the rear fenders. If cutting and welding were necessary anyway, opting for a Rocket Bunny V2 kit seemed like the logical choice. The decision was made even easier thanks to an enticing offer from Badassparts Norway.
Some work is, of course, expected when removing rust and cutting the fenders to install a widebody kit, but William didn’t find the job too bad. In fact, it would probably have been more work to fix all the rust and keep the car original.
Once the Rocket Bunny kit was in place, there was no turning back, so it was only natural to proceed with more high-quality upgrades.
The car was now desperately in need of a paint job, and William decided to go with Nissan Midnight Purple, a color originally offered on the R33 Skyline. There’s absolutely no doubt that it suits this widened S13.
Under the widened wheel arches, you can see a set of 3-piece WORK Meister S1 wheels. These just happen to be William’s favorite wheels, so when he had the chance to buy them, his wallet opened faster than Lucky Luke can draw his revolver.
Up front, the wheels measure 18×9.5 inches, wrapped in 225/40-18 tires, and at the rear, he has mounted 18×11-inch wheels, fitted with 265/35 rubber.
He plans to replace the outer rims of the wheels this winter, making the rear wheels even wider, so he won’t need spacers to fill the arches.
Cool wheels aren’t quite the same without upgraded suspension and a lower stance, and the more observant among you may have already noticed that William’s Nissan 200SX sits a bit lower than standard. Well, that’s all thanks to a D2 air suspension setup.
Originally, a friend had bought it, intending to install it on his own car, but when he changed his mind, William didn’t hesitate and took it off his hands.
Behind the impressive wheels, you can barely catch a glimpse of a set of Z32 Nissan 300ZX brakes installed by the previous owner.
William also mentions that the suspension has received an overhaul. All paint and undercoating was removed and repainted, all arms not already from GKTech will be replaced, and everything else that can be removed will be sandblasted/glass-blasted and then powder-coated.
Originally, a 1.8-liter CA18DET turbo engine powered William’s 200SX, but it has been replaced with something more potent. Under the hood, there’s now a powerhouse with an impressive 250 horsepower. We’re, of course, talking about an RB25DET engine that originally sat in the R33 Nissan Skyline.
As far as William is aware, there were no other S13 Nissan 200SXs approved in Norway with this engine at the time he got it, so being among the first with an approved RB engine is a small win in itself.
He’s actually had a lifelong dream of owning a Nissan Skyline, at least he now has a Nissan 200SX with Skyline paint and engine, and that’s not too bad either.
The engine remained stock for a while, but eventually received a slight overhaul with new gaskets, a larger turbo, plenum intake, top-mount exhaust manifold, MaxxECU management, and much more fresh equipment.
When the doors open, you immediately notice more R33 Skyline parts, namely the seats. William installed these to give the interior a slightly sportier look, but he expects they’ll be replaced at some point.
There’s also a Cusco half-cage for that extra motorsport touch, and various interior components are adorned with Alcantara upholstery, giving it a clean and sophisticated appearance.
Beyond that, not much has been done to the interior, but as long as it functions and keeps the driver in place during hard cornering, there’s really no need to complain.
