Bright In The Shadows
On the scenic roads of Sydney's Sutherland Shire, we find an enthusiast whose passion for automotive artistry has transformed a 1997 Nissan 200SX (S14) into a rolling masterpiece. Ben Strauss, hails from this picturesque part of Australia and proudly cruises the streets in his meticulously crafted S14. His automotive journey began at a young age, thanks to the influence of his father and older brothers who were automotive enthusiasts themselves.
Growing up, Ben was surrounded by an impressive array of cars and bikes, predominantly Aussie muscle. This early exposure ignited his passion for all things motorized. From car posters adorning his bedroom walls to countless hours spent building model cars and playing video games like Need for Speed Carbon and Underground with his older brother, Ben's destiny as a car enthusiast was sealed. He couldn't wait for the day he would be old enough to buy his own car.
Ben's journey with cars began with a 2007 Honda Civic Type R (FN2), a car that not only marked his transition to manual driving but also kindled his love for spirited driving. This "little rocket" was more than sufficient to satisfy his 17-year-old self's need for speed. It was during this phase that the "turbo bug" bit him, propelling him through a series of turbocharged vehicles, primarily Volkswagen models, including GTIs and even a MK6R motor-swapped MK5 R32.
As time went by, Ben noticed a change in the car scene. He saw the influence of drift-inspired styling transferring into the show car culture, particularly the era known as StanceNation. This transformation intrigued him, and he soon decided to embark on his first "stance" build, a bagged Toyota 86. This build served as a pivotal moment in his automotive journey as it introduced him to the aesthetics of car modification as an art form. With a Vertex body kit and a host of other modifications, it was clear that Ben was starting to realize his vision.
While Ben enjoyed his time with the 86, he never forgot his love for the Nissan S14. He was drawn to the unique driving experience that every Silvia offered. Silvias, known for their nimble handling and road presence, had always captured Ben's heart.
As he contemplated turbocharging the 86, Ben couldn't help but notice the rising prices of cars in the market, even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fearing he might miss the opportunity to own an S14, he made the pivotal decision to switch to a Silvia.
However, the quest for the perfect S14 proved to be challenging. Ben scoured the internet for some examples, but none of them met his high standards. His impatience led him to consider other chassis options, with the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII being one of his choices due to its broader market availability. But fate had other plans for him.
While browsing through photos of Evo models at Hot Import Nights 2019, Ben came across an S14 that piqued his interest. The car belonged to Alan, a fellow car enthusiast whose build Ben had been following for several years. Curiosity got the better of him, and he sent Alan a message, inquiring if he would be willing to part with the car after years of ownership. To Ben's delight, Alan agreed, and within two weeks, the S14 was in his garage.
Ben was elated to finally own a car he had admired from afar for years, especially since he knew it was built with high-quality components. Alan's S14 came with impressive power, stylish wheels, and was in great condition.
One of the most striking modifications to Ben's S14 is the air suspension setup. Upon purchasing the car, it came with older-tech Airrex suspension that left much to be desired. It sagged when the boost kicked in and exhibited a wallowy ride. Ben, however, was not content with this and decided to make some changes.
He installed every available Hardrace arm from the catalog, custom D2 double-bellow airbags, and Air Lift management. Paired with the impressive fitment of the Meisters, the car has the ability to turn heads wherever it goes. From curious “mums in a Woolworths parking lot to kids on bicycles passing by, the S14 garners questions from inquisitive onlookers. With its air suspension, the car sits so low “has all my neighbours asking “How do you get over speed bumps”?”
But the standout modification, according to Ben, is the sound system. He emphasizes that this is an often-overlooked upgrade that can profoundly enhance the driving experience. Silvias are notorious for having subpar speakers, but Ben decided to change that.
His S14 boasts Kicker KS 6x9 speakers on the parcel tray, Kicker KS 6-inch speakers in the doors, Kicker tweeters up front, and a Kicker subwoofer in the trunk. All of these are powered by an Alpine amplifier and head unit. With sound deadening applied in the trunk and doors, the car's music system manages to shine through the ambient noise. Ben argues that a quality sound system is a must for all street cars, as it enhances both the driving experience and the enjoyment of the car.
“I personally think this is a must-have for all street cars, whether you want to impress the girls at KK’s or you want your Taylor Swift to sound good late at night - this is such a game-changing mod. This mod alone makes me want to drive it more than the daily.”
For Ben, his inspiration for modifying the S14 comes primarily from Instagram. He witnessed the way car scenes in the United States and Japan were pushing the boundaries of "stance," and he wanted to see that same growth in Australia. This shift in automotive styling sparked his interest in creating cars that were aesthetically pleasing.
During this period, his friends were also heavily involved in building cars with a focus on aesthetics. Some of his friends, including Jack (@jeckyboii), Grant (@grantglencoco), and Damo (@daamogram), had S-chassis cars that became a source of inspiration for Ben. Being around these cars and drawing from their styles, he managed to create a car that was an amalgamation of their influences.
Moreover, Ben believes that cars should be considered works of art and serve as extensions of their owners' personalities. He enjoys the fact that he can spend hours admiring his S14, and it's more than just an aesthetic creation.
Although Ben bought the S14 as a street/show car, it has undergone several transformations. The car was already impressive when he purchased it, but he didn't feel like it truly represented him. Over the years, it went through various iterations of aero kits and wheels. Yet, it wasn't until the clear coat on the roof started to fade that he saw the perfect opportunity for a significant change.
What started as a simple wrap became a comprehensive transformation, with a new aero kit, interior upgrades, and a fresh set of wheels. During the five months the car was off the road for these changes, Ben took the time to address various aspects that had always bothered him. The result is a car that embodies his vision and artistic expression.
Ben's S14 is indeed a showstopper, but there are limitations to its current form. Due to the strict presence of the New South Wales police on the roads, Ben rarely gets the chance to drive his prized possession. The risk of being slapped with defects has prevented him from enjoying the car's full potential. This realisation has led him to make a significant decision.
After one final show in its current state, the S14 will undergo a complete transformation to become a track-focused street car. The modifications will include fresh coilovers and a switch from 215/40 tires to 275/35 slicks mounted on LMGT4 wheels. The new look will emphasise a track-inspired aesthetic with no camber and will be designed to keep up with his father's bike on their local national park drives.
Ben believes that this transformation will not only allow him to enjoy the car's power properly but also open up new avenues of driving experiences.
“If it weren't for the police presence I probably wouldn’t change the look, but in the same breath, this change will let me enjoy the car's power properly too. 330kw in a 1.2-tonne car and it's wasted on cheap tyres and a stance look hahaha.”
Ben's future in the automotive world remains dynamic. He is considering selling the S14 to invest in more "grown-up" endeavours, such as a second apartment for investment. His MK7 Golf R, which he is currently building as his daily driver, is receiving substantial attention. The plan is to make it a versatile all-rounder that could potentially fill the void left by the Silvia.
However, Ben's love for cars is far from over. He dreams of owning an R33 GTR in the future, and he has also sketched out plans for building an RX8, S15, and a Hawkeye Subaru STI. While the details remain uncertain, it's evident that his passion for cars will continue to drive his future endeavours.
When talking about acknowledgements, Ben is grateful for the support he has received on his journey. He thanks Alan (@alzie_) for providing him with a clean, high-quality base car and Mike (@houseofstance) for his assistance with fitment and parts supply. He expresses his appreciation to Albert (@_projecthiraya_) for the impeccable wrap that still has people mistaking it for paint. Ben is also thankful to “All the boys (@distuurrb) for everything from late-night parts pickups to build inspiration to install help.” Last but not least, he acknowledges his father for his tireless efforts, from bodywork to wiring.
Ben's final piece of advice to fellow car enthusiasts is to always use the best parts. He believes that quality components not only enhance the overall look and performance of a car but also reduce the potential for future problems. His years of trouble-free motoring are a testament to the value of investing in high-quality parts.
In conclusion, Ben Strauss's journey is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and creativity in the world of car modification. His 1997 Nissan 200sx (S14) has transformed into a rolling work of art, reflecting his unwavering dedication to the craft. Ben's story serves as an inspiration to aspiring car enthusiasts, emphasising the importance of using high-quality parts and creating a car that reflects one's personal style. As he continues to navigate the dynamic world of automotive culture, Ben's dedication promises many more exciting chapters in the book of his automotive journey.
Modifications
Note: This may not be a true representation of the car currently
Engine:
Built 2.0L makes 330kw (450 ish hp) on e85 at 22psi.
Haltech 1500 with wideband/airtemp/map conversion sensors
Turbosmart Eboost2 Controller
Garrett GTX3071R
6Boost high mount manifold
Turbosmart Hypergate 45mm and screamer
Tomei 256 Cams
Supertech Valve springs and retainers
Apexi Headgasket
ARP headstuds
Splitfire coilpacks
CP Carrillo Pistons
Eagle H-beam rods
Walbro 460 fuel pump
Bosch 1000cc injectors
BPP fuel rail
Turbosmart FPR
Tomei oversized oil sump
Plazmaman FMIC kit
Custom 4” intake into pod
Custom 3’ downpipe + testpipe
Fujitsubo Legalis R catback
Koyo N-flow radiator
Brakes and driveline:
Exedy brass button clutch + Lightweight flywheel
Nismo 4.1 diff
Nismo short shifter
DBA slotted rotors
Project MU brake pads
HEL braided brake lines
Suspension and Wheels:
Custom D2 double-bellow struts
Airlift management with 5gal tank and 440cc comp
Hardrace front caster arm
Hardrace front lower control arm
Hardrace front extended tie rod ends
Hardrace rear traction arms
Hardrace rear camber arms
Hardrace rear toe arms
Superpro bushings for diff/subframe
Work Meister S1 3Piece in Full Metal Buff finish
Muteki chrome lugnuts
Interior:
326power floormats
326power dashmat
326power seatbelt covers
Bride Stradia ‘venus’ backed seats on bride rails
Works Boss kit
T&E Vertex speed wheel
Genuine Silvia cluster
Yashio factory gearknob + Horn + Handbrake
Kicker 6x9, Kicker 6’ doors, Kicker tweeters all KS series
Kicker slimline sub
Alpine s2 amp and headunit
Exterior:
OriginLabo stylish line fron bar
Vertex Lang rear bar
Vertex Lang sideskirts
DMAX roof spoiler
DMAX boot spoiler
JDM s2 grille
DMAX crystal rear lights
DMAX crystal front headlights
Shift performance super mirrors (Ganadors arent real lol)
All iilumo lighting inside and out
Wrapped in Orafol Charcoal Metallic + ceramic coated
Get the poster
Poster print design based on the ‘Bright In The Shadows’ feature design theme from DYS003.
Available in A3 and A2 and in 160gsm Matte Bond, 200gsm Satin, 250gsm Ultra Matte and 310gsm Smooth Pearl - view info at the bottom of the page.
Featuring @bwstrauss captured by @joshs.eye
