Cruise Mode: Amy Frazer’s chick-built S15

26 December, 2016

Owner: Amy Frazer
Location: Christchurch
Occupation: Nurse

NZPC: Hey Amy, great to see yet another extremely clean girl-built S15. How long have you owned it for?
Amy: Hey guys, I’ve owned the Silvia now coming up three years.

When did you first get into cars, and what was your first performance vehicle?
I’ve been into cars since I can remember. My parents were active members of a Zephyr and Zodiac club when I was growing up, so I’ve had a love for cars for a long time. This S15 has been my very first performance vehicle, but, hopefully, there will be more to come in the future.

Did you know what direction you would take with it from the beginning?
To be honest, I just carried on in the direction that had already been started by its first owner, Andre. The vision for the car was complete; it was exactly what I wanted, but it just needed some finishing touches.

What has been the biggest hurdle with the build?
Last year, I managed to blow up my turbo. That was a headache, but, thanks to my partner Owen and a friend, Josh, we got the turbo out, replaced the seals, and put a refreshed one back in. It only took a few days but a huge chunk out of my bank account.

What’s your favourite part of being involved in the automotive community?
I love the variety and the uniqueness in the cars that are out there at the moment. I also love seeing other girls with performance cars. It’s empowering, and I think more girls should get into it and show the boys how it’s done!

Thanks for hanging out with us, Amy.

Make/model: Nissan Silvia S15
Engine: SR20DET 2000cc four-cylinder, HKS front-mount intercooler, HKS mushroom air filter, GReddy Type RZ blow-off valve, HKS turbo, Walbro fuel pump, three-inch GReddy stainless-steel exhaust, STM ported heads, CP pistons, aftermarket racing big end and main bearings, A’PEXi Power FC
Drivetrain: Factory six-speed, Exedy heavy-duty clutch, lightened flywheel
Interior: GReddy Profec B-spec II electronic boost controller, D1 Spec gear knob, Soundstream speakers,
JVC head unit
Exterior: Custom carbon-fibre bonnet, custom bodykit, custom midnight shadow-chrome paint
Suspension: HKS coilovers, HKS camber and toe arms
Wheels/Tyres: 17×9-inch DOTCOM; (F) 225/40R17 Goodyear Eagle F1, (R) 235/40R17 Achilles ATR

“Gotcha!’’ The continuing tale of a Nissan/Datsun tragic – part two

8 May, 2026

In 1996, I was on a mission to buy a suitable pavement scorcher and visited the now-defunct Manukau City Car Fair. Unbelievably, among the sea of four-door utilitarian Japanese compacts was the absolute jewel in the crown, my automobile wet dream — a 1985 two-door R30 RS Nissan Skyline FJ20 Turbo five-speed manual in nice condition. The owner wanted $10,000 — a great deal.
But what did I do? I bailed out, paralysed by indecision. The money would have been a stretch, but it was the worst automotive choice I ever made. Instead, I went for a rusty Toyota Sprinter 8 Valve Twin Cam Coupé, which was pretty terminal from the get-go. I know. We’ve all done it, but there was really no excuse for passing up the Skyline, and I was haunted by that for years.

Last Tango in the Fast Lane

30 April, 2026

In the mid ’80s, I locked into a serious Nissan/Datsun performance obsession. It could have kicked off with my ’82 Datsun Sunny, though this would have been a bit of a stretch of the imagination, given its normally aspirated 1.2-litre motor — not the sort of thing to unleash radical road warrior dreams. But it did plant a seed, and it was a sweet little machine and surprisingly quick, in contrast to all the diabolical English offerings I had endured.
I was living in South Auckland at the time and was an unrepentant petrolhead. Motor racing was my drug of choice, and I followed the scene slavishly. Saloon car racing, with the arrival of the international Group A formula, was having a serious renaissance here and in Australia and Europe. There was suddenly an exotic air in local racing that had been absent for 15 years.
I was transfixed by this new frontier of motor racing that had hit our tracks in 1985–87 and the new array of machinery on display. In 1986, the Nissan Skyline RS DR30 made a blinding impression on me. The Australian Fred Gibson-run, Peter Jackson-sponsored team of George Fury and Glenn Seton were the fastest crew of the 1986 Australian Touring Car Championship. But Kiwi legend Robbie Francevic snuck through to win the Aussie Championship in his Volvo 240T after a strong start and consistent finishes.

Cruise Mode: Amy Frazer’s chick-built S15

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