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Nissan Silvia Spec-R: A Passion for Performance

Discover Chris Yogeswaren's journey with his 1999 Nissan Silvia Spec-R. Explore his passion for cars, unique modifications, and the community that inspires him.

r0cean11

Nissan Silvia Spec-R

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Meet Chris Yogeswaren and his Nissan Silvia Spec-R

Chris Yogeswaren - 1999 Nissan Silvia Spec-R

IG: @Desolation_S15

Photographer/Author - Donnie Rochin

IG - @r0cean11

FB - r0cean11 Photography

http://www.r0cean11.com

"Life is too short to drive boring cars." — Elvis Presley

I’m Chris Yogeswaren, a 39-year-old Global Field Service Manager from Austin, Texas. My passion for cars began at an early age, sparked by my dad taking me to my first car show when I was just five years old. Before my fascination with cars took hold, I was deeply interested in airplanes, building numerous model planes as a child. I also played many racing games growing up, including Ridge Racer, Need for Speed, F-Zero, Gran Turismo, and Tokyo Extreme Racer. These experiences shaped my enthusiasm for both cars and racing.

Featured in Our JDM Tuners Magazine

The Journey to My Dream Car

The last generation of the Japanese-only Nissan Silvia, particularly the S15, has always been my dream car, right alongside the 964 911 Turbo S. In my opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful cars to come out of Japan in factory form, second only to the third-generation FD RX-7. During my teens, I became captivated by Option and Drift Tengoku videos from 2002 to 2003 and attended the Fallen Drift Show in Houston, Texas. It was there that I laid eyes on my first S15, solidifying my desire to own one someday.

After school, I would spend hours in the library browsing Japanese websites, researching and admiring RX-7s, MKIV Supras, R34 GT-Rs, and S15s, dreaming of the day I would own at least one of these incredible vehicles. The first car I passed my driver’s test in was my mom's 1999 Ford Escort 5-speed manual. Growing up only driving manual cars made it natural for me to gravitate toward vehicles that were engaging and "fun to drive."

After working various jobs starting at the age of 15, I finally saved enough to purchase a 1992 Nissan 240SX at 17, coincidentally the same year as the Falken Drift Showoff. This car launched my journey into the automotive world, and after six to seven S-chassis cars, I finally arrived at the one I had wanted since those early days. Along the way, I owned several other Nissans, including a 1990 Nissan Skyline GT-R and a 1992 Nissan Laurel with an RB25 swapped engine.

JDM Cars Magazine from Modifiedcar Magazine

Building the Nissan Silvia Spec-R

I built this car purely out of passion; sharing that passion with others is important to me. When you invest so much of your personality into a car, it becomes more than just a vehicle—it transforms into a piece of art and culture that embodies the human desire for speed.

My Advice: Do your research! Whether you build your car yourself or take it to a reputable shop, it’s essential to conduct comprehensive research on parts and identify trusted experts. I’ve been burned several times by jumping into projects without proper preparation and knowledge, and I’m always willing to share information to help others avoid the same mistakes.

Unique Features of My Silvia

What makes my Nissan Silvia Spec-R unique is the type and quality of parts used. The S15 is still a rare car in the U.S., and being a right-hand drive (RHD) vehicle, it elicits curiosity among both car enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike.

1999 Nissan Silvia Spec-R engine

Nissan Silvia Spec-R Modifications Overview

Engine and Drivetrain Modifications

Blitz Air Cleaner

Blitz FMIC Kit

Blitz DDBOV

KOYO Radiator

Blitz Oil Cooler

HPI Turbo Elbow

HPI Cobra Split Downpipe

Reinhard Catback Dual Exhaust

Nismo Coppermix Single Clutch

Nismo GT PRO 2 Way LSD

C's Short-Throw Shifter

Suspension Modifications

KEl Office DG5 Nikko SPL Coilovers

IKEYA Formula RUCA

IKEYA Formula Toe Arm

IKEYA Formula Traction Arm

IKEYA Formula Tension Rod

Nismo FLCA

Nismo RLCA

Nismo Power Brace

Kazama Auto Inner and Outer Tie Rods

1999 Nissan Silvia Spec-R wheel

Brakes, Wheels, and Tires Modifications

Factory Spec R4 POT Calipers (Refreshed)

Project Mu Rotors

Project Mu Brake Pads

Nismo SS Brake Lines

WORK VSKF 18" Wheels - Custom barrels and face finishes

VOLK Racing TE37 OG 18" in Bronze (Track Setup)

Zeknova RS 606 Tires

1999 Nissan Silvia Spec-R interior

Interior Modifications

BRIDE Stradia II Kevlar Red Gradient Seats

Thrash Racing 330mm Steering Wheel

Works Bell RAPFIX GTC Quick Release

Works Bell Short Steering Hub

Refreshed Factory Interior Pieces

Full LED Lighting

Carbon Fiber Trim

Audio/Video System

Pioneer 7" In-Dash Touchscreen

Kicker CS Speakers

Kicker CX Series Amp

1999 Nissan Silvia Spec-R

Exterior Modifications

BN Sports Aero Hood

BN Sports 25mm Front Fenders

BN Sports B-Magic Front, Sides, and Rear Body Kit

326 Power 45mm Rear Over Fenders

Factory Spec-R Spoiler

TS Japan Carbon Fiber Trunk

Origin Labs Carbon Fiber Roof Spoiler

Acknowledgments

I want to give a shoutout to the following people and shops for helping me put this project together:

Bardabe Performance @Bardabe

Car Shop Make ConneXion @ConneXion_norikazu

Julius Racing

Sparkybuilt @jmsixty3

Pursuit Motorsports @pursuit_motorsports

1999 Nissan Silvia Spec-R

Future Plans for My Silvia

I plan to continue developing the car and platform, focusing on powertrain modifications such as:

Turbo upgrade

Injectors

Fuel pump

Uprated transmission

Joining the Texas Silvia Club @TexasSilviaClub has been a fantastic experience. This club was formed by a local group of friends to promote the Japanese-specific Silvia platform.

The Impact of Cars on My Life

Cars, planes, and motorcycles have profoundly influenced my life. Through these hobbies, I’ve met some of my closest friends and discovered a sense of camaraderie and mutual appreciation for the art, dedication, and passion that go into cars and racing. Additionally, I’ve developed interests in other hobbies, such as watches and traveling, all thanks to my involvement in the car scene.

Dream Car Aspirations

My dream car would have to be a 1996 911 Turbo S in black and tan, or a Koenigsegg CCX-R.

"A car is like a blank canvas, and the journey is your brushstroke." No matter your background or passion, pursue it. The rewards will always be worth the hard work you invest—passion bleeds through everything you do.

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r0cean11 Photography began as a simple hobby for me—something I explored out of pure curiosity and passion. Twenty-four years later, it has grown into one of the defining parts of my life. Before stepping fully into automotive photography, I spent years building cars for SEMA. I photographed my own builds and projects long before I ever considered taking the craft seriously. That all changed when my last build was totaled; from that moment, photography became more than an interest—it became my purpose. ----------- Today, I shoot and write for Stance Auto Magazine, PASMAG, 742 Marketing Events, Super Lap Battle, Global Time Attack, RACEWORZ, and a wide range of automotive events across the United States. ----------- To me, automotive photography is more than capturing a vehicle—it’s about telling the story that lives within it. Every builder leaves a piece of themselves in their car, and my job is to honor that by showcasing their vision through my lens. ----------- You’ll find my event coverage, feature shoots, and automotive storytelling across all my platforms. I’m always open to connecting, answering questions, and collaborating with builders, enthusiasts, and fellow creatives. ----------- I am also a Partner with Stance Auto Magazine, serving as the Director of Marketing and Media. ----------- Facebook (Personal): Donald Rochin (Donnie Roc)