Kit LB Super Silhouette for Nissan Silvia S15 is not just a set of plastic body kits, but a real legend of tuning culture created by a Japanese brand Liberty Walk. This kit transforms a standard body into an aggressive and dynamic silhouette, while maintaining the spirit of the classic JDM style. But before buying, it is important to figure out whether it will suit your needs, what pitfalls the installation hides, and where to find original parts without the risk of running into a fake.
In this article we will analyze in detail all aspects LB Super Silhouette for S15 - from technical characteristics to installation nuances. You will find out what body modifications are supported, how the kit affects aerodynamics, and why its price can vary 2-3 times depending on the configuration. And also - real reviews from owners and alternative options for those who want to save money without losing quality.
What is the LB Super Silhouette and why has it become a cult favorite?
LB Super Silhouette is the flagship series of body kits from Liberty Walk, designed specifically for Japanese sports cars of the 90s and 2000s. In the case of Nissan Silvia S15 The kit includes extended fenders, front and rear bumpers with integrated splitters, side skirts and a rear diffuser. The main feature is increased track (up to +60 mm per side), which allows you to install extra-wide wheels without having to cut the arches.
The popularity of the whale is due to three factors:
- 🔥 Aggressive design: A combination of retro-futuristic lines and racing aerodynamics.
- 🏁 Racing heritage: Liberty Walk tests body kits on tracks including Time Attack and drift competitions.
- 🔧 Modularity: You can purchase additional elements separately (for example, only wings or a bumper).
Important: The original LB Super Silhouette for S15 was produced in limited edition in 2018-2020. Now new whales are sold only to order with a wait of 3-6 months.
- Front bumper
- Hind wings
- Side Skirts
- Rear diffuser
Specifications and compatibility with S15
Keith LB Super Silhouette developed for Nissan Silvia S15 in bodies Spec-S And Spec-R, but there are nuances:
| Parameter | Spec-S | Spec-R | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bumper Compatible | Yes | Yes (requires modification of fastenings) | For Spec-R Modification of the original brackets may be necessary. |
| Wheel arch extension | +60 mm | +60 mm | Suitable for wheels up to width 10.5J with departure ET -10. |
| Material | FRP (fiberglass) or carbon fiber (optional) | Carbon fiber parts are 30% lighter, but 1.5 times more expensive. | |
| Set weight | ~45 kg (FRP) | Adds ~15–20 kg to the vehicle's weight. | |
Particular attention should be paid aerodynamic properties. According to Liberty Walk, the whale increases downforce by 120–150 kg at speed 200 km/h, but this is only relevant if the splitter and rear wing are installed correctly. Without them, the effect is reduced to zero.
⚠️ Attention: On S15 with a whale LB Super Silhouette You cannot use standard side mirrors - they are blocked by the extended wings. You will have to install mirrors on legs (for example, from Toyota Chaser JZX100).
Pros and cons of LB Super Silhouette for S15
Like any tuning kit, LB Super Silhouette has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's consider them based on owner reviews and tests:
Benefits
- 🚀 Unique appearance: even 10 years after its release, the kit looks relevant.
- 🔧 Quality of materials: FRP parts from Liberty Walk last 5-7 years without cracking (if installed correctly).
- 🏎️ Improved handling: The widened track reduces roll in corners.
- 💰 Resale: a car with an original kit costs 15–20% more than a similar one without it.
Disadvantages
- 💸 Price: a complete set will cost
8 000–12 000$(excluding installation). - ⚠️ Difficulty of installation: Requires cutting of original arches and welding of new fasteners.
- 🛠️ Service: Wide fenders collect dirt, and the splitter often suffers in parking lots.
- 📏 Legal issues: In some countries (eg Germany) the kit is not certified for road use.
Before purchasing, check to see if there are shops in your area that will install the LB Super Silhouette. Some service stations refuse to work due to the difficulty of fitting parts.
Step-by-step installation instructions (with nuances)
Installation LB Super Silhouette on Nissan Silvia S15 takes 3–5 days and requires the participation of professionals. Here are the main steps:
- Removal of original parts: bumpers, fenders, skirts are removed. It is important to keep all fasteners and clips.
- Body preparation: cutting arches for new wings (templates included). For
Spec-RThe side members may need to be strengthened. - Installation of wings: fastened with bolts and epoxy glue. The gaps are adjusted manually.
- Bumper installation: The front bumper requires the installation of an additional frame for rigidity.
- Painting and final assembly: all parts are painted in body color, after which the splitter and diffuser are installed.
Find a workshop with experience working with Liberty Walk|Buy a set of mounting bolts (not always included)|Prepare templates for cutting arches|Order additional parts (mirrors, splitter)|Consider a paint scheme (matte/glossy)
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⚠️ Attention: When installing the kit on S15 with turbo engine (SR20DET) it is necessary to move the intercooler - the standard space under the hood is covered by a new front bumper. An alternative is to install a front intercooler (but this will reduce cooling efficiency).
Where to buy the original LB Super Silhouette for S15?
Due to the popularity of the whale, there are many fakes on the market. Original parts are sold only through official Liberty Walk dealers or verified stores:
| Supplier | Country | Average price (full set) | Delivery time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty Walk Japan | Japan | 10 000–12 000$ | 3–6 months |
| Tuner Haus | USA | 9 500–11 000$ | 2–4 months |
| Driftworks | UK | 8 500–10 000£ | 4–8 weeks |
| JapanSpec | Russia | 700 000–900 000₽ | 1–3 months |
When purchasing, pay attention to:
- 📄 Certificate of Authenticity: original parts have hologram Liberty Walk.
- 🔍 Casting quality: Pores and irregularities are often visible on fakes.
- 📦 Completeness: The box should contain cutting templates and instructions in Japanese/English.
How to distinguish a fake from the original?
Original Liberty Walk parts have:
1. Logo LB engraved (not sticker) on the inside.
2. FRP thickness of at least 4 mm (for fakes - 2–3 mm).
3. Complete with bolts with markings LB-PARTS.
4. The box contains a leaflet signed by Watarai Keiichi (the founder of the brand).
Alternatives to LB Super Silhouette: what does the market offer?
If the original kit is too expensive or unavailable, there are several alternatives:
1. Pandem (Rocket Bunny)
Brand Pandem (from the same creator as Liberty Walk) whale offers Rocket Bunny V2 for S15. It's cheaper (5 000–7 000$), but has a less aggressive design. Suitable for those who want a wide track without extreme shapes.
2. Origin Labo
Japanese brand Origin Labo produces body kits in style Super Silhouette, but with an emphasis on retro design. Their whale Type-5 compatible with S15 and costs about 6 000$. The downside is less widening of the arches (+40 mm instead of +60 mm).
3. Local producers (for example, D-Max or KBD)
Russian and European companies offer replicas LB Super Silhouette by price 3 000–5 000$. Quality varies and some parts need work, but for a budget project this is a good option.
If your goal is to participate in shows or photo shoots, the original LB Super Silhouette will be worth the investment. For everyday driving or drifting, a high-quality replica with modified fastenings is enough.
Real reviews from owners: first-hand pros and cons
We collected reviews from the forums (Speedhunters, S15OC, Drive2) and social networks to show real operating experience:
🇯🇵 Takuya (S15 Spec-R owner, Tokyo):
"I installed the LB Super Silhouette 2 years ago. Pros: the car has become noticeably more stable at high speeds, and the appearance is just a bomb. Cons: the splitter has already broken 3 times in parking lots, and the wide wings collect all the dirt from the road. But it's worth it!"
🇺🇸 Mark (S15 Spec-S owner, California):
"I bought a whale secondhand for
6 000$- turned out to be a replica from KBD. I had to redo the wing mounts, but overall I'm happy with it. The only thing is that you can’t do without mirrors on legs, and they spoil the view.”
🇷🇺 Alexey (owner of S15, Moscow):
"I ordered the original through JapanSpec — waited 4 months. Installation cost
150 000₽. The main problem was the fit of the front bumper: the intercooler mounts had to be modified. But now the car attracts attention like a magnet."
General trend: owners of original kits are satisfied with the quality, but note the high cost of maintenance. Those who choose replicas save money, but face installation problems.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about LB Super Silhouette for S15
Can I install LB Super Silhouette on S14?
No, the kit was developed exclusively for Nissan Silvia S15. For S14 there is a separate version LB Super Silhouette, but it is incompatible with the body S15 due to different dimensions.
Do I need to weld the fenders during installation?
Official instructions Liberty Walk prescribes that the wings should be secured with bolts and epoxy glue, but many workshops additionally weld them at 2-3 points for reliability. This is not required, but is recommended for track cars.
What is the maximum wheel size that can be installed?
With a whale LB Super Silhouette on S15 you can put:
- Front wheels:
18×10.5J ET -10with rubber265/35 R18. - Rear wheels:
18×11J ET -15with rubber285/30 R18.
Without modifying the fender liners it will no longer fit.
Does the whale affect the life of the suspension?
Yes, but not critical. The increased track and wide wheels increase the load on the wheel bearings and shock absorbers. Recommended:
- Install reinforced rack supports (for example, Cusco or Tein).
- Check wheel alignment more often (every
10,000 km).
Can the whale parts be painted a different color?
Yes, but there are nuances:
- FRP parts require primer before painting (otherwise the paint will peel off).
- Carbon fiber elements are painted only on the inside (so as not to hide the texture).