Nissan Silvia S13 with Rocket Bunny: how to choose and install the body kit correctly

Nissan Silvia S13 - an iconic JDM car of the 90s, which still remains the standard for drifting and styling. And the body kit Rocket Bunny from a Japanese brand Tra Kyoto turned this model into an icon of the tuning scene. But before you order a kit, you should figure out whether it will suit your S13, how much installation will cost and what pitfalls await beginners.

This article contains an analysis of all versions Rocket Bunny for Silvia S13 (including rare options), step-by-step installation instructions, comparison with alternatives like Pandem or Origin Lab, and also current prices for 2026, including delivery from Japan and the USA. Plus - a checklist for checking the package before purchasing and answers to frequently asked questions about compatibility.

What is Rocket Bunny and why is he so popular on S13

Body kit Rocket Bunny — these are not just plastic bumpers, but a full-fledged styling philosophy created by the designer Kei Miura (founder Tra Kyoto). His style combines aggressive lines widebodykits with retro-futuristic details inspired by racing prototypes of the 80s. For Nissan Silvia S13 the brand offers two main options:

• 🔥 Version 1 — a classic kit with extended arches (+40–60 mm per side), an integrated splitter and a rear diffuser. Suitable for outdoor use.
• 🏁 Version 2 — a more extreme version with increased width (+80 mm), canards on the hood and an aggressive wing. Most often used on track cars.
• 🖌️ Optional Parts: side skirts Side Skirts, canards Canards, wheel arch extensions Over Fenders (sold separately).

Popularity Rocket Bunny on S13 is explained by three factors:

1. Recognition: the whale instantly transforms the silhouette of the car, making it look like racing prototypes Group C.
2. Functionality: widened arches allow the installation of wide wheels (up to 18×10.5J front and 18×12J rear) without trimming the wings.
3. Quality of materials: original whales are made from FRP (fiberglass) or URE (polyurethane), which guarantees durability when installed correctly.

However, there is also a downside: the high price (from $3,500 for a complete set), the complexity of installation (welding is required to attach the arches) and the risk of running into fakes. More details about them in the next section.

Original vs. Reply: How not to buy a fake Rocket Bunny

Whale market for Silvia S13 flooded with copies that look similar to Rocket Bunny, but differ in quality and fit. Here are the key features of the original:

Sign	Original (Tra Kyoto)	Replica (China/Taiwan)
Material	FRP (fiberglass) or URE (polyurethane). Wall thickness is 3–5 mm.	Cheap ABS plastic or thin fiberglass (1–2 mm). Breaks during installation.
Equipment	Full set of fasteners, instructions in Japanese/English, brand hologram.	There are no bolts, rivets, and often no holes for fastenings.
Landing	Fits perfectly on the stock body without modifications (gaps up to 2 mm).	Requires trimming of fenders and bumpers. Gaps up to 5–10 mm.
Price	From $3,500 per Version 1 (new). Used – $2,000–$2,800.	$800–$1,500 for a complete set.

Where to buy the original:

• 🌏 Official dealers Tra Kyoto in Japan (brand website).
• 🇺🇸 American stores: FT Speed, Drift Motion, Enjuku Racing.
• 🇪🇺 European suppliers: Driftworks (UK), JDM Garage (Germany).

⚠️ Attention: On Facebook Marketplace And eBay They often sell "original" kits at the price of a replica. Check the serial number on the website Tra Kyoto or ask for a photo of the packaging with a hologram.

If your budget is limited, consider alternatives:

• 💰 Pandem - a similar style, but with more “dirty” lines. Price: $2,500–$3,000.
• 🔧 Origin Lab — retro style with an emphasis on aero. Suitable for ka-tuned cars Price: $2,800–$3,200.
• 🛠️ C-West — track-oriented whales. Lighter and stronger, but less recognizable. Price: $3,000+.

How to distinguish a replica from a photo?

1. Look at the thickness of the edges - on the original they are smooth, on the replica they are often “wavy”.

2. Check the mounting holes: in fakes they may be drilled crookedly or absent altogether.

3. Request a photo of the inside of the parts - the original has a visible layer of gelcoat (glossy finish).

Step-by-step installation of Rocket Bunny on Silvia S13: what you need to know

Installation Rocket Bunny — it’s not just about screwing on the bumper. The process takes 3-5 days and requires welding, body fitting and painting. Here are the main steps:

1. Body preparation: removing stock bumpers, skirts, cleaning the surface from rust and old paint. Be sure to check the geometry of the body - if the car is damaged, the whale will sit crookedly.
2. Test fitting: attach body kit parts, mark places for fastenings. U Version 2 Wing trimming may be required.
3. Welding and fastening: arches Over Fenders They are welded to the stock fenders, the bumpers are attached with bolts and rivets. For URE-whales use special glue 3M VHB.
4. Putty and painting: all joints are filled with putty, sanded, then primer and paint are applied. The color is matched to the body or made contrasting (for example, a black whale on a white car).
5. Final assembly: installation of canards, splitter, diffuser. Checking gaps and making minor adjustments.

Installation cost in Russia/CIS:

• 🔨 Welding work: 30,000–50,000 ₽ (depending on complexity).
• 🎨 Painting: 40,000–80,000 ₽ (including materials).
• 🛠️ Additional modifications (trimming the wings, strengthening the body): 20,000–40,000 ₽.

⚠️ Attention: If you have S13 with SR20DET, keep in mind that wide wheels may touch the struts or fender liners. Before installing the kit, check the ground clearance with future discs (recommended offset: ET0–ET-15).

Remove all attached parts (headlights, grille, bumpers)

Check the body for rust and dents

Select wheels and tires to match the width of the arches

Buy consumables: putty, primer, 3M VHB glue

Find a technician with a welding machine and experience working with FRP-->

What wheels and tires fit Rocket Bunny on S13

One of the main advantages Rocket Bunny — the ability to install extra-wide wheels. But there are nuances here:

• 🚗 Front wheels: maximum width - 10.5J with rubber 265/35/R18. For Version 2 you can 11J, but it will require rolling out the arches.
• 🚘 Rear wheels: to 12J with rubber 295/30/R18. On SR20DET with drive RWD can be wider, but the drive shafts may limit travel.
• 🔄 Departure (ET): optimal ET0–ET-15. For an aggressive style take ET-20, but this requires rolling out the fender liners.

Popular disk sizes for S13 + Rocket Bunny:

Disk size	Recommended tires	Suitable for	Notes
18×9.5J ET0	245/40/R18	Version 1 (street)	Without rolling arches. Ideal for everyday driving.
18×10.5J ET-15	265/35/R18	Version 1/2 (drift)	Minimal rolling of the front arches is required.
18×12J ET-20	295/30/R18	Version 2 (track)	The rear arches need to be rolled out and the fender liners need to be improved.

Disc brands that are most often chosen for Rocket Bunny S13:

• 🏆 Work Wheels (models Emotion CR Kiwami, Meister S1) - light and durable, but expensive ($300–$500 per disc).
• 💎 SSR (Professor SP1) - a JDM classic, suitable for retro style.
• 💰 XXR (527, 531) - a budget option ($150–$250 per disc), but heavier.
• 🔥 WedsSport (TC105X) - optimal balance of price and quality.

For rubber it is better to choose soft compounds (for example, Federal 595 RS-R or Nitto NT05), if the car is used for drifting. Suitable for the street Michelin Pilot Sport 4 or Toyo R888R.

Engine tuning for Rocket Bunny: what needs to be improved

Wide body kit Rocket Bunny often combined with a powerful engine, but it is important to strike a balance here. If you put the whale on stock CA18DET or SR20DET, please note:

• 🔥 Turbine: Stock T25 on SR20DET won't handle wide wheels. Minimum - Garrett GT2860 or Tomei M82.
• ⚡ Fuel: For power above 300 hp. needed upgraded fuel pump (Walbro 450LPH) and injectors (Nismo 550cc).
• 🔧 Suspension: Hard springs (Tein Super Street) or coilovers (BC Racing BR) are required - otherwise the whale will cling to the asphalt.
• 🛡️ Brakes: Stock ones will not withstand the load. Minimum - Z32 300ZX front calipers and R32 Skyline behind.

Example of a budget for rework SR20DET under Rocket Bunny (power ~350 hp):

Finalization	Details	Cost (USD)
Turbokit	Garrett GT2860-5 + manifold	$1,800–$2,200
Fuel	Pump Walbro 450LPH, injectors Nismo 550cc, pressure regulator	$600–$900
Issue	3.5" downpipe + HKS Hi-Power muffler	$1,200–$1,500
Suspension	Coilovers BC Racing BR + racks Cusco	$1,500–$2,000

⚠️ Attention: If you plan to participate in drift competitions, be sure to install diff lock (For example, Nismo 1.5-way LSD). The stock differential will not withstand the load from wide wheels and a powerful motor.

For CA18DET the approach is similar, but adjusted for the lower potential of the motor. The maximum that can be squeezed out without a swap is 280–320 hp (with turbine T28 and setting ECU on Haltech or AEM).

Problems and solutions: common mistakes when installing Rocket Bunny

Even experienced tuners face installation difficulties Rocket Bunny. Here are the most common problems and how to avoid them:

1. Crooked arch fit

   Reason: Incorrect markings before welding or deformed body.

   Solution: Use a laser level to mark. If the body is "tired", strengthen it strut bars And chassis rails.

2. Wheel friction on arches

   Reason: Incorrect disc protrusion or lack of rolling out.

   Solution: Check the geometry for WillTheyFit. For ET-15 and roll out the arches wider roller-ohm.

3. URE kit peeling off

   Reason: Cheap glue or poor surface preparation.

   Solution: Use 3M VHB + additional screws in hidden places.

4. Motor overheating

   Reason: Reduced gap between radiator and front bumper.

   Solution: Install a thin aluminum radiator (Koyorad) and additional fans.

Another common mistake is saving on painting. After a year or two, cheap paint begins to crack at the joints of the whale and the body. Best option:

• 🎨 Primer: PPG DP40 or 3M.
• 🖌️ Paint: Sikkens or Spies Hecker (2-3 layers).
• 🛡️ Varnish: PPG Clearcoat with UV protection.

If you install the kit yourself, here is the minimum set of tools:

• 🔧 Welding machine (MIG or TIG).
• 🔨 Angle grinder (Dremel for adjustment).
• 🧲 Magnetic level for checking symmetry.
• 🧴 Painting kit: compressor, spray gun, putty.

What to do if a whale doesn't land?

1. Check if the stock fenders are bent (a common problem after an accident).

2. Use heat gun to soften URE parts (only for small adjustments!).

3. Contact a specialist who specializes in widebody- kitah - he can modify the fastenings.

How much does the complete Silvia S13 + Rocket Bunny project cost in 2026

The price depends on the condition of the donor, the selected kit and the level of modifications. Here is an approximate calculation for a project “from scratch” (a car is bought broken and restored):

Stage	Parts/Works	Cost (USD)
Donor (S13 1990–1994)	The body is in good condition, SR20DET	$8,000–$12,000
Body kit Rocket Bunny Version 1	Full kit + delivery from Japan	$3,500–$4,500
Installation and painting	Welding, putty, painting in 2 layers	$2,500–$4,000
Wheels and tires	Work Emotion CR Kiwami 18×10.5J + Federal 595 RS-R 265/35	$2,000–$3,000
Engine modification	Turbine GT2860, fuel, tuning ECU	$3,000–$5,000
Suspension and brakes	Coilovers BC Racing, brakes Z32	$2,000–$3,000

Total: $21,000–$31,500 (excluding unforeseen expenses).

You can save money if:

• 🔧 Buy a used kit (but check for authenticity!).
• 🛠️ Do some of the work yourself (for example, painting).
• 💰 Choose replica wheels (XXR instead of Work).

However, saving on key parts (turbine, suspension, kit) often results in additional costs for rework.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Silvia S13 and Rocket Bunny

❓ Is it possible to install Rocket Bunny on S14/S15?

No, the kit was developed specifically for S13. For S14 And S15 there are versions of body kits from Tra Kyoto (For example, Pandem or Rocket Bunny S14), but they are not interchangeable.

❓Which kit is better: Version 1 or Version 2?

Version 1 Suitable for the street - it is less aggressive and easier to install. Version 2 requires serious modifications to the body and is more often used on track cars. If you do not plan to participate in competitions, take Version 1.

❓ Is body reinforcement necessary before installation?

Definitely! S13 - not the toughest car, but wide wheels and a powerful engine will add to the load. Minimum: front strut bar, rear tower brace and strengthening the subframe. To drift you need full roll cage.

❓ Is it possible to ride Rocket Bunny in winter?

Technically yes, but there are risks:

• 🌨️ URE- the whale may crack due to temperature changes.
• 🚗 Low ground clearance and wide wheels worsen handling in the snow.
• 💰 Salt and reagents spoil the paint - you will have to polish it more often.

If the car is not a daily driver, it is better to lay it up for the winter.

❓ Where to order Rocket Bunny with delivery to Russia/CIS?

There are no official dealers in the region, but there are proven options:

• 🇯🇵 Tra Kyoto (delivery through intermediaries, for example, Buyee or ZenMarket).
• 🇺🇸 FT Speed (sent to any country, but customs may delay).
• 🇪🇺 Driftworks (Europe, delivery 2-3 weeks).

Average delivery time: 1–2 months. Customs duties: ~30% of the cost.