Paragon: Jesse Gallegos’ Nissan 240sx S13

“Aysuus,” the front of Jesse Gallegos’ Nissan S13 says it all. Filipino for “Wow!”, Aysuus is exactly how I felt when I first saw Jesse’s Silvia.

If you haven’t already noticed the front plate, this car comes from a land far, far away; otherwise known as Hawaii. For most of us on the mainland who’ve never been to Hawaii, it comes off as an erotic, mystic and isolated place. A place you’d honeymoon to, or perhaps find hidden treasure. In our experience of Hawaii, we found treasure. Maybe not gold and gems, but a car that stands out among the rest and to this day, still remains quite precious.

Jesse caught the automotive bug early in life, playing with HotWheels, and then progressing to RC cars. When he was old enough to drive, his first car was a 1990 Nissan 240sx SE coupe. Throughout high school, Jesse and his best friend Jake, worked on building their 240′s together. As time and his build progressed, Jesse started to try his hand in the drift scene. After an unfortunate wreck, Jesse’s days with his first 240 came to a close with a saddening sale of his beloved car.

Jesse then decided to give Honda’s a go. After building two, Jesse realized that they just weren’t the same. With some searching and determination to get back into a 240sx, Jesse found a rolling shell that would be perfect- Mark Real’s old S13. The shell was missing the front end, a motor and rear bumpers. The interior was taken out and wheels taken off. However with the suspension complete and roll-cage intact, Jesse saw this as the perfect project car opportunity. Eventually after saving enough money, Jesse returned to buy a S14 Blacktop SR20det, and a set of Work VS-KF’s.

Originally, Jesse planned to keep the car clean, simple and basic. However when he got to that point, he wasn’t completely content. With a “go big or go home” mentality, Jesse began his venture and started sourcing parts. Over the course of the next five years, Jesse worked on building his S13 to what it has become today. A gem amidst the beautiful islands of Hawaii.

When asking about Jesse’s build, a burning question was “what struggles come with living in Hawaii.” I’m sure this question comes quite often, so here’s a little knowledge for the ones wondering the same – “Parts cost more to ship out there, the wait for them to arrive is longer and the roads love to destroy low cars.”

Little details really stand out to Jesse, whether it be his build, or admiring another build. His Rear trunk lock, silvia front emblem and original fiberglass rear seats just do it for him. He also had his roll-cage and valve cover powdercoated to match the metallic red paint. His cluster, dome light, license plate, front corner lights and tail lights have also all been converted to LED’s. Jesse’s favorite part though? The Kouki S14 front end paired with the authentic BN-sports Aero to give it that aggressive look. My favorite part? Everything.

Jesse Gallegos’ Nissan S13

Exterior

• Bn Sports Aero Type 2 Sides & Rear, Type 3 Front
• Bmagic S13.4 Conversion Fenders
• Bmagic 50mm Rear Overfenders
• East Bear Aero Mirrors
• D-Max Roof Wing
• Origin Red/Clear Tail Lights w/ Custom LED Conversion

Interior

• Nardi 350mm Deep Corn Steering Wheel
• Works Bell Short Hub
• Works Bell Rapfix QRS Quick Release
• Bride Gias II Low Max Seats w/ Bride Rails
• Cusco Safety 21 7 Point Roll Cage
• Takata Harnesses
• Origin Fiberglass Rear Seats
• Yashio Factory Shift Knob
• Reupholstered Door Panels, Glove Box, Center Console
• Apexi Power FC D-Jetro
• Blitz SBC-ID Boost Controller
• SGear Boost/Water Temp/Fuel Pressure Gauges

Engine & Transmission

• S14 Blacktop SR20DET
• Garrett GT2871R .64 Turbo
• Greddy Intake Manifold
• Greddy Oil Filter Relocation Kit
• Earls Oil Cooler
• Greddy LS Intercooler
• Greddy Hotpipe
• Greddy Type-R Bov
• Tomei Oil Pan
• Apexi Power Intake
• ATI Super Harmonic Damper
• Koyo Aluminum Radiator
• Tomei Expreme Turbo Manifold
• Uras Turbo Manifold Damper
• Megan Turbo Outlet Elbow
• Apexi GT Spec Exhaust
• HPI Engine Torque Damper
• Nismo 2way LSD
• B&M Short Shifter
• Exedy Hyper Single w/ Exedy Lightened Flywheel

Wheels & suspension

• Work VS-KF Burning Black 18×9.5 -7offset all around
• Front: Hankook V12 Evo 215/40/18
• Rear: Hankook RS3 225/40/18
• Front: Wilwood Superlite BBK w/ Drilled/Slotted Rotors
• Rear: Rotora Slotted Rotors w/ Hawk Pads
• OEM 5-Lug Conversion
• Function & Form Coilovers
• Battle Version Rear Upper Control Arm
• Battle Version Rear Toe Links
• Battle Version Forward Links
• Battle Version Front Tension Rods
• Tein Tie Rods
• Nismo Power Brace
• Greddy Front&Rear Strut Bars

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