Raise a glass for Zilvia.net. The long-time Nissan S-Chassis (240SX, 180SX, Silvia) forum was, until just a short while ago, an essential resource for owners in search of project advice, part exchanges, and more. Having existed online for nearly thirty years, there was a wealth of knowledge and history embedded in the threads of Zilvia.net. Its disappearance is a significant loss for the car enthusiast community and serves as a poignant reminder that digital content doesn’t necessarily endure forever.
Members attempting to log into the forum this week were met not with fresh content, build posts, or cars listed for sale. Rather, they discovered a notice indicating the site’s permanent closure on every link.
The announcement stated:
“Zilvia.net has been permanently shut down. In December 2025, an unauthorized entity acquired forum-account data and published it publicly. The leaked details included usernames, email addresses, IP addresses, and salted MD5 password hashes. No financial data or other sensitive personal information was held on the site.
The forum has been taken offline and will not be revived. If you used the same password elsewhere, please update it as a precaution.
A read-only static archive of the forum’s publicly accessible content may be available in the future, but no plans or timelines currently exist for this.
Founded in 1998, Zilvia.net thrived for over twenty years thanks to a grassroots community that participated, shared, and nurtured it. Many wonderful friendships, connections, and even families emerged from the community that developed here. The depth of knowledge, skills, and the inclination to assist one another marked this place and influenced innumerable projects through the years. The primarily Nissan S-Chassis focus united one of the most enthusiastic grassroots groups of aficionados, and it was a privilege for Zilvia.net to be part of that narrative.
I am truly saddened by its conclusion and profoundly grateful to all who contributed their time, wisdom, and enthusiasm over the years.
With heartfelt gratitude, thank you, Zilvia.net community, for everything.”
This gives the impression that a hacking incident occurred, yet specifics about what exactly transpired with the site, or whether any other host might take it over, are still unclear. There has been some discussion in Facebook groups suggesting that other forum administrators have attempted to assist, and at least one Facebook group (named “Zilvia 2.0”) has emerged, where an admin expressed their intention to “see some of the spirit and knowledge preserved,” so there might be some optimism for the information that was stored within the forum. However, nothing is definitive at this point.
You can explore portions of the site via the Internet Archive, but it is incomplete and not very efficient.
According to my Gmail history, I had been a member of Zilvia since 2017, nearly 20 years after its inception in 1998, the year I was born. I might have joined relatively late in its timeline, but like many Nissan fans, I had referenced Zilvia threads long before creating an account. With aging vehicles, issues frequently arise, and with every Google search regarding any conceivable 240SX dilemma, there was always some stranger miles away who had already resolved it and was eager to assist.
Before Facebook groups became prevalent, we relied on forums. These basic, straightforward platforms were more than mere discussion boards—they were the foundation for ambitious builds and genuine friendships. It all started with a question: “Why aren’t my pop-up headlights functional?” “S14 wheel fitment images,” “Upgrading my SR20DET.”
Then a conversation would develop, and people worldwide would offer their wisdom and experiences. The commitment we had to the chassis made Zilvia a daily routine for many—almost akin to checking your email. With that level of dedication, forming friendships with the original poster over time was almost inevitable.
The information shared within Zilvia’s database exceeded what you’d find in the original Nissan 240SX service manual. It’s disheartening to acknowledge that the richest pool of S-Chassis knowledge has vanished—along with all the images, diagrams, and guides. While I won’t have the opportunity to revisit 240guy92104’s iconic guide on swapping an S14 differential into an S13, fortunately, much of that content is preserved elsewhere. YouTube, Facebook groups, Reddit, and Discord are platforms where a significant part of the Zilvia community has already transitioned.
Nevertheless, the closure of Zilvia feels like losing a segment of S-Chassis history. And for many of us, a piece of our youth as well.
Do you have any Zilvia stories? Share them with us at [email protected].
**Zilvia.net, The Original Nissan 240SX Forum, Shuts Down After 27 Years of Service**
After almost thirty years of being a foundational hub for Nissan 240SX enthusiasts, Zilvia.net has officially ceased operations. Founded in 1996, Zilvia.net rapidly became the premier online destination for owners and admirers of the Nissan 240SX, a beloved sports car recognized for its rear-wheel-drive configuration and tuning potential.
The forum was created by a group of dedicated Nissan fans who aimed to establish a platform for exchanging knowledge, experiences, and modifications related to the 240SX. Over time, it flourished into a comprehensive resource, featuring technical manuals, project showcases, and a marketplace for buying and selling components. Zilvia.net nurtured a community spirit among its members, many of whom developed lasting friendships and connections through their shared passion for the 240SX.
During its existence, Zilvia.net observed the emergence of the 240SX as a mainstay in the drifting industry, particularly within the United States. The forum played a crucial role in enlightening new drivers about the car’s potential and modifications, aiding in the vehicle’s popularity within motorsport communities. As the drifting culture expanded, so did the forum’s user base, attracting thousands of contributors who engaged in discussions ranging from technical guidance to event organization.
Despite its success, the landscape of online forums has undergone significant transformation over the years. The influx of social media platforms and instant messaging applications has altered how automotive enthusiasts communicate and exchange information. Numerous former Zilvia.net users have transitioned to platforms like Facebook and Instagram, where they can share ongoing projects and connect with others instantaneously. This transition has resulted in diminished forum activity, making it increasingly difficult for Zilvia.net to remain pertinent.
The shutdown of Zilvia.net signifies the conclusion of an era for many automotive enthusiasts who grew up alongside the forum. For countless members, it was not only a source of technical information but also a community where they could express their enthusiasm for the Nissan 240SX. The forum’s legacy will likely persist through the recollections and experiences of its users, many of whom will carry forward the knowledge gained and friendships established into their futures.
In summary, the closure of Zilvia.net after 27 years underscores the transformation of automotive communities in the digital era. While the forum may no longer be active, its influence on the Nissan 240SX community and the wider automotive culture will remain in memory.