Supercharging a non-supercharged xterra

[cjm_specv]

If possbile, how involved would it be to take a nissan factory supercharger for an Xterra or Frontier and supercharge a non-supercharged Xterra/Frontier?

I got my eye on a rebuildable exterra and if I am going to do it I would like to supercharge it.

[Big-Bird]

What year are you looking at doing this too?

It is a factor in your project.

If you want to supercharge(SC) a 200-2001 there are some body parts that need to be changed with SC body parts. The hood is higher on the the SC models.

If do a 2003 or later Frontier then you can order a Nissan Navarro Hood (JDM Nissan or Aussie Nissan) from a turbo diesel. They have a factory hood scoop that looks very nice on an SC model Frontier. I know I have a pic somewhere on my backup disk.

[cjm_specv]

At the moment I am looking at a 2001, I am not sure if that one is going to pan out or not. Bottom line is I have been looking for a higher mileage xterra or frontier that I could maybe make a project off, just something to mess around with over the witner. I am not real knowledgable when it comes to engines but need a truck so I thought maybe I could learn a thing or two.

I thought if I found one where the price was right and maybe needed a little engine work I would do some rebuilding and supercharge it if possible. Thought mabye the engine could be stroked in the process?

[Big-Bird]

Doing the conversion on a non-supercharged 3.3 is very ambitious, and to my knowledge a successful attempt has not been written about in any Nissan Xterra or Frontier Forum I have ever seen. ( And there are a bunch of forums out there) Here's some numbers that you should be aware of and may explain why I haven't seen any records of this.

The 3.3 is a torquey engine by it's very design. It's a puller not a racer engine. In my opinion that's why the Pathfinder was later upgraded to the more powerful 3.5L, which was rated at 240HP with about 280 ft/pd of torque. That engine has some serious promise and could be an option for an engine swap! ( NOTE Always grab the donor's computer )

For 2000-2001 the normally aspirated Xterra/Frontier 3.3L is rated at 170hp with 200 ft/pd of torque at around 2000RPM!

In 2002 the basic 3.3 was uprated to 180 hp and 210 ft/pd of torque.

The Eaton Supercharger, introduced in 2001, was engineered and designed in Japan specifically for the 3.3L and it bumped the 2001-HP rating to 210 and 240 ft/pd of torque. That Eaton blower must be run on Premium Fuel or you get pre-ignition trouble (or pinging as it is sometimes called). Add to the fact that you have to change the hood, because the blower sits higher than a stock intake system, get an intercooler, SC Model computer with the complete wiring harnesses and possibly the instrument cluster with the boost gauge and you end up with a costly conversion. Not a big gain for that much money. Don't expect to get much more than 220 from a Blower equipped 3.3L engine without doing extensive engine work. A reputable machine shop can better advise on that with piston types, crank shaft work, compression ratios etc. I'm not saying it can't be done but there is a bit of planning to be aware of first.

There are other options that would be more cost effective and it could be a real sleeper engine if you do it right. For example......

1) A 3.5L engine conversion from a Pathfinder or QX4. Serious sleeper potential!

2) Check out Spencer Low Racing. They have a wide range of upgrades for the 3.3 engine that includes but is not limited to; SLR Headers, throttle body machining, throttle spacers, hi-lift cam shafts, complete exhaust systems from the headers back (These upgrades are not all 50 State legal though).

3) For Catalytic Back Exhaust systems you have more options. You could go with Borla, Gibson, or even have a muffler shop fabricate some 3" pipes with a hi-flow muffler like a Dynomax or something similar.

4) Switching to a cold air intake system like Volant, AEM industries, or K&N is another option you also have.

By the way don't believe all the claims of how much HP you will gain by doing an upgrade. They are usually worded like this 'This product will give UP TO 15% gain in HP.' The key word here is UP TO. Which means maybe.

What you really need to ask your self is what do I want this engine to do?

Be fast? Be a good tow rig?

Each Honda's for lunch?

I always wondered if the 3.3 could be turned into a 3.4L or 3.5L with some machine work and a new crank. Get the right rod, piston, and camshaft combo and a stock 3.3L could really be a menace . That would mean you should have a 5 speed with the right diff gears and a centerforce clutch.....ohh man I'm drooling!

[cjm_specv]

You call your self the "humble" moderator. With the amount of info you just gave me you should be anything but humble. I could only hoped to have found out that much info after hours of searching the net. I appreaciate it.

It sounds like if I gotta have the SC then I should probably look for one that way from the factory.

My end goal is to take either an Xterra or Crew Cab Frontier 4x4 and have it be a good road vehicle but be able to handle some off road adventures. I have already researched various suspension systems (and related parts) out there. Calmini products look like its the way to go. Out of the engine I it is the torque that I would like to focus on.

Again though, as I said my knowledge is moderate at best. I was hoping to use it as an educational project and learn allot along the way. I will keep you posted when I find something that I am ready to go to work on.

Agian, thanks much for all the info!

[Big-Bird]

I like to help where I can. I also have many friends and resources in Nissan and I'm not afraid to call them and pick their minds too...which is where some of my information comes from for this forum. They too like to help where they can.

Now that you have expressed your wishes for what you want that engine to do here's some ideas for you that will help.

Take a serious look at what is referred to as a Cat-back Exhaust System. Gibson and Borla are the 2 most trusted names out there for Nissan and they include the pipes, muffler, clamps, and brackets so you can install the system at home with hand tools because it bolts on after the "Y" pipe to the factory flange and reuses the factory hanger points!

A Cold Air intake is a good option for improving airflow, but it's downside is that water and potential mud from the trails can get splashed into the filter causing you some minor irritations of frequent cleaning. (Not a big deal though)

As a member of a very active Nissan 4x4 Club I have seen it all. Snorkels on Frontiers and Xterras, Solid Axle Conversions on Pathfinders, ARB Lockers, winch bumpers, skid plates..the list just keeps going. I own a modified 2000 Xterra with Rancho's 2.5 Inch lift, Calmini's Steering and Rear Sway Bar disconnects. I also run Rancho's RS9000X in cab adjustable shocks. Skids are from Skidrow and Rock Sliders are home made. I also have an Aussie made TJM front bumper with a 9500 pound Ramsey winch on radio remote. I do not however have a Blower ...and some days I wish I had more power to get around. Especially when I do recovery duty with our local rally race circuit. Maybe my rig will inspire you?

I encourage you to keep this forum up to date on your progress. It's always very interesting to read about cool tech stuff and modifications.

Keep that Nissan shiny side up on the trails!

[Dano]

I'm stickying this thread because it's so freakin informative.

Big-bird's vast knowledge on these rigs is simply awesome, and this is definately worth every1 to read that has ever considered this.

-Dan

[Big-Bird]

I'm stickying this thread because it's so freakin informative.

Big-bird's vast knowledge on these rigs is simply awesome, and this is definately worth every1 to read that has ever considered this.

-Dan

Thanks for the Thumbs Up Dan.

[BadQ45t]

trade your old X-Terra in for an 05+ version. With 265 ponies and a VQ engine with no timing belt and NO PREMIUM gas, it rocks and they are not that expenisve. I love my 05, it is like night and day compared to a 04' with or without a SC.

[AutoXbot]

I was browsing the internet and saw this thread. Anyway, yeah I have 2000 Nissan Xterra that is SUPERCHARGED!! I think I'm one of the very few if not the only one with this setup for the 2000 X. I did the the upgrade about 2 yrs ago and it has been running great! The shop that did it for me was Alpine Developments when they were here in Gardena CA (they moved to Colorado). My performance setup is: 2000 Xterra with Eaton supercharger, custom dual exhaust (Flowmaster muffler), K&N Air Intake FIPK Gen II, Nology Hotwires, Denso Iridium Spark plugs, JetChip custom ECU, custom/functional hood scoop, cross drilled front rotos, ceramic brake pads, Optima Red Battery and Monoroe Reflex shocks. Right now I'm trying to sell it, 'cause the gas prices here in CALI have gone bananas (looking at the Minis). And yes, I have to use Premium gas and Full Synthetic oil with this setup. I'll try to post pics later today, and if anyone's interested in purchasing its going to be on AutoTrader for $ 9,100 OBO. Its got 82k~ miles on it. She is also listed on the Classifieds section of this site.
Modified by AutoXbot at 9:43 AM 10/22/2006

[Big-Bird]

I am very curious about the Hood configuration you have to accomodate that supercharger.

Make sure you include this images as well please.

[MinisterofDOOM]

This thread rocks. I'd love to see more info. While I don't have an Xterra, I do have an SOHC VG and an Xterra supercharger that I'd like to combine.

[XterraVersa]

Go here for a kit to add a SC to an Xterra:

http://www.tonemonday.com/alpine_kits.html orhttp://www.alpine-developments.us/nissansc.html

[Big-Bird]

Intersting...looks like a rebuilt factory unit.

Wonder how they get it to work on a stock engine?

And if they have a solution for the hood clearance on the 2000-2001 model Xterra and Frontiers?

The D21's might have the same issue.

I just emailed them in regards to this package and when I know more I will post their response.

[XterraVersa]

Here is a 2000 Xterra for sale that is already supercharged. Looks like the when with the hood scoop option.

http://xterrafirma.com/index.p...=4102

[XterraVersa]

For a quick laugh check this super charger out:http://www.turbonator.com/inde...terra

[Big-Bird]

So far they claim a 60HP gain over stock ratings.

So a stock 3.3 built on or before 2002 was rated at 170HP with 210ft/pd of torque.

Nissan's SC equipped 3.3 has a rating of 210HP with 240 ft/pds of "T"

Eaton and Nissan worked together on the SC project and pushed the boost as far as they dared without revamping the engine.

So here comes Tone One claming 60HP. I asked them how they can do that when Eaton themselves didn't do it under the guidance of Nissan in Japan. When I get their answer it will be posted.

[BadQ45t]

I want to see the SC for the 05-07, take the 265 (errr, revised for 07 to 261 not sure if that is backwards to 05). But I bet you could easily go over 300 with a SC, I'd buy that for 3k!

[XterraVersa]

A member of a Colorado club is having one installed by Alpine Developments in the near future. I will try to have him post here after the install.

[Luv2ski35]

the 3.3 and 3.0 are more than capable of handling 18+ PSI of boost....

here is a video of Lee (the L in L&P) with his eaton M90 (used in pontiac and Ford thunderbirds of the 90s) supercharged pathy. The xterra/frontier used the eaton M62 (IIRC)...the stock super charger on the frontier and xterra is the limiting factor, not the engine.

http://www.lpperformance.com/Pics%20and ... .htm(click on the pictures to see the videos and/or enlarged pics)

I have not read of anyone doing the swap with a stock frontier/xterra super charger because they suck....they don't hold up and even from the factory have a tendancy to be problematic when pushing 80,000 miles.

[CTSpeed413]

I'm liking it. I've got a little baseline XTerra 2.4 w/ a KA44DE - just found out why I like my little top so much, not only have I found that it's no joke for a four banger, many others have too, and ridiculous HP potential. I miss my 01 SC frontier, it was sweet, but thirsty and expensive in every way. Looking forward to learning alot and sharing what I do learn. YES POST PICS!!!

[XterraVersa]

http://www.roninwheelers.com/v...t=143

Eaton Charger installed.

[Big-Bird]

This was quite the string of pearls to read through. I found it interesting that the SC conversion was done in a city just a few hours north of me.

I do have a bit of doubt about the HP rating the owner claims. but I am a number guys and I would only beleive it if I saw an actual dyno chart. Call me a skeptic...... But still someone else finally did the conversion!

So that's 2 I have read about now and I am sure there are more coming as the SC's find their way into various wreckers.....Hmmmmmm (Bwaahhhaaaa.......)

[XterraVersa]

http://www.roninwheelers.com/v...t=416

More info on the kit.

Delete if this is not allowed to be posted.

[Big-Bird]

I am going to leave the Ronin Links in here only because it's related to the thread and the fact that we have limited info on the SC Conversion in our own area.

But I will do this on a case by case basis only.

[alpinetech]

Hellow Everyone,

My name is David d!ck and I'm a tech with Alpine Developments. I helped in the install of our Supercharger kit on Matt's 03 Xterra. I'll refrain from advertising our company but I wanted to let you know this kit is for real. Its comes with a 7-8lb pulley, Matt got 5-6 pounds due to Colorado's altitude. The kit also comes with a user programmeable piggyback ECU that has complete control of fuel and timing. We did tune his car on our dyno but its not reading right so I'd rather not post our numbers. We estimate Matt is making at least 250 HP at the engine which puts it above the OEM Supercharged Xterra.

Feel free to post any questions in this thread or shoot me an email at [email protected]

Thanks for your TimeDave d!ck-developments.us

[White_Shadow]

how much boost is a factory sc giving you?

[AZhitman]

I smell Feature Article....

Anyone? Anyone?

[audtatious]

A nice detailed article for my other project would be nice

[NM50]

Alpinetech.I would like to know more about your product.