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

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.

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?

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!

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!

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!

Attachment: BBontheRocks.jpg (72843 bytes, downloaded 8181 times)

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.

Make sure you include this images as well please.

4.08 VLSD, NICO 8-way ECU, full exhaust with custom headers,
Tokico Blues with Eibach springs, Stillen FSTB, 20mm RSB, 255 rear rubber.
Of course I forgive you. That is your God's function. Your crime is forgiven.
However, your stupidity requires a response." -Leto Atreides II

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

2nd Nissan: 2007 Versa S HB 6-speed.

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.

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

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.

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%20Vids.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.

Eaton Charger installed.

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.......)

More info on the kit.

Delete if this is not allowed to be posted.

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

My name is David Dickson 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 alpinetech@alpine-developments.us

Thanks for your Time
Dave Dickson
alpine-developments.us

Anyone? Anyone?

Add a link to NICOclub to your site!

...even the HITMAN is on MySpace

Stacey Lynn Childs 1970-2007... Love of my life, my best friend, Heaven's prettiest angel. I miss you so much.

two cents

They seem to be no more.

See more here:
http://www.roninwheelers.com/v...=1721

Sorry for posting to another forum, but...

R.I.P Dhione Loyola Watkins

peace