Anyone else considering modifications?

[toby]

I've already mentioned it in other posts, but I'm set to modify my Versa SL over the next few months, adding tint, a better looking exhaust tip, a Turbonator for increased horsepower and fuel economy (as well as a K&N filter charger), front and side paint protection and wide angle signal mirrors from Muthco (looking into heated signal mirrors), pseudo-HID lens covers, foglights, and custom leatherette front and rear seats, as well as a safety mirror (with thermometer and compass) and heated seats. Others have called some of these things "gimmicks", but that means nothing to me. Like most of you I figure, what matters to me is what I want (with respect to customization), and what I want is the most unique Versa on the road, bar none! Anybody got any other ideas about customizing the car? I should add I plan to put new rims and tires on the car later in the year as well. Just want to know if anybody else has any plans to spruce up their Versa.

[BubbaGoose]

It's your ride man, don't worry what others think.

I doubt I will do much past a K&N fill it with Mobil 1an get some door protection.

Now that I think of itI am thinkin'bout the upgrade speaker kit...

The OL wants a bug shield.As Houston Commuters our vehicles get the hell beat of themfrom roadside debris.

May buy a second one when the Sport models come out.

[toby]

Interesting you mention the "Sport" package. Before buying the car, I researched it on Autobytel.com, and checked out what was included with the "Sport" package. I wasn't impressed. I can do better by making aftermarket modifications... However, that's just my two cents. As you said, "It's your ride"... do what you wanna do and enjoy the car. I know I will.

[Sahandman]

best thing u can do is change the tires and rims. I will be changing the tires to performance low profile yokohoma's with 16 inch nice 5 spokes.

It doesnt make sense to heavily modify a versa, because cars like civic are desiged simple so owners can customize. Think about it, if u spend so much money on modifying the versa, it would defeat the purpose of buying an economy car.

[yerrago]

After you put mouldings to protect the paint, you could put some decals on that would accentuate your Versa. Not some gaudy decals, but really have some good artist that can do signs and knows about doing it on cars. Where can you find the side mouldings? I'd like to put those on before I have a friend do the decals for me. I figure my metallic gray exterior wouldn't look good with any color other than black, since the grayness kinda takes out much contrast with other colors. Still, black decals put the "black" into a relatively dull gray, albeit it being metallic. I just didn't get the black exterior because it gets dirty so quickly.

[toby]

I've got a black SL myself, and while keeping it sparkling takes constant attention, I love the color. Plus, it was either that or the red one my dealer had on the lot, and they said no more Versas were expected to come in for over a month! With regards to modifications to the Versa defeating the purpose of buying an economy car... What do you believe is the "purpose" of buying an economy car? For me, it was about fuel economy primarily, so I looked at the Yaris, Fit, Rio and Versa, buying the Versa because it had a ton of other conveniences the others lacked, plus I can fit in the front and back comfortably (I'm 6'2"). Still, it lacks some things that the aftermarket industry can address, and I'm not modifying the car heavily in my opinion, as the changes I want to make are simple and largely cosmetic/functional. I don't intend to make it look like something from "The Fast and the Furious", and for that reason I don't want to do side moldings. However, I have contacted a company that makes a clear film for the front and sides that comes with a lifetime warranty and protects the finish from salt, rust, road tar and rocks. Having this, window tint, new tires and a better looking exhaust (NOT a "performance" exhaust that makes the car sound like a Viper) installed is all I plan to do this year. The interior stuff I'll save for next spring. And as for exterior decals, that's never been my thing, but to each his own. Best of luck to everybody with whatever you plan to do, or not do, with your Versa!

[toby]

I should clarify that I didn't buy the Versa because of budgetary constraints... I just liked the car. Still, it will cost a few bucks to get it where I want it to be, I admit, so I hear you... Putting $3,000 of modifications in an economy car is kind of crazy. But there's always that one, isn't there? I guess this time it's me...

[yerrago]

a Turbonator for increased horsepower and fuel economy

Can anyone give testimonials on this device?

Or is this just one of those devices that will gently take out $70 with no real pain from the weeping millions of Americans already paying through their ears for high gasoline prices. And enrich the maker with little effect on fuel savings or power on the millions who bought in?

Or am I living in the 70's?

[toby]

I talked to the guy I've had do work on my last few cars, who told me I could get the same horsepower increase as I would from the Turbonator by, and these are his words: "...taking a dump before getting in the car and going anywhere", so needless to say, that's one modification that I won't be making....

[toby]

Just wanted to add that I've decided to do the tints and custom carpeting and seats first, just because that's what'll cost me the most, so I want to get that out of the way ASAP. I expect to have that and the mirrors done by the end of October... I'll post pics when complete. And stay away from Turbonator type devices! Get air filters, kits, whatever... but avoid little non-moving gizmos made from recycled soda cans that supposedly boost engine power and whatnot, as my body shop dude says that scientifically it's impossible for them to do what they claim (which I believe all the more given that the Turbonator website has a verrrrrry long disclaimer....)

[toby]

I talked to the guy I've had do work on my last few cars, who told me I could get the same horsepower increase as I would from the Turbonator by, and these are his words: "...taking a dump before getting in the car and going anywhere", so needless to say, that's one modification that I won't be making....

I meant to say "the same fuel economy increase". Sorry 'bout that!

[Fahaka]

Springs and struts should be first...or better, coilovers. I'm sure they have some available for the JDM car.

I am looking into a big brake kit soon...

As for power improvements, the first most obvious things would be intake and exhaust. The intake looks terribly restrictive. and the exhaust is tiny.

Big power would come from a small turbo...I bet a T25 would make this thing scream...

[toby]

Springs will be done this weekend hopefully, while the intake likely not until sometime next year. As far as the turbo thing, I've been made to understand such a mod WILL void the warranty, so I personally intend to stay far away from that...

[yerrago]

I don't know how much space there is under the hood, but prelubers would be a good thing to invest in. Since we're talking new cars here, it would be a good time to install one of these. From http://www.carbibles.com I got two sites http://www.autoenginelube.com and preluber.com, where you could get kits to install a system which gets your engine lubricated before you crank the engine. This will save you from a lot of wear and tear on your engine, since the startup really eats away at metal from the lack of lubrication during that time.

Another time would be to buy magnetic traps that you wrap around the oil filter and under the transmission. This keeps tiny metal filings from getting back into the engine oil and erode your engine parts.

Read http://www.carbibles.com/engineoil_bible.html about the magnets.

Speaking of preserving your drivetrain, I'll also want to eventually use synthetic oil, after the initial break-in phase, and also, I'd want to use a synthetic-based transmission oil.

As for accessories, you got me into a lot of ideas, and it'll probably end up about a couple of grand, but considering that I'm not spending that couple of grand going with the SL, it will be sweet (Of course, I am losing out on the cruise control, which isn't an option on the S trim and is standard on the SL):tint, mags, rearview dimming mirror with map lights, weathertech mats, seat covers, change to sound system with aux input + cellphone bluetooth. Of course, some of these may not be available yet. Then later on, fog lights, K&N air filters, and side mouldings. If I find a nice design, I'll put on some decals that's a combination of foreground yellow and border black that will stand well against the metallic gray background.

[toby]

Your planned mods sound good... just remember, if you're looking for the WeatherTech's heavy duty floor liners like I was, they're not available in a size compatible with the Versa. Anyway, I was just at Crutchfield.com looking around, and they have accessories for the Versa! You just put in what kind of car you have, and they give you a list of available doodads. Sweet! True, there's not a whole lot, but if you want a CD/DVD player, they've got a few, provided you don't mind spending a grand on 'em. I was particularly interested in the Ipod holder thing, and plan to find out from my shop guy whether Ipod controls can be routed through the stereo system... If so, I'd quickly grab the holder, as while there's a connection for the Ipod in my car, there's no real place to put the Ipod itself.

[yerrago]

Reading thru Crutchfield, you can get a stereo and have a $99 Ipod adapter hooked up to an iPod and this'll allow stereo control of the iPod. But I'd rather just have an aux input and just directly stick the ipod to it. Not very elegant, but good enough for me.

I think it's only a matter of time and Weathertech will have something for the Versa.

I'm just thinking if there's a way I could get my S trim to get cruise control. It's not an option but I'm hoping if it's not that complicated to get the OEM part and just install it. Not having cruise control, while not a big deal, won't help me save gas. But it's no biggie, I can develop the art of humanly doing the cruise control.

[toby]

WeatherTech will have something by the end of the year, and as for the Ipod thing, it's no biggie really. I'd advise you to check with a custom shop about the cruise control thing, but have never heard of that option being added aftermarket. Anyway, those seats I mentioned? Heated leather front seats and leather rear (unheated) are $849.00, with another $129 per seat for the heating gadgetry, shipped. Who knows how much more installation will cost. But, as I can't get the carpet I want til next year since it won't be available til then, I'll hold off and just do the other mods I planned on. Will post pics of where it stands by late October, as I expect to have everything short of the interior work done by then.

[toby]

Don't know about adding cruise control, but I'm wondering if I can order some parts from the Aussie version of the Versa.... Click on the "display all" option! Scuff guards, bumper protectors, bike racks? I need Tiida accessories today! http://www.nissan.com.au/tiida/accessories.asp

[ftnssn]

A turbonator? Wow, people actually buy those? Dude, don't do that. Get a hood scoop, it would do more good.

[mrglass]

i had a billet grille put on my versa. maybe that suits your pleasure. there are also places that make interior replacement panels that are make to fit OEM, im getting the carbon fixtures for inside the car, also seeing if a carbon gascap, b pillar, or hood can be found.

[Elmojo]

I agree on the need to switch to synthetic oil, so I asked my service manager, and he said that all Nissan engines run the equivalent of 500 miles on the bench before installation, and therefore no break-in period is required. Hence, he suggested that I not wait to switch to synthetic, but do it ASAP.

I plan to call my dealer today to be sure that switching to full synthetic gear oil in the transmission will not void the warranty for some reason. I plan to use Redline (www.redlineoil.com) MTL mixed 50/50 with MTL-90, on the recommendation of Dave at Redline (see below):

Thank you for contacting Red Line Oil, in your Versa I would recommend a blend of MTL and MT-90 as a 75W85 is called for. We use that blend in various late model Nissan transaxles. The MTL is a 70W80 so lower viscosity than called for. I don't have a capacity listed as it is a new model for 2007, likely just under 3 quarts, I would recommend checking the owners manual to be sure. Regards, DaveRed Line Oil

I had a 1988 300ZX 2+2 that started to grind 3rd gear due to a worn syncro.I swapped out the stock fluid with Redline MTL, and never had another problem. I ran that stuff for 2 years. Highly recommended!

[toby]

Sounds good. But you forgot to mention where one can find a billet grille and whatnot for the Versa... I've scoured the internet, only to find one place where it appeared I could get Tiida accessories, then found that would require me to get a Tiida as well. And move to Australia...

[justmerging]

yes, yes where did you find a billet grill for the versa and how much? Pics please!

[XterraVersa]

Better sound system for the commute & vent visors to help the car to stay cooler.

Thats it, it is my commuter car. My mod money goes to the Xterra.

[1337sizz0rz]

My first performance mods (excluding things like darker window tint and leather seats) will be 16"wheels, high performance tires (Falken rt-615's) and suspension. I am going to see if I can get a set of coilovers so the ride height and dampening can be fully adjustable. Then some adjustable sway bars to eliminate this understeer.

After that I am thinking about opening up the exhaust and intake to flow better. They are both so tiny that I bet an extra 10hp could be gained.

I'm curious what JDM performance parts are available for this car...

[purpleversa]

What would a rear spoiler look like on my Versa? Someone suggested that I add one. I am clueless when it comes to mods.

[Ever Victorious]

On a hatchback, a rear spoiler basically extends the rear roof line a few inches, then cuts back at an angle back to the hatch. It's supposed to make the car look sportier.

On a sedan, it would rise up off the back of the trunk, and look like... well, a spoiler. Same premise. make the car look sportier.

[toby]

What would a rear spoiler look like on my Versa? Someone suggested that I add one. I am clueless when it comes to mods.

I posted a link above, for the Tiida... basically the overseas version of the Versa. If you go to "Accesories" and choose "spoiler- Hatch", you'll see what the spoiler would look like, among other cool accesories not yet available to us here.

[Rabass]

I got my Versa (i'm in Australia so its Tiida here) about 2 months ago. I got the Q Hatch version in the grey colour (called "slate grey" here) which is the top of the line one here so not sure what the equivalent is in the Versa's. I love the interior (the leather inserts etc) its awesome but i intend on getting the geniune nissan skirts for the front back and sides. i then also intend on getting a full sports exhaust system including extractors, air intake system as well as lowering it 1 - 1.5 inches with better suspension/springs to stiffen up the ride a bit and reduce the body roll and getting some 17 inch wheels with performance tires. If i can manage i would also like to get sway bars to further prevent the body roll etc. I hope to have it all done by the end of the year. Maybe then i will look at doing a audio upgrade, we didn't have any of the sub woofer audio packages available here. the link to the Australian site that has the pics of the skirts was posted by Toby above. I'll post pics as i go, in the mean time i have some pics of what i intend it to look like that i'll try and post somewhere.

[Rabass]

Another pic of the front...

This is something that this specific dealer has just done up, and have put an ST-R badge on. It is just a stock ST with the skirts, lowered 1.5 inches and the wheels. Oh and the badge and decal along the side.