Looking to do many upgrades but need help

[Len1304]

I'm currently deployed and will come home eventually. I've got the 08 SL Hatch and I'm looking to do quite a few upgrades but would like some input on how they will affect the car. I'm considering the Takeda Short intake which I'm assuming should be simple to install, I like the thought of the Nismo Suspension but am curious if it provides any kind of drop or just stiffens up the ride? So if it doesn't provide a drop which kit will provide a drop but come complete. I'm also considering an exhaust kit but haven't a clue which kit to get, a little more flow and a bit more sound would be nice. Also if they have a header for the car I'll throw that on at the same time. Now I'm also considering the front and rear stabilizers but I'm wondering if it will help prevent one of my rear wheels from loosing contact with the ground under heavy cornering as it currently does. The more wheels I have on the ground the better. I know the CVT Versa isn't exactly the best option for circuit racing but I really enjoy it when I beat some of my friends around the track and I'm driving just a "Versa". Anything else anyone can think up that will help please let me know. I'm trying to stay under a budget of 2000-3000 in upgrades.

[Athikerguy4life]

First off, welcome to the forum!

The takeda is very simple, get the dc catback, if you want to do coilovers go for it but the basic lowering springs will work fine (like eibachs). If you've corned hard enough to get a wheel off the ground, then good for you, but I don't think it'll be a problem. Sway bar is a good upgrade. This will all run you about 1000. Coilovers would be about another 800.

If anyone else has any other suggestions, feel free to yell them out! Good luck!

[veronicatheV]

Hi Len and Thank you for serving. Im currently in the delayed entry program for the Marines and cant wait to go to Paris Island.

IT IS NEVER "JUST" A VERSA HERE!

Now to your questions.

The intake really doesnt matter they all do the same thing and with such a "basic" engine the differences in hp trq and MPG between the intakes are min to zip. However I recently installed the DC CAI and personally say the sound is amazing.

For exhaust go with the DC it gives you the deepest throatiness sound without being farty you can get a silencer if its to loud for you. There are also headers readily available.


Intake and exhaust will completely change the feel of the vehicle. You may want to check out the NTD throttle controller as well

The suspension- Nismo is probably your best bet and yes it will lower the car. I believe its adjustable but not sure I will check versaspeed.com for you. However Tien makes a coilover kit along with another brand that makes airbags. Now if you are going from street to circuit and want a forgiving comfortable ride on the street and a hard stiff corner cutting action on the track I would go with the airbag kit. Some of my friends that are in the local drift circuit swear by airbags. (They are not just for show)

The front strut bar is also a great way to go, however the rear sway bar is not worth it The V has one of the stiffest body/frames by its self and that would just be a wast of money.

Now your budget. Lets see 200 for intake 400 for exhaust about or around 600 to 800 for suspension if you go for coilovers (personally I think that just Tein springs will work and they are just 200) sway bar about 160 NTD is 150. Your budget will be close. depending on what you want.

Now get home safe, and Good luck with your V.

[Promise Land]

Nismo suspension isn't adjustable. It does drop the car about 1.25" though.
Get a front strut bar, skip the sway bars. Skip the coilovers. Get the SS brake lines from Versaspeed amd some better pads. Those bits alone would be $1,000 or less and you'll really feel a huge difference in the car. I'm a fan of the DC intake, exhaust, and header, but for the cost of it all you'll get 10-12hp extra. Spend the extra cash to drive better unless you want the extra sound.

[Len1304]

Hey thanks for all the suggestions. I was hoping to get some of the frequent more readers and posters answering some questions. BTW good luck with Paris Island. I'm in the Army myself and have no experience with that place. But Marines do get the job done. I'll give ya'll that. Promise would you be able to recommend a good company for the strut bar, I'm really new to the car modification game and so have little to no experience with companies. I will prolly milk a little more out of my budget to get a few more toys, since I do want to do basic intake, exhaust and header upgrades. While they may not provide much increase in hp, I've read that they can provide more mpg. I take MANY crosscountry trips to tx where I set my versa on cruise and let it go. The best I've EVER managed going that route was 400 miles to the tank and that was milking it. so i'm hoping to grab at least 5mpg or more, that would help me justify it to the wife. Would you recommend I do rotors as well?

[Athikerguy4life]

for the strut bar you can go with the DC or the Nismo bar. Both do pretty much the same thing. Keep it all dc and get the DC intake, exhaust, headers, and strut bar.

[veronicatheV]

look the absolute bestest place to check is www.versaspeed.com for everything and anything!

Now I have the 1.6l Base model so that means I have NOTHING not even ABS, so I am much more intune with my brakes cause they lock up in a hurry and it slides forever, so I do recommend rotors and anything else that has to do with brakes. But I don't really know how the V brakes are with ABS, I actually don't own a car with ABS and only had 1 vehicle ever with it so brakes are kinda a big deal and a big nuisance to me.

[Len1304]

I don't have abs either. It was a real shock for me. To have a 1.8l sl hatch with almost all the bells and whistles and NOT have abs. Who orders there car with bluetooth, upgraded stereo and wheels but not abs.

[veronicatheV]

Well then get some 17'' rims and go with the Rotora Big Brake Kit, its bigger than most truck breaks.

Here is the description for you.

Contents of Rotora Cube/Versa Big Brake Kit: TWO 1 piece cross-drilled and slotted vented e-coated black rotors (295mm) TWO 2-piece cast aluminum 4-piston calipers (red or blue caliper of your choice) TWO anodized black caliper mounting brackets Rotora street performance pads Stainless Steel braided brake lines (DOT Approved) All systems are ABS compatible, and direct bolt on replacement to all stock front suspension systems, with 15-25 percent larger surface area compared to stock. For use with wheel sizes 17 inch and over

But the problem here is the price, sorry but this alone will break your budget.

1800 bucks.

They make standard size rotors as well but I dunno how much better they are over stock, to the best of my understanding vented rotors are better fending off heat and prevent warping, maybe someone on the forum who has them can give you better feedback. I still say the Big boy though, its sweet!

[Promise Land]

either buy from Versaspeed or Micro Image.

Strut bar - DC or Ultra Racing. Nismo is overpriced unless you want the Nismo name brand.

You don't need better rotors initially. I'd go with lines and pads before I went rotors.

Here is my 2009 I built.
project-meep-build-showoff-thread-t508651.html

[veronicatheV]

Hey promise land what exactly is the difference between the stock lines vs. the SS lines. Does it stiffen the brake pedal or what.

[Promise Land]

the SS lines flex less so the pedal will feel stronger and put more pressure to the caliper rather than flexing the line.

[veronicatheV]

cool thanks that might just be the next thing I do!