New chick on the block in need of some manly man adivce for my 07 Sentra

[ThePrincessx10]

I'm new to this forum and I've been on here all night reading everyones threads trying to get some ideas for my car.

I just baught my 2007 Sentra 2.0 auto base model car 9-07. The only mod i've done is put 20% tint (500 bucks later) on my car. I'm currently racing my car at my local track because its does extreamly well with consistancy. I'm running in the Summit points series this season with a 17.23 time in the 1/4 mile. I'm extreamly please with the car but I have some cash to drop into it now I just dont know where to start!!!

I'm really looking to boost the performace of the car first. I deffanitly want to go with a new exaust system and performance rims and tires. But I need some serious advice on brands and such, and then how to install the stuff.

I'd love to get a faster reaction time at the light, and an over all better time. I'm willing to mess with anything that wont overall hurt the car.

HELP!!!! What do I do... where do I start!!!

[PacoBJuarez]

First things first: is your tint legal? 20% tint is illegal where I'm at, you can't have anything lower than 35% tint. And to get anything lower than 75% I think it is you have to have that form signed by your eye doctor.

Now to your car. Start with the breathing of the engine first. Three main parts to begin your work: cold-air intake, exhaust, and header. As far as brands go, that's all about personal preference and how much you're willing to pay. I like DC Sports for a header, AEM for the CAI, and multiple brands for exhausts. BRM, Stromung, Apexi, and Greddy seem to be the most popular for sentras.

After that, it's anyone's game. Those are the main three you absolutely have to do. I'm not really sure how many parts and options are out there for an '07 sentra, I know there probably isn't as much stuff available for you car as there is for my '02 Spec-V. Thus, I'll let someone with more knowledge about '07 sentra stuff continue from there. The CAI, header, and exhaust are musts, though.

Also, you said you were looking for quicker reaction time off the block? That would be tires for traction and maybe a racing clutch for response time. If you're going to seriously race your car, I would highly, highly suggest getting performance tires as you've mentioned in your first post.

[audtatious]

Along with the above, an aftermarket suspension will help with launches (springs and struts). If you simply want some additional power for drag racing then a small shot of Nitrous may be a viable option for you as well.

What is your budget? That will depict what options are viable.

[ThePrincessx10]

First things first: is your tint legal? 20% tint is illegal where I'm at, you can't have anything lower than 35% tint. And to get anything lower than 75% I think it is you have to have that form signed by your eye doctor.

Now to your car. Start with the breathing of the engine first. Three main parts to begin your work: cold-air intake, exhaust, and header. As far as brands go, that's all about personal preference and how much you're willing to pay. I like DC Sports for a header, AEM for the CAI, and multiple brands for exhausts. BRM, Stromung, Apexi, and Greddy seem to be the most popular for sentras.

After that, it's anyone's game. Those are the main three you absolutely have to do. I'm not really sure how many parts and options are out there for an '07 sentra, I know there probably isn't as much stuff available for you car as there is for my '02 Spec-V. Thus, I'll let someone with more knowledge about '07 sentra stuff continue from there. The CAI, header, and exhaust are musts, though.

Also, you said you were looking for quicker reaction time off the block? That would be tires for traction and maybe a racing clutch for response time. If you're going to seriously race your car, I would highly, highly suggest getting performance tires as you've mentioned in your first post.

*The tint is illegal. In FL its 27% in the front driver and passanger and rear. and 20% for rear passanger and driver sides. They installed 20% all the way around for me, the ketch is they cant issue me a recept for my tint but i'm on their file at their office. I got the huper optik (sp?) technology so it blocks the heat out and inside my car is as cool as i left it in 90 degree weather. hence why it was so expencive.

**I must ask because i really dont know, what is a header and where is it? As far as the CAI and exhaust I just had no idea what to go with for a sentra. I dont want it to sound like a piece of crap. I grew up with around classic cars so if you get the idea of the sound i like but i do understand the fact that i did buy a sentra and it doesnt have the ablity to put out that mean sound. thank you for the tips on those. Now the challange is how to put the stuff in. I would like to DIY it all but does anyone have suggestions on websites maybe that explane how to do it for dummies or something.

***I would agree with you about the tires are a must to change. My rims are 15s and i'd love to go to a 17 with a low pro. but I'm not sure if it will fit. let alone what style to go with. I dont even know what i'm looking for when it comes to a tire. lol i'm racing it with my stock tires still. lol.

the clutch is a no go though. Its an automatic. I baught the car on an extearier impulse. I did a little bit of homework but never had intentions of racing it. So i figured it was a good starter project car to get the learn and feel from. I'm upgrading in late 09 to the camero. :-P

[ThePrincessx10]

Along with the above, an aftermarket suspension will help with launches (springs and struts). If you simply want some additional power for drag racing then a small shot of Nitrous may be a viable option for you as well.

What is your budget? That will depict what options are viable.

I was thinking about that but i dont want it to sit so low that it rubs on the tires on a launch. I thought about nitrous too. I thought i might be a bit cheesy though and i might loose on my strong consistancy, thats whats allowing me to win right now. It might help though if i knew someone who was running on a bottle though.

I dont really have a budget. I cant say i want to piss away money but I do want the best for my car. I wouldnt object to it comeing out to be about 7 grand. with out labor. I'd rather spend a month figureing out on the weekends how to install a CAI or an exhaust system then take it somewhere and never learn how it works or to do it. It would deffeat the purpose of the project.

[audtatious]

Consistancy could be a problem with Nitrous so go with NA mods.

Putting on sport springs would lower the vehicle appx 1-1.5" unless you get coilovers and really crank it down so you won't have any rubbing issues. What a stiffer suspension will give you is a better launch as it will limit the amount of energy loss due to suspension travel. You could also look at getting light-weight rims in order to lower the overall unsprung weight of the vehicle (lighter = faster).

From a motor perspective, a CAI alone really won't give you much. CAI + Headers + cat-back would be the way to go. Using a lightened flywheel will free up a bit of energy.

[nametakennow]

Whoa, back up, the '07+ 2.0 is a completely different animal, so some of the parts mentioned don't exist as of yet.

The only parts that exist right now are intakes, exhausts, and a few suspension upgrades.

Here's the current official list - zerothread/300259

To add to that thread, I'm pretty sure the 2.0's hanger locations are the same as the SE-R, but I've yet to see evidence to that effect.

Use Tirerack for your wheel/tire/suspension needs since you're not sure what will fit. They do all that research for you.

[ThePrincessx10]

Whoa, back up, the '07+ 2.0 is a completely different animal, so some of the parts mentioned don't exist as of yet.

The only parts that exist right now are intakes, exhausts, and a few suspension upgrades.

Here's the current official list - zerothread/300259

To add to that thread, I'm pretty sure the 2.0's hanger locations are the same as the SE-R, but I've yet to see evidence to that effect.

Use Tirerack for your wheel/tire/suspension needs since you're not sure what will fit. They do all that research for you.

I checked out stillen.com. Thanks for that link. I really like what they have to offer so far. Is it going to be benificial to even mess with the suspension, and if it drops the car 1-1 1/2 in will it still have clearance to upgrade to 17 in rims n tires.

Only thing left to find out is what can i DIY on this project. and the how to's...

Anyone ever installed a large nav screen in the cubby flip up hole on the dash. I wish thinking about having one custom made (if even possable), i get lost so easy and i dont really want a damn garman stuck on a stand on my dash.

[PacoBJuarez]

I run 17' low-pros and I love it. Just a matter of taste, I guess.

Oh, and boo automatics. Boo.

A header is also called an intake, it's the intake manifold. It's actually a pretty simple bolt-on addition that you could probably do yourself. Also, since it's apparently one of the few parts out for the '07, you should probably get it.

[ThePrincessx10]

I run 17' low-pros and I love it. Just a matter of taste, I guess.

Oh, and boo automatics. Boo.

I baught my car on a whim. I didnt think about automatic vs man. I deffanitly would of gone with a manual if i would of known what I would be doing to it today.

I'm looking at a set of ASA AR1 chrome plated 18x7.5 they look pretty sweet. thats kinda the look i'm going for. I think i just might order these. I better call and double check they will work on my car with the low pros i picked out or i'll be screwed.

the bf is going to be pissed when he finds out that i've done nothing but shop online all day today.... HEHE

[ThePrincessx10]

I looked on both websites given on the parts shopping list. and I cant find a CAI for my 07 sentra 2.0

Do they not make one???

[NSR_s30]

Welcome to the club. I don't believe there is a CAI for the MR20 yet, I know theres a one or 2 in development. Good luck with the parts search, and you definitely came to the right place.

[Showcase]

I have a stillen CAI on my 2007 sentra 2.0. if you look through the stillen website, you will find it. ill run yea about 315$. And Im pretty sure a header is called an exhaust manifold. An intake manifold is what your throttle body is connected too, and your CAI is connected to your thottle body.

[ThePrincessx10]

I have a stillen CAI on my 2007 sentra 2.0. if you look through the stillen website, you will find it. ill run yea about 315$. And Im pretty sure a header is called an exhaust manifold. An intake manifold is what your throttle body is connected too, and your CAI is connected to your thottle body.

thanks!! i thought a header was on the motor somewhere.. hehe silly me.

[nametakennow]

You will still have clearance with 17's or even 18's because if you size the tire right, the overall diameter won't change. Width will, but, again, size the tire right and you're fine. Tirerack will do all that work for you. I say 18's because from everything I've seen of the 07+ it has more room in the fenderwell. I'd stick to 17s by personal looks preference and, more importantly, ride comfort, though. Thin tires transmit more road imperfections. They also provide less damping for the wheels, making it easier to bend them.

The AR1s are nice, but chrome is heavy and, therein, reduces performance.

Contact them, the CAIs do exist.

As showcase said, a header is definitely not an intake manifold, it's the exhaust manifold, which is "on the motor" somewhere. It's covered by a heatshield when stock, but it's on the front of the engine and is a set of exhaust collector pipes that come from the exhaust side of the engine down to a single pipe before connecting to the rest of the exhaust.

[VMPhil]

Whoa, back up, the '07+ 2.0 is a completely different animal, so some of the parts mentioned don't exist as of yet.

The only parts that exist right now are intakes, exhausts, and a few suspension upgrades.

Here's the current official list - zerothread/300259

To add to that thread, I'm pretty sure the 2.0's hanger locations are the same as the SE-R, but I've yet to see evidence to that effect.

Use Tirerack for your wheel/tire/suspension needs since you're not sure what will fit. They do all that research for you.

haha i think dudes jumped into the thread a little quick when they saw it was a chick who tarted the thread.

[PacoBJuarez]

As showcase said, a header is definitely not an intake manifold, it's the exhaust manifold, which is "on the motor" somewhere. It's covered by a heatshield when stock, but it's on the front of the engine and is a set of exhaust collector pipes that come from the exhaust side of the engine down to a single pipe before connecting to the rest of the exhaust.

Yup, that's right. I meant exhaust manifold. I should stop typing on the forums late at night.

[ThePrincessx10]

Thank you guys so much for your help and info!!! I cant tell you all how much i apprechate it.

I researched off of everything ya'll have guilded me too and I bought the CAI and the exhaust. In hopes of makeing performance improvements right away. As for everything else I made myself a list and picked everything else out and i'm going to start with one thing at a time and go from there.

Also, I raced tonight in the first points race of the season. It didnt turn out as well as I had hoped for. I made a time run before eliminations started and I did a 11.103 in the 1/8 mile. (never ran in an 1/8 mi race before always did 1/4.) Then I decided to dial in at 11.08 because I knew i would cut a better light that run and I did but i was slower!! at 11.18 :-( ... My fellow racer spanked my behind at the light (i need to work on that) and beat me to the finish line. So end result i was out and i had planned on buying back in but then it started raining!!! So i'm going to go thrus and fri for test and tune and hopes for a better week next weekend.... I must say even though my car is probably the slowest there Its just so much dang fun!

Does anyone else take their cars to the track here? I've never seen a nissan car of any kind out there :-( we need to change that.



I cant wait till changes are complete to the car. It looks so goofy on the track. haha.

[PacoBJuarez]

How much did that vette beat you by?

[ThePrincessx10]

How much did that vette beat you by?

ALOT. lol Acutaly I talked with him. The only mod he had done to his car was a bottle. My dad has the same car (in dark blue though) and has 10 grand invested in mods and my dad smoked him w/o a bottle.

He ran a 7.535 in an 1/8 mile run. with an r/t of .393 (not so good) that run he beat me by 3.568.

[PacoBJuarez]

What was your r/t?

[ThePrincessx10]

What was your r/t?

I generaly have an r/t of .025 to a .365 I've had some worse but those were bad runs.

I dont have my time ticket on me right now to tell you what it was for that run. i want to say it was around a .1 ish. Thats one thing i'm working on is making my r/t more consistant. My dad is looking to get me a tree to practice on at home. But honestly I think the best practice is at the track. Even though my car isnt fast I think its just so much fun.

I talked with my dad last night and he has an 84 chevy s10 with a 350 small block. with just about every mod to it, and its on a bottle too(its his first truck from highschool). He said that after this season if I get good at the tree that he'll let me run it next season. it runs low 11's so that will be so much fun. I grew up on him racing the truck.

[ThePrincessx10]

my pictures didnt turn out. heres new links.

http://rides.webshots.com/phot...ridesh ... ot...rides

[audtatious]

Just watch out for the weight of those chrome rims you are looking at. It would be a shame to put heavier rims on and go slower.

[ianh]

You asked about NAV units and i dont think anyone answered.I don't have a new Sentra but have been looking at after market Nav units.There is a new generation of units out that are finally lower in cost with HD's that fit in single DIN or double DIN.These have come down in price but are still pricey.bear in mind these replace the stereo unit and give you a DVD player as well, and also a back up camera capability.The one I looked at were 600 for single DIN 3.5 inch screen and 1200 for double din with big screen, about 6 or 7 inches.I still use a PDA with a plug in CF slot for the receiver, and would like a car with a built in unit next time, but choice is limited unless the CAR is expensive and fully loaded before you can add the NAV unit.The advantage of the newer Nav units that are portable is they are much smaller and can be semi permanently mounted, and they are now very inexpensive.

[ThePrincessx10]

You asked about NAV units and i dont think anyone answered.I don't have a new Sentra but have been looking at after market Nav units.There is a new generation of units out that are finally lower in cost with HD's that fit in single DIN or double DIN.These have come down in price but are still pricey.bear in mind these replace the stereo unit and give you a DVD player as well, and also a back up camera capability.The one I looked at were 600 for single DIN 3.5 inch screen and 1200 for double din with big screen, about 6 or 7 inches.I still use a PDA with a plug in CF slot for the receiver, and would like a car with a built in unit next time, but choice is limited unless the CAR is expensive and fully loaded before you can add the NAV unit.The advantage of the newer Nav units that are portable is they are much smaller and can be semi permanently mounted, and they are now very inexpensive.

The reason for wanting the in dash NAV unit is to give it the luxury look in a cheap car, like it was meant to be there, and the getting lost frequently part. I really don’t care to replace the stereo in my car because I am in LOVE with the stock look it all goes together very well, so that is why I wanted to install a NAV above the stereo in the flip open storage hole thing.

I wondered though if I bought the 6-7' screen NAV and customized a housing for it and put it there but where it would hook up to is a whole other ball game. I am assuming that’s why they incorporate it into an aftermarket system.

* I think they do this stuff on shows like pimp my ride and overhauling or unique- hence why I thought it could be possible.