Newbie with a 2002 SE-R Spec-V

[PacoBJuarez]

I've never had the good fortune of owning a good car before, since I've been severely lacking in money, but I got a great deal on a 2002 Spec-V. So far, it's got bucket racing seats, an AEM cold-air intake, Streetglow underglows, some red lights shining down from under the dash on both the driver's and the passenger's feet, and a new exhaust.

I don't know a whole lot about what I should do with this car, but I think I'm off to a good start. I bought the AEM CAI, and I've purchased a DC Sports header, but the previous owner has done everything else. It's got a nice body kit, and brand new brake rotors and pads, as well as brand new tires.

I need some advice on where to go from here. It's an everyday car, and I can't sacrifice it's capability to remain that way.

A few general questions:1. What's this loctite thing you guys are talking about with butterfly screws? And how do I describe to a shop what it is if I need it done?2. How do I check and see if the recalls have been done on my car?3. After those two things, is there anything else I need to check for longevity?4. Where do I go next? I have no idea what to do from here.

[nametakennow]

Welcome to NICO.

1. A shop should know what you're talking about if you simply say that you want them to loctite the butterfly screws. They're screws in the butterfly in intake that come loose over time. If they get loose they can go through your intake manifold and get sucked into the cylinders, damaging or destroying your cylinder walls, pistons, rods, valves, etc.

2. Call a dealer and tell them you want to check on recalls. They'll ask for the VIN. Read it off to them.

3. Not really. Just make sure it gets regular fluid changes and such.

4. That's up to you. Get that header on ASAP so that you don't have precat failure and the engine goes. You'll need to move the 2nd O2 sensor or put a spark plug defouler on it to pass emissions after you install it (assuming Iowa has emissions).

Personally, I'd ditch the lighting, the seats, and depending on what the body kit and wheels look like, them too. However, it's your car and your preference matters here.

Other performance mods you would want to consider are balance shaft removal (Jim Wolf Technology), motor mounts (Energy Suspension), and shocks/springs (several brands, do some searching).

It really depends on what you want from the car. More performance means more money and less comfort. More showyness means more attention, more weight, less performance, and, again, more money.

So, let us know what you're into and we can help.

[D3stro]

The SeR SpecV or SeR is a good car. Don't listen to the QR haters sayin crap about this engin ''that blow'' all the time. Doing things right, and getting rid of the things that can damage that engine and you should get yourself a good car that can last for long. Nametakennow did good for answering your questions, you should be all good. And by checking if your recall have been made, you will know too if the engine was replace due to precat failure.

[PacoBJuarez]

Welcome to NICO.

1. A shop should know what you're talking about if you simply say that you want them to loctite the butterfly screws. They're screws in the butterfly in intake that come loose over time. If they get loose they can go through your intake manifold and get sucked into the cylinders, damaging or destroying your cylinder walls, pistons, rods, valves, etc.

2. Call a dealer and tell them you want to check on recalls. They'll ask for the VIN. Read it off to them.

3. Not really. Just make sure it gets regular fluid changes and such.

4. That's up to you. Get that header on ASAP so that you don't have precat failure and the engine goes. You'll need to move the 2nd O2 sensor or put a spark plug defouler on it to pass emissions after you install it (assuming Iowa has emissions).

Personally, I'd ditch the lighting, the seats, and depending on what the body kit and wheels look like, them too. However, it's your car and your preference matters here.

Other performance mods you would want to consider are balance shaft removal (Jim Wolf Technology), motor mounts (Energy Suspension), and shocks/springs (several brands, do some searching).

It really depends on what you want from the car. More performance means more money and less comfort. More showyness means more attention, more weight, less performance, and, again, more money.

So, let us know what you're into and we can help.

1. Ok, will do. How many are there? And exactly where are they located?2. Sounds simple enough. I'm assuming if any of them haven't been done I should probably have it done right away?3. That won't be a problem. I'll be taking good care of my baby.4. Yeah, I'll be getting that header put on very soon.

The rims are stock, and I like the way they look. I also like the body kit and the lights, so I'm keeping them, although I might replace the front bumper with the B2 version, which I think looks a lot better than the R34 one, which is what I've got right now. The seats are also awesome. Their colors match the black and red scheme of the car perfectly, and I think they fit me very well.

I like how my car looks right now, and I will probably think it looks perfect after I switch the front bumper. What I'm probably thinking is that the looks are perfect, and that I just want to upgrade performance from here on out. The only performance mods I want to use, however, are ones that don't sacrifice too much comfort. I've heard that the motor mounts would significantly affect everyday driveability.

So, I guess what I'm saying is... I don't know what I'm into. Since I've never done this before, and I don't know a whole lot about cars, I have no idea. Even though I love the look of my car right now, you might suggest some things to do to it for showyness that I would love. I'm just not sure what's out there. I know I'm always up for performance upgrades that don't really affect comfort much, it's just a matter of money. I can spend a little here and there, but I can't go out and spend huge lump sums or my fiancee will find out.
Modified by PacoBJuarez at 9:13 AM 1/8/2008

[VMPhil]

as Name taken said get that header on ASAP. other than that and the butterfly screws the engine is reliable. its too bad that the engine requires these mods to be reliable but thats how it goes. as far as mods go, Things like BSR and Motor mounts are nice but they increase vibration from the engine which some people dont like. there are a few mods that do wonders for handling like Front and Rear Sway Bars, a good set of tires, and a nice coil over kit (Not just springs or you will kill your struts). You could also go with a throttle body spacer for a small performance boost. Make sure your exhaust is a catback not just an Axel back.

there are 4 butterfly screws.

[PacoBJuarez]

Yeah, I don't think I'm going to do the BSR or motor mounts because of the vibration. I don't know anything about front and rear sway bars, a coil over kit, or a throttle body spacer. I've never heard of them. Can you give me a little more detail (some of it in layman's terms) so I understand their effects? And maybe which brands are the best? Thanks!

[VMPhil]

Front and Rear Swap bars are installed underside of the car to reduce body roll and enhance corning and Handling in general. a Coilover kit is a set of performance springs with Struts in one neat package. Throttle body space goes in between throttle body and the Intake

[Edited by moderator - Please do not link to other forums. We'll work on putting together a B15 mod thread in the near future for reference/information like your link.]

[PacoBJuarez]

Thanks for the quick response and detail!So, about how much would each of these three cost? And what about the Unorthodox Racing Pulley?What brands would you recommend for each of the three mods you mentioned?

[PacoBJuarez]

Oh, and by the way... if my header has already been replaced with an aftermarket one, and I have no idea what brand it is (since I can't find any identifying marker), how do I find out what brand it is and would I still need to loctite any screws?

[VMPhil]

i just came across an excellent article about coilovers here:http://www.motivemag.com/pub/f...shtml

Even if you swap your header yes you have to locktite the butterfly screws. its paramount. i dont remember what the throttle body spacers cost. i believe RSB and FSBs cost about 90-100 a piece and coilovers go for about 700-1000 depending on brand. a set of Nismo coilovers i have seen to be as cheap as 760 (as clearance) but typically are about 850-950

UR pullies i dont find to be worth the purchase unless you have done everything else first cause for the cost to benefit ratio isnt that great.

[PacoBJuarez]

i just came across an excellent article about coilovers here:http://www.motivemag.com/pub/f...shtml

Even if you swap your header yes you have to locktite the butterfly screws. its paramount. i dont remember what the throttle body spacers cost. i believe RSB and FSBs cost about 90-100 a piece and coilovers go for about 700-1000 depending on brand. a set of Nismo coilovers i have seen to be as cheap as 760 (as clearance) but typically are about 850-950

UR pullies i dont find to be worth the purchase unless you have done everything else first cause for the cost to benefit ratio isnt that great.

Thanks for the article! From what it looks like, I don't need an adjustable coilover. My car already sits quite low to the ground, especially with the body kit, so I don't want it going any lower. I also pretty much can't afford to spend that much money, so I'll need to wait awhile on that one.

Are the FSB and RSB worth the cost? If so, which ones should I look at?

[VMPhil]

well the article is just pretty much a good explanation of what coil overs are.

FSB and RSB are nice if you like to take the twisties aggressively. a must for auto crossing as well. Nismo makes a set but Eibach makes an equally good set and are probably a little cheaper. do search for them i think they have varying stiffness between the two.

[nametakennow]

Coilovers will hurt ride quality significantly. Eibach Pro Kit springs and KYB GR2 shocks are probably the best choices for what you seem to be looking for. NISMO coilovers would be alright too, as they're very forgiving.

FSB and RSB would be good additions.

The throttle body spacer has proven to be a very good mod for the QR25. WRP and OBX are the brands I've seen.

Other than that, you're going to have to sacrifice in vibration or ride quality, so that's about it.

[PacoBJuarez]

Ok, so what I'm gathering here is that two things fit me pretty well.1. FSB and RSB (Eibach or Nismo)2. Throttle Body Spacer (WRP or OBX)

I'll wait on the shocks and springs.

What about visual stuff? Bright ideas?

[VMPhil]

Visual?

Rims, or paint your stockers, i have a set of Nismo 17"s that are pimp but for winter mode i painted my stockers bronze.

Carbon Fiber hood perhaps but its rather pricey. about as much as a set of rims.

Aftermarket shift knob and or shift boot.

Nismo Spoiler (doesnt look too much different from stock though)

[nametakennow]

You could also get stainless steel brake lines. They hugely improve brake feel and response.

As said above, visually you can get wheels, cf hood, and they have cf trunks as well.

[PacoBJuarez]

I like the stock rims, don't really feel the need to replace them. I also just in general hate the way painted rims look (except in video games). I also don't see the need for a different spoiler, as the stock looks pretty good to me.

I don't need an aftermarket shift knob since the SE-R one that's on the car is pimp. What's a shift boot? I might be interested in one of those...

I have thought about getting a cf hood. Considering that my car is black, I think it would look pretty good. Does anyone have a link where I can look at cf hoods available to 02 spec-v's? I'm curious about how much weight it will save, how much it costs, and how it would look.

Also, these stainless steel brake lines... after reading about them, it seems like they are more designed specifically for racing and maybe would not be a smart idea for my everyday car.

[PacoBJuarez]

Ok, I looked at shift boots. The only way I could really see getting a shift boot being worth it is if they could find a way to get either the Spec-V or SE-R logo on it. Think there's a site that can do that?

[PacoBJuarez]

OBX throttle body spacer ordered.

You guys know of a cat-back exhaust system that will still provide the performance quality of, say, a GReddy Evo2 system without shelling out $700?

I've been looking at:JDM Tsudo N1 Extreme cat-back exhaust - I can get that for under $200Megan Cat-Back Exhaust System - $365GREDDY TI-C RACING EXHAUST - $465

These are the only three decent deals I've found so far. Any thoughts?Keep in mind: for an everyday car, and my fiancee has to ride in it. Price is #1 factor.
Modified by PacoBJuarez at 3:44 PM 1/9/2008

[nametakennow]

I use my car every day with SS lines. They have no ill effects. The brakes are a bit more sensitive, but IMO, that's definitely not a bad thing.

The CF hood won't save a ton of weight because it has to be reinforced, but it saves some. VIS is the only company I know of that makes them.

There are customer-customizable shift boots out there. I don't remember the name of the company and can't seem to find it, Google it.

I'm curious to see what kind of kit and such your car has on it, have any pics you can post?

[PacoBJuarez]

I use my car every day with SS lines. They have no ill effects. The brakes are a bit more sensitive, but IMO, that's definitely not a bad thing.

The CF hood won't save a ton of weight because it has to be reinforced, but it saves some. VIS is the only company I know of that makes them.

There are customer-customizable shift boots out there. I don't remember the name of the company and can't seem to find it, Google it.

I'm curious to see what kind of kit and such your car has on it, have any pics you can post?

What are the benefits of using the SS lines? Just improved brake sensitivity? I'm not sure if that's worth $80 to me right now...

I looked at some cf hoods, and I liked the Evo one that is offered by Seibon (basically VIS, they share the same site). Still too expensive to buy right now. I can't dish out $600 bucks for a cf hood.

I'm looking at http://www.redlinegoods.com for a possibliity right now. I also might talk to a local embroidery shop and see if they might do some work for me.

What do you mean what kind of kit? I'll be happy to take some pics and post them (once my roommate gets back in the next week or so with his camera) and post them if you're more specific.

[nametakennow]

Better brake feel, and since SS lines flex less than rubber ones, better response and higher pressure.

You asked for a list, so I threw it in there.

Redline is the company I was thinking of. Talk to them, they should be able to help.

By kind I meant what does it look like/what company is it from?

[PacoBJuarez]

Ok, I'll look into the SS brake lines.

After I do a few other things, I might have a talk with redline about it. It's not that high up on my priority list.

What do you mean by "kit"?

Oh! and take a look at my post a few posts up about exhausts and let me know what you think

[nametakennow]

The body kit you mentioned in the first post.

[PacoBJuarez]

Ah. Sure! I can tell you that it looks very much like the "Octane" body kit. I'll take pics and then try and figure out how to post them when my roommate gets back with his camera. I'm actually probably going to replace the front bumper with the TCS3 front bumper (also by VIS).

What about those exhausts?
Modified by PacoBJuarez at 3:25 AM 1/10/2008

[VMPhil]

i have a redline shift boot, its not bad, i like it.

as far as exhausts go, i snagged a Greddy EVO 2 cat back for $500 about 2 years ago, i hardly imagine that it shot up in price everywhere. i guess you have to shop around.

[nametakennow]

From your first post I figured you had an exhaust.

The Greddy is pretty good. I personally like a deeper, throatier sound, so BRM does the trick for me. I've also seen Apex-i N1-based custom systems that have turned out well. A lot of people like the Stromung as well.

VMPhil, do you have a clip of your exhaust? If so, post it up here or in the exhaust thread (linked in the Table of Contents) and I'll add it to the "official" list. I don't think we have an example of a Greddy on a Sentra yet.

[D3stro]

Coilovers will hurt ride quality significantly. Eibach Pro Kit springs and KYB GR2 shocks are probably the best choices for what you seem to be looking for. NISMO coilovers would be alright too, as they're very forgiving.

KYB GR2 are just like the oem shock, it's no good to buy when shock are still good for the run. A good combo would be KONI Yellow and Tanabe GF210(higher spring rate than the Eibach pro kit).

[nametakennow]

I know what the GR2 is. He says he doesn't want comfort level affected. The Konis are pretty stiff (I know because I have them with Sportlines). Since the value here is comfort over stiffness, GR2s are the best option since they're capable of handling the increased stress of a light-to-moderate lowering spring like the Pro Kit without sacrificing ride comfort.

[VMPhil]

actually i dont have a clip i suppose i could conjure one up. ill try to do it this weekend.