Reversible modifications

[skwerl]

Hello, I'm a new Versa owner and interested in modifying it a bit. I'm new at it though, and only interesting in mods that are completely reversible back to stock. I know of a few but I'm sure you guys are much more knowledgeable. Also ones that are pretty simple for a beginner to do themselves are probably best. Any and all suggestions are appreciated!

Oh and any Manitoba Versa owners? You know you're out there.

[Martin Roy]

Well, a good way to start is to remove any modifications that are NOT reversible. First of all, anything requiring sanding and painting (taillights, ...) is out of the question. They are reversible, but just as hard as doing it in the first place. Next, you can forget about modifications that needs to cut pieces of bumper (installing new grilles, fog lights, ...).

On a more positive note, you should be able to install a spoiler, deflectors (front or windows), change your lightbulbs and even install new wheels. Of course, you can also get vinyl decals or any kind of stickers to customize your car. Just browse around this forum and you'll many ideas.

[CodeRed]

Cold air intakeStrut BarAny exhaust system (as long as you keep the stock parts)

[BBISHOPPCM]

A few "modifications" that can be reversed easily, provided you keep the factory parts;

Wheel/Tire swaps (Commonly known as RIMMMZZZZ) This modification, if done properly, will give the car that "I'm a drug dealer who spends his child support money on blingin' rims" look.

Cold air induction systems (CAI) which really don't do much of anything outside of bypassing the factory-installed Helmholtz resonator, making the car appear louder and giving the illusion of increased horsepower. Really, all these do is relocate the air intake to a (theoretically) lower point. Useless, but kick-@$$ looking.

Stereo systems; The factory stereo systems are great, but if you're looking to rattle the car apart, replacing it with a more powerful unit will do the trick. Many people make the mistake of chopping the factory harness off and splicing the wires directly to the replacement harness. Don't do this. Buy the installation kit, it'll save you time and hassle, and make the installation reversible in short-order.

If you decide to customize the interior by painting the plastics, be sure to obtain replacement parts first. I recommend trying to locate a Versa that was in a bad wreck and purchasing the parts you plan on painting, then swap them over once you finish painting. Use a paint designed for plastics and acrylics.

Custom-painted grille;This actually looks very good on some cars, especially the black ones. Reversible only if you have a replacement grille.

NAWSSSSNo.

Also, if you bought a CVT or even automatic, performance modifications will murder your transmission. Trade it in for a 6-speed. After-factory Transmission swaps are not really an option on these cars.

[Ever Victorious]

Any exhaust system (as long as you keep the stock parts)

Any BOLT-ON exhaust system. Custom ones may end up getting your pipes cut somewhere, and are not reversible.

Cold air induction systems (CAI) which really don't do much of anything outside of bypassing the factory-installed Helmholtz resonator, making the car appear louder and giving the illusion of increased horsepower. Really, all these do is relocate the air intake to a (theoretically) lower point. Useless, but kick-@$$ looking.

Though we have the dyno to show that a CAI does give a bit of a kick. It's not huge, but it's there.

Quote »Also, if you bought a CVT or even automatic, performance modifications will murder your transmission. Trade it in for a 6-speed. After-factory Transmission swaps are not really an option on these cars. [/quote]

Springs are also reversible, though kind of a pain in the butt.

[skwerl]

Thank you! A new head unit was installed today (I was dying for iPod compatibility) and am looking forward to the future.

[proxim2020]

If you get a custom exhaust put on and have them cut the pipe after the flange and weld the new exhaust to that piece, it will be pretty easy to go back to stock.