Ser Mods. What works and what doesn't?

[Buzzman]

Having read through a lot of the older postings and not finding all the answers, I would be interested to know exactly what mods are worth doing and which ones aren't. By the way, I have an 03 ser (automatic). I wanted the Spec V, but my wife won't drive a stick. For example, will a fresh air intake make a difference? I'm also curious to know what Nissan did to get the extra 10 horses in the Spec V. The dealership is very reluctant to specify the difference. No rush on this by the way. I doubt that I will attempt any changes before summer. It's too cold up here to do any car stuff right now. Survival is the main goal. It was -24C last night. Someone remind me why I live here, please.

[nametakennow]

A CAI will add a few hp and increase throttle response. A header and catback exhaust will not only make your car less likely to suffer precat failure, but also add quite a bit of power.

The additional power in the Spec is supposedly a slightly different intake system and some ECU tuning, but those who've checked haven't been able to find much.

[OneFastStanza]

The additional power in the Spec is supposedly a slightly different intake system and some ECU tuning, but those who've checked haven't been able to find much.

Originally Nissan advertised it as a difference in the exhaust which sounds like Snake Oil to me. I know people have dyno tested non-Spec Vs vs Spec Vs and they put down similar numbers to the wheels if I remember correctly.

As for mods if you want to go simple you can just do the bolt-ons (I/H/E) and be satisfied and get decent numbers. I would stay away from the balance shaft removal though. It has always been debated on whether it is a benefit or not. I personally have never seen anything that has lead me to believe it has any benefit.

[Nismostreetdevelopment]

Speaking of numbers. I know the stock 0-60 is supposed to be 7 seconds but I am almost positive that it is faster. What kind of times have people gotten with theirs? Using a timer I hit 6.75. Roughly. I am wanting to get atleast one whole seconds faster is that possible with the simple nismo mods?

[nametakennow]

I'm not sure you'll get a second on 0-60, but you'll get some pretty solid power from I/H/E.

[VMPhil]

there is mostly a 5 whp difference from the SE-R and SpecV most of use are pretty sure its the ECU tuning.

as for mods, the best bang for the buck is usually BSR, Catless header, SAFC2, and MMI to reduce wheelhop.