Versa Tuning

[versabundus]

Will someone please tell me why anyone would buy a Versa with the intention of modifying it for performance or handling? It has to be one of the worst candidates I can think of. Is it that you like a challenge or what?

[Legacy40k]

Performance wise... sure, the engine just isnt big enough to go fast, and its really expensive to get anything out of it. Handling however, thats pretty easy, new rims and tires can improve handling, and why wouldnt you want better handling?

[Jemdawg]

Who wouldn't want to add to this car? I'd be proud of any "done-it-myself" add-ons.

[MIdnkight-lude]

for various reason from platform, engine various other reason. Why do people by a Nissan 240sx to mod, or a crx? same reason to be different and enjoy what they are doing.

I like my cars to have a lower stance, handle a lil better and breath better.

Also adding some mods can actually improve your gas milages. (note: only if you dont have a lead foot)

[Ever Victorious]

One could make the same argument about such cars as the Ford Fiesta... but as it turns out, you give it some good rubber and a competent driver, and it will pwn the autocross course.

I took my V out, completely unmodded, stock tires, and did as well in the Street Tire 1 (stock cars, any street-legal tire allowed as long as it fits on a rim of the same diameter, width, and offset as stock) and even with the crappy Continentals, I got 90 points... that's about how well I do with most modified cars with good street tires. Better tires, on par with the rest of the class, would have it VERY competitive.

[AZhitman]

Will someone please tell me why anyone would buy a Versa with the intention of modifying it for performance or handling? It has to be one of the worst candidates I can think of. Is it that you like a challenge or what?

I don't think anyone starts out intending to mod a new car... it just happens.

Actually, it should be a capable little performer - Remember, people thought the B13 Sentra was a joke when it came out. Now they're chasing the damn things all over the AutoX course.

[proxim2020]

I agree. If we were looking at purely performance upgrades we would all be buying 350z's and G35's. No ones buying the V to take it to the tracks. Who buys a new house to change things about it? It's just something that happens. After living in the house for even as little at 2 years, there's already tons of things that you will have changed about it. If I remember correctly, a ton of people thought the old school Beetle was the absolute worst car you could you could pick to mod. But I have to admit, I've seen some of those beetles that were much nicer and out performed anything that I could do. The majority of people are buying the V because they want something that looks nice, roomy, and performs well on gas. Some, myself included, and buying it for the same reasons but also would like to make it one of a kind. Something they could be proud to say, "I've done this myself." You know, something that impresses people and to get some heads to turn. But it's being purchased as people mover not a potential race car.

[Jemdawg]

I don't think anyone starts out intending to mod a new car... it just happens.

Actually, it should be a capable little performer - Remember, people thought the B13 Sentra was a joke when it came out. Now they're chasing the damn things all over the AutoX course.

Personally, I can vouch for that. I got the V because I liked Nissan and I needed a new car, not a mod car; I was not interested in that when I bought it. I ended up adding a subwoofer, and from then on in it snowballed into me switching out the entire audio system and developing a mass interest in aftermarket performance. Now I want to mod my V, which is not unrealistic at all because it is already sporty, it can just use about 300whp...hehe.

If I wanted to buy a car specifically for modding, I would have went for a used Impreza WRX or an '03 Toyota Matrix. I would have wanted to spend less money on a used car, and saved more money for the aftermarket, but obviously that is not the case.

I don't think it's one of the worst candidates ever either. If you're referring to the lack of aftermarket parts insofar, you are right, but that will grow [it's a brand new car, give it some time.] Besides, what do you consider a good candidate? A car that has been worked on for years? Something that can be easily modded?

Why not be a pioneer? Why not work on the V and take pride in the success of doing something to it for the first time? Unless you are a follower or don't like challenging the unknown world of the V, I think this argument can be followed by most owners with the prospects of "tuning their V's."

[CFRage]

Will someone please tell me why anyone would buy a Versa with the intention of modifying it for performance or handling? It has to be one of the worst candidates I can think of. Is it that you like a challenge or what?

Why not? Easy is far from exciting. I had a '91 Isuzu Impulse back in the day that the Honda dudes drooled over. It was different, it was cool (imo anyway) and it was faster then most of their cars. The turbo swap might have had something to do with that but that's not the point Point is, if everything were easy then everyone would have the same thing and we're back to square one.
Modified by CFRage at 11:10 AM 11/8/2006

[BillStrong]

Richmond Va... I am working on getting a Dyno day togther. Basically to test the versa. There will also be some MR2s there. When I get more I'll post. I am up in Charlottesville

[MIdnkight-lude]

another things is we dont know how capable this motor is until it gets some more modes. when the k20 came out for the rsx people didnt think it was going to be such a great performer until people did it and hand it dyno. i am prob going to get my car dyno before i mod it. i have access to a shop dyno for cheap if not free.

[BillStrong]

We are putting on a Dyno Day in Richmond Va and will be testing the versa along with a couple of my MR2s.3 pulls.one stockone with air box disconnectedone with axleback muffler disconnected

[M2Motoring]

as far as a factory equipped versa goes, I think it handles great for what it is. It's no evo killer, but for a economy FWD, i think it does a pretty good job. one day prior to ripping the car apart and getting it ready for sema, I had a little fun with it to see what the capabilities are. I think that they are hindered by the tires that come factory equipped. If you compare it to cars of its class (scion xa, xb, honda fit, etc) I think this handles great. I've driven all that i've mentioned and the versa seems more agile. I think also its due to its low center of gravity compared to the rest. Both scions and the fit seem to have a high floating feeling when you sit in the car. for product development, currently, the car is on schedule to do some R&D work for JIC for suspension pieces and an exhaust setup. I'm still negotiating with other suspension manufacturers as well.

[BillStrong]

Eibach already do springs for it. You can't get any better than those.Though you should upgrade the shocks as well....I like the stock setup. I pushed it this morning and found it has much more understeer than I am used to. But then it is front wheel drive.JIC... sweet parts. But way over priced. You can get better euro shocks and even US custom made parts for a lot less. The ricers seem to pay huge bucks for those, so they inflate prices. And making this car have a super stiff suspension will actually slow it down on not race track quality roads.

[Ever Victorious]

Eibach roxorz my boxorz!

I had a set on my Kia Spectra, and boy did they make the car handle... and they didn't make my butt hurt, like the Sprint springs on my Saturn did.

(wasn't the wheels and tires, either, because I bought the set while they were on my saturn, and carried them over to the Kia)

Progressive springs = teh hotness.

[kilo whisky]

I ended up adding a subwoofer, and from then on in it snowballed into me switching out the entire audio system...

Hey, does anyone know the specs on factory speaker upgrades on Versa? (what size and how hard to swap out). I've got a sub and amp out of my old car and wonder how hard it would be to add it to the V. Thx.

[MIdnkight-lude]

Hey, does anyone know the specs on factory speaker upgrades on Versa? (what size and how hard to swap out). I've got a sub and amp out of my old car and wonder how hard it would be to add it to the V. Thx.

there should be a thead entirely on audio by Jemdawg

as for me, i think i might be strapping the V to a dyno on Dec 2nd. The shop that i work for is having a dyno day, so i might strap the V down to see what i get.

[motoguy128]

go to Cruthchfield.com. The speakers in the S are 6-1/2. th SL gets 6-1/2 components in the front. the head unit is double size so you can put a any normal size stereo with an adapter or a DVD or Navigation system in there.

[Jemdawg]

go to Cruthchfield.com. The speakers in the S are 6-1/2. th SL gets 6-1/2 components in the front. the head unit is double size so you can put a any normal size stereo with an adapter or a DVD or Navigation system in there.

It's not that simple, crutchfield won't supply you with a chart or wire harness, so none of the wires will match up. I wrote up a guide on this not too long ago and sent it to EV, I'm not sure what he did with it, but it is a complete walkthrough to replacing the head-unit and the speakers.

[RobiSpec]

Well with a little "creative" front X-member work and extra camber bolts I was able to get rid of the "numb" turn in the Turn-3 test driver complained about....(who would rubber mount the whole front X-member anyway?)

[MIdnkight-lude]

Well with a little "creative" front X-member work and extra camber bolts I was able to get rid of the "numb" turn in the Turn-3 test driver complained about....(who would rubber mount the whole front X-member anyway?)

care to give up some teaser pictures of the mods you and your shop did on the V.

[MiXMa5TaMaX]

if anyone's lookin' to drop their car a good 1.5-1.3" I think Tanabe makes coils that fit the versa

i'm thinkin' bout gettin' 'm once I get the moneys

should just be on the tanabe website

[TavuL]

DUDE! R U SERIOUS? IF EVERYBODY HERE HAD MONEY TO BUY A GTR BELIEVE ME...NONE OF US WILL DRIVE A V! BUT CUZ MY BUDGET JUST LET ME BUY A V I WANT TO MOD IT AS MUCH AS I COULD TO MY LIKES! AND ALSO OTHER PEOPLE LIKES OF COURSE!! CHECK OUT MY V AND TELL ME IT DOESN'T INSPIRE TO MOD IT!! LOL...TURBOCHARGER COMING SOON!!!
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3856578

have a modded toyota too!
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3829793