What should I do with my Versa?

[versa_girl88]

I am a noob at modifing cars and all that stuff. but i want my car (nissan versa sedan) to look like a racing versa. what type and style of wheels should i have. what kind of body kit and engine modifiers should i get? i would really like some honest advice. i am very serious about this. Any help would be great. thanks

[TrustME]

First of all.. Welcome to Nico!

Secondly... Since the Versa isn't a sports car, its hard to come across sports parts and things like that.

Search through the forums (with the Search Button at the top of this page), many of these questions have been answered already.

As far as asking for advice and what you should do, that should be answered by you. Look around at the other amazing Versa's in this forum and gain your own ideas.

Take care and welcome again.

[Versafied]

Lol, that's the question isn't it. What do you want to get out of it? Personally I am working on the audio system first. As long as I have my 12's in the back I'll be smiling the whole time. After that I'll work on performance such as sway bar and suspension. I'm not trying to make it fast, it won't get fast enough to make it worth my $$. I'll probably dress the engine with new wiring, but I'm passing on the CAI and not even thinking about forced induction. Small things like window tint make a huge difference... IMO if you do something to your car and it makes you smile, then you did it right....P.S. the springs are a cheap aftermarket item that make a big difference..

[superskunk]

http://versaspeed.com check out some of the parts that are availible for the versa.... i currently have, tanabe springs, DC strut bar, Fujita cold air intake, smoked tail lights and 3rd brake light, carbon fiber hatch (to be installed sometime this week), nismo radiator cap, blacked out grill, 20% window tint all around.... and more coming.... but check out what Bob over at versaspeed has to offer.... hurry up and jump on the cold air intake... i dont think that price will hold up for long...

[feloniousmonk]

Tirerack.com is a good place to start with regards to wheels. Which wheels to get? Well, what do you like? Which ones to get is a question only you can answer. The point of modifying the car is to make your Versa be yours, right? So the choice has to come from you. As you ponder that decision, keep in mind the Versa's engine is not very powerful. Modifying it can change the way it drives for better or for worse. If you put heavy wheels on it, it will be slower and less responsive to turn.

The best thing you can do now is to make good use of the search feature (the button looking rectangle at the top of this page with the blinking red "search") and read as much as you can. There's been plenty of discussions regarding suspension, for example. There's even a write up on installation. Also, head over to versaspeed.com and get an idea on some of the things that are available. There isn't much.

This is probably your first new car, right? Personally, I wouldn't do anything to the car. Just take good care of it and save your $ to buy the sports car you've always wanted later on. I'm 37 and I started driving when I was 24. So far I've owned 8 cars including the two now. If I had known then what I do now, I'd have a lot more $ in the bank. The things you buy for mods can add up quickly, and in the end it'd just be another basic car that cost you a lot of $. There is a world of difference between a modified basic car and a true purpose built sports car.

[versa_girl88]

Lol, that's the question isn't it. What do you want to get out of it? Personally I am working on the audio system first. As long as I have my 12's in the back I'll be smiling the whole time. After that I'll work on performance such as sway bar and suspension. I'm not trying to make it fast, it won't get fast enough to make it worth my $$. I'll probably dress the engine with new wiring, but I'm passing on the CAI and not even thinking about forced induction. Small things like window tint make a huge difference... IMO if you do something to your car and it makes you smile, then you did it right....P.S. the springs are a cheap aftermarket item that make a big difference..

Lol..yeah it is. Ive had this baby for almost a year now. And she is just asking for something to be done to her. i do want a new sound system. i would love for people to feel my bass in their car...lol. thanks for the starting advice.

[superskunk]

i would just go with the lowering springs and strut bar first.... you are going to be amazed at how much of a differance it makes to the Versa...

[versa_girl88]

Tirerack.com is a good place to start with regards to wheels. Which wheels to get? Well, what do you like? Which ones to get is a question only you can answer. The point of modifying the car is to make your Versa be yours, right? So the choice has to come from you. As you ponder that decision, keep in mind the Versa's engine is not very powerful. Modifying it can change the way it drives for better or for worse. If you put heavy wheels on it, it will be slower and less responsive to turn.

The best thing you can do now is to make good use of the search feature (the button looking rectangle at the top of this page with the blinking red "search") and read as much as you can. There's been plenty of discussions regarding suspension, for example. There's even a write up on installation. Also, head over to versaspeed.com and get an idea on some of the things that are available. There isn't much.

This is probably your first new car, right? Personally, I wouldn't do anything to the car. Just take good care of it and save your $ to buy the sports car you've always wanted later on. I'm 37 and I started driving when I was 24. So far I've owned 8 cars including the two now. If I had known then what I do now, I'd have a lot more $ in the bank. The things you buy for mods can add up quickly, and in the end it'd just be another basic car that cost you a lot of $. There is a world of difference between a modified basic car and a true purpose built sports car.

thank you very much feloniousmonk. yeah you are right this is my very first car that ive ever had. i should just enjoy it. though i may get a new sound system and tires because i have the stock tires..some cruddy old contintintal... ...i would like some tires that can handle my driving and the texas road..(pot holes, hot asfault, contruction) and not feel a thing.

[AG]

Hate when I can hear someone's loud bass in my car. Is it just showing that u have a sub? Its not that hard to achieve, just $500. But if u show ur Ferrari... =)

[AG]

thank you very much feloniousmonk. yeah you are right this is my very first car that ive ever had. i should just enjoy it. though i may get a new sound system and tires because i have the stock tires..some cruddy old contintintal... ...i would like some tires that can handle my driving and the texas road..(pot holes, hot asfault, contruction) and not feel a thing.

Then you'll have hard time finding "some tires that can handle my driving and the texas road..(pot holes, hot asfault, contruction) and not feel a thing."

[xtwoonamatchx]

http://versaspeed.com check out some of the parts that are availible for the versa.... i currently have, tanabe springs, DC strut bar, Fujita cold air intake, smoked tail lights and 3rd brake light, carbon fiber hatch (to be installed sometime this week), nismo radiator cap, blacked out grill, 20% window tint all around.... and more coming.... but check out what Bob over at versaspeed has to offer.... hurry up and jump on the cold air intake... i dont think that price will hold up for long...

what did you do to black out your 3rd brakelight? i just wrapped it in tint, but it looks like crap between the clear plastic and the painted plastic....

as per OP... ive done a sound system, tint (windows and tail lights), aftermarket fog lights, neons under the seats, CAI, debadged, and blacked out grille... i still want a strut bar and to black out the headlights, and wheels maybe

[feloniousmonk]

thank you very much feloniousmonk. yeah you are right this is my very first car that ive ever had. i should just enjoy it. though i may get a new sound system and tires because i have the stock tires..some cruddy old contintintal... ...i would like some tires that can handle my driving and the texas road..(pot holes, hot asfault, contruction) and not feel a thing.

If you want performance handling, you'll have to give up some comfort. With suspension work and bigger wheels with lower (stiffer) sidewall tires, you will feel pot holes and everything else you listed more, not less. When modifying, there are always trade-offs.

Contrary to popular belief, tires make the single most difference in handling (tire pressure too). Stock tires are terrible. I can break them free at will. Compared to my other car, in order to break its tires loose (not counting burn-outs) I'd have to push it to the point where I'll be needing a new pair of shorts! Then again, it also has 200 horses more than the Versa; too easy to get in trouble.

[feloniousmonk]

i would just go with the lowering springs and strut bar first.... you are going to be amazed at how much of a differance it makes to the Versa...

I would say better tires first. Strut bars and springs aren't the first points of contact with the ground. Most experienced auto-x'ers will probably say the same. It's been written up before in publications like Grassroots Motorsports.

[blindsnyper]

wow, a versa_girl86 just joined cardomain the other day, and now versa_girl88 joins NICO

[Shad0wXCalibur]

Contrary to popular belief, tires make the single most difference in handling (tire pressure too). Stock tires are terrible. I can break them free at will. Compared to my other car, in order to break its tires loose (not counting burn-outs) I'd have to push it to the point where I'll be needing a new pair of shorts! Then again, it also has 200 horses more than the Versa; too easy to get in trouble.

Exactly. Most people think that lowering your vehicle is the only way to improve handling. My mom's Hyundai Elantra has better handling than both of my cars but the reason is because it has good rubber on it. I can spin tires on wet roads with the Versa and Neon and neither of those cars put out more than 120 HP to the wheels. You shouldn't be able to spin tires with that little horsepower. Wet or not.

Also, think before you start throwing stuff on your car. Sure, you could lower it and throw 18" wheels on it but you will have less ground clearance and risk scraping things. Your ride comfort will go out the window, too and the Versa already doesn't have a super comfy ride stock. And think about things like carbon fiber, custom paint, etc. That's a lot of money on a cheap entry level car with average power. Save it for something else. If that's your thing though, go for it.

[superskunk]

I would say better tires first. Strut bars and springs aren't the first points of contact with the ground. Most experienced auto-x'ers will probably say the same. It's been written up before in publications like Grassroots Motorsports.

arent you still riding stock? then if i you are i wouldnt speak about things you dont have... sure tires are good, but whats the use if you still have the body roll.... mostly everyone on here who has the springs and strut bar will agree that it is much better ride, handling wise compared to stock....

[versaspeed.com]

I would say better tires first. Strut bars and springs aren't the first points of contact with the ground. Most experienced auto-x'ers will probably say the same. It's been written up before in publications like Grassroots Motorsports.

Okay, let me chime in here a bit......as an experienced autox, Rally and Race Car "driver" with track records and championships on all levels and present owner of seven cars some of which are high powered beasts......I think I qualify.

For just driving around town and freeway driving go for the strut bar first....this helps in side wind and passing trucks etc.. For even better control under those circumstances then go for the lowering springs, the ride is not bad and comparable to a Zcar or similar. Even with stock tire/rim combo the "sliding" can work to your advantage...IF you know what your doing.

Then when "you" want to get even more aggressive with the car get your self some lighter rims/tire combo. I recommend the 17s as the largest size to go and I highly recommend the NISMO rims...right now they are cheap and made for the car....light....and well made.

Now if "you" need or want a little bit more power and torque go with the CAI and at a later dat work on the exhaust. But also put brakes on the list and I recommend steel braided brake lines first......pads are fine that are in the car stock wise.

All the above I have done to my Versa and have shown what it can do at the autoX with the improvements so I'm not just talking here and if you need to know more I'm sure Tango can chime in here since he was there at the same time plus all the others that have driven my car and brought up the fact of how it handles/brakes/accelerates better.

You can visit the http://www.socalversaclub.com for pictures of the autox that we went to last Sunday and "see" how the cars handle with the above mods.

Either way...I hope this has helped you out and by all means no matter what you do if anything enjoy your "First new car" Versa...they really are a fun car.

[ponygt65]

Strut bar/tires-rims/lowering springs. IMO.

Lower the car on stock rims and tires looks like a.ss. Since you want looks and handling, and this is a DD car, I highly suggest going in order above starting with the bar.

[ponygt65]

Okay, let me chime in here a bit......as an experienced autox, Rally and Race Car "driver" with track records and championships on all levels and present owner of seven cars some of which are high powered beasts......I think I qualify.

WOW...just wow.

[Bubs daddy]

I'd start with the turbo wipers and high compression floor mats.

[feloniousmonk]

arent you still riding stock? then if i you are i wouldnt speak about things you dont have... sure tires are good, but whats the use if you still have the body roll.... mostly everyone on here who has the springs and strut bar will agree that it is much better ride, handling wise compared to stock....

I am riding stock, but I'm not new to cars or modifying. The Versa is my daily driver / work car. I see no reason to waste money on it. See my other ride.

If you read what I actually wrote, you'd see that I never said don't buy or modify the suspension. What I said was start at the tires because that is your first point of contact with the ground. If she still wants to, she could still get the other stuff. I never said the lowering springs or strut bars don't work. I even told the OP to go to versaspeed.com to check out what available, so spare me the lecture, kid.

And to Bob @ versaspeed, no offense or disrepect intended. But, you are a vendor, and for argument sake, you wouldn't be entirely honest if you say you didn't have an interesting in swaying the OP to buy something, correct? Qualified for sure, but I wouldn't say you're unbiased.

Again, to clarify:In my opinion, the Versa is a great example of basic transportation. Throwing a bunch of money at it to make it more like a performance vehicle is a mistake. Financially, it makes more sense to appreciate the Versa for what it is, and save for a better performance platform... or even another car with better performance-oriented aftermarket support. We've all seen complaints about the lack of support for the Versa, right? You can't dispute that. With that said, if one feels compelled to spend money anyway, I would start with the tires first, then go from there. There's also the issue of driver skill. $2,000 coilover system isn't going to worth squat if you can't handle it. Lowering isn't for everyone. We don't know the condition of the roads she drives on or how much ground clearance she needs.

Take or leave my advice, it makes no difference to me or my wallet. In the end, it's your money. Do as you wish.
Modified by feloniousmonk at 8:46 PM 9/17/2008

[Skim302]

Whats wrong with someone wanting to put money into their car?

[#1Tango]

Strut bar/tires-rims/lowering springs. IMO.

Lower the car on stock rims and tires looks like a.ss. Since you want looks and handling, and this is a DD car, I highly suggest going in order above starting with the bar.

actually superskunk and i both have stock wheels and are lowered and they look fine. i thought it would look ridiculous but it turned out to look quite nice.

i would go first with a strut bar for the body roll, it helps tremendously and feels way better than stock. if you want better responsive handleing and aggressive look, lower it, and after that perhaps if you want to invest in new rims and tires go for it . I have springs and strut bar and i have the nismo rims, but i havn't installed them yet (getting them powder coated and need to save for tires ) and i am VERY surprised on how the versa handled at the autox event. im so happy and amazed that im going to keep going to these events. you will notice a tremendous difference it will make your ride more fun to drive, my money was well spent and did not go to waste at all. bob pretty much had the A+ response btw

[blindsnyper]

I am riding stock, but I'm not new to cars or modifying. The Versa is my daily driver / work car. I see no reason to waste money on it. See my other ride.

If you read what I actually wrote, you'd see that I never said don't buy or modify the suspension. What I said was start at the tires because that is your first point of contact with the ground. If she still wants to, she could still get the other stuff. I never said the lowering springs or strut bars don't work. I even told the OP to go to versaspeed.com to check out what available, so spare me the lecture, kid.

And to Bob @ versaspeed, no offense or disrepect intended. But, you are a vendor, and for argument sake, you wouldn't be entirely honest if you say you didn't have an interesting in swaying the OP to buy something, correct? Qualified for sure, but I wouldn't say you're unbiased.

Again, to clarify:In my opinion, the Versa is a great example of basic transportation. Throwing a bunch of money at it to make it more like a performance vehicle is a mistake. Financially, it makes more sense to appreciate the Versa for what it is, and save for a better performance platform... or even another car with better performance-oriented aftermarket support. We've all seen complaints about the lack of support for the Versa, right? You can't dispute that. With that said, if one feels compelled to spend money anyway, I would start with the tires first, then go from there. There's also the issue of driver skill. $2,000 coilover system isn't going to worth squat if you can't handle it. Lowering isn't for everyone. We don't know the condition of the roads she drives on or how much ground clearance she needs.

Take or leave my advice, it makes no difference to me or my wallet. In the end, it's your money. Do as you wish.

Modified by feloniousmonk at 8:46 PM 9/17/2008

ok, let me get this straight. because you are a rich, financially stable old fart, you think it is dumb for us young guys/girls to want to enjoy what we can afford? i mean, if i had the money i wouldnt be driving a $12,xxx, entery level car. i would much rather have, i dunno...a g35 coupe, sti, evo, i like audis. come on, seriously

[Johniboi]

haha he said "old fart" lol...

[ponygt65]

I am riding stock, but I'm not new to cars or modifying. The Versa is my daily driver / work car. I see no reason to waste money on it. See my other ride.

If you read what I actually wrote, you'd see that I never said don't buy or modify the suspension. What I said was start at the tires because that is your first point of contact with the ground. If she still wants to, she could still get the other stuff. I never said the lowering springs or strut bars don't work. I even told the OP to go to versaspeed.com to check out what available, so spare me the lecture, kid.

And to Bob @ versaspeed, no offense or disrepect intended. But, you are a vendor, and for argument sake, you wouldn't be entirely honest if you say you didn't have an interesting in swaying the OP to buy something, correct? Qualified for sure, but I wouldn't say you're unbiased.

Again, to clarify:In my opinion, the Versa is a great example of basic transportation. Throwing a bunch of money at it to make it more like a performance vehicle is a mistake. Financially, it makes more sense to appreciate the Versa for what it is, and save for a better performance platform... or even another car with better performance-oriented aftermarket support. We've all seen complaints about the lack of support for the Versa, right? You can't dispute that. With that said, if one feels compelled to spend money anyway, I would start with the tires first, then go from there. There's also the issue of driver skill. $2,000 coilover system isn't going to worth squat if you can't handle it. Lowering isn't for everyone. We don't know the condition of the roads she drives on or how much ground clearance she needs.

Take or leave my advice, it makes no difference to me or my wallet. In the end, it's your money. Do as you wish.

Modified by feloniousmonk at 8:46 PM 9/17/2008

Good post. I don't see anything wrong with strut bar rims and maybe lowering it. But to toss a bunch of money at it?..well for those that have been there done that speak with experience. 4 years from now after you've thrown money at it, you'll kick yourself. Cause you won't get hardly anything back for it. We aren't talkign about a modded supra, cobra, fbod, vette (something that might get some mod money back). We are talking abotu Nissans lowest priced vehicle targeted for the commuter that needs some room. That's why the aftermarket is well, like it is.

[ponygt65]

ok, let me get this straight. because you are a rich, financially stable old fart, you think it is dumb for us young guys/girls to want to enjoy what we can afford? i mean, if i had the money i wouldnt be driving a $12,xxx, entery level car. i would much rather have, i dunno...a g35 coupe, sti, evo, i like audis. come on, seriously

See my post above. It's just experienced people handing out advice to try and help. It's a different viewpoint than some prefer. Nothing more, nothing less. At least from my perspective.

[ponygt65]

actually superskunk and i both have stock wheels and are lowered and they look fine. i thought it would look ridiculous but it turned out to look quite nice.

i would go first with a strut bar for the body roll, it helps tremendously and feels way better than stock. if you want better responsive handleing and aggressive look, lower it, and after that perhaps if you want to invest in new rims and tires go for it . I have springs and strut bar and i have the nismo rims, but i havn't installed them yet (getting them powder coated and need to save for tires ) and i am VERY surprised on how the versa handled at the autox event. im so happy and amazed that im going to keep going to these events. you will notice a tremendous difference it will make your ride more fun to drive, my money was well spent and did not go to waste at all. bob pretty much had the A+ response btw

opinions are personal perspectives. You might like it, I don't, and we don't know what the OP thinks. all of us can just give suggestions and let her go from there.

And BTW - She not AutoX'ing like you and the 'professional'. She wants a comfortable DD. As mentioned driving around in not so nice roads like you'd find on a good road course. IMHO, everything should be taken into account. Not just understeer on a road course.

IMO...see how it rides with strut bar and better rims/tires. Then go from there. That will take care of ride and looks and then leave room for handling regarding suspension later. It's inevitable that she'll get rims and tires. Why not see if that and the bar are good enough?

[ponygt65]

I'd start with the turbo wipers and high compression floor mats.

Now that was funny.

[Red Devil]

Dont forget Synthetic Headlight Fluid.

On Topic: Drive it.