Worth the money? turbo/bodykits??

[lilaznballer05]

Hi, I bought a versa a while ago and was thinking about upgrading it. My parents wanted to get me a versa as a simple commute car so they gave me the Versa S with no power locks or windows or anything. I will definitly get tints and a CAI, but would it be worth buying a turbo (when there is one available to buy) or body kits for this economic car?? Keep in mind, this car is not originally meant for racing with its 125 hp so if I get a turbo, id also have to get a racing clutch. Would any of you invest 2000 dollars in a turbo for YOUR versas?

[Ever Victorious]

This is a very personal preference type question.

For those of us who use the car as a daily commuter or a workhorse, a turbo makes no sense at all. It decreases fuel mileage and makes the car harder to drive in traffic.

For those who are going to race it or make it a show car, it may make more sense. While it guzzles gas and makes the car harder to drive, it would certainly make it a rocket-powered rollerskate, especially with appropriate suspension modifications.

Just bear in mind that a turbo will also decrease the life expectancy of your engine, even with an engineered kit and professional installation. And improper installation will REALLY shorten the life of your engine. Don't expect any help from Nissan if your car breaks, either... they will most certainly void your powertrain warranty if a turbo is added.

[proxim2020]

Buy the turbo if you need it. Just like EV said, plan on putting it into shows or hobby racing. If you plan on street racing or just showing off to your friends, then no it's not worth it. While you get ohhhs and awwws, you'll be paying for it in the end with premature engine work. At least in hobby racing and car shows you'll have career points and maybe even money for wining competitions. A body kit will be purely for aesthetics and not much risk involved. While it will not make you go faster, perform better, or save on gas, it most definitely make you feel . Plus you don't have to worry about any extra wear on parts because of the extra plastic. Most will buy a bodykit before a turbo.

[lilaznballer05]

Yeah, you all are right. I don tthink its worth the 2k now that I think about it. Thanks!

[motoguy128]

The good news about the S, is that in appearance, there's not any significant difference in performance or appearance (unless the SL had a sunroof). Remember a free or subsidized car form the parents, is always a good thing. You mainy miss out on the fancy key, floormats, upgraded stereo and cruise control. Hopefully you at least got the power package.

A body kit with fog lights, a small tasteful spoiler, aftermarket wheels, lower 1-2" and aftermarket custom stereo system might be a good way to go. A turbo or extensive performance modification is only good if you like to work on and rebuild/replace engines.

[BBISHOPPCM]

If my parents bought me a car, I'd leave it just the way it was. That free car will keep you out of a car payment for 25 years if cared for. Throw in a turbo, body kit, aftermarket rims, and an Autozone's worth of bling bling garbage, and you'll significantly reduce the cars' lifespan and value. Not to mention becoming a cop magnet, and having your parents watch you turn a kind gesture into a whorehouse on wheels. Cheap bling and aftermarket crap only causes the car to lose value faster after the novelty wears off (as it also means the car was modified and possibly driven aggressively). I grew up in a very rich town and saw this happen on a daily basis (I was poor and had to build my own car, a 14 year old 1987 VW GTI, from the ground up, in our driveway, in New England weather). I think it's great that your parents bought you a car. My heavily biased point is this; Take care of it, pamper it, and when you're still driving it twenty years from now, your parents will smile from ear to ear everytime they see you coming up the driveway to visit.

[Clipsed]

I have 2 cars, one given to me from my mom which had been paid off a few years ago, and now the V which my dad is helping me out here and there until I graduate high school, otherwise I am pretty much paying for my car.

[BBISHOPPCM]

Now, if you really are looking for something to take street racing or the occasional cruise night, spend the money on a nice old Z car. You can pick up an old '78-83 280ZX or '84-'89 300ZX for relatively cheap money, and they are a true sports car (without giving up the luxury, as most of them include more options than a fully-loaded Versa). There is also an established after market network for these cars, and they're fun to work on (hone your mechanical skills).

[Clipsed]

mos def!!! I still want a S13 240 SR20!!!!

[BBISHOPPCM]

Clipsed, by the time you're done with that thing, it'll have 27 LCD panels, 78" rims, the audio system from a multiplex theater, quad-turbo chargers, an exhaust system made from some old heating ducts and a 55 gallon drum, 1/16" ground clearance, headlights made from interstate lamps, and a maximum speed of 3 MPH (downhill with a tailwind).

[Clipsed]

don't ever talk again.

[BBISHOPPCM]

Aww clipsed, I was only busting you. Your car is nice, and I can't wait to see it when you're done with it.

[Clipsed]

I kno, I like being sarcastic, besides it is hard to tell when somebody is being serious or not online, because you have no tone of voice.

[marleyfan]

Clipsed, by the time you're done with that thing, it'll have 27 LCD panels, 78" rims, the audio system from a multiplex theater, quad-turbo chargers, an exhaust system made from some old heating ducts and a 55 gallon drum, 1/16" ground clearance, headlights made from interstate lamps, and a maximum speed of 3 MPH (downhill with a tailwind).

Too funny. I like Clipsed's enthusiasm about his car (although I wonder where a high school student gets that kind of money) but man...can you say overkill? Clipsed, if you're bored and have the time and money to spare can I drop my car off for a weekend? You can do the quickpimp thing and I'll pick it up later. Spread the love man don't pour it all into your car. lol

[Clipsed]

Too funny. I like Clipsed's enthusiasm about his car (although I wonder where a high school student gets that kind of money) but man...can you say overkill? Clipsed, if you're bored and have the time and money to spare can I drop my car off for a weekend? You can do the quickpimp thing and I'll pick it up later. Spread the love man don't pour it all into your car. lol

lol. It is called a job!!! lolz, I work hard for my ish. I could definently fab up FG parts for you if you want, but not for free that is for sure! lol. I am lagging it on doing my FG eyelids right now due to the wind conditions and not having a garage!! GRRR!!!!

[BenzTech Gone Versa]

I'd pass on the turbo. deff go 4 the body kit n wing.tints,maybe even a navi/dvd player with some tv's.and rims/tires.possibly some H.I.D's.Suspension work if needed(body kit n rims might look lowered when installed).

[Ever Victorious]

Don't bag on the 55 gallon drum, dude... when I was in the sea scouts, we turned one into an inexpensive, REALLY cool BBQ.

And it could take a full 20 lb bag of charcoal. Which if you got it loaded, could turn a raw stake into medium well in about 3-4 minutes.

[Clipsed]

Don't bag on the 55 gallon drum, dude... when I was in the sea scouts, we turned one into an inexpensive, REALLY cool BBQ.

And it could take a full 20 lb bag of charcoal. Which if you got it loaded, could turn a raw stake into medium well in about 3-4 minutes.

awesome, I want some right now!!!!!!!!!!!! lolz

[proxim2020]

Don't bag on the 55 gallon drum, dude... when I was in the sea scouts, we turned one into an inexpensive, REALLY cool BBQ.

That's the norm for us in Texas That's pretty much the basis for a large pit. Take a drum, flip it on the side, cut a hole in the top, weld some legs, shove as much cow and pig into it as you can.

[Ever Victorious]

That's the norm for us in Texas That's pretty much the basis for a large pit. Take a drum, flip it on the side, cut a hole in the top, weld some legs, shove as much cow and pig into it as you can.

Soo... you're hosting the official NICO Versa BBQ then?

[proxim2020]

I don't think I can fit all the cars in my culdesac

[lilaznballer05]

Now, if you really are looking for something to take street racing or the occasional cruise night, spend the money on a nice old Z car. You can pick up an old '78-83 280ZX or '84-'89 300ZX for relatively cheap money, and they are a true sports car (without giving up the luxury, as most of them include more options than a fully-loaded Versa). There is also an established after market network for these cars, and they're fun to work on (hone your mechanical skills).

Haha man, now that Ive looked at it, a 1990 300zx would have been a much better choice instead of a versa since I like to work on cars and the zx is much faster.

[FoxMarketing]

I spent $4,500 on my custom Turbo Kit from ZPI Racing and tell you what, the car is so much fun to drive. I live up in York, PA and I can show you what it got compared to a stock Versa. All I know is a 350Z can't pull on me and it is just as fast, which is impressive.

But, I'm into performance soooooo.....

[proxim2020]

All I know is a 350Z can't pull on me and it is just as fast, which is impressive.

What if the Z had a turbo

[Jemdawg]

First, I'd like to defend the 55 gallon drum as well, as I have used two of them to build an infallible drywell for my laundry's plumbing.

I wouldn't invest in a turbo for the V unless you have the money to throw around. If you want some boost, save up and buy a car built for boost. 12psi will go to waste on the V, although it would be fun and cool. I'd go for a body kit though, nothing will ever be better than a damn sexy car. It will always look good if you take care of it, even if the motor dies.

[CYCLEGUY]

You spoiled little brat, I'm so jealous....

[blackversaatl]

Maybe if the turbo kit or supercharger (waiting for one) kit was really cheap, like a 35hp one or so. Then it might be do-able, but yeah, it would be more worth it to put that 2 Grand plus installation if you can't DIY towards another faster car.

[FoxFire]

[benchthug]

haha all i can say is that there is alot of potential for the V... if you look at it in all perspective... but i would suggest a low end upgrade before you go for the turbo... there is much more you can do to squeeze out HP on your 1.8 engine... remember this engine is versatile... do what im doing im saving up money waiting for company like skunk2 or edlebrock to come up with a new cam shaft and pistons kits... turbo or super charger are not the way to go for a boost yet... changing your whole intake system and exhaust, manifold piping and all that can give you from 8-10 gains with a new ecu and distributors can give you a variable HP boost... before you throw your money on a turbo kit be sure that your car is ready to accept the turbo... ie better suspension brakes wheels tires etc etc... bro its not easy to make money... i dont know about the other people here... but me i like to make something out of a small belittled cars...

[blackversaatl]

haha all i can say is that there is alot of potential for the V...... remember this engine is versatile...

The V is VERSAtile LOL

Yeah, it would be better and CHEAPER to squeeze out more hp N/A wise before turbo/supercharger gains. Way more reliable too. Unless you have money to throw around that is.