vq35

That was an option for me initially but I ended up doing the whole thing. IF there was no rust and little dings, I would have just painted the bumpers n flares, and that alone would have been ok. But when the flares n bumpers came off, you see a lot of rust and accumulated dirt. It is better to deal with it at one time otherwise it would just get worse in a hurry. I wanted to also change the standard grayish oe color on the bumpers n flares. You can take them off (be sure to order OE clips/fasteners)-sand down/prep then paint the whole thing. Methinks blending the paint would be a good option also and would probably look better.

Other option which is more likely is to get just rear med-heavy duty 4x4 springs (which also give .5" lift) and just do the struts n mounts upfront as they seem ok for now.

Hey Jose That was a chance to clean everything, but it is pretty dirty inside as well as the throttlebody in the picture - I cleaned it all out after - Nissan (Renault) did a good job on this engine.

Wow thanx folks, the front grille will be the first to be all black, however the bumpers/flares I kinda like - my original intention was to get qx4 f/r bumpers and compliment them with 96-99 flares (alas the flares didn't lend themselves to painting so I had to ditch that idea) - and the stock fog lights were expensive so i settled for this - Actually I saw a two tone trailblazer and that's wat triggered the choice! my main concern is mounts and bushings (including engine mounts) Maybe lowering springs and I will update when I put order through to 4x4 - REALLY wanna also explore the LSD upgrade mentioned in one of the posts-that would actually be mind blowing - Anyone do engine mounts for a 5spd????

IMG]http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/dd338/e30sequel/91947b51.jpg[/img] Also trailer hitch Significantly stiffened truck up enough to feel it-so highly rec if u don't have it - fog mine installed at uhaul for approximately 300 n worth it!

2 bottles of throttlebody cleaner readied . No cover Then on to catback exhaust w/side exit - sounds great!!!

IMG]http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/dd338/e30sequel/fuelfiltr.jpg[/img] MAF 01 maxima - plug n play w/01 SE pathy This is wats supposed to be cleaned 'very carefully' Alas did NOT work for me New battery Gaskets n degreasing time *before and after cleaning

IMG]http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/dd338/e30sequel/fuelfiltr.jpg[/img] MAF 01 maxima - plug n play w/01 SE pathy This is wats supposed to be cleaned 'very carefully' Alas did NOT work for me New battery Gaskets n degreasing time *before and after cleaning

More New snow shuz, most current - rims to be blacked out once snow goes! Then came engine tune consisting of Next is rear susp - ALL bushings complete nightmare so looking forward to 4x4 parts mixed in with OE bushings for more compliance - front end after that with oe strut mts etc Currently sagging n generally ****** condition- lastly anyone done engine mounts on manual 4x4 ???? Any insight would be appreciated!

Hey folks It's been a while but some updates on my restoration on my 01 5spd SE. This is where I am currently This is where it started Tons of these throughout body M Then the work begins on exterior Fast forward then WHAM Was contemplating ALL Black front end but thought I would try this out as I have never seen it, opinions expected and welcome!! Enjoy

Granted that I should go for a sports car if I want sports car attributes HOWEVER folks there is no substitute for body on frame (although pathy is also unibody HENCE the agility) - In my initial research for a SAFE car, nothing could come close to one provided by an SUV. This was my primary concern in purchasing a vehicle (wife drives also) and my options came down to either a crown victoria or a unibody pathy (land rover is also body on frame + unibody but was not into it for reliability issues) BUT the seal was with the rare manual tranny compounded with the vq35 engine - Ok nuff ssplainin meself folks but my situation called for the ideal compromise and this met my needs - Now, I want to enhance the handling as much as is realistic in this r50 so I can have some of what I am leaving behind in the sports car department and it seems feasible. As me mumzy would say, "why the hell not then boy!!!???" This was very interesting and I will post not only before and after pix, I will also throw in some youtube video reviews for anyone wanting to go in this direction (hopefully complete by spring) - stay posted as I will start a new thread for this - see you there girls!! and thank you again for all the help

First of all, let me address my attitude issue by apologizing for my initial comment. I agree that this site is biased towards off roading, and this only added to my frustration about the r50 ownership. I thank the people who have provided the answers I needed and for those who had fun with it, hope all is good with you too - one thing, about the corolla, WTF???!!!??? AND this was your 3rd draft? Although funny, I just....I don't know! Ok, moving right along, I appreciate the feedback on tires being the first place to start and I fully agree, however, I plan on slapping on some after market rims (another disaster UNLESS you plan on 'blingin' it up with some oversized chrome) no more than 18 inch and BLACK with some all out summer only tires and keep the stock ones with skinny snows. I have so far tuned the engine (new maf also from 01 maxima $100 vs $600 from the dealer for same part), custom exhaust (you guessed it, no one does it!!), and awaiting lsd, poly bushings for the most part including pan hard f/r, custom bilstein rr shox, new front strut KYB assembly, and maybe replace the seats with lighter ones (wife willing). Again thank you for the info and I promise to be more appreciative as mumzy would insist.

I happen to always check this site although the info is mostly @!*% - this is the first 'real' info providing conversation - anyway, I wanted to ask a question of my own. I go the opposite direction in terms of my 01 (se 5spd 3.5) usage because I do ZERO offroading and wanted to improve on road everything/anything. These guys (4x4) seemed to have the most pathy related stuff I could find and in their defense, when I called I received very good customer service and had all of my questions addressed - patiently and thoroughly - as I had just purchased my first pathy. They seemed to also cater to my need for handling as well (ie LOWERING SPRINGS/bilstein rr lowering shox/lsd etc **BTW has anyone done this lowering/results???? question1). So heres the question (#2) - If I mostly do onroad, then would this weaker rr lsd (which I was planning on ordering form 4x4) improve my performance onroad and in the snow?? From my experience with my rwd bmw, when I replaced my open for an lsd (clutch type), as long as I drove moderately in the snow there was a marked improvement in traction/stability - I was hoping to accomplish this with my r50 as it currently is pathetic unless I engage the 4x4 (and even then sideways, making me also consider the front lsd as well). Also, I want to improve dry traction in the summer as well (on top of the lowering of course). Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated , thank you for your patience.

I HAVE A MANUAL 01 SE and have had the pinging issues at the low end - finally solved the issues with a new $88 MAF from nissanparts.cc - u can do it urself and it will restore your car to new - mine has 160km on it and i replaced the plugs and cleaned the intake etc but nothing changed til i replaced the MAF - the stealership wants 600+ for the pathy - this worked for a lot of ppl as well - maybe not what ur problem is but most likely if all is good but theres is a pinging problem around town - good luck and hope this helps

I re read everything and guess i would be lucky to just stay with me manny (as i just noticed that the control for these power valves is dictated by the auto tranny computer) so feasibility is out the door!! i guess now i have a different question and this is - does anyone make a cam geared for more low end torq!!?? I also noticed that these bloody power valves are responsible for the HUGE towing difference between the two (i think around 1500 less for the manual!!) im planning on cat back and KnN CAI, but thats minimal (altho nicer sounding) and i want MORE TORQ!! ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED, THANX

WOW! this is something I posted (the diff between auto and manual engines/hpvstorq/tow capacity) at NICO about a billion times and I happen to join this place and BAM! i get the answer, great post by the way and very helpful!!! Now, HOW the hell do i convert me manny 01 se 4x4 into auto set up without catastrophy and has anyone done this? Is it feasible? and possible cost of parts n labr??! any help would be Greatly appreciated thanx