tekazgtr1984

Manual locking hubs and a foam air filter would be a good start.

Thanks, without the enthusiasm it'd just be a stock Pathfinder. Before I go through with any big mods, I have to balance out the pro's and con's. That's basically the reason why I've put forth my ideas on NPORA: the more I know, the better a decision can be made. Money's always a big factor; hopefully I can keep my plans within reason. And you're right, I could modify a different platform for probably a lot less to get similar results. But knowing me, I'd want to make other costly mods anyway. I've got some expensive tastes...

Then you can fit 32's... some rubbing at full lock but it can be remedied with some cutting.

I highly doubt 32's will fit without a lift, rub or not...

All the aftermarket struts for the R50 have the same travel specs as OEM. My GR-2's always top out on me... I only know of one strut that is designed for a lifted R50; it isn't available in North America.

Thank you Alex! At least SOME people can understand my ideas.

This cold snap is getting pretty overplayed...

I have big ideas because I want something that will stick out and be totally unique (that's essentially vehicle customization). I know I don't have the expertise of Tyler (Morgan) but that's why I'm here on NPORA: to learn and understand what my limits are both creatively and money-wise. If I didn't value other enthusiasts' information, I would just experiment with it myself. And I'm also here to put my ideas out there for others to consider and possibly get some feedback and other opinions. And I may not own all the tools or a shop like some of the members on here but I do have access to what I need to make this work. For your information, I have a SFD being built for my R50 and it's already been paid for (which isn't all that "glorified" as you put it). If Jeep enthusiasts can SFD their rig, then surely doing the same to the R50 is a worthy cause. The OEM digital climate control system is just a thought; it's not going to kill me financially to find one and install it as it is a direct fit in the R50. If I don't do it then I'll live with my dials. An engine swap is something to consider for any vehicle but it isn't a necessity. The VG33E does the job for me; I'd like to explore other options to make my rig unique from the rest. The JDM diesel option is totally feasible; I just need a good $5,000 to make it work. The VG30DETT is also feasible, but about $2,000 cheaper. Furthermore, I also work with money, so you're not the only one with that "perspective". You telling me to buy a new R50, or a WD21 Terrano isn't going to dissuade me from this; on the contrary. The more I hear people say to me "impossible", the more I want to go through with this. Take a look at the JDM R50 from '96'-'99 and you'll see just how much advanced OEM gear was kept in Japan (6" SFD kits, turbo diesel upgrade kits, etc. just to name a couple). And who said I want to run 35's? Not me. My plan is 33's and a decent engine to push 'em. I'm not about "running with the big boys"; the R50 has already proven itself for what I'd like out of an off-road vehicle. I'm aware of the financial barriers with custom-building any vehicle; if it takes time, so be it. This is what I'd like to achieve with my R50; impossible is nothing. And if I wanted a different truck, I wouldn't have bought a R50. I'm new to the off-road world and sound like a huge newb. If that's an issue for you then don't read my posts. That crossed my mind too. If you could post some pics that'd be great! Thanks

Uh, the RB? I've considered dropping a RB26DETT N1 into the Pathy... That would cost more than double than a diesel swap... But yes, an inline-6 in a Pathy could be pretty ridonkulous...

I've been doing some serious thinking in regards to the whole diesel engine swap in '98 and as awesome the potential could be, it's just becoming more and more expensive with what I'd like to get out of a diesel... That being said, I'd still like to do an engine swap as the VG33E leaves me wanting so much more. That doesn't mean I hate the VG; it's just not for me with what I'm hoping to get outta my R50. I'm currently debating a VG30DETT out of the Z32 Fairlady (300ZX)...

You could throw 4.6's in... hmm?

I'm waiting on nicer weather until I see how manual hubs improved mileage on my rig... But, I have noticed my rig rolls and turns a lot more smoothly in 2WD with the hubs disengaged.

I've said it many times before but it never gets old: Legendary R50.

That's what I thought. I guess the only real option is to find a whole vehicle with the auto climate control unit and swap it out. *crosses fingers for next trip to JY*

Most newer remote starter/alarm systems designed for manual transimssions have a by-pass module which doesn't let the engine start unless the transmission is out of gear. It's similar to the killswitch on any remote starter that cuts the engine when the key isn't inserted in the ignition and you attempt to depress the brake pedal when putting the vehicle into gear. I've got a remote starter/alarm system by Autostart and I would't have it any other way. Comes in real handy with these crappy winters we have in Canada.

Well, that's cause it's a M/T tire. It's aggressive by nature. But for street/snow/ice, the Toyo A/T more than gets the job done.

Eh, my rig came with the Toyo A/T's brand new. I have yet to try the Michelin's so I can't say anything that won't come across as biased. But I will go with the Toyo M/T's as I have only heard okay things about the Michelin's...

Kia was all I needed to hear...

Welcome to the wonderful world of the Pathfinder! I see you're from Brandon. I'm from Winnipeg so kind of close. For info, just look at this section for pretty much any and all information pertaining to the R50. I will let you know most of your mods, should you end up doing them, will be parts ordered from the US. 4x4parts.com is THE place to go for R50 custom parts and such, be sure to check it out! Be sure to introduce yourself here: http://npora.ipbhost.com//index.php?showforum=19 Welcome to NPORA!

Does a VW Jetta 1.8T come close?

Sounds easier than I thought. So you're saying a 5-spd VG30DETT swap is possible...?

I find the ABS a little more sensitive too, when compared to other vehicles I've driven. I would assume it's just the way it was designed so I'm uncertain if much can be done to modify or change this system. Compared to my '93 Blazer, the ABS on the R50 is a lot more sensitive.

That's a hefty undertaking but all the best to ya!

Wow, are those ever badass! I was considering that for my R50 but I have zero experience with fiberglassing... Nice work, they look sick!

Is it just me, or does no one know about the Toyo A/T's?! I have these on my 98' (32x10.5) and they are absolutely amazing! Look 'em up!